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The FireKeepers Casino Hotel is the latest online gaming brand eligible to go live in Michigan.
On Monday, the Michigan Gaming Control Board authorized the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of Potawatomi Indians and its platform partner, NYX Digital, to go live with online casino and internet sports betting. FireKeepers can officially go live at noon today.
"We welcome the addition of FireKeepers Casino and partner NYX Digital to Michigan's growing online gaming and sports wagering market," Henry Williams, MGCB executive director, said in a news release. "The tribe's representatives provided key support for the development of the laws signed in 2019 that allow federally recognized tribes in Michigan to seek licenses for internet casino gaming and online sports betting. Their participation will generate revenue to support K-12 education, economic development and the Nottawaseppi Huron Band's tribal community."
FireKeepers Casino becomes the 13th operator in Michigan to offer both online casino gaming and internet sports betting.
Launch Finally Arrives for FireKeepers
FireKeepers’ launch comes nearly six months after the casino announced its mobile app and gaming website was just “a few weeks away.” That was in January.
“We look forward to carrying over our award-winning casino offering to the online realm, building upon the success of our award-winning casino, outstanding dining, entertainment and Four Diamond-rated hotel,” Jim Wise, VP of marketing and sports & online gaming, said in a media release at the time. “We appreciate the players who visit FireKeepers, and these guests deserve the same level of rewards and service in the iCasino world.”
FireKeepers announced its iCasino will provide slots and table games in addition to sportsbook wagering.
Late Start for FireKeepers
It will be interesting to see what kind of market share FireKeepers’ online brand is able to carve out for itself in Michigan. The other sportsbooks and online casinos have a six-month head start, and the big three of FanDuel Sportsbook, BetMGM Sportsbook and DraftKings Sportsbook have dominated online sports betting in the state up to this point.
Together, those three accounted for more than 79% of the state’s sports betting market share in May, with FanDuel Sportsbook taking in the largest handle at $77.6 million.
BetMGM Online Casino has been the clear leader in iGaming. It set a state record for online casino revenue in April with $36.8 million before following it up with $36.1 million in May. BetMGM has led the state in online casino revenue each month since Michigan’s launch on Jan. 22.
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