MGCB Withdraws Membership from National Council on Problem Gambling

On July 1, 2026, the Michigan Gaming Control Board (“MGCB”) announced that it withdrew its membership from the National Council on Problem Gambling (“NCPG”) following the organization’s recently announced partnership with Kalshi.

In a letter to the NCPG, the MGCB stated that Kalshi has been involved in litigation with Michigan and several other states over its offering of sports event contracts without state gaming licenses. The MGCB expressed concern that the partnership could undermine state regulatory efforts and create confusion by suggesting Kalshi operates under the same consumer protection and regulatory oversight as licensed sports betting operators.

The MGCB also argued that Kalshi’s characterization of its sports event contracts as investment products conflicts with responsible gaming principles, which emphasize that gambling should be viewed as entertainment rather than a financial strategy.

As part of its withdrawal, the MGCB requested the immediate removal of all references to its membership with the NCPG. The MGCB also announced that its employees will no longer participate on NCPG boards or committees, attend NCPG events, or sponsor the organization’s upcoming annual conference.

According to the MGCB, the decision reflects its commitment to responsible gaming, consumer protection, and ensuring the agency is not affiliated with organizations connected to companies it believes are engaged in illegal gambling activities.

MGCB Authorizes DraftKings to Launch Multi-State Online Poker

On July 13, 2026, the Michigan Gaming Control Board (“MGCB”) announced that it has authorized DraftKings to launch multi-state online poker in Michigan through its partnership with the Bay Mills Indian Community. The platform officially began operating on July 8, connecting players in Michigan, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey.

The approval follows the MGCB’s review of DraftKings’ multi-state poker operations to ensure compliance with Michigan’s regulatory requirements. According to the agency, the expansion supports legal, regulated gaming while maintaining standards for fairness, security, and responsible gaming.

Michigan joined the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (“MSIGA”) in 2022, allowing licensed operators to combine player pools across participating states. The addition of DraftKings expands multi-state poker options for Michigan players, who were previously limited to competing only against other players located within the state before Michigan joined the agreement.

The MGCB stated that the approval reflects its ongoing commitment to supporting regulated gaming opportunities while protecting players and maintaining the integrity of Michigan’s gaming industry.

Kathy George Appointed CEO of Four Winds Ventures

The Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians’ Four Winds Ventures, LLC has appointed Kathy George as its Chief Executive Officer. George, a seasoned leader in the industry, brings more than 30 years of professional experience in customer service, gaming, hotels, food and beverage, and retail. Four Winds Ventures, LLC is wholly owned by the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians of Michigan and Indiana and was established to pursue investment opportunities in the development, management, and operation of businesses in commercial gaming and hospitality.

Ms. George’s experience includes serving as General Manager for the Seneca Nation of Indians’ Seneca Niagara Casino & Hotel in Niagara Falls, New York and temporary Casino at Buffalo Creek in Buffalo, New York, serving as Chief Executive Officer of FireKeepers Casino Hotel in Battle Creek and its owned subsidiary businesses for the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi Indians, and most recently serving as President of Catawba Two Kings Casino in Kings Mountain, North Carolina for the Catawba Nation.

In addition to her extensive experience, George is an award-winning leader in the gaming industry. She was recognized by Crain’s Detroit in 2021 as one of the 100 Most Influential Women in Michigan, and she was also named one of the Top 30 CEOs by Native Business Magazine in 2019.

George said, “I am very excited to join Four Winds Ventures and support the long-term goals of the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi. The Pokagon Band’s Four Winds Casinos have set a high standard for gaming and hospitality in the Midwest and I look forward to working closely with the Board of Directors as we pursue investment and consulting opportunities to advance our business objectives.”

AGA Announces Gaming Hall of Fame Class of 2026

On July 7, 2026, the American Gaming Association (“AGA”) announced the Gaming Hall of Fame Class of 2026, recognizing four industry leaders whose careers have made significant contributions to the growth and development of the legal gaming industry.

The 2026 inductees are Holly Gagnon, Board Member of Bragg Gaming Group; Bill G. Lance Jr., Secretary of State for the Chickasaw Nation; Scott Olive, Principal and Founder of HRG Studios; and Timothy J. “Tim” Wilmott, former Chief Executive Officer of PENN Entertainment.

According to the AGA, the Gaming Hall of Fame honors individuals whose leadership, innovation, and long-term service have helped shape both the commercial and tribal gaming industries. The 2026 class represents a range of sectors, including tribal gaming, casino operations, gaming equipment manufacturing, and game development.

The inductees will be formally recognized during an invitation-only ceremony at the Global Gaming Expo (“G2E”) in Las Vegas later this year. Established in 1989, the Gaming Hall of Fame continues to recognize individuals whose achievements have had a lasting impact on the gaming industry.