MGCB Approves Provisional Licenses for 15 Providers

Michigan is another step closer to its online casino gaming and mobile sports betting launch.

The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) on Thursday approved provisional licenses for 15 platform providers who will support the online casino gaming and mobile sports betting offerings from commercial and tribal casinos.

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The MGCB has projected an early 2024 launch, noting it may take anywhere between four to six weeks for the licensing process to be completed for the state’s hopeful operators and platform providers.

“The MGCB now can approve provisional licenses following the filing of the administrative rules for online gaming and sports betting on Dec. 2 with the Office of the Great Seal,” said Richard S. 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.”

Provisional licenses were issued to:

• American Wagering, Inc. d/b/a William Hill Sports Book
• Betfair Interactive US LLC d/b/a FanDuel Sportsbook
• BetMGM, LLC d/b/a Roar Digital
• Churchill Downs Interactive Gaming, LLC d/b/a TwinSpires
• Crown MI Gaming LLC d/b/a DraftKings
• GAN Nevada Inc.
• Golden Nugget Online Gaming, Inc.
• NYX Digital Gaming (USA), LLC
• Parx Interactive Inc.
• Penn Sports Interactive, LLC
• PointsBet Michigan LLC
• Rush Street Interactive MI, LLC
• Sports Information Services Limited d/b/a Kambi
• TSG Interactive US Services Limited d/b/a Fox Bet
• WSI US, LLC d/b/a Wynn Sports

Additional Regulatory Requirements

The platform providers are still required to complete additional regulatory requirements before a statewide mobile gaming launch can happen. These requirements include the independent testing of platforms and games, and the MGCB’s approval of their internal controls, in order to ensure gaming integrity. Each firm must also secure occupational licenses for certain employees.

“The platform providers’ ability to meet the requirements of the laws and rules will determine which entities can be licensed for launch first,” Kalm said.

The licensing process began in mid-May when the MGCB started accepting applications, communicating licensing requirements and reviewing internal controls and branding submissions from operators, platform providers running the gaming technology, suppliers and vendors.

Certain operators and platform providers have already launched their applications in app stores before the state’s official launch. Michigan residents can download the apps and sign up, but bets cannot be placed until final approval is granted for the launch.