Michigan is the latest state to feature regulated sports-betting after nine operators were given the go-ahead by the Michigan Gaming Control Board.
Reports via Michigan Live’s Ryan Zuke on Twitter were confirmed by Barstool Sports’ Dave Portnoy.
Portnoy tweeted this afternoon that Barstool Sportsbook would be up-and-running later this week.
It was confirmed in a press release from parent Penn National later.
Barstool will be among the top brands from the Wedge Index that will launch on Friday.
They include DraftKings, FanDuel and BetMGM. In total nine brands will contest the market on debut.
If Dave says it, it must be right
The market has been waiting on Michigan since late last year. It is thought that testing had taken longer than had been anticipated.
Back in December, 15 operators and suppliers gained licenses. This was after a state house committee waved the standard waiting period for the rules to be adopted.
There is no word on when the online gaming market will open up. Rumors within the sector suggest the testing process is being held up even worse in that instance.
It’s all about the timing
Michigan should get off to an auspicious start. The Super Bowl is just a few weeks away and that will be followed by College ball’s March Madness.
In a press release announcing the news, Richard Kalm, MCCB Executive Director, said it was the beginning of a “new era”.
“Michigan residents love sports and, judging by inquiries we’ve received, eagerly anticipate using mobile devices to place bets through the commercial and tribal casinos.”
He indicated that online gaming would not be far behind.
He added that the state and local communities will “benefit from taxes and payments on wagering revenue.”
The original nine will be joined by six more brands within the next month. They include PointsBet and FOX Bet.
The launch comes over a year since Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed the sports-betting and online gaming bill into law.
Moving up the index
Michigan will shoot up the Wedge Index once the market is live. Not only will it be adding points for sports-betting – and the brands that go along with that – but it also will feature remote registration.
In terms of gaming friendliness, it is currently tied 14th but it will soon enter the top five.
