Michigan iGaming, Sports Betting Operators Report $214.1 Million in June Revenue

As reported by the Michigan Gaming Control Board (“MGCB”), Michigan commercial and tribal internet gaming (“iGaming”) and sports betting operators reported a combined $214.1 million total gross receipts in June. June receipts decreased 10.6% when compared to last month’s results.

June iGaming gross receipts were $183.2 million. Gross sports betting receipts totaled $30.9 million. In May 2024, iGaming gross receipts were $198.6 million and gross sports betting receipts were $40.9 million.

The combined total adjusted gross receipts of $136.35 million were reported for June, including $164.56 million from iGaming and negative ( $28.21 million) from internet sports betting – representing an iGaming decrease of 7.9% and a decrease of $56.32 million for sports betting when compared to May 2024.

Total June internet sports betting handle was $276.8 million, a decrease of 19.5% from the $343.7 million result in May 2024.

The operators delivered $35.5 million in taxes and payments to the State of Michigan during June, with iGaming taxes and fees contributing $34.4 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 $8.79 million, with iGaming taxes and fees contributing $8.4 million and internet sports betting taxes and fees contributing $391,960 for the month of June.

Tribal operators reported making total payments of $4.3 million to governing bodies in June according to the MGCB.

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

As of June 2024, 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.

National Council on Problem Gambling Launches Tribal Advisory Council

The National Council on Problem Gambling (“NCPG”) recently launched the Tribal Advisory Council. The formation of the Tribal Advisory Council follows many years of collaboration between the NCPG and Tribal Gaming Entities. Its creation represents a deeper level of collaboration to address matters of responsible gambling and problem gaming that are of importance to Native American communities.

Founding members of the NCPG Tribal Advisory Council include:

Raquel Buari, J.D., Executive Vice President, Four Winds Casinos
Jacob Coin, Executive Advisor, San Manuel Tribal Council, San Manuel Band of Mission Indians
Shannon Dictson, Mescalero Responsible Gaming Program & President, Responsible Gaming Association of New Mexico
Anika Howard, Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation and CEO of Wondr Nation
Maria Lopez, Executive Director, Pascua Yaqui Tribal Gaming Office
Matthew Morgan, Chairman, Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association
Ray Pineault, J.D., President and CEO, Mohegan
James Siva, Chairman, California Nations Indian Gaming Association

NCPG Executive Director Keith White said, “Our work with tribes is based on a deep respect for Tribal sovereignty and our core values of neutrality, collaboration, respect, and credibility. We have a responsibility to listen and learn, as well as the opportunity to share our knowledge as we seek to reduce the social costs of gambling addiction and improve health and wellness in all communities. The relationships and partnerships we have forged over the years are the strong foundation for this exciting new project.”

The Tribal Advisory Council aims to increase awareness and respect for Native cultures as they relate to gambling so that cultural practices can help other communities. Additionally, the Tribal Advisory Council will be a source of expertise for the NCPG’s culturally specific work, especially regarding the importance of Native American history and sovereignty, in consultation with Native American leaders and experts.

To forward the goals of the Tribal Advisory Council, NCPG has partnered with The Trilogy Group, a Native-American owned and operated organization with over 50 years of combined experience in governmental affairs, business, economic development, and Tribal gaming.

Valerie Spicer, Trilogy Group Founding Partner and Chief Executive Officer commented, “We applaud the formation of the NCPG’s Tribal Advisory Council and look forward to supporting stronger connection with the Tribes. This work acknowledges the significance of Tribal Gaming in the gambling sector, the impacts of Tribal gaming on communities, and ways we can support finding balance in helping heal from gambling related harm respectfully amid the complexity.”

NIGC Announces Record $41.9 Billion FY 2023 GGR

Earlier this week, the National Indian Gaming Commission (“NIGC”) published their 2023 Fiscal Year’s (“FY”) Gross Gaming Revenue Report (“GGR”). The NIGC’s purpose is to fulfill its statutory responsibilities by overseeing the regulation of Indian gaming operations, initiating enforcement action for violations against Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (“IGRA”), and providing educational training, among other efforts.

The NIGC Commission consists of three members tasked with regulating and fulfilling the Agency’s statutory responsibilities. On behalf of the Commission, an excerpt from the GGR reads, “FY 2023 revenue reflects the viability of tribal gaming operations, as tribal gaming continues to adapt to technological advances and changes in consumer preferences,” and further comments that “NIGC is proud to see the continued success of the tribal gaming industry and congratulate all whose hard work made it happen.”

The FY 2023 GGR was compiled using audited financial statements from 527 class II and class III gaming operations that are made up of 245 Tribes across 29 states in the US. Revenue is compared by region, and the eight regions of the NIGC include Portland, Sacramento, Phoenix, St. Paul, Rapid City, Tulsa, Oklahoma City, and D.C.

Each of the eight regions experienced an increase in FY 2023 GGR compared to FY 2022, with the combined increased amount totaling $967,604,904. The FY 2023 GGR totals a record-breaking $41.8 Billion

Island Resort & Casino Announces $19 Million Expansion

Island Resort & Casino released an announcement on Wednesday of this week, debuting plans for a $19 million expansion project that will take place over the course of two years. The expansion will include the addition of a new golf course, the Cedar Course. This nine-hole course will be designed by Paul Albanese, the designer of Sweetgrass and Sage Run.

The Sweetgrass golf course will also be gaining a new 3,000-square-foot golf shop that will boast a full-service pro shop, full-service bar, and other amenities.

In addition to the new features, the project will also expand upon the existing 16,900-square-foot convention center, creating a ballroom and increasing the capacity of the space by 750 guests.

More information on the expansion can be found on the Island Casino & Resort website.

Nominations for G&T Awards

Global Gaming Business Magazine (“GGB”) opened the nominations for 2024 The GGB Gaming & Technology Awards on Wednesday, June 25th.

Nominations can be submitted at https://ggbmagazine.com/ggbs-gaming-technology-awards/.

Categories for submission include:

Best Sports Betting Product
Best iGaming Product
Best Table Game Product or Innovation
Best Slot Technology
Best Consumer Service Technology
Best Productivity Enhancement Technology

The award is designed to celebrate prestigious members of the industry for their contributions to enhance the gaming experience. Submissions will be reviewed by an independent panel of judges, announcing the winners at G2E (Global Gaming Expo) in October of this year.

The deadline for nominations is August 23, 2024.