PointsBet has made its maiden igaming move in the US, after receiving authorisation from the Michigan Gaming Control Board to commence operations within the state.
This has seen the group launch its proprietary igaming platform in the region, ahead of plans to embark upon a further online casino expansion into New Jersey in June 2021. The group also has igaming market access in a number of other states, including Pennsylvania, Michigan, and West Virginia.
Sam Swanell, group CEO and managing director, stated: “Over the past 18 months we have assembled a highly experienced igaming team which has built our in-house proprietary igaming platform and administrative tools, and I am thrilled today to announce the inaugural launch in Michigan.
“The launch of igaming not only complements our existing sports wagering products, but also removes the disadvantage we have had with customer acquisition, retention and cross sell compared to those operators with igaming.”
The launch of PointsBet’s inaugural igaming operations follows the launch of sport wagering in Michigan on January 22, 2021, alongside its Lac Vieux Desert tribe partner within the region.
“The Lac Vieux Desert tribe becomes the twelfth operator to offer both forms of online gaming after meeting all regulatory requirements,” said Richard Kalm, executive director of the Michigan Gaming Control Board.
“The associated revenue payments will support K-12 education, economic development and the local tribal governing body.”
Last month, Michigan’s online gambling ecosystem was reported as going from strength to strength, with online casinos and poker rooms increasing in popularity and the NCAA’s March Madness spurring sportsbooks further still.
The region’s igaming revenue reached $95.1m during March, up from February’’s $79.7m, which worked out at a win of $3.1m per day. This yielded adjusted gross receipts of $88.7m, $12.8m in tax revenue for the state, and $4.5m in local taxes.