Michigan iGaming, Sports Betting Operators Report $331.2M in January 2025 Revenue

As reported by the Michigan Gaming Control Board (“MGCB”) on February 24, Michigan commercial and tribal internet gaming (“iGaming”) and sports betting operators reported a combined $331.2 million total gross receipts in January.

January iGaming gross receipts were $248.2 million, the highest to date. Gross sports betting receipts totaled $83.0 million in January.

The combined total adjusted gross receipts of $287.9 million were reported for January, including $233.1 million from iGaming and $54.8 million from internet sports betting.

The operators delivered $46.8 million in taxes and payments to the State of Michigan during January, with iGaming taxes and fees contributing $43.7 million and internet sports betting taxes and fees contributing $3.1 million.

For the month of January 2025, the three Detroit Casinos – MotorCity Casino, MGM Grand Detroit, and Greektown Casino – reported city wagering taxes and municipal service fees of $12.8 million, with iGaming taxes and fees contributing $11.8 million and internet sports betting taxes and fees contributing $1.0 million

Tribal operators reported making total payments of $5.0 million of wagering payments to the tribes’ governing bodies in January according to the MGCB.

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

As of January 2025, a total of 15 commercial and tribal operators have been authorized to launch iGaming and/or internet sports betting. Currently, 12 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.

MGCB Public Meeting Notice Tuesday, March 4, 2025

The 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, March 4th, 2025 at 9:30am EST. The meeting also be available via zoom at https://zoom.us/j/95160309680.

To join via telephone, use the information below:

USA 646 931 3860

Webinar ID: 951 6030 9680

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 March 4th.

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

Brian Wyman from The Innovation Group Featured on “Straight to the Point” Podcast

In the latest episode of Steve Ruddock’s “Straight to the Point” podcast, Brian Wyman—TIG Partner and lead author of the report—provides his thoughts on The Innovation Group’s research on the impact of iGaming legalization on land-based gaming and state and local economies. The discussion explores the nuances of consumer behavior, why the industry doesn’t face an either-or choice, and potential approaches for balanced policy development. Listen to the interview here.

Gaming Control Board issues cease-and-desist letter to BetNow

On February 24, 2025, the Michigan Gaming Control Board (“MGCB”) issued a cease-and-desist order to BetNow.eu Sportsbook, Casino, and Racebook (BetNow), an offshore online casino operating illegally within the state. The site, which offers a variety of casino games including slots, poker, live dealer games such as blackjack, roulette, and craps, as well as sports and horse race betting, is violating Michigan law by operating without a license.

“This unlicensed operator not only violates Michigan law, but also exposes consumers to significant risks,” said MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams. “Our job is to protect Michigan residents by ensuring that all online gambling is conducted legally and responsibly.”

BetNow provides several payment options for deposits, such as Visa, Mastercard, Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal, and cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum. However, players must wager their entire initial deposit before they are eligible to withdraw any winnings, a practice that is concerning for consumer protection.

The MGCB’s investigation into BetNow found that the operator is in violation of several key state laws, including:

Lawful Internet Gaming Act: Only Michigan-licensed casinos and federally authorized tribal casinos can apply for a gaming license under state law.
Michigan Gaming Control and Revenue Act: Operating an unlicensed gambling business is a felony in Michigan, punishable by up to 10 years in prison, a fine of up to $100,000, or both.
Michigan Penal Code: Accepting money with the understanding it will be paid based on the outcome of a game of chance is illegal in Michigan.

BetNow now has 14 days to comply with the cease-and-desist order and stop offering gambling services to Michigan residents. Should the company fail to comply, the MGCB will work with the Michigan Attorney General’s Office to pursue legal action.

The MGCB urges Michigan residents to be cautious when engaging in online gaming and to verify the legality of any site before participating. A list of licensed internet gaming providers can be found on the agency’s website at Michigan.gov/MGCB. Anyone aware of unlicensed gambling operations is encouraged to report them to the MGCB for investigation, either by calling 1-888-314-2682 or emailing mailto:MIGamblingTip@michigan.gov.