The Michigan Gaming News Letter

Michigan iGaming and Sports Betting Operators Report $302.7M in September Revenue

As reported by the Michigan Gaming Control Board (“MGCB”) on October 20th, Michigan commercial and tribal internet gaming (“iGaming”) and sports betting operators reported a combined $302.7 million total gross receipts in September.

September iGaming gross receipts were $259.1 million. Gross sports betting receipts totaled $43.6 million.

The combined total adjusted gross receipts of $256.6 million were reported for September, including $243.4 million from iGaming and $13.2 million from internet sports betting.

The operators delivered $51.6 million in taxes and payments to the State of Michigan during September, with iGaming taxes and fees contributing $50.8 million and internet sports betting taxes and fees contributing $768,038.

The three Detroit Casinos – MotorCity Casino, MGM Grand Detroit, and Greektown Casino – reported city wagering taxes and municipal service fees of $13.4 million, with iGaming taxes and fees contributing $13.0 million and internet sports betting taxes and fees contributing $375,738 for the month of September.

Tribal operators reported making total payments of $6.1 million of wagering payments to the tribes’ governing bodies in September according to the MGCB.

An online gaming and sports betting revenue distribution table is available on the agency’s website.

As of September 2025, a total of 15 commercial and tribal operators have been authorized to offer iGaming and/or internet sports betting. Currently, 11 commercial and tribal operators offer internet sports betting, and 14 operators offer iGaming. Details for each operator’s internet gaming and internet sports betting results are available and published on the MGCB website.


MGCB Public Meeting Notice Tuesday, November 18, 2025

Michigan Gaming Control Board (“MGCB”) released a public notice of their upcoming public meeting.

The meeting will take place at the Cadillac Place Office, 3062 W. Grand Blvd., Suite L-700, Detroit, MI 48202-6062 on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at 10:00 am EST. The meeting also be available via zoom at: https://zoom.us/j/91909218983.

To join via telephone, use the information below:

USA 646 931 3860

Webinar ID: 919 0921 8983

To participate in public comment during the meeting, during which attendees are welcome to ask questions and voice comments, submit a Public Sign In Sheet Form to MGCBweb@michigan.com by 9:30am on November 18th.

The agenda for the upcoming meeting is available here. For additional meeting details, please refer to “Board Meeting Schedule and Agendas


Tribal Titans from Coast to Coast to Convene at NCLGS Winter Meeting in Puerto Rico

In a press release from the National Council of Legislators from Gaming States (“NCLGS”) issued on November 3rd, the organization announced that its upcoming Winter Meeting is scheduled for December 10–13 at the Fairmont El San Juan Hotel in Puerto Rico. This meeting will focus on showcasing leadership within tribal gaming.  You can register here for NCLGS Winter Conference.

One of the key highlights of the event will be a session titled “Power and Sovereignty: Tribal Titans on the Future of Gaming in Indian Country,” bringing together some of the most prominent tribal leaders from across the United States. The discussion will provide attendees with valuable insight into how these leaders are influencing policy, innovation, and the overall direction of the gaming industry nationwide.

The panel will cover a range of important topics, including the evolving role of sovereign tribal nations in gaming, tribal-state compacts, the growth of iGaming and sports betting, capital reinvestment strategies, prediction markets, sweepstakes, and the continued defense of tribal sovereignty in a changing legal and political climate.

Rodney Butler, Chairman of the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation, emphasized the importance of the discussion, noting, “Tribal gaming has long been a cornerstone of the broader gaming industry, and this discussion comes at a critical time as technology, legislation, and market forces continue to evolve.” Butler added, “Our goal is to foster collaboration and understanding between state legislators, tribal leaders, and industry stakeholders. The Mashantucket Pequot

Tribal Nation is honored to host NCLGS and its partners this December at our Puerto Rico property.”

The session will be moderated by Connecticut Representative Christie Carpino, Vice President of NCLGS. Featured speakers include:

  • Rodney Butler, Chairman, Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation
  • Daniel Little, Chief Intergovernmental Affairs Officer, Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation
  • Matt Morgan, Chairman, Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association
  • Joe S. Nayquonabe Jr., CEO, Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort, Saganing Eagles Landing Casino & Hotel, and Eagle Casino & Sports

 

This panel is anticipated to be one of the most significant sessions of the Winter Meeting, drawing legislators, regulators, operators, and industry professionals interested in exploring the future of tribal gaming.

 

Michigan Gaming Control Board Responds to NBA Gambling Scandal

On November 3, 2025, the Michigan Gaming Control Board (“MGCB”) published a press release responding to the recent issuance of federal indictments involving NBA players and coaches. Federal authorities allege the misuse of confidential player information,  manipulation of prop bets, and participation in an illegal mafia-backed poker cheating ring.

Regarding the MGCB’s ongoing commitment to protecting the integrity of sports betting for Michiganders, MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams noted that “(t)he integrity of sports betting in Michigan depends on more than enforcement – it requires proactive safeguards designed to detect and deter misconduct before it occurs.”

Executive Director Williams goes on to make a call to action, stating “(t)his case is a wake-up call for the entire industry… We must remain vigilant, adaptive, and committed to protecting the integrity of the game- and the safety of those who enjoy it.”

The MGCB warns the public on an ongoing basis of the dangers of illegal gambling, which operates without consumer protections and often exploits vulnerable targets. The MGCB utilizes a number of key measures as part of its efforts to protect the integrity of sports betting in Michigan, some of which include mandatory integrity monitoring, review and approval of events and wager types, prohibition on insider betting, and internal control requirements, among others. The MGCB will also use the findings of the ongoing investigation to make changes and strengthen the sports betting framework in Michigan.

To learn more, visit the MGCB’s website.


Spectrum’s Relocation Study for Indiana Gaming Commission

On September 30, 2025, the Indiana Gaming Commission released an extensive relocation study conducted by Spectrum Gaming Group on evaluating opportunities to move an existing casino license to a more economically beneficial location within the state. The study focused on the following topics:

  • Relocation Options
  • Impacts on the Relocated Casinos
  • Impacts on the Horse Racing Industry

 

Identifying Best Areas for Relocation

The study identified two regions with the strongest potential for relocation: Downtown Indianapolis and Northeast Indiana near Fort Wayne. Both were chosen based on population density, ease of access, and limited competition nearby.

According to Spectrum’s findings, a downtown Indianapolis casino could generate approximately $493 million in adjusted gross receipts (“AGR”) annually and $170.7 million in state gaming tax revenue. A Northeast Indiana location is projected to produce around $204 million in AGR and $61.1 million in tax revenue each year.

The Impacts on Horse Racing

While a downtown Indianapolis casino would yield the highest returns, the study notes it could redirect roughly $140 million in gaming revenue from other Indiana casinos and reduce horse racing industry funding by up to $16.7 million per year. By contrast, the Northeast Indiana option would result in minimal market disruption, with an estimated impact of $1.0–1.7 million on horse racing.

The Potential Development of a Tribal Casino

The report also highlights a potential risk factor: the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma owns land in Fort Wayne and could establish a tribal casino. If this occurs, projected revenue for the Northeast site could decline sharply from $204 million to $43 million, reducing state gaming taxes from $61 million to $6 million.

Overall Conclusion

Overall, Spectrum concluded that both proposed areas are financially viable relocation options. The downtown Indianapolis location offers the greatest revenue and tax potential, while the Northeast Indiana site provides a more balanced approach with less impact on Indiana’s horse racing industry.

The full Market Analysis: Study for Relocation of Gambling Operations can be found here.

 

MGCB Targets Eight Illegal Online Casinos Operating in Michigan

On October 24, 2025, the Michigan Gaming Control Board (“MGCB”) published a press release announcing the issuance of eight cease-and-desist letters sent to unlicensed gambling operators offering illegal internet gaming to Michiganders.

The press release identified the recipients of these letters: Aussie Play, CryptoGames, FortuneJack, Hugewin Casino, My Stake Casino, Play at Harry’s Casino, RuneChat, and Slots Garden.

MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams warned of the risks posed by these sophisticated illegal online gambling sites and commented on the Board’s continued commitment to protecting Michigan consumers, assuring “the MGCB will not hesitate to intervene when we find operators ignoring our state’s gambling laws.”

Executive Director Williams later goes on to address potential unlicensed gambling operators, stating “(o)ur message remains consistent: If you want to do business in Michigan’s gaming industry, you must play by the rules and obtain a license.”

The press release also takes the initiative to educate readers regarding the MGCB’s continued efforts in its fight against unlicensed gambling operators by discussing enforcement and consumer protection mechanisms through its collaboration with the Michigan Department of Attorney General. Together, they investigate

noncompliant operators and enforce additional measures in the cases of repeat or willful violations. The MGCB also offers free resources to help educate Michigan consumers about how to avoid scams through its Play It Smart, Michigan initiative. See “Legal vs. Illegal Gaming” for these resources.

Report suspicious or illegal gambling to the MGCB via call, email, or in person at:

Call: 1-888-314-2682

Email: MIGamblingTip@michigan.gov

Visit: Michigan.gov/MGCB