bet365 launches sportsbook and casino in Michigan

With Michigan generating record iGaming revenues and licensing openings remaining rare, bet365's dual-vertical entry adds competitive pressure across both sports betting and online casino segments.

by Editor

20 Apr 2026

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Tribal licensing model
Sports partnerships
Michigan's iGaming market

The Michigan Gaming Control Board approved Hillside Michigan LLC, doing business as bet365, as the new platform provider for the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians on 17 April.
bet365 is now live in 17 US states for sports betting and Michigan becomes the 3rd state where the operator offers an online casino alongside its sportsbook.
The launch follows PokerStars’ exit from the state and is supported by partnerships with the Detroit Tigers and Detroit Red Wings.

bet365 has launched sportsbook and online casino operations in Michigan through the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians’ Odawa Casino platform, marking its entry into its 17th US sports betting state and its third US iGaming jurisdiction.

The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) approved Hillside Michigan LLC, doing business as bet365, as the new internet gaming and internet sports betting platform provider for the tribe on 17 April. bet365 replaces PokerStars, which recently exited the Michigan market.

Tribal licensing model

Under the approval, bet365 is authorized to offer internet gaming and internet sports betting on behalf of the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians, operator of the Odawa Casino in Petoskey.

Henry Williams, MGCB Executive Director, said:

“This approval reflects our continued focus on maintaining integrity, transparency, and consumer protection in Michigan’s online gaming and sports betting marketplace. 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.”

Michigan’s online gaming framework limits new entrants, making licensing openings uncommon. Hard Rock Bet entered the market in December 2025, and Michigan ended that year with 15 approved iGaming operators and 12 licensed sports betting platforms.

Sports partnerships

As part of the launch, bet365 entered into a partnership with the Detroit Tigers for the 2026 season, becoming an official sports betting partner of the MLB franchise. The agreement includes integration throughout Comerica Park via virtual signage during game broadcasts, presence on Tigers radio and digital channels, and fan-focused initiatives including ticketing and merchandise programs.

bet365 has also been named a presenting partner with the Detroit Red Wings for the NHL franchise’s 2026-27 season.

Trip Stoddard, Head of Business Development at bet365, said:

“We’re excited to bring bet365 to Michigan and introduce a better way to bet. This is a mature market with knowledgeable fans, and we’re confident our product stands apart. Features like our Early Payout offer, combined with our in-play experience and integrated casino, give players more ways to engage and more reasons to choose bet365.”

Michigan’s iGaming market

Michigan is only the third US state where bet365 operates an online casino, joining New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

Its New Jersey casino operation has shown strong recent momentum, posting a record monthly revenue total of $3.4 million for March 2026, according to market reporting based on New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement data. Its $8.3 million in first-quarter earnings was more than double the revenue generated in the same period of 2025.

Michigan represents a significant iGaming opportunity. The state generated $315.8 million in iGaming gross receipts in December 2025, a record high, with adjusted gross receipts of $296.7 million. Combined iGaming and sports betting revenue for 2025 reached nearly $3.8 billion, with iGaming alone accounting for $3.1 billion of that total.

Stoddard added:

“Michigan stands out as a well-established, regulated market with a strong and engaged player base. Dual-vertical markets are particularly compelling as we are a fully integrated sports betting and gaming platform.”

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