Executive Director Henry Williams 3-Year Anniversary
On May 28, 2024, the Michigan Gaming Control Board (“MGCB”) issued a press release announcing the 3-Year anniversary for their leadership under the Executive Director, Henry Williams. Williams was appointed to the position on May 17, 2021 by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. The Michigan gaming industry is a multi-billion dollar, and growing, industry that is overseen by Williams, whose efforts emphasize improving infrastructure and efficiency, setting new standards, and accomplishing goals. During this period, $1.26 billion have been garnered by the state in wagering taxes. Williams has overseen the payment of $722 million in gaming taxes to the City of Detroit and $978 million to Michigan’s School Aid Fund.
Moving forward, Williams will continue to push the State’s responsible gaming efforts forward through the MGCB’s dedicated Responsible Gaming section and their acclaimed ‘Don’t Regret the Bet’ marketing campaign. The MGCB under Williams’ leadership will also continue to prioritize the abolition of illegal gambling activities. The MGCB’s accessibility to the public, DEI initiatives, and enhancing internal IT systems are just some of the many goals Williams will continue to prioritize and pursue.
Executive Director Henry Williams commented, “I am so grateful for the opportunity to serve at the helm of the Michigan Gaming Control Board for the past three years, leading a talented team of dedicated public servants… We have achieved remarkable success in overseeing the state’s gaming industry, resulting in significant multi-billion dollar revenues that benefit our state and its residents. I extend my sincere gratitude to Governor Whitmer for consistently supporting our budget requests and to the legislators for their bipartisan approval of our funding. Their continued support ensures the MGCB’s ability to effectively regulate the gaming industry and protect the public interest.”
MGCB Issues Cease-and-Desist Letter to Bovada
The Michigan Gaming Control Board (“MGCB”) has issued a cease-and-desist order to Harp Media B.V., the Curaçao-based operator of the online gaming sites Bovada.com and Bovada.lv. The MGCB found these sites to be in violation of Michigan’s gaming laws, which require licensing for internet gaming operations. Harp Media B.V. has 14 days to comply or face legal action.
“The proliferation of online gaming platforms has led to increased scrutiny from regulatory bodies worldwide, and this action serves as a stern warning to overseas companies that are flouting local regulations will not be tolerated,” MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams said. “The MGCB remains steadfast in its commitment to upholding Michigan’s laws and regulations and will continue to actively monitor and enforce compliance within the state to ensure a fair and secure gaming environment for all.”
The MGCB advises residents to use only legal gaming sites and report illegal operations. A list of licensed internet gaming providers can be found on the MGCB’s website.
Michigan iGaming, Sports Betting Operators Report $234.8 Million in April Revenue
As reported by the Michigan Gaming Control Board (“MGCB”), Michigan commercial and tribal internet gaming (“iGaming”) and sports betting operators reported a combined $234.8 million total gross receipts in April. April receipts decreased 8.7% when compared to last month’s results.
April iGaming gross receipts were $192.9 million. Gross sports betting receipts totaled $41.9 million in April. In March 2024, iGaming gross receipts were $215.15 million and gross sports betting receipts were $41.93 million.
The combined total adjusted gross receipts of $201.93 million were reported for April, including $174.16 million from iGaming and $27.77 million from internet sports betting – representing an iGaming decrease of 10.4% and an increase of 4.1% for sports betting when compared to March 2024.
Total internet sports betting handle was $399.1 million, a decrease of 16.9% from the $480.4 million result in March 2024.
The operators delivered $37.6 million in taxes and payments to the State of Michigan during April, with iGaming taxes and fees contributing $35.8 million and internet sports betting taxes and fees contributing $1.8 million.
The three Detroit Casinos – MotorCity Casino, MGM Grand Detroit, and Greektown Casino – reported city wagering taxes and municipal service fees of $9.82 million, with iGaming taxes and fees contributing $9.1 million and internet sports betting taxes and fees contributing $724,986 for the month of April.
Tribal operators reported making total payments of $4.3 million of wagering payments to the tribes’ governing bodies in April according to the MGCB.
An online gaming and sports betting revenue distribution table is available on the agency’s website.
As of April, a total of 15 commercial and tribal operators have been authorized to launch iGaming and/or internet sports betting. Currently, 13 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.
Caesars’ Multijurisdictional World Series of Poker Approved in Michigan
On May 28, 2024, the Michigan Gaming Control Board (“MGCB”) announced its authorization for American Wagering’s, dba Caesars, Caesars World of Series Poker to join others in Michigan like BetMGM , and Pokerstars with the launch of its multi-state online poker platform. Caesars is the platform provider for its operator, the Grand Traverse Band of Chippewa Indians.
This platform will enable Michigan residents to play in cross-state competitions. Patrons will now be able to play games like “Texas Hold’em” and “Omaha,” in addition to variants of these games, while competing in a pool of players from jurisdictions like Delaware, New Jersey, and West Virginia.
“By offering seamless connectivity between players in Michigan, New Jersey, and Nevada, the Board’s approval of Caesars’ platform establishes another opportunity for online poker collaboration and innovation,” MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams said. “Michigan citizens can anticipate a safe, secure gaming environment — in what will likely be a larger pool of online players — as they engage in World Series of Poker games across state borders in a responsible manner.”