Michigan’s gaming landscape saw significant enforcement actions and business developments in June. On the 5th of June, Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) agents, alongside state police, carried out a high-profile raid on an illegal gambling site at the Red Horse Bar in Saginaw. This action was made public by the agency on the 20th of June. The raid resulted in the confiscation of six slot-style gaming machines, $2,820 in gift cards, and $5,161 in cash. The bar owners, Christopher and Nicholas Adams, had previously been issued a cease-and-desist letter following an anonymous tip but failed to comply, prompting the raid.
“The Michigan Gaming Control Board remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring compliance with all state gambling regulations,” said MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams in a press release. “We will continue to work diligently to identify and eliminate any illegal gambling activities that pose a threat to the integrity of the industry and the welfare of the public.” The MGCB has shown a robust commitment to cracking down on illegal gambling as this raid follows a cease-and-desist letter sent to the black-market sportsbook Bovada in May.
In the realm of legal gambling operations, substantial business moves are unfolding. On the 18th of June, Caesars Entertainment announced the completion of its acquisition of WynnBet’s online gambling platform in Michigan. Partnered with the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians, Caesars aims to maintain the WynnBet branding for the time being, planning a rebrand for the latter half of 2024 pending regulatory approval. The transition will see existing WynnBet customers migrating to the Caesars platform.
Meanwhile, the Massachusetts Gaming Commission is grappling with compliance issues as wagering operators dodged a critical discussion on betting limits last month. On the 20th of June, interim chair Jordan Maynard confirmed that the six live operators have now agreed to the dialogue, albeit exclusive to an executive session. Commissioner Nakisha Skinner issued a cautionary note expressing skepticism over the operators’ intentions and emphasizing the need for substantive discussion rather than mere formality.
In a different but pertinent move, shareholders of Caesars Entertainment mirrored the sentiments of shareholders from Bally’s and Boyd Gaming in their vote on casino smoking policies. In an 11 June meeting, 81.1% of participating Caesars shareholders voted against instituting a smoke-free ban in casinos. The outcome, involving nearly 200 million shareholder votes, was documented in a Securities and Exchange Commission filing.
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New Jersey also witnessed governmental action with Governor Phil Murphy establishing a seven-member responsible-gaming task force to address problem gambling. Highlighted by rising problem gambling statistics, a 2023 Rutgers University Center for Gambling Studies report noted that 6% of New Jersey residents are at risk, significantly higher than the national average of 1-2%. The task force is charged with providing recommendations for responsible gaming programs and supporting problem gambling initiatives, with a final report due by March 31, 2025.
On a national scale, the rise in sports betting violations among professional athletes has gained attention. CNN’s Annette Choi delivered an in-depth analysis, consolidating various sports betting statistics and scandals into a comprehensive series of charts.
Business shifts continued with David Grolman’s announcement via LinkedIn that he would be the new Senior Vice President (SVP) for Retail at Fanatics Betting & Gaming, departing from Caesars after more than a decade. His previous roles included SVP for Retail Operations and Chief Retail Sportsbook Officer at Caesars.
In Nevada, the head of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, Steve Hill, faced scrutiny from the WNBA over sponsorship deals with Las Vegas Aces players, questioning if salary-cap rules might have been breached. Hill defended the deals, emphasizing their legitimacy.
In sports betting news, USA Today on the 17th of June reported BetMGM’s early odds for the 2025 NBA Finals, naming the Boston Celtics as favorites with +310 odds. The Dallas Mavericks follow as runners-up at +950, while Brooklyn, Charlotte, Detroit, Portland, and Washington share the longest odds at +50000.
Daily fantasy sports and digital partnerships also saw significant developments. PrizePicks announced a partnership with State Farm Arena, ensuring visibility at various events held at the venue. BetMGM revealed a digital collaboration with slot player Brian Christopher, boosting their social media presence through livestreams.
Additionally, WarHorse Casino Omaha announced plans to open its permanent casino on the 6th of August, featuring 800 slot machines, 20 table games, a sportsbook, and a new parimutuel facility. North Carolina’s Catawba Two Kings Casino introduced live table games, employing around 135 staff members for their 12 newly operational tables.
The Connecticut Lottery launched its online lottery soft, featuring draw games, with scratch-offs and instant-win tickets to follow. In a move to bolster its leadership, the Connecticut Lottery hired Frank Suarez, former DC Lottery chief, who is expected to commence his new role later this summer.
As stakeholders juggle regulatory shifts and business expansions, the industry landscape in Michigan and beyond remains dynamic and continually evolving.
