Articles by: Jessica Aletor

PENN Entertainment confirms ESPN Bet's November 14 launch date in Michigan, pending approval from the Michigan Gaming Control Board. PENN will be looking to launch ESPN Bet simultaneously in all 17 states where it has a sports betting license.

Detroit casinos are grappling with a prolonged union strike, now in its fourth week. Disagreements over wages and healthcare persist, with leaked negotiations revealing a $3.25 per hour wage demand by unions, contrasting with the casino's $1.95 offer.

The Detroit Casino Council began a strike in October, demanding higher wages and better welfare packages from the casinos. So far, the casinos have been unyielding, and it is suspected that a spike in online casino revenues may strengthen their stance.

Caesars Palace launched their standalone online casino app in mid-August to try to appease its pure casino loving customers to remain or return to them. Early signs from September show that their target demographic is taking a liking to it, with some reactivated customers also walking into their brick-and-mortar locations.

All Detroit Casinos fell short of the $100m total revenue mark in September. Hollywood Casino’s revenue improves against last year’s figures while MGM’s numbers continue to decline. Amidst all this, the three casinos keep losing money because of the workers’ strike.

The University of Michigan is under NCAA investigation for alleged sign-stealing violations. While the Wolverines face uncertain punishment, Michigan's high sports betting stakes are at risk. Coach Harbaugh is also currently being investigated for his possible involvement.

Michigan's online casinos saw robust growth in September 2023, generating $166.4 million in revenue and contributing to the state crossing the $4 billion lifetime revenue milestone. DraftKings also overtook FanDuel with a record-breaking $37.1 million in monthly revenue.

On October 18, a multi-agency task force raided an illegal gambling site, the PlayStation Bar and Grill in Bridgeport Township, Michigan, confiscating gaming machines, cash, and gift cards worth over $180,000, all thanks to an anonymous tip.

A new bipartisan bill which aims to grant federal recognition to the Grand River Bands tribe after 30-years, has been introduced on the floor of the Michigan congress, potentially resolving a complication over the Little River Band tribe’s casino project.

FireKeepers Casino in Michigan announced groundbreaking achievements for October, including new gaming and dining options. The standout news is the casino’s commitment to powering its outlet using 100% renewable energy, thanks to a partnership with Consumers Energy.