Gambling in the USA
FOX Bet, PokerStars & Stars Casino Launch with Highly Anticipated Suite of Sports Betting and Online Gaming Products in Michigan
FOX Bet & PokerStars, the world’s largest and most popular online poker product, and Stars Casino launched an incredible array of real money online gaming and betting brands in Michigan. From superior sports betting to poker, blackjack and much more, the in-app experience and shared wallet provides consumers with a variety of exciting ways to play and engage, revolutionizing the fan experience.
As the leading operator of online poker in Pennsylvania, PokerStars, grants Michiganders access to its world-class suite of industry-leading daily tournaments, its famed COOP (Championship of Online Poker) series and much more. PokerStars features superior technology, security and has become the first choice of players all over the world. From short, fast-paced online poker cash-games to major Sunday tournaments with large prizes, real and play money games are available around the clock on PokerStars’ safe and award-winning platform. In addition to paving the way with the world’s largest online poker site, FOX Bet Sportsbook and Stars Casino round out a powerful trifecta which will greatly enhance the sports, poker and online betting experience in Michigan.
“The key differentiators for us have always been our valued partnership with the FOX Corporation and the strength of our industry leading FOX Bet Super 6 product combined with the PokerStars business and we plan to lean into these unique assets as we launch in Michigan,” said Kip Levin, FOX Bet CEO. “Behind FOX Bet Sportsbook, PokerStars and Stars Casino, customers create one account for all three apps, unlocking a wide variety of exciting and entertaining options to supercharge the experience for our Michigan audience.”
FOX Bet Sportsbook offers traditional bets as well as in-play and futures betting opportunities, with a wide array of sports betting markets on a huge range of national and international events including NFL, NCAAF, MLB, NBA, NHL, NASCAR, and international golf, tennis and soccer.
FOX Bet Michigan is distinguished by its ability to provide fans with daily betting content and entertainment, developed through a first-of-its-kind national and local media and sports wagering partnership in the United States with FOX Sports. The online sportsbook brings fans closer to the games and teams they love through expert commentary and insights from some of the nation’s most celebrated sports commentators, while also offering engaging promotions and offers.
FOX Bet Live airing weekdays on FS1 offers insights, odds and the definitive national television source of all things sports betting. Michigan-centric editions of FOX Bet Live will continue to air across FOX 2 WJBK in Detroit, FOX 17 in Grand Rapids and FOX 66 in Flint.
Integration of FOX Bet content with FOX 2 WJBK’s popular shows SportsWorks and Bracket Breakdown.
To celebrate the launch for new customers, FOX Bet Sportsbook is offering 10x your money if the Kansas City Chiefs or Tampa Bay Buccaneers score a point for the Super Bowl (max bet $10, winnings paid in site credit). The trio of brands are also welcoming new customers in Michigan with an exclusive free $100 in site credit upon account creation. From there, customers can look forward to hundreds of ways to play, including exclusive promotions, enhanced prices, top offers, record-breaking tournaments and prize pools, a daily casino bonus, daily bet boosts and custom bets.
In addition to its real-money offerings, FOX Bet Super 6 is a free-to-play app where users make six predictions about what they think will happen in live games or events. FOX Bet Super 6 has been available nationwide (excluding Washington state) since its debut in September 2019 and boasts over 4 million players who collectively have won nearly $4 million since its launch.
Michigan players can access FOX Bet, PokerStars and Stars Casino to take advantage of the welcome offers and more by downloading the apps via Apple or Android devices.
By the Numbers…
FOX Bet Sportsbook:
Michigan marks the fourth state launch for FOX Bet, which is also available in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Colorado.
In similar fashion to its strong market share in Pennsylvania, FOX Bet Michigan will leverage poker and activate a strong local FOX presence in the state.
PokerStars & Stars Casino:
An entertaining array of poker tournaments from the largest poker site in the world, PokerStars as well as popular online casino offerings from StarsCasino.com.
While PokerStars has dealt more than 200 billion hands and hosted more than 1.85 billion poker tournaments globally, the brand connects customers to their local poker community of players & friends through app features like “home games.”
FOX Bet Super 6:
Since the return of sports at the end of July 2020, FOX Bet Super 6 boasts the most downloads in the free-to-play category of Sports Prediction Apps (includes Fantasy).
Nearly 1 million downloads nationally for the month of October 2020, with more downloads than the next 10 closest competitors combined.
Over 22,000 winners nationwide and more than 90 million contest entries since launch in September 2019.
The real-money brands have an agreement with the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians Gaming Authority (“Odawa”) for online betting and gaming market access in the State of Michigan.
SOURCE FOX Bet
Gambling in the USA
California Gambling Control Commission Advances Licensing, Tribal Partnerships, and Responsible Gaming Initiatives
Sacramento, CA — In a meeting packed with regulatory updates and licensing decisions, the California Gambling Control Commission (CGCC) convened on April 24 to advance numerous agenda items impacting the state’s gambling landscape—from tribal gaming approvals to responsible gambling programs and operator renewals.
Problem Gambling & Public Health Takes the Stage
The Commission meeting opened with a presentation by Sosha Marasigan-Quintero from the California Department of Public Health, offering an overview and update on the California Problem Gambling Treatment Services Program. While no specific staff recommendations were provided, the update underscores California’s continued focus on behavioral health in gambling.
Tribal Revenue Distribution Approved
The Commission approved the quarterly distribution of payments from the Revenue Sharing Trust Fund to eligible recipient Indian Tribes. This routine, yet vital, procedure ensures the equitable distribution of revenue to support tribal sovereignty and infrastructure across the state.
Cardroom Licensing: Approvals and Extensions
Among key licensing matters:
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500 Club Casino (K & M Casinos, Inc.) received both initial and renewal owner-type license approvals through January 2027.
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Casino Chico, Hollywood Park Casino, and Lake Bowl Cardroom were granted renewals and short-term extensions, some with conditions such as improving record-keeping systems or ensuring regulatory compliance ahead of reopening.
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Hotel Del Rio & Casino was granted a 60-day extension under several strict conditions, including updated safety plans and the restatement of commingled financial records.
Key Employee Licensing Actions
The Commission approved several initial and renewal key employee licenses. Notably:
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Jeffrey Thompson was approved with a condition prohibiting involvement in illegal gambling activities.
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Kevin Lee and George Rahme received 120-day extensions for renewal processing.
Third-Party Proposition Player Services Under Scrutiny
The Commission approved both initial and temporary licenses for Fortune Players Group, Inc., with a lengthy list of conditions tied to the conduct of a former associate, Rene Medina. These conditions highlight the Commission’s ongoing vigilance in monitoring third-party player services and maintaining compliance across operations.
Progressive Gaming, LLC was also approved for an initial license, further expanding third-party service provider capacity.
Gaming Resource Suppliers & Tribal Approvals
Initial suitability findings for several prominent tribal gaming resource suppliers were approved, including:
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HCAL, LLC
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JCM Global
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Konami Gaming, Inc.
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PDS Gaming, LLC
Dozens of tribal gaming employees were also approved for key positions at tribal casinos across California, reflecting the Commission’s continued support of tribal gaming operations and the necessary workforce to support it.
Notable Withdrawals and Denials
In two notable cases, requests to withdraw license applications—Josephine Hoang and Jesus Bojorquez—were denied, signaling the Commission’s increased scrutiny and emphasis on applicant accountability.
A Broader Look Ahead
With regulatory reform on the horizon and ongoing efforts to promote responsible gaming, the April 2025 CGCC meeting showcased a mix of routine license management and deeper engagement with emerging compliance issues. As the Commission prepares for the next quarter, the groundwork laid in this session will likely influence policy developments and enforcement trends across California’s gambling sector.
The renowned Mexican operator Logrand has installed Zitro’s new CONCEPT cabinets and a selection of its latest games at the New York Casino in Monterrey.
Building on its global success, the CONCEPT cabinet line stands out for its Magic Lighting, immersing players in a synchronized light display, resulting in a unique sensory experience. Furthermore, the cabinet’s large Screen Deck blends comfort with intuitive functionality, optimizing the experience for players and operational teams.
The installation of the CONCEPT cabinets is complemented by the addition of the medieval-themed multi-game Legendary Sword, in which players can double their prizes through unique mechanics with the help of a magic sword.
On the other hand, Fairyland Quest takes players to an enchanted forest where Magic Mushrooms give access to a different bonus each, while a friendly Fairy will give a special bonus that doubles the playing area.
Juan David Baracaldo, Director of Operations and Product, highlighted: “The addition of Zitro’s CONCEPT cabinets is a great step to continue offering unique and high-quality experiences to our players. The unique combination of technology, spectacular graphics, and the experience these cabinets offer will further elevate our casino’s entertainment offering.”
For his part, Johnny Ortiz Viveiros, founder of Zitro, expressed: “We are very excited to strengthen our partnership with Logrand, a strategic partner that shares our vision of providing exceptional gaming experiences. The new CONCEPT cabinets and games like Legendary Sword and Fairyland Quest are just the beginning of what will transform how players enjoy entertainment.”
Sky River Casino has announced that an Elk Grove resident has won a whopping $511,311 while playing progressive blackjack on March 31, 2025. The Sky River Rewards member hit the big win after playing the table game for less than an hour.
“Our progressive table games and slot machines continue to be really hot here at Sky River Casino. Our players have had an impressive number of life-changing jackpots and our winning streak continues. We look forward to the next big win and welcome adults near and far to visit to explore and enjoy our high-energy atmosphere, lively promotions, exciting gaming, and unparalleled dining experiences,” said Michael J. Facenda, President of Sky River Casino.
The lucky local guest plans to use her winnings to renovate a kitchen and build a house back home.
“Without question, the best part of my job is watching our valued members and guests experience jaw dropping wins like this one. We all share in the incredible excitement that is absolutely contagious and can be felt throughout the casino,” said Charleen Ripley, VP of Casino Operations for Sky River Casino.
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