The Michigan Gaming Control Board has approved provisional licenses for 15 platform providers who will support commercial and tribal casinos’ online gaming and sports betting offerings.
Before launch, which is expected in mid-January, those approved must complete additional regulatory requirements, including independent testing of platforms and games and MGCB approval of their internal controls, which ensures gaming integrity. The firms must also secure occupational licenses for certain employees.
Of those organisations to have been awarded a provisional licence, Penn Sports Interactive (via Barstool), BetMGM and FanDuel already boast retail sportsbook partnerships within the state alongside Greektown Casino, MGM Grand Detroit and MotorCity Casino, respectively.
Elsewhere, approvals read somewhat as a who’s who of US sports betting, with provisional green-lights gained by American Wagering (William Hill Sports Book), Churchill Downs Interactive Gaming (TwinSpires), Crown MI Gaming (DraftKings), Gan Nevada, Golden Nugget Online Gaming, NYX Digital Gaming, Parx Interactive, PointsBet Michigan, Rush Street Interactive MI, Sports Information Services (Kambi), TSG Interactive US Services (Fox Bet), and WSI US (Wynn Sports).
Since mid-May, the MGCB has accepted applications, communicated licensing requirements and reviewed internal controls and branding submissions from prospective operators, platform providers running the gaming technology, suppliers and vendors.
“The MGCB now can approve provisional licenses following the filing of the administrative rules for online gaming and sports betting December 2 with the Office of the Great Seal,” said Richard Kalm, MGCB executive director.
“The platform providers still must meet other regulatory requirements before online gaming and sports betting can launch in Michigan. The launch date will depend on how quickly they can fulfill the requirements.”
Adding: “The platform providers’ ability to meet the requirements of the laws and rules will determine which entities can be licensed for launch first.”
The agency has allowed operators and platform providers to launch applications in the various app stores prior to launch. Michigan residents may download the apps and create accounts, but wagers cannot be placed until approval is granted to launch.
