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PlayMichigan.com: Online sportsbooks take in $115 million in 10 days while online casinos flourish

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Michigan’s online sportsbooks and casinos are off to a historic debut with more than $115 million in sports bets in the final 10 days of January, while online casinos generated $29.4 million in gross receipts. Combined with the state’s retail handle, Michigan’s sportsbooks are off to the best start of any state that offers both online and retail sportsbooks, but offers just a narrow window into the future for one of the most promising legal markets in the U.S., according to PlayMichigan analysts.

“The circumstances for Michigan’s online launch could not have been better ahead of two of the biggest sports betting holidays of the year,” said Dustin Gouker, analyst for PlayMichigan.com. “Ultimately, it’s a small sample size, and the results of which are less important than sportsbooks launching and engaging sports bettors and setting the groundwork to flourish for years. By that metric, Michigan’s launch was a success.”

Michigan’s online sportsbooks generated $115.2 million in bets in the 10-day period in January, according to official data released Wednesday by the Michigan Gaming Control Board. That produced $13.3 million in total gross sports betting receipts. With a typically promotion-heavy debut that whittled taxable revenue down to a combined loss of $5.2 million, January’s bets yielded $111,696 in state tax revenue.

Combined with January’s retail sportsbook handle, which reached $35.7 million in January, Michigan’s total sports betting handle hit $150.8 million. That makes Michigan the highest total monthly handle for a state debuting online sports betting in U.S. history, snapping Tennessee’s mark of $131.4 million set in November.

In all, online sports betting accounted for 76.3% of the state’s handle. In fact, 10 days of online sports betting was almost as much as Michigan’s entire $130.8 million retail handle during 2020, a total hampered by pandemic-related restrictions on brick-and-mortar casinos.

“There is no questioning the power of online sports betting at this point,” said Matt Schoch, analyst for PlayMichigan.com. “January was just a snapshot, but online betting will eventually account for 90% or more of the state’s total handle, which would put it much more in line with other legal jurisdictions that offer both online and retail betting.”

Michigan got off to a quick start in large part because it launched on Jan. 22 with 10 online sportsbooks, more than any other state in U.S. history. That list includes the nation’s two largest operators FanDuel and DraftKings, as well as its main challengers, including Penn National’s Barstool-branded app, BetRivers, and BetMGM.

Of those, FanDuel, which partners with the MotorCity Casino, topped the market in the first month with $32.6 million in wagers. That produced just $622,372 in gross sports betting receipts. DraftKings/Bay Mills Indian Community was second with a $28.2 million handle, yielding $3.4 million in gross receipts. BetMGM/MGM Grand Detroit’s $22.8 million handle led to market-topping $5.1 million in gross receipts.

The market leaders were followed by:

  • Barstool/Greektown Casino ($27.5 million handle; $3.3 million gross receipts)
  • PointsBet/Lac Vieux Desert Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians ($1.5 million handle; $388,381 gross receipts)
  • BetRivers/Little River Band of the Ottawa Indians ($1.1 million handle; $191,261 gross receipts)
  • William Hill/Grand Traverse Bay Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians ($692,319 handle; $125,659 gross receipts)
  • Twin Spires/Hannahville Indian Community (327,661 handle; 39,792 gross receipts)
  • FOX Bet/Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians ($160,052 handle; $70,737 gross receipts)
  • Golden Nugget/Keweenaw Bay Indian Community ($106,904 handle; $21,698 gross receipts)
  • Wynn/Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians ($248,879 handle; 60,232 gross receipts)

“Launching with nine operators ready to go from the beginning is unlike anything else we’ve seen before,” Gouker said. “Having FanDuel and DraftKings, in addition to BetMGM, BetRivers, and Barstool, accepting bets on the first day of operation makes Michigan instantly one of the most competitive markets in the U.S. The vastness of choices is great for consumers, obviously. But it shows just how much confidence operators have in the future of the Michigan market.”

Online casinos and poker

Online casinos and poker enjoyed an impressive debut themselves, hitting $29.4 million in gross receipts, more than any other in U.S. history in online casino gaming’s first month. That yielded $4.3 million in tax revenue in its 10-day debut in January.

Online casinos and poker racked up $2.9 million per day in gross receipts, a per-day tally that has only been topped by New Jersey, the nation’s largest online gaming market.

The BetMGM/MGM Grand Detroit easily topped the market with $11.1 million in gross receipts, which generated $1.7 million in taxes.

“Online sportsbooks draw more attention, but online casinos are typically a far more consistent revenue generator for state governments,” Schoch said. “With nearly $30 million in 10 days, Michigan is well on its way to becoming one of the giants in online gaming. 

For more information and analysis on regulated sports betting in Michigan, visit PlayMichigan.com/news.

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AGLC Announces New Board Chair

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Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC) has announced the appointment of Larry Spagnolo as the new Board Chair, effective August 15, 2025. This announcement follows the official Order in Council issued by the Alberta Government and marks a new chapter in AGLC’s ongoing commitment to support communities, encourage responsible choices and position Alberta as the best place to do business.

Larry brings a wealth of experience in technology and business leadership to the AGLC Board and will play an integral role in guiding AGLC’s strategic direction. He is currently serving as VP and GM of Emerson’s SaaS SCADA business and has held senior roles at Zedi and Telus, driving innovation, growth, and global success.

A strong advocate for education and community, Larry serves as Vice Chair of Athabasca University’s Board of Governors and has held board roles with NAIT and Polytechnics Canada. He was awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal for his community contributions.

AGLC and the Board of Directors extend their heartfelt thanks to Len Rhodes for his leadership and dedication as Board Chair since August 2019. He decided not to seek a third term and will continue to serve in this role until August 14, 2025. Len led AGLC through some significant milestones, including reducing red tape by 51%, growth of the emerging cannabis industry and ensuring AGLC delivered a balanced approach to business development, social responsibility, and regulatory oversight.

The post AGLC Announces New Board Chair appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.

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Pinnacle Ontario live with CasinoEngine in North America debut

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EveryMatrix has expanded its partnership with tier-1 operator Pinnacle powering its new casino in Ontario, Canada, using CasinoEngine platform technology – the first time its platform solution has gone live in North America. 

The latest agreement builds on the two companies’ previous collaboration that saw EveryMatrix’s CasinoEngine productivity platform power the well-known brand’s global casino offering.

The new launch takes the relationship to North America, marking EveryMatrix’s debut CasinoEngine platform integration in that market.

BonusEngine, EveryMatrix’s cross-vertical bonusing tool will be integrated in the second phase of launch. This will equip Pinnacle Ontario with a host of bonus types as well as AI-powered bonus abuse solution Bonus Guardian.

BonusEngine is the first of multiple engagement tools from EveryMatrix’s EngageSuite that Pinnacle plans to integrate.

With this comprehensive toolkit at its disposal, and the opportunity to add even more casino products in the future, Pinnacle Ontario can tailor campaigns, segment audiences, and reward players more effectively, creating a world-class digital entertainment experience for its customers.

EveryMatrix has more than 300 global customers and holds North American licences in Ontario, New Jersey, Michigan, West Virginia, Connecticut and Pennsylvania.

Stian Enger Petersen, CEO, Casino, EveryMatrix, said: “This launch marks a key milestone for EveryMatrix as we bring our market-leading CasinoEngine platform to Canada for the first time.

“We’re delighted to expand our partnership with Pinnacle and support their ambitions in Ontario with a powerful combination of platform, content, and engagement tools that are proven to drive success.”

The post Pinnacle Ontario live with CasinoEngine in North America debut appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.

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Prime Skill Games Inc. Official Response to AGCO Press Release

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As CEO of Prime Skill Games Inc., I feel compelled to address recent comments made by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario regarding so-called unapproved gambling machines in convenience stores across the province.

Let me be perfectly clear

Our machines are not gambling devices. They are entirely skill-based, fully compliant with the law, and built on the fundamental idea that players are in control. The outcome of every session is determined solely by the player’s ability, not by random chance.

Prime Skill Games is proud to be the only true skill game operating in Ontario today.

We categorically reject any suggestion that our products fall under the definition of unregulated gambling. Such statements are inaccurate, misleading, and fail to recognize the critical distinction between games of skill and games of chance.

We stand firmly behind the legality of our machines and the integrity of our operations. We will demonstrate this through every available means, whether through legal documentation, expert analysis, or, if necessary, before the courts. We are prepared and unafraid to defend the truth.

To our players, partners, and business community, we want to reassure you that our mission has not changed. We are committed to offering a responsible, transparent, and innovative entertainment experience. We will not be intimidated by broad and baseless accusations, and we will continue to move forward with strength and clarity.

 

Sincerely

Matt Zamroźniak

Chief Executive Officer

Prime Skill Games Inc.

The post Prime Skill Games Inc. Official Response to AGCO Press Release appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.

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