Michigan Internet Gaming, Sports Betting Operators Report $176.1 Million in July Revenue

As reported by the Michigan Gaming Control Board (“MGCB”), Michigan commercial and tribal internet casino gaming (“iGaming”) and sports betting operators reported a combined $176.1 million total gross receipts in July. July receipts increased 4.0% when compared to last month’s results.

July iGaming gross receipts were $153.6 million. Gross sports betting receipts totaled $22.5 million. In June 2023, iGaming gross receipts were $151.0 million and gross sports betting receipts were $18.3 million.

Combined total adjusted gross receipts (“AGR”) of $154.6 million were reported for July, including $138.2 million from iGaming and $16.4 million for internet sports betting, resulting in a 1.0% and 77% increase, respectively, compared to June 2023. When compared to July 2022, this represented an increase of 18.0% for iGaming AGR and 16.8% for sports betting.

Total internet sports betting handle was $200.8 million, decreased 11.9% when compared with June 2023 results of $227.9 million.

The operators delivered $29.8 million in taxes and payments to the State of Michigan during July, with internet gaming taxes and fees contributing $28.7 million and internet sports betting taxes and fees contributing $1.1 million.

The three Detroit Casinos – MotorCity Casino, MGM Grand Detroit, and Greektown Casino – reported city wagering taxes and municipal service fees of $7.6 million, with internet gaming taxes and fees contributing $7.2 million and internet sports betting taxes and fees contributing $391,969 for the month of July.

Tribal operators reported making total payments of $3.5 million of wagering payments to the tribes’ governing bodies according to the MGCB.

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

During July, a total of 15 operators offered internet gaming and internet sports betting. Details for each operator’s internet gaming and internet sports betting results are available and published on the MGCB website.

Investigators Seize 50 Gambling Devices, Cash from Alleged Flint Storefront Casino

The Michigan Gaming Control Board (“MGCB”) posted a press release informing readers of an investigation of a Flint storefront and the subsequent seizure of alleged illegal gambling devices and associated materials on August 24, 2023.

On the evening of August 23, 2023, state investigators executed a search warrant at The Flint Arcade with the assistance of Michigan State Police, Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, and the Flint Police Department. A previous search warrant was served at the same site by the Michigan Attorney General’s office on August 18, 2022, known as The Cellular Vault at that time, which shut down shortly after and renamed itself as The Flint Arcade.

The MGCB received anonymous tips from Michigan citizens in reference to their concerns of the alleged illegal gambling activities taking place within the storefront. The Michigan Penal Code broadly prohibits operating illegal gaming machines. The agency further gives businesses who violate the law opportunities to comply before action of this nature is taken.

From The Flint Arcade on 3301 Corunna Road, 48 computers serving the purpose to play slot-style games, two gaming machines allegedly used for illegal gambling activities, and $13,260 in alleged illegally obtained proceeds were confiscated by authorities.

Director of the MGCB, Henry Williams, noted the importance of regulating gambling activity in regard to storefront casinos when he said, “Since they can often attract criminal activity and draw customers away from legitimate businesses that positively contribute to the local economy, it is essential that these types of operations get shut down to prevent customers from falling prey to fraudulent schemes and protect them from potential harm.” He further affirmed the agency’s commitment to Michigan citizens by adding, “The agency is dedicated to helping communities statewide remove gaming machines used for gambling from storefront operations, gas stations, and convenience stores, and we encourage residents to call us with tips.”

Michigan residents can anonymously report illegal or suspicious gambling activity by calling 1-888-314-2682 or by submitting an online form under the “Report Illegal or Suspicious Gambling Activity” link of the “resource” section on the agency website’s homepage.

Gun Lake Casino Recognized as the Best Gaming Property in Poll of West Michigan Media Subscribers

According to a press release issued by Gun Lake Casino (“GLC”), they were named the best casino for the third consecutive year in a poll by Revue Magazine. The recognition is part of Revue’s eighth annual Best of the West poll circulated to nearly 20,000 subscribers.

“We are proud to receive this recognition as the best casino in West Michigan. We truly strive to create the best gaming and entertainment atmosphere in the Midwest. This award validates the efforts of our exceptional team members, which allows us to offer a great experience for our guests” said Sal Semola, CEO of Gun Lake Casino.

Gun Lake Casino was named in the Best of the West casino poll under the Arts & Attractions category. This is the third consecutive year that GLC came in ranked as the No. 1 casino.

Gun Lake Casino is currently constructing an expansion that will consist of a 252-room 4-diamond hotel, a full-service spa, meeting space, and additional dining options. It also includes the Wawyé Oasis, a 32,000-square-foot glass atrium that will feature multiple swimming pools, a swim-up bar, live entertainment, and event space. The expansion is scheduled to open in March 2025.

UNLV’s Boyd School of Law to Offer Online Training Programs

The William S. Boyd School of Gaming Law at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, has released the dates for its online training programs.

The scheduled classes:

Introduction to Gaming Law and Regulation with Anthony Cabot, September 18 – October 31, 2023
Introduction to Indian Gaming with Kathryn Rand and Steven Light, November 6 – December 31, 2023
Player Accountability and Corporate Social Responsibility in Gaming Law with Alan Feldman and Dayvid Figler, February 12 – March 31, 2024.

The programs will be offered online in an asynchronous format, with participants being able to learn at their own pace and in any time zone over the six-week course schedule.

Visit UNLV Boyd School of Law website for more information and to register.