The Michigan Gaming News Letter

BetMGM Becomes Second Provider to Launch Online Poker in Michigan

BetMGM announced the launch of its online poker platform, BetMGM Poker, in Michigan, according to a press release. Michigan is the second state to launch the BetMGM Poker platform after New Jersey. Customers will be able to access benefits tied to MGM Grand Detroit and MGM Resorts through the new platform.

“The launch of BetMGM Poker in Michigan fully rounds out our premier gaming portfolio in the state,” said Adam Greenblatt, CEO of BetMGM. “BetMGM’s sports betting and casino offerings have been met with incredible early success in Michigan and we’re thrilled to provide players with another exciting gaming option.”

The BetMGM Poker app will allow Michigan customers to play in poker rooms with players statewide. The BetMGM Poker app includes single account integration with BetMGM’s internet gaming and sports betting apps, allowing the player to use one wallet to play on all three platforms. BetMGM’s internet gaming and sports betting offerings launched in Michigan in January.

“The demand for online poker in Michigan was made clear by players across the state,” said Ray Stefanelli, Director of Poker of BetMGM. “BetMGM Poker is proud to offer them a seat at our tables and we’re confident that BetMGM Michigan customers will enjoy an engaging, reliable and fun poker experience.”

 

iGamingPlayer.com, a publication that presents news and information about legal online gambling in North America, announced that it was granted  a vendor registration as an affiliate marketer for internet gaming, sports betting, and poker sites by the Michigan Gaming Control Board (“MGCB”).

“Michigan iGaming sites are perfect partners for iGamingPlayer.com,” said Becky Kingman-Gros, President and COO of iGamingPlayer.com, in a press release. “We can deliver quality, profitable players to sites in a state where the competition is rapidly ramping up.”

iGamingPlayer.com produces content to help customers play smarter and find the best odds.

“Our stable of expert writers understand how iGaming works, whether it’s sports betting, casino games, lottery or poker,” said Ms. Kingman-Gros. “We already have ongoing relationships with most of the now legal iGaming sites in Michigan, and we’ll leverage those relationships for the benefit of our new members.”

iGamingPlayer.com is licensed and operates in several other states, including New Jersey, West Virginia, Indiana, Iowa, Colorado, Illinois, Virginia, and Pennsylvania. The site has affiliate marketing programs with most of the companies which operate legal gaming in the United States.

 

MotorCity Casino Hotel announced the promotion of John Policicchio from Senior Vice President of Marketing to General Manager in a press release. Mr. Policicchio has been with MotorCity for over a decade, and has played a significant role in developing and implementing initiatives to enhance the guest experience. As General Manager, Mr. Policicchio will oversee casino and hotel operations.

“John has helped create unique and exciting offers and experiences for our MotorCity Casino guests,” said Bruce Dall, President of MotorCity Casino Hotel. “With John’s background, talent and enthusiasm, and with his ability to develop strong business strategies, we will continue to innovate and provide our guests with the very best in high-energy gaming, dining and hospitality.”

“This is an exciting time in the casino industry,” said Mr. Policicchio. “Thanks to the hard work and dedication of our world-class employees, we have a very bright future at MotorCity Casino Hotel. I am grateful to have been a part of this team for the past 11 years and look forward to continuing to deliver best in class experiences to our guests.”

Mr. Policicchio is a metro-Detroit-area native, and is a graduate of the University of Michigan with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics.

 

FireKeepers Casino Hotel was recently named to Forbes’ annual list of America’s Best Mid-Size Employers 2021, according to a press release. The award is presented by Forbes and Statistica Inc., who surveyed 50,000 Americans working for companies with at least 1,000 employees to compile the list. FireKeepers ranked 63rd out of 500 large and 500 midsize employers, and is the highest ranked casino. The full list of recognized employers can be found here.

“This acknowledgement recognizes FireKeepers’ focus on creating and maintaining a great work culture for our Team Members,” said Frank Tecumseh, FireKeepers VP of Human Resources. “Our vision is to be the employer of choice, not only in Michigan, but also throughout the gaming industry.”

FireKeepers employs over 1,800 team members, has paid over $700 million in salaries and benefits since its opening in 2009, and provides various bonuses and incentives to its employees.