Poker Writer
Bet365 went live in Michigan on April 17, filling the void created by PokerStars’ departure from the market. The Michigan Gaming Control Board approved bet365 in partnership with the Odawa Tribe, as it will serve as the tribe’s new platform partner.
MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams welcomed bet365:
We are pleased to welcome bet365 as the Tribe’s new platform provider and look forward to seeing the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians continue to provide a safe, responsible, and enjoyable wagering experience for players across the state.
The official announcement from bet365 noted that Michigan becomes the 17th state in which bet365 operates. It will also partner with popular pro sports teams in the state, like the NHL’s Detroit Red Wings and the Detroit Tigers of MLB.
States with bet365 sportsbooks and/or casinos:
- Arizona
- Colorado
- Iowa
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maryland
- Missouri
- New Jersey
- North Carolina
- Ohio
- Pennlsyvania
- Tennesee
- Virginia
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PokerStars Leaving Michigan Creates Opportunity
In late March, PokerStars announced that it would cease offering online poker in the U.S.
Rather than leave completely, it transitioned into a co-branding with FanDuel, another brand owned by parent company Flutter. FanDuel already had market access in Michigan with online casino and sportsbook. Real-money poker ended on April 1, and all account access ended shortly after.
This was a highly significant development, as Michigan is the second-largest iGaming market after only Pennsylvania. Michigan is actually gaining ground on the top state and produces more revenue per capita.
The cap on licenses makes vacating one a highly significant event. Any licenses left untethered become highly coveted by operators on the outside looking in. There is effectively a waiting list since there is only one license per casino. PokerStars’ shutdown left a huge void and an opportunity for a new provider to step in.
Other Gambling Platforms in Michigan
Michigan has three retail casinos, but most of the casinos in the state are tribe-affiliated. That means most of the operators are partnered with a Michigan-based Indian tribe.
While the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians is the operating tribe of bet365, other tribes partner with a variety of other providers. For instance, the Little River Band of Odawa Indians operates with BetRivers. The Chippewa Indian tribe runs a variety of other platforms, and various other tribes also control providers.
National brands like BetMGM, FanDuel, and DraftKings made sure to secure early footholds in the market. However, bet365’s strategy of waiting out its eventual rivals’ early marketing spend meant it didn’t have access to a Michigan license once the European betting giant had decided the time was right to enter the U.S. in earnest.
PokerStars merging its branding with FanDuel and vacating its license was undoubtedly music to the ears of bet365 brass. The company swooped in quickly and secured the available license. It can now begin serving Michigan customers.
