Four Winds Completes Transition of Online Casino to State-of-the-Art Gaming Platform

On July 21, 2025, the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi’s Four Winds Casinos announced that its online casino has transitioned to a new, cutting-edge gaming platform powered by Strive Gaming. This upgrade brings a range of enhanced features for players, such as:

• A New Design – An updated, intuitive interface that makes navigation seamless
• Upgraded Banking Options – Featuring instant Bank Transfers, as well as Visa and Mastercard withdrawal options
• Enhanced Performance – Quicker load times and smoother, uninterrupted gameplay
• Increased Game Variety – Bigger rewards and access to select jackpot titles
• Customized Rewards & Communications – With a comprehensive rewards program launching soon

The migration began on June 17, with the latest platform updates now on the website, as well as on the iOS (Apple) and Android apps. Director of iGaming for Four Winds Casinos, Jessica Oliver, noted the enhancements, stating, “This platform migration represents a major leap forward in how we serve our players.  By combining efforts with Strive Gaming, we’re unlocking advanced capabilities that allow us to personalize experiences, improve performance, and scale with confidence.  It’s a pivotal step in our long-term strategy to deliver best-in-class digital gaming while enhancing the unparalleled guest service Four Winds is known for.” Chief Operating Officer of Four Winds Casino, Mary Smith, further highlighted, “The upgrade reflects Four Winds’ ongoing investment in innovation, player satisfaction, and operational excellence.”

Jose Flores Appointed CEO of Odawa Casino

On July 16, 2025, the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians named Jose Flores as the new CEO and General Manager of Odawa Casino, overseeing operations at both the Petoskey and Mackinaw City locations.

With over 30 years in the casino and hospitality sectors, Flores has extensive experience driving revenue growth, managing large-scale development projects, and cultivating high performance teams. Before joining Odawa Casino, he served as Senior Vice President and General Manager of Gun Lake Casino in Michigan, where he spearheaded multiple expansion initiatives. Flores has also held important leadership roles at Hollywood Casino Bangor, Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races, and Hollywood Casino Joliet. He is recognized for his strong operational skills, focus on team development, and commitment to fostering community partnerships.

Commenting on his new role, Flores stated, “I am honored and incredibly excited to join the team at Odawa Casino. It is a privilege to serve the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians and to help guide this enterprise into its next exciting chapter. I look forward to working with our team members to enhance the guest experience, grow community relationships, and drive long-term success for the tribe.”

Mary Kilmer, Chair of the Gaming Authority Board for Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians, added, “Jose brings a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective that will benefit both our guests and tribal community. We believe his leadership will further elevate our operations and strengthen our position in the gaming market.”

MGCB Showcases National Leadership on Illegal Gaming Enforcement At 2025 NAGRA Conference

In a recent Michigan Gaming Control Board (“MGCB”) release, John Lessnau, Criminal Investigations Section Manager for the MGCB, was highlighted for representing the agency at the 2025 North American Gaming Regulators Association (NAGRA) Annual Training and Education Conference. Lessnau’s presentation showcased Michigan’s strategic enforcement model and collaborative initiatives aimed at eliminating unauthorized gambling operations and protecting consumers.

Lessnau added, “Michigan is at the forefront of the national conversation on illegal gambling, and we were proud to show how our efforts are making a real impact. We’re leveraging every tool available—from anonymous tip lines and interagency partnerships to direct enforcement and public awareness—to crack down on illegal gaming operations that threaten consumer protection and undermine legal businesses.”

The MGCB has issued nearly 100 cease-and desist letters to unauthorized gambling entities, including well-known offshore platforms. More enforcement actions are expected as the agency pursues new cases.

Additionally, at the conference, MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams was presented with the 2025 Excellence in Gaming – Individual Award, honoring his leadership in expanding responsible gaming outreach and enhancing enforcement operations. The award reflects the agency’s ongoing success under William’s guidance and its role as a benchmark for transparent, effective gaming regulation.

Detroit Casinos Report $101 Million in June Revenue

As reported in the June revenue figures released by the Michigan Gaming Control Board (“MGCB”), Detroit’s three casinos reported a combined revenue of $101.04 million in June. Of that total, table games and slot machines represented $100.38 million, and retail sports betting generated $665,435.

The June Market Shares were:

• MGM Grand Detroit: 48%
• MotorCity Casino: 31%
• Hollywood Casino at Greektown: 21%

In June, the three casinos contributed $8.1 million in state gaming taxes. Additionally, they remitted $11.9 million in wagering taxes and development agreement payments to the City of Detroit.

Furthermore, the three casinos recorded a total retail sports betting handle of $7.2 million, which resulted in $633,374 in gross receipts.

June QAGR by location were:

• MGM Grand Detroit: $275,397
• MotorCity Casino: $242,069
• Hollywood Casino at Greektown: $147,969

From retail sports betting revenue, the casinos paid $25,153 in state taxes and submitted to the City of Detroit for $30,743 in wagering taxes.

MGCB Releases June Revenue for iGaming and Sports Betting

According to the June revenue report released by the Michigan Gaming Control Board (“MGCB”) on Tuesday July 22, 2025, iGaming and Sports Betting Operators reported $285.2 million in gross receipts for June 2025. iGaming totaled $240.6 million, and Sports Betting totaled $44.6 million recorded gross receipts, respectively.

Adjusted gross receipts (“AGR”) for iGaming and Internet Sports Betting totaled a combined $256.5 million for the month of June, with iGaming accounting for $226 million and Internet Sports Betting accounting for the remaining $30.5 million. iGaming AGR increased 37% year-over-year, and Sports Betting AGR increased $58.7 million since June 2024.

Operators submitted $48.9 million in state taxes and payments. Detroit’s commercial casinos submitted $12.3 million in wagering taxes and municipal services paid to the City of Detroit, and Tribal operators reported $5.8 million paid to their governing bodies.

To see a detailed revenue distribution table for both online gaming and sports betting, see the MGCB’s website.

MGCB Issues 19 Cease-and-Desist Letters to Illegal Online Gaming Operations

In its most extensive enforcement move, the Michigan Gaming Control Board (“MGCB”) has issued cease-and-desist orders to 19 unlicensed online gaming operators that were illegally targeting Michigan players. The following platforms listed were identified to be in direct violation of Michigan law:

• Bingo Village
• BITBET
• Café Casino
• Cocoa Casino
• Cyber Bingo
• Davinci’s Gold
• Desert Nights Casino
• Diamond Reels Online Casio
• Eclipse Casino
• Eternal Slots
• EuroBets Casino
• Fair Go Casino
• GoldWin Casino
• Ignition Casino
• Jackbit
• Jackpot Capital
• Paradise8
• Red Stag Casino
• Two Up Casino.

MGCB Executive Director, Henry Williams, commented, “Illegal gambling operators threaten the safety of our citizens and the integrity of our gaming industry. When companies offer games without proper licensing, Michigan players are left without the critical protections they deserve. That’s unacceptable, and we’re taking strong action to stop it.”

Director Williams further emphasized, “These platforms operate in the shadows. They’re not just skirting the rules—they’re exploring players to serious harm. Our job is to stop them, and we take that responsibility seriously.”