The Michigan Gaming News Letter

Michigan Internet Gaming, Sports Betting Operators Report $205.3 Million in October Revenue, Bettors Wagered Record $533 Million

As reported by the Michigan Gaming Control Board (“MGCB”), Michigan commercial and tribal internet gaming (“iGaming”) and sports betting operators reported a combined $205.3 million total gross receipts in October.  October receipts decreased 2.4% when compared to last month’s results.

October iGaming gross receipts were $160.3 million. Gross sports betting receipts totaled $45 million. In September 2023, iGaming gross receipts were $166.4 million and gross sports betting receipts were $44 million.

The combined total adjusted gross receipts of $167.7 million were reported for October, including $144.2 million from iGaming and $23.5 million for internet sports betting – representing a 3.7% and 25.4% increase, respectively, compared to September 2023. When compared to October 2022 iGaming was up 13.9% and sports betting decreased by 26.1%.

Total internet sports betting handle was $533 million, an increase of 16.5% from the $457.7 million result in September 2023. This is the highest internet sports betting handle to date and the first time the total handle has exceeded $500 million.

The operators delivered $31.9 million in taxes and payments to the State of Michigan during October, with iGaming taxes and fees contributing $30.1 million and internet sports betting taxes and fees contributing $1.8 million.

The three Detroit Casinos – MotorCity Casino, MGM Grand Detroit, and Greektown Casino – reported city wagering taxes and municipal service fees of $8.2 million, with iGaming taxes and fees contributing $7.5 million and internet sports betting taxes and fees contributing $663,754 for the month of October.

Tribal operators reported making total payments of $3.7 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 October, a total of 14 commercial and tribal operators offered internet sports betting and 15 commercial and tribal operators offered iGaming.  Details for each operator’s internet gaming and internet sports betting results are available and published on the MGCB website.

 

Q3 2023 Commercial Gaming Revenue Reaches $16.17 Billion

In a press release issued by the American Gaming Association (“AGA”), Q3 2023 marked the U.S. commercial gaming industry’s best third quarter on record, generating $16.17 billion, according to the AGA’s Commercial Gaming Revenue Tracker. The quarter’s total is up 6.1% year-over-year and is the 11th straight quarter of annual revenue growth.

Despite early indicators of a slowdown in the fourth quarter, the industry is positioned for a third straight record year, pacing 9.9% ahead of 2022 through September.

“With growth across land-based and online gaming, we are delivering career opportunities for millions of Americans and strong economic contributions to communities across the country through increased tax revenue. Our sustained momentum reflects gaming as a first-choice entertainment option for millions of American adults,” said AGA President and CEO Bill Miller.

Commercial gaming operators paid an estimated $3.43 billion in taxes tied directly to gaming revenue, an increase of 4.7% year-over-year.

Industry revenue grew year-over-year across all verticals in Q3 2023, with both land-based casino and iGaming generating all-time quarterly records.

Combined traditional slot machine and table game revenue reached $12.49 billion for the quarter, up 1.8% year-over-year, while iGaming grossed $1.52 billion, up 26% year-over-year.

Combined in-person and online sports betting also recorded a strong quarter, with revenue up 22.8% year-over-year to $2.15 billion. This growth was mostly driven by Maryland (online), Massachusetts, Nebraska and Ohio – states that were not operational a year ago. The vertical is set for a new record year with Americans wagering $79 billion through the first nine months of 2023, a 32.7% increase from last year.

“Americans continue to migrate their action to the protections of legal, regulated sportsbooks in record numbers. This sustained demand only reinforces the need for federal and state enforcement against illegal, offshore operators,” added Miller.

 

MGCB Public Meeting Scheduled for Tuesday, December 12

The Michigan Gaming Control Board (“MGCB”) will hold a regular public meeting on Tuesday, December 12, 2023, at the MGCB’s Cadillac Place Office, 3062 W. Grand Boulevard, Suite L-700, Detroit, 48202-6062. The meeting will begin at 9:30 AM and will also be accessible via Zoom.

The meeting is open to the public, and comments from the public are welcome and encouraged during the public comment portion of the meeting. The MGCB asks you to submit this form to MGCBweb@michigan.gov by 9:30 AM, Tuesday, December 12th, to notify that you plan to address the Board during public comment. Please include your telephone number on the form. You also may use the Q&A in the Zoom meeting to indicate that you wish to speak during public comment. Please provide your name and telephone number, and you will receive a call placing you in the queue.

The meeting will also be accessible to the public via Zoom at this link.

 

West Michigan Casinos Giving Back to the Communities This Holiday Season

Gun Lake Casino Toys for Tots Charity Event Runs December 1-16, 2023.

Gun Lake Casino (“GLC”) announced its annual Toys for Tots fundraiser. The toy collection will run from December 1st through December 16th.

A family themed kickoff party will be held on December 2nd from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm at GLC’s 131 Sportsbar & Lounge.  Admission is free with the donation of a new, unwrapped toy. The Donation Drive Kickoff Party includes pictures with Santa, hot chocolate, a pancake bar, cookie decorating, and letters to Santa.

“This year we are making a big push to get the word out for our annual Toys for Tots campaign. We are inviting everyone to visit on December 2 to take part in the spirit of giving while enjoying free food and activities and getting your family photos with Santa Claus,” said Carter Pavey, Vice President of Marketing.

GLC partners with The Marine Corps Lakeshore Toys for Tots, the 2022 GLC Toys for Tots campaign raised over 1,400 toys for area children, along with a $15,000 donation.

To surpass last year’s donation efforts, this year GLC is offering a dollar-for-dollar match on toy donations for free slot play up to $100. Donated toys must be new, unwrapped, and accompanied by a receipt of purchase.

Pokagon Band and it’s Four Winds Casinos Donate 1,000 Thanksgiving Food Boxes to Those in Need.

The Pokagon Band of Potawatomi and its Four Winds® Casinos announced a donation of 1,000 food boxes to those in need during the week of Thanksgiving.  Distribution was completed through several organizations in Michigan and Indiana, and Four Winds Casinos team members were present at the Food Bank of Northern Indiana, located at 702 Chapin Street in South Bend, to hand out 200 food boxes.

“The Pokagon Band and its Four Winds Casinos are very proud to be able to continue our long-standing annual tradition of donating food items to those in need during the holiday season. We hope this offering will ease the burden and lift the spirits of individuals and families in Southwest Michigan and Northern Indiana. We would also like to thank our partner organizations who helped with the distribution,” said Rebecca Richards, Tribal Council Chairwoman of the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi.

Clayton Mason, Interim Chief Operating Officer, and Chief Financial Officer of Four Winds Casinos added, “Each year, our Four Winds Team Members plan ahead and procure the necessary food items to provide complete Thanksgiving meals.  We are thankful for the support of all of the organizations involved to help us reach a large number of communities in the region.”

“We are grateful for our continued partnership with the Pokagon Band and its Four Winds Casinos to feed the hungry.  Because of their generosity, many families struggling with hunger will have a delicious meal to celebrate Thanksgiving this year,” said Marijo Martinec, the Executive Director and CEO of the Food Bank of Northern Indiana said.