An Inside Look At Michigan Sportsbooks Just Hours Away From Launch

The task at hand is to rephrase the given statement.

Sports gambling is set to begin at 1 p.m. today in Detroit’s three casinos, marking a significant day for Michigan.

On December 20th, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer enacted legislation to expand gambling. However, the Michigan Gaming Control Board is anticipated to grant approval during its public meeting on Tuesday morning, enabling the launch of 21-and-older gambling facilities on Wednesday.

Richard S. Kalm, the executive director of MGCB, expressed his gratitude towards the hardworking staff who managed to make onsite sports betting at the Detroit casinos a reality in just 11 weeks before March Madness. He also acknowledged the valuable assistance provided by the casinos and their suppliers in promptly sharing the necessary information required for authorizing the gaming. Kalm emphasized the high anticipation surrounding this new gaming opportunity and expressed hope that citizens would not only enjoy it but also witness the benefits of increased revenue for both the state of Michigan and the city of Detroit.

Next year, mobile betting and internet casino operations are anticipated to launch. However, right in time for the men’s college basketball Big Ten tournament, which commences on Wednesday, and the NCAA Tournament on March 17, a significant development will take place on Wednesday.

According to Louis Theros, vice president of legal counsel for MGM Grand Detroit, the majority of college and professional bets will be promptly accessible, with only a few exceptions.

Theros stated that, as per the upcoming board standards, prop bets on individual college athletes and immediate availability of international club soccer bets will not be offered. Additionally, preseason and minor league bets are not yet accessible.

According to Theros, betting for Major League Soccer will be accessible, while wagering on international club soccer will probably be introduced in April or May.

Theros stated that they are actively collaborating with the gaming board and casino operators to ensure that they can expand their offerings according to their customers’ desired betting options.

At a later date, the sports betting plans of Michigan’s tribal casinos, which will remain unregulated by the MGCB, will be announced.

Greektown Casino

On Friday night, Greektown Casino seemed well-prepared for business, as it had three ticket windows arranged and almost 20 televisions scattered across the former poker room, which has been transformed into a temporary sportsbook.

According to Marvin Beatty, the vice president of community and public relations, there will be a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday, followed by a ceremonial first bet at 1 p.m. at the sportsbook. The sportsbook occupies an impressive area of over 5,000 square feet and includes a bar.

Beatty also mentioned that approximately 20 self-service kiosks will be available across the casino floor for placing bets, in addition to the existing betting counters.

Despite the fact that Penn National Gaming, the owners of Greektown, acquired a 36% stake in Barstool Sports in January with the intention of creating branded casinos, Beatty confirmed on Friday that the establishment will be called the Greektown Casino Sportsbook.

In late February, Dave Portnoy, the founder of Barstool, along with other Barstool officials, visited Greektown. They were graciously taken on a tour of the facility by Beatty. As a warm welcome, the hotel displayed a marquee that read “WELCOME BARSTOOL SPORTS.” During their stay, Portnoy also took the opportunity to do a One Bite Pizza Review at the nearby PizzaPapalis located on Monroe Street.

Last month, Beatty informed Playinmichigan that Greektown officials had aspirations of opening the permanent sportsbook in the middle of the casino floor by May 2, coinciding with the Kentucky Derby. However, Beatty now reveals that the permanent facility might not be finished until a later date.

Beatty expressed immense enthusiasm for those eagerly anticipating sports betting in Michigan. He assured that they would be readily available to cater to all their requirements.

The Greektown Casino Sportsbook operates from 9 a.m. to midnight from Sunday to Thursday, and from 9 a.m. to 2 a.m. on Friday and Saturday.

In May 2019, Penn National acquired Greektown Casino from businessman Dan Gilbert, who is also the owner of the Cleveland Cavaliers.

MGM Grand Detroit

MGM Grand Detroit wasted no time in responding to Friday’s announcement by the MGCB, as it promptly revealed plans for an upcoming celebration of legal sports wagering scheduled for Wednesday.

Theros remained elusive about whether Whitmer would be present for the first bet, but assured that the event, scheduled for 1 p.m., will showcase unidentified Detroit sports icons, politicians, and a ceremonial first bet.

According to Theros, the Moneyline Sports Lounge, established in October, will be undergoing a rebranding as the BetMGM Sports Lounge. The revamped lounge will boast over 60 televisions and accommodate over 280 individuals. In addition to a fully stocked bar, there will be two self-service kiosks available within the lounge, along with 14 video poker machines situated at the bar.

According to Theros, reservations can now be made for spaces in the lounge, and popular events like the NCAA Tournament are already booking up for this month. The BetMGM Sports Lounge will open every day at 9 a.m. and will remain open until the end of late sporting events. In addition to the lounge, there will be 15 self-serve kiosks and seven ticket windows with attendants available for placing bets. Roar Digital, MGM’s partner for kiosk installation, will also oversee the management of the upcoming BetMGM wagering app.

The casino floor at MGM was its usual bustling self on Friday night, with adjusted revenue for 2019 reaching a remarkable $623.5 million. However, the kiosks and betting windows were concealed by large curtains.

On Friday, the recently installed sign for the BetMGM Sports Lounge was already in place, accompanied by a sports ticker that displayed the day’s ongoing events. Theros mentioned that Moneyline had been bustling with activity during the Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury boxing match last month, as well as the Conor McGregor fight at UFC246 in January.

Theros mentioned that people are already well-acquainted with it and its surroundings. He added that transitioning it to a sportsbook will be effortless for them due to their early preparation.

MotorCity Casino

Playinmichigan recently discovered that MotorCity Casino, located on Grand River Avenue, has partnered with FanDuel for its physical sportsbook, despite being relatively silent about its future plans.

Jacci Woods, the vice president of public relations and community affairs, shared a standard statement from Bruce Dall, the president of MotorCity. It expressed their excitement about providing sports betting and online gaming to their guests and fans, highlighting their commitment to offering a top-notch experience that adheres to all regulations and league requirements. Their team is actively engaging with stakeholders to ensure this goal is achieved.

Construction on a two-story sportsbook is underway at MotorCity, with the former Spectators sports bar on the ground floor and Chromatics Lounge live music space on the second floor being replaced.

The construction area on both floors was concealed from view by partitions, which had signs indicating: “Sportsbook arriving soon! Experience a whole new level of play.”

Bryan Meyers, hailing from Commerce Township, visited the casino on Wednesday alongside his cousin Bill Baeckeroot from Troy. Meyers expressed his intention to frequent downtown more often once sports betting becomes legalized.

“If they were hosting March Madness, I would certainly be present down here,” Meyers stated.

MotorCity Casino, owned by Marian Ilitch, the widow of the late Mike Ilitch, who was the longtime owner of the Detroit Tigers and Red Wings, showcases table game dealers dressed in Detroit sports uniforms. Marian’s son, Christopher, now oversees the operations of the Tigers and Red Wings.

Could you please rewrite the following sentence or provide more context?