Internet Gaming and Sports Betting Operators Report $89.2 Million in February Gross Receipts
According to a press release, Michigan internet gaming and sports betting operators reported $89.2 million in gross receipts for February 2021, the first full month of operation after launch on January 22. Twelve operators were authorized for internet gaming or internet sports betting (or both) during the month of February.
In total, internet gaming gross receipts were $79.7 million. The full report of internet gaming revenue broken down by operator may be found here. Internet sports betting gross receipts were $9.5 million, with a total handle of $301.9 million. The revenue report of internet sports betting broken down by operator may be found here.
“Michigan residents and visitors continued to show strong interest in internet gaming and sports betting during a snowy and cold February,” said Michigan Gaming Control Board (“MGCB”) Executive Director Rick Kalm. “The internet gaming taxes more than tripled, but that’s what we expected with a full month of gaming. This means more funding for the City of Detroit, K-12 education, economic development and tribal communities.”
The operators paid a total of $14.1 million in taxes and payments to the State of Michigan during February, with internet gaming contributing $14 million and internet sports betting contributing $142,240.
For internet gaming, the State of Michigan receives 70% of the total tax from commercial operators and 80% of the total payment from tribal operators. The tax and payment rate ranges from 20% to 28% based on annual adjusted gross receipts. For internet sports betting, commercial operators pay 70% of the 8.4% tax rate to the State of Michigan and 30% to the City of Detroit. Tribal operators pay an 8.4% tax on adjusted gross receipts to the State of Michigan.
The three Detroit casinos – MotorCity Casino, MGM Grand Detroit, and Greektown Casino – reported paying wagering taxes and municipal services fees of $4,394,176 to the City of Detroit during February:
- Internet gaming taxes and fees: $4,303,875
- Internet sports betting taxes and fees: $90,301
Tribal operators reported making total payments of $1,336,633 to the tribes’ governing bodies.
A revenue distribution table may be found here.
The Michigan Gaming Control Board (“MGCB”) is encouraging Michigan citizens to become aware of the self-exclusion options available to gamblers during the month of March, which is designated as Problem Gambling Awareness Month by the National Council on Problem Gambling (“NCPG”). The Michigan Gaming Newsletter highlighted the efforts of industry associations and Michigan operators in Volume 27, Issue 9.
“Because online gambling is new to Michigan, we’re seeing heavy marketing and lots of excitement,” said MGCB Executive Director Rick Kalm in a press release. “There are many online gambling opportunities, and I hope Michigan residents are being careful about their choices and know their options if gambling is or becomes a problem for them.”
Responsible gaming tools available on every authorized internet gaming and sports betting platform in Michigan include:
- Self-imposed gambling limits including deposits, wagers, and time-based limitations, which can be changed only with 24 hours’ notice
- Signup options to prohibit establishing an account by visiting certain or all providers’ sites
- Signup options to exclude oneself from internet gaming and/or sports betting by visiting certain or all providers’ sites
- Notification on how to apply for the Michigan Gaming Control Board’s Responsible Gaming Database to prohibit establishing any online gaming or sports betting accounts or participating in online gaming and/or sports betting with all providers authorized in Michigan for one year or five years
- Notification about the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (“MDHHS”) Gambling Disorder Helpline, 800-270-7117
- Notification about problem gambling resources on the MGCB website
The Michigan Gaming Control Board (“MGCB”) will hold a virtual regular public meeting on Tuesday, March 23, 2021. The meeting will begin at 9:30 AM and will be accessible via Microsoft Teams.
March’s meeting will consider recommendations for occupational license applications, suitability of key persons, and acknowledgements of violations. The meeting will also consider Executive Director Rick Kalm’s recommendations regarding pending supplier license and supplier license renewal requests. The full agenda for the March meeting may be found here.
The meeting is virtually open to the public, and comments from the public are welcomed and encouraged during the public comment portion of the meeting.
The meeting will be accessible to the public on Microsoft Teams at this link.
FireKeepers Casino Hotel announced Michael Hamilton as the new Vice President of Food & Beverage in a press release earlier this week. Mr. Hamilton began his duties at FireKeepers on February 25, and is responsible for quality assurance of all food and beverage outlets.
“We are excited to bring Mike into the FireKeepers leadership team,” said Kathy George, FireKeepers CEO. “Mike will bring a fresh perspective to our already outstanding team.”
Mr. Hamilton brings more than 37 years of experience in the hospitality industry, including formerly serving as the Director of Operations for HMS Host at the Cincinnati/Kentucky International Airport, where he oversaw 19 different food and beverage outlets. Additionally, Mr. Hamilton worked previously as the General Manager of Paragon Casino Resort, and oversaw food and beverage, security, and construction at Mohegan Sun. Mr. Hamilton is a member of the Mohegan Tribe and has a degree from the Culinary Institute of America and a certification from the University of Nevada in Casino Management.
“I’m very excited and happy to join FireKeepers,” said Mr. Hamilton. “It’s a beautiful property with an amazing team, and I’m looking forward to building upon the success and greatness that has already been achieved.”