Michigan Looks to Move on Mobile Betting by Fall 2020
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On Monday, Rush Street Interactive partnered with Little Rivers Casino in Michigan to become their sports betting operator. They are expecting to launch their retail sportsbook in the Fall of 2020.
Also, Michigan will offer Rush Street Interactive mobile betting services for partnering with Little Rivers Casino. The partnership could help speed up the mobile betting process with Michigan expecting to launch in early 2021.
With casinos and sportsbooks closed due to COVID-19, Michigan needs to find a way to generate revenue from sports betting. Especially during a time when states around the U.S. face budget deficits.
Terms of the Deal
The sportsbook at Little Rivers Casino is planning to open in the third quarter of 2020. The partnership comes at a good time when sports are expecting to return late summer, and football season is still on schedule for the fall.
Also, the deal will have co-branded mobile betting and online casino products once the state finalizes online gambling regulations. However, players can still sign up for online accounts while the process is wrapping up.
Right now, experts are still telling Michigan residents that mobile might launch in 2021 at the earliest. If anyone signs up before mobile betting launches, then those people will be the first to know when they can start betting from their phone.
Things are going in the right direction for sports betting in Michigan. With Rush Street Interactive signing the first mobile sports betting deal, then expect more deals to follow over the next year.
Mobile Betting in Michigan
Right now, the expectation for mobile betting to launch in Michigan is in early 2021. However, the Michigan Gaming Control Board is optimistic that mobile betting could be up and running by October 2020.
With the coronavirus pandemic still going on, MGCB is doing whatever it takes to keep bettors safe in the state. The best way to do this is to launch mobile betting sooner than later. With sports coming back between July and September, sports bettors are going to want to get back in on the action after leagues have been shut down since March.
Now, the Rush Street Interactive partnership with Little Rivers Casino might help speed up the process. If the mobile sports betting launch in October is doable, then that’ll be right in the middle of the NFL and college football season.
The MGCB is doing everything they can to speed up the mobile betting process. They are a few sessions away from potentially launching in October, which is a good sign for Michigan bettors. In May, the Michigan Gaming Control Board began the process of accepting online gaming supplier license applications. If the MGCB is taking applications, then this could be another good sign that mobile betting will be in Michigan sooner than later.
The Next Mobile Sportsbooks
There are already a few partnerships in place between sportsbooks and casinos in Michigan. Also, the sportsbooks are in agreement to launch mobile betting services when the time comes.
BetMGM and MGM Grand Detroit were one of the first sportsbooks to take bets in March 2020. They have already agreed to a mobile betting service when mobile wagering launches.
PointBet Sportsbook partnered with Lac Vieux Desert Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians, and have a mobile agreement to launch mobile wagering. Also, FOXBet and WilliamHill have deals for mobile betting services in Michigan. WilliamHill has a partnership with Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians and will have a retail sportsbook at their location.
FanDuel Sportsbook, one of the country’s largest mobile sports betting operators, partnered with MotorCity Casino and one of the first sportsbooks to go live in March 2020. Expect FanDuel to operate online once Michigan figures out the final details of mobile betting regulations.
Michigan Betting FAQ
Can I bet on sports in Michigan?
Yes, Michigan has a retail sportsbook operating across the state for players to wager. Right now, BetMGM and FanDuel have retail sportsbooks near Detroit, and Rush Street Interactive is launching a sportsbook with Little Rivers Casino in Fall 2020.
Is mobile betting available?
No, Michigan does not have mobile betting available. However, state officials are finalizing details to have mobile betting available soon. Expectations are that mobile betting launches in early 2021, but some are optimistic it will be available by October 2020.
What sports can I bet on?
Players will be able to bet on any sport available. Sportsbooks will offer professional and college sports in the U.S., and will also offer international leagues from the Korean Baseball League to the English Premier League.
Is DraftKings available in Michigan?
DraftKings is available for Daily Fantasy Sports, but not for sports betting. Right now, DraftKings does not have a partnership with a casino. However, if Michigan allows mobile betting, then expect DraftKings to jump in.
Is FanDuel available in Michigan?
Yes, FanDuel has a sportsbook in Detroit and is available for Daily Fantasy Sports. Also, FanDuel has an agreement to launch a mobile betting platform whenever Michigan allows online wagering to happen.
How do I register for a mobile account?
Anyone looking to create an account can go to the website of sportsbooks available throughout the state to sign up. Mobile betting is not allowed in Michigan, but players with created accounts will be the first notified customers on when they can bet online.
