In its efforts to expand its reach into Michigan, William Hill has agreed to collaborate with the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians (GTB). This leading tribal gaming operator is a federally recognized one.
The exclusive deal which brings GTB and William Hill together is expected to be a massive initiative. William Hill will be serving GTB across Michigan with its premium range of products and services as the top provider of cricket betting and online casino gaming. At present, the tribe is the proud operator of the Turtle Creek Casino & Hotel, Leelanau Sands Casino & Lodge and the Grand Traverse Resort and Spa in Michigan.
The agreement rolls out a new plan to launch a new retail William Hill Sportsbook this year at the Turtle Creek Casino & Hotel. At its nascent stage, the project is yet to get a nod from the authorities. All the amenities will be located at the Onyx Sports Bar. Leelanau Sands Casino is set to be the satellite location for operating this project.
As stated by William Hill’s spokesperson, they will launch the online casino gaming and sports betting services as soon as they receive approval from the regulatory authority of Michigan.
Not long ago, in December 2019, the Governor of Michigan, Gretchen Whitmer ratified bills to declare sports betting and online gaming as legal across the State. This paves the way ahead for the iGaming industry. The Bill 4311 was signed by Whitmer to establish the Lawful Internet Gaming Act in Michigan. With this, the Gaming Control of Michigan was eligible to issue licenses for online and mobile casino gaming. William Hill needs to secure the mandatory gaming and sports betting licenses before launching its novel initiative with GTB in the State.
The Chief Executive of William Hill for the US, Joe Asher said his quote, “Michigan will be a key state in William Hill’s US expansion due to its large population and deep rooted-sports culture with so many popular college and pro sports teams.” Supported by their partner Grand Traverse Resort & Casinos, its CEO, Michael Schrader added “William Hill’s expertise in sports betting operations and marketing and strategic media partnerships will ensure that we can attract customers from throughout the State of Michigan to the online products while offering another great amenity to attract guests to our casinos.”
In their attempt to enter Michigan’s newly achieved regulated market status, the Australian sports betting operator Poker Stars and PointsBet along with The Fox Bet Operator, The Stars Group signed an agreement with a Native American tribe to access the market.
It was agreed by the Stars Group that the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians would grant it exclusive access to operate real-money betting, casino and poker in the State of Michigan. The tribe would receive a share of the revenue that would be generated from their iGaming offerings.
The Stars Group agreed on a deal with the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Ottawa Indians, granting it first skin market access to operate real-money betting, poker and casino in the state. If this happens then the tribe shall receive a share of all the revenue generated from the iGaming industry.
There, PointsBet signed a deal with the Lac Vieux Desert Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians. The contract is termed for 20 years and will see PointsBet launch it’s mobile and desktop sports betting offerings in Michigan. It also seeks to launch a branded tribal product. You can also read more latest news on WilliamHill in the company’s blog here.
