Press Releases
PlayMichigan.com: Sports betting drops for second consecutive month

Michigan’s sports betting volume slumped for the second consecutive month in May. Meanwhile, online casinos remained achingly close to the state’s first $100 million revenue month — another impressive total for what has already become one of the three largest online casino markets in the U.S. in less than five months, according to PlayMichigan, which analyzes and researches the state’s regulated online gaming and sports betting market.
“Online casinos don’t face the same dramatic seasonal variances as sports betting does, so they act as a steadying force for the industry,” said Jessica Welman, analyst for PlayMichigan.com. “On the other hand, sportsbooks have been hit by the seasonality of sports betting and struggling local teams. It appears they will have to wait until the end of summer before substantial growth can be expected again.”
Michigan online sportsbooks took in $237.6 million in wagers through the 31 days of May, down 4.9% from $249.9 million over the 30 days of April, according to official data released Tuesday by the Michigan Gaming Control Board. Combined with $20.2 million in retail handle, which was announced last week, Michigan’s online and retail sportsbooks took in $257.7 million in bets. That total is down 6.0% from $274.2 million in bets in April.
Gross operator revenue from online betting fell 4.5% to $19.5 million in May from $20.4 million in April. That produced $9.9 million in taxable revenue, down from $10.9 million, yielding $993,784 in state taxes.
With its 28.5% drop in wagering, Michigan’s April handle represented the steepest month-over-month decline among the 10 largest sports betting markets in the U.S. May’s results so far lags behind other states that have already reported April data, too. Iowa’s wagering was down 2.9% in May, for example, while Indiana’s handle rose 7.6%, to $254.4 million.
A slowdown in sports betting from April until the kickoff of football season is inevitable in nearly every state. But Michigan’s decline has been more pronounced because as the initial enthusiasm that came from the launch of online betting began to settle, the sports schedule also waned. Even more, all of Detroit’s professional teams that were in action in April and May — the Pistons, Red Wings, and Tigers — struggled mightily.
“A lack of success from Detroit teams naturally saps interest, and Michigan is facing too many short-term factors to overcome completely,” said Matt Schoch, analyst for PlayMichigan.com. “Despite the declines in betting volume, there aren’t any systemic issues. Even if the Lions’ prospects are equally dim, substantial growth will almost certainly return with the beginning of football season.”
FanDuel/MotorCity Casino led all online sportsbooks with $71.2 million in wagering, down from $74.2 million in April, and $9.3 million in gross sports betting receipts, up from $7 million. That total yielded $7.4 million in taxable revenue.
DraftKings/Bay Mills Indian Community followed with $66.7 million in wagers, up from $61.5 million in April. Gross gaming revenue fell to $1.9 million from $3.4 million in April. BetMGM/MGM Grand Detroit remained third with $51.6 million in bets, down from $54.9 million in April while producing $5.3 million in gross receipts and $2.7 million in taxable revenue.
The online market leaders were followed by:
- Barstool/Greektown Casino ($18.2 million handle, down from $24.8 million in March; $1.1 million gross revenue, down from $2.4 million)
- PointsBet/Lac Vieux Desert Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians ($11.4 million handle, down from $14.1 million; $1 million GGR, up from $807,988)
- William Hill/Grand Traverse Bay Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians ($6.2 million handle, down from $7 million; $217,050 GGR, down from $346,865)
- FOX Bet/Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians ($5.1 million handle, down from $5.5 million; $338,049 GGR, down from $371,271)
- BetRivers/Little River Band of the Ottawa Indians ($2.8 million handle, up slightly from April; $76,004 GGR, down from $172,146)
- Twin Spires/Hannahville Indian Community ($1.5 million handle, down from $1.9 million; $95,645 GGR, down from $163,524)
- Wynn/Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians ($1.4 million handle, down from $1.9 million; $168,874 GGR, down from $177,154)
- Golden Nugget/Keweenaw Bay Indian Community ($923,269 handle, down from $874,114; $10,750 GGR, up from -$2,623)
- Four Winds Sportsbook/Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians ($545,937 handle, up from $345,719; -$20,000 GGR, down from $7,908)
“The next few months should help bring innovation from sportsbooks, as each operator experiments with ways to spur interest during the slow season,” Schoch said. “Those developments could be unique promotions built around the upcoming Olympics, or interesting NBA playoff or baseball bets. Regardless, innovation in a competitive market is ultimately good for the entire industry.”
Online casinos and poker
Revenue for Michigan’s online casinos and poker rooms hit $94.9 million in May, essentially even with April but still just below the record $95.1 million reached in March. May’s win breaks down to $3.1 million per day of the 31 days of the month, down slightly from $3.2 million per day over the 30 days of April.
The win produced adjusted gross receipts of $89.1 million, up from $88.9 million in April. That total yielded $18.1 million in state taxes and $7.1 million in local taxes.
Michigan is still trying to join New Jersey and Pennsylvania as the only states to reach $100 million in revenue over a single month. The growth has stalled in recent months, but online casinos overall have grown far more quickly than any other U.S. online casino market. Since January, online casinos and poker have generated $393.9 million in revenue and $99.7 million in state and local taxes. By comparison, online and retail sportsbooks have generated $123.5 million in revenue and just $5.2 million in state and local taxes.
“Online casinos have become a powerhouse of revenue generation,” Welman said. “Revenue has remained high, even as retail casinos around Detroit have become more accessible. Looking ahead, the popularity of these games should remain — and likely expand — over the next few months, even as retail casinos’ operations continue to steady.”
Other highlights from May:
- BetMGM/MGM Grand Detroit led with $36.1 million in gross receipts, yielding $10.6 million in state and local taxes.
- FanDuel/Motor City was second with $16.3 million in GGR, producing $4.3 million in state and local taxes.
For more information and analysis on regulated sports betting in Michigan, visit PlayMichigan.com/news.
About the PlayUSA.com Network:
The PlayUSA.com Network is a leading source for news, analysis, and research related to the market for regulated online gaming in the United States. With a presence in over a dozen states, PlayUSA.com and its state-focused branches (including PlayMichigan.com, PlayNJ.com, and PlayPennsylvania.com) produce daily original reporting, publish in-depth research, and offer player advocacy tools related to the advancement of safe, licensed, and legal online gaming options for consumers. Based in Las Vegas, the PlayUSA Network is independently owned and operated, with no affiliations to any casino — commercial, tribal, online, or otherwise.
Latest News
BETesporte Reinforces Commitment to Sports with Major Investments Across Brazil

Investment in championships, clubs, and national teams expands media assets and positions BETesporte as a key player in Brazil’s sports market.
BETesporte, a betting platform that proudly carries “sports” in its name, is reaffirming its leadership in the industry by reporting consistent investment results over the past four months. While most betting platforms generate the majority of their revenue from online games (virtual casinos), BETesporte stands out as one of the few where sports betting leads the way — accounting for 65% of its total revenue, compared to 35% from online games. This figure directly reflects its brand strategy and commitment to strengthening Brazilian sports.
“Over the last four months, we’ve consolidated our presence on multiple fronts, focusing on strategic returns and high-quality visibility. We’ve sponsored several state championships in all regions of the country, including the Paulista, Paranaense, Carioca, Alagoano, Gaúcho, Pernambucano, Cearense, Catarinense, Baiano, and Mineiro tournaments, as well as the highly engaging Copa do Nordeste. We’ve also invested in Series A and B of the Brasileirão, placing our brand on Brazil’s biggest football stages and ensuring mass exposure with a high value per impression. It’s a strategic allocation of resources designed to generate brand impact and strengthen the Brazilian sports ecosystem,” said Thiago Carvalho, CFO at BETesporte.
Among the platform’s most notable recent acquisitions is brand exposure during Brazil’s national team matches in the World Cup Qualifiers — a move that reinforces BETesporte’s presence on the global football stage and strengthens its connection with fans during highly visible moments.
“We truly believe in the power of sports as a driver of connection and engagement. At BETesporte, we’re constantly investing in improving our platform with new features and more real-time betting options. Our marketing plan is performance-oriented: we aim to energize Brazil’s sports scene through active sponsorships in Series A and B of the national league — with master sponsorships, LED field displays, and direct club support. We bet on sports both as a passion and a business,” added Danylo Campos, CTO of BETesporte.
Beyond football, BETesporte is expanding its social impact by supporting up-and-coming athletes, providing financial assistance to help them compete and grow in sports like kickboxing, table tennis, and jiu-jitsu — an initiative that helps uncover new talent and democratize access to high-performance sports.
The company also maintains partnerships with traditional clubs like CRB, CSA, and Volta Redonda, reinforcing its regional presence and boosting local fanbases with strong community ties.
BETesporte’s credibility is further strengthened by the presence of legendary Brazilian football figures as brand ambassadors, including Zico, Vampeta, Diego Souza, and Macaé — personalities who bring even more legitimacy to the company’s presence in the sports world.
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.
Latest News
CONCEPT AND NEW GAMES REVOLUTIONIZE PALACE BINGO & SPORTS BETS IN CANCÚN

Palace Bingo & Sports Bets Casino in Cancún has taken a major step forward by introducing Zitro’s revolutionary CONCEPT cabinet line and new games that promise to elevate the gaming experience in this iconic Mexican tourist destination.
The newly installed titles—Legendary Sword, Triple Charm Journey, Fairyland Quest, and Merging Fu Pots —are designed to appeal to all types of players. They feature stunning graphics, innovative mechanics, and rewarding prizes that enhance the excitement of play.
Representatives from El Palacio de los Números commented: “The addition of Zitro’s games and CONCEPT cabinets at our Cancún casino has been an overwhelming success. Player feedback has been exceptional, with many praising the visual quality, engaging gameplay, and the wide range of prizes. This new offering is undoubtedly transforming the gaming experience on our floor.”
Johnny Ortiz Viveiros, founder of Zitro, added: “We’re very pleased that Palace Bingo & Sports Bets Casino in Cancún has again chosen Zitro to innovate its entertainment lineup. The combination of our CONCEPT cabinets and new games provides a unique player experience and drives profitability for the operator.”
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