PointsBet Approved for Online Casino Gaming in Michigan

PointsBet was one of the first operators to go live when Michigan launched its mobile sports betting and online casino gaming platforms. But the operator was one of the few to go live with just sports betting while the casino side awaited approval from the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB).

On Tuesday, PointsBet was approved by the MGCB to launch internet casino gaming at 10 a.m. PointsBet is now the 13th online casino operator in the state and the 12th to offer both sports betting and casino gaming.

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"The Lac Vieux Desert tribe becomes the 12th operator to offer both forms of online gaming after meeting all regulatory requirements," said Richard S. Kalm, executive director, Michigan Gaming Control Board. "The associated revenue payments will support K-12 education, economic development and the local tribal governing body."

Despite authorization from the MGCB, PointsBet has yet to announce when its online casino will launch in Michigan.

PointsBet with a big presence in Michigan

PointsBet has managed to develop a presence in Michigan through its marketing efforts and reliable sports betting platform. The company from Australia was the first sports betting operator to reach an agreement with an MLB team when it announced a deal with the Detroit Tigers. PointsBet has also partnered with the Detroit Pistons and former Pistons guard, Richard Hamilton. There is also a PointsBet-branded bar in Little Caesars Arena.

“PointsBet is thrilled to partner with the Pistons, aligning with a first-class organization supported by particularly passionate fans,” Johnny Aitken, PointsBet USA chief executive officer, said in a media release. “We’re proud to increase our investment in the Detroit and greater Michigan sports community after joining forces with the Detroit Tigers last July. Michigan is a fantastic sports state, and we look forward to the opportunity to soon serve Michigan sports bettors on a personalized platform with unrivaled speed and ease of use.”

BetMGM, DraftKings, FanDuel and Barstool have emerged as the top four sportsbooks in the Michigan marketplace, with PointsBet in a far-off fifth place. Since the state went live on Jan. 22 with online wagering, PointsBet has reported a sports betting handle of $22,635,199.

Online casinos have generated $204,165,230 in revenue since their launch, with a month-high of $95,081,592 for March.

PointsBet's addition to Michigan’s online casino catalog gives residents in the state more options to play at and will likely provide a boost to the state’s overall internet casino numbers.