AGEM Announces Leadership and Structural Changes
The Association of Gaming Equipment Manufacturers (“AGEM”) has announced a series of updates to its organizational structure, including the appointment of Daron Dorsey as President & Chief Executive Officer. This move aims to align AGEM’s leadership terms with its financial year and enhance its service to the global gaming supplier sector. Dorsey will oversee daily operations while collaborating with AGEM’s elected Chair and Board of Directors. Bob Parente will continue as Chair until March 31, 2025, and will work alongside the Board to ensure effective governance.
“We believe this structure will serve AGEM members and the supplier sector well. Daron was brought in to help build upon the AGEM foundation and pursue new initiatives to advocate for our supplier industry interests in various forums. His prior background and executive experience will be important as we embark on this natural progression for AGEM as the trade association for the global gaming supplier community,” said Bob Parente who also serves as Executive Vice President and Chief Business Development Officer for Light & Wonder.
AGEM is also focusing on expanding its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives to enhance its Board composition and bring in top industry talent. The association, which represents a broad spectrum of gaming equipment manufacturers and suppliers, is committed to advocating for its members through political, regulatory, and educational efforts.
For further details on AGEM’s membership and initiatives, visit www.AGEM.org.
Michigan iGaming, Sports Betting Operators Report $220.86 Million in July Revenue
As reported by the Michigan Gaming Control Board (“MGCB”), Michigan commercial and tribal internet gaming (“iGaming”) and sports betting operators reported a combined $220.86 million total gross receipts in July. July receipts increased 3.2% when compared to last month’s results.
July iGaming gross receipts were $191.44 million. Gross sports betting receipts totaled $19.42 million in July. In June 2024, iGaming gross receipts were $183.2 million and gross sports betting receipts were $30.9 million.
The combined total adjusted gross receipts of $189.5 million were reported for July, including $172.3 million from iGaming and $17.2 million from internet sports betting – representing an iGaming increase of 4.7% and an increase of 5.2% for sports betting when compared to June 2024.
Total July internet sports betting handle was $250.2 million, a decrease of 9.6% from the $276.8 million result in June 2024.
The operators delivered $37.1 million in taxes and payments to the State of Michigan during July, with iGaming taxes and fees contributing $36.0 million and internet sports betting taxes and fees contributing $1.1 million.
The three Detroit Casinos – MotorCity Casino, MGM Grand Detroit, and Greektown Casino – reported city wagering taxes and municipal service fees of $9.11 million, with iGaming taxes and fees contributing $8.8 million and internet sports betting taxes and fees contributing $311,475 for the month of July.
Tribal operators reported making total payments of $4.5 million of wagering payments to the tribes’ governing bodies in July according to the MGCB.
An online gaming and sports betting revenue distribution table is available on the agency’s website.
As of July, a total of 15 commercial and tribal operators have been authorized to launch iGaming and/or internet sports betting. Currently, 12 commercial and tribal operators offer internet sports betting, and 15 operators offer iGaming. Details for each operator’s internet gaming and internet sports betting results are available and published on the MGCB website.
MGCB Cracks Down on Illegal Online Gambling
The Michigan Gaming Control Board (“MGCB”) has taken action against OC Media Holdings LLC, operating as One Country Give, for illegal online lottery and raffle activities. Based in Fayetteville, Arkansas, One Country has been running unlicensed sweepstakes accessible to Michigan residents, generating income through various membership levels and merchandise sales.
Following an investigation triggered by a tip, MGCB issued a cease-and-desist letter to One Country. The company’s operations violate multiple Michigan laws, including the Lawful Internet Gaming Act and the Michigan Gaming Control and Revenue Act, which mandate that only licensed entities can offer online gambling services.
One Country has 14 days to comply with the order or face potential legal action, including collaboration with the Michigan Attorney General’s Office. The MGCB urges Michiganders to verify the legality of online gaming sites and report any suspicious activities. For more information on licensed operators or to report illegal gambling, visit Michigan.gov/MGCB or contact the MGCB directly.
In addition, the MGCB recently acted in response to a tip from a citizen that illegal gambling was occurring at the Red Horse Bar. Prior to the raid, the MGCB issued cease-and-desist letters, but the bar’s owners Christopher and Nicholas Adams failed to comply.
Consequently, the raid was carried out on June 5, 2024, in conjunction with the Michigan State Police. Six slot-style gaming machines as well as $2,280 in gift cards and $5,161 in suspected gambling proceeds were confiscated by the authorities from the location. On June 6th, 2024, the Adams brothers were arraigned on felony gambling charges in the 70th District Court. They were later released on $6,000 personal bonds and a preliminary exam was scheduled for June 24th.
MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams has said, “The Michigan Gaming Control Board remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring compliance with all state regulations, we will continue to work diligently to identify and eliminate any illegal gambling activities that pose a threat to the integrity of the industry and the welfare of the public.”
To report suspected illegal gambling activity, contact the MGCB tipline at 1-888-314-2682 or a non-anonymous email can be sent to MIGamblingTip@michigan.gov.
MGCB Public Meeting Notice September 10, 2024
The Michigan Gaming Control Board (“MGCB”) released a public notice of their upcoming public meeting.
The meeting will take place at the Cadillac Place Office, 3062 W. Grand Blvd., Suite L-700, Detroit, MI 48202-6062 on Tuesday, September 10th, 2024, at 9:30am EST. The meeting also be available via zoom at https://zoom.us/j/96034132298. To join via telephone, use the information below:
USA 646 931 3860
Webinar ID: 960 3413 2298
To participate in public comment during the meeting, during which attendees are welcome to ask questions and voice comments, submit a Public Sign In Sheet Form to MGCBweb@michigan.com by 9:30am on September 10th.
The agenda for the upcoming meeting is available here. For additional meeting details, please refer to “Board Meeting Schedule and Agendas.”
NFL Extends Partnership with Nation Council on Problem Gambling
The National Football League (“NFL”) has renewed its commitment to addressing gambling-related issues by extending its partnership with the National Council on Problem Gambling (“NCPG”) for another three years. This new agreement, valued at $6.4 million, will support various initiatives aimed at promoting responsible gambling and providing assistance to individuals affected by gambling problems.
“Our partnership with NCPG underscores the vital impact of their work and our ongoing commitment to advocate for and support responsible gambling initiatives,” said Anna Isaacson, NFL Senior Vice President of Social Responsibility. “We are proud to leverage our platform and resources with NCPG’s expertise to raise awareness, provide education and help prevent problem gambling. We look forward to our continued partnership with NCPG and expanding the reach of their impactful programs.”
This partnership builds on the NFL’s ongoing efforts to integrate responsible gambling practices into its operations and messaging. The funds will be used to enhance public awareness, support research, and provide resources for those struggling with gambling addiction.
“We are profoundly grateful for the NFL’s renewed investment in NCPG, which will enable us to grow the essential prevention, education and awareness initiatives that were established through their initial grant,” said Keith Whyte, NCPG Executive Director. “This partnership has been instrumental in advancing our mission of minimizing gambling related harm. We look forward to building on the significant progress we’ve made together over the past three years and exploring new avenues for impact.”
The NFL’s extended support highlights its dedication to addressing gambling-related harms and aligns with its broader commitment to social responsibility. For more information about the NCPG and its initiatives, visit NCPG’s website.