Scientific Games has launched retail sports betting for the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi FireKeepers Casino, a little over eight months after the property chose the US gaming tech firm to fulfil its igaming and wagering ambitions.
Representing the second major tribal launch for Scientific Games, the partnership is to expand in the future as the firm continues to work with FireKeepers to expand its effort to include digital sports betting and igaming when regulation allows within the state of Michigan.
During its first stage of deployment, the Battle Creek located property welcomes the OpenSports product suite for retail sports betting at ‘Dacey’s Sportsbook’, which opened in June.
The go-live signals the first tribal operator to launch sports betting in Michigan and builds on Scientific Games’ tribal partnerships after the successful retail launch in New York with the Oneida Indian Nation.
Following a new bill passing in the state, the company will also deliver its OpenGaming and OpenSports solutions to launch FireKeepers’ digital sports betting and casino offering.
Jordan Levin, CEO of Scientific Games Digital, explained: “FireKeepers are one of the leading casinos in the state of Michigan and the Midwest. It builds on our strategy to partner with forward-thinking tribes as regulations evolve. We were the first to partner with a tribe in New York through our agreement with Oneida and now we’re proud to launch the first tribe in Michigan with FireKeepers.
“Retail sports is live via our OpenSports solution and the state of Michigan is preparing for a digital go-live for sports and igaming – both of which are now key parts of our agreement with FireKeepers – as early as Q4 2020. They have a wonderful team and we’re looking forward to building out their full product suite with the launch of OpenGaming once regulations permit.”
FireKeepers Casino first opened in 2009 and features 2,900 slot machines, 70 table games, as well as live poker room and bingo rooms, in addition to a 243 room resort-style hotel, a multi-purpose event centre and six distinctive dining destinations.
Kathy George, CEO of FireKeepers, said, “These are exciting times for FireKeepers Casino and launching our retail sportsbook is the realisation of a major strategic objective.
“The team at Scientific Games have been integral to delivering this fantastic new offering for bettors in Michigan. We keenly await the opportunity to take both our sports and our casino online with their player-centric technology and global expertise.”
