PointsBet Will Expand Sportsbook Operations Into Michigan

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Written By Derek Helling on January 21, 2020
PointsBet Michigan is the first to announce its intentions to operate mobile/online and retail sportsbooks in the Wolverine State.

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PointsBet Michigan, one of the leading sportsbook operators in multiple states, has officially announced its plans to commence operations in the Wolverine State.

Michigan is sprinting to make legal sports betting available for March Madness, with similar deals potentially arriving at a breakneck pace, much like the speed of a Detroit Red Wings power play.

Details on the new PointsBet Michigan deal

PointsBet, among other sportsbook operators, conduct their operations in numerous states, including Michigan, by operating under a master license held by a separate entity. Typically, this entity is a casino.

Both parties benefit from this arrangement as the casinos receive a portion of sports wagering profits with low operational costs, while the sportsbooks gain access to the markets where these casinos operate.

PointsBet’s partner in Michigan is the Lac Vieux Desert Public Enterprise and Finance Commission, which operates the Northern Waters Casino Resort located in Watersmeet.

In a news release, Sam Swanell, CEO of PointsBet Group, expressed his thoughts on the newly formed partnership.

We are delighted to announce that PointsBet has successfully secured an agreement with a progressive Tribe for our online sportsbook and online casino operations. We are excited about the opportunities that lie ahead and anticipate a fruitful partnership in Michigan for years to come.

In the same statement, James Williams Jr., the tribal chairman of Lac Vieux Desert, expressed

The Tribe is thrilled to partner with PointsBet in order to advance the Tribe’s economic development initiatives and broaden online gaming within the boundaries of Michigan and federal regulations. We firmly believe that this exciting collaboration will bolster the Tribe’s self-reliance and drive towards self-governance, while generating essential revenue to support the growth and improvement of tribal governmental services. Additionally, this partnership will create job opportunities for the LVD community.

It is currently uncertain when the two companies will finish constructing a retail sportsbook on that property.

Moreover, of significant importance to residents of Michigan is the fact that PointsBet plans to leverage this opportunity to enable online and mobile betting. Similar to the uncertainty surrounding the timeline for brick-and-mortar betting, no specific timeframe has been established for when this online platform will be accessible.

PointsBet’s announcement being made first does not guarantee that it will be the first to enter the market. The timing of its market entry is influenced by various factors, some of which are beyond PointsBet’s control.

The steps toward launch day in the Wolverine State

Michigan officials are hesitant to provide a specific timeline for the introduction of online wagering. Nevertheless, State Sen. Curtis Hertel Jr. and some others believe that retail books could potentially be operational by the time March Madness 2020 takes place.

Now that the agreement has been finalized, the LVD and PointsBet can commence their preparations. Over the next few weeks, it is highly probable that construction or renovation work will commence at the casino.

However, it’s not as simple as just putting up signage and televisions. The casino must also go through the process of recruiting and training staff, successfully pass inspections conducted by the Michigan Gaming Control Board, and develop a comprehensive marketing campaign to ensure a successful launch day.

It is certain that the PointsBet sportsbook within the casino will be operational before Michiganders can access the PointsBet mobile app to make bets. It is probable that the retail sportsbook will help customers register for online accounts prior to this occurrence.

PointsBet’s retail book operations have consistently been at the forefront of launching in new states, and it appears that Michigan will be no exception.

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