Latest News
Michigan iGaming, Sports Betting Operators Report $242.5 Million in December Revenue, $2.3 Billion Total for 2023
Michigan commercial and tribal operators reported a combined $242.5 million total Internet gaming (iGaming) gross receipts and gross sports betting receipts in December. Gross receipts increased 15.9% compared to November.
Monthly Gross Receipts
December iGaming gross receipts totaled $181.4 million, the highest to date. The previous high was $175.3 million recorded in November of 2023. Gross sports betting receipts for December totaled $61.1 million, also the highest to date. The previous high was $54.1 million achieved in November of 2021. Last month, iGaming gross receipts were $175.3 million and gross sports betting receipts were $33.9 million.
Monthly Adjusted Gross Receipts
Combined total iGaming and Internet sports betting adjusted gross receipts (AGR) for December were $198.4 million including $163.3 million from iGaming and $35.1 million from Internet sports betting; representing an iGaming increase of 3.5% and a $34.9 million increase for sports betting when compared to November of 2023. Compared to December of 2022 reported revenues, iGaming AGR was up by 18.8% and sports betting was up by 14.3%.
Monthly Handle
Total Internet sports betting handle at $583.0 million was up by 2.5% from the $568.8 million handle recorded in November of 2023. This is the highest Internet sports betting handle to date.
Monthly State Taxes/Payments
The operators reported submitting $36.7 million in taxes and payments to the state of Michigan during December, of which:
- iGaming taxes and fees = $34.1 million
- Internet sports betting taxes and fees = $2.6 million
Monthly City of Detroit Taxes/Payments
The three Detroit casinos reported paying the city of Detroit $9.4 million in wagering taxes and municipal services fees during December, of which:
- iGaming taxes and fees = $8.4 million
- Internet sports betting taxes and fees = $1.0 million
Monthly Tribal Operators’ Payments
Tribal operators reported making $4.3 million in payments to governing bodies in December.
Annual Gross Receipts
In 2023, Michigan commercial and tribal operators reported a combined $2.3 billion total iGaming gross receipts and gross sports betting receipts; $1.9 billion from iGaming and $420.4 million from Internet sports betting, an 18.3% increase over 2022.
Annual Adjusted Gross Receipts
In 2023, Michigan commercial and tribal operators reported a combined $1.956 billion total iGaming adjusted gross receipts and adjusted gross sports betting receipts; $1.733 billion from iGaming and $223.451 million from Internet sports betting, an 18.8% increase over 2022.
Annual Handle
Total handle for 2023 was $4.6 billion.
Annual State Taxes/Payments
The operators paid $369.8 million in taxes and payments to the state of Michigan in 2023, of which:
- iGaming taxes and fees = $354.0 million
- Internet sports betting taxes and fees = $15.8 million
Annual City of Detroit Taxes/Payments
The three Detroit casinos reported paying the city of Detroit $95.8 million in wagering taxes and municipal services fees in 2023, of which:
- iGaming taxes and fees = $89.4 million
- Internet sports betting taxes and fees = $6.4 million
Annual Tribal Operators’ Payments
Tribal operators reported making $43.1 million in payments to governing bodies in 2023.
An online gaming and sports betting revenue distribution table is available on the agency’s website.
As of December, a total of 15 commercial and tribal operators have been authorized to launch iGaming and/or Internet sports betting. Currently, 14 commercial and tribal operators offer Internet sports betting and 15 operators offer iGaming. Details for each operator’s Internet gaming and Internet sports betting results are available on the MGCB website.
Gambling in any form is for entertainment purposes only. If someone has a gambling problem, please call the state’s 24-hour, toll-free helpline at 1-800-270-7117 or the MGCB’s responsible gaming section at 1-888-223-3044. Visit the Responsible Gaming page of the MGCB website for information on self-exclusion programs including the Disassociated Persons List and the Internet Gaming and Sports Betting Responsible Gaming Database and DontRegretTheBet .org for additional tools to game responsibly.
The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) shall ensure the conduct of fair and honest gaming to protect the interests of the citizens of the state of Michigan. Learn more at Michigan.gov/MGCB.
Gaming
Fourth Star Launches Immersive Media Streaming Platform
Fourth Star, the cutting-edge virtual reality immersive media streaming platform, is officially available to the public. This innovative platform transforms traditional entertainment by enabling users to seamlessly watch standard 2D, 180 and 360 immersive media content and movies. Fourth Star redefines how audiences engage with immersive storytelling, offering an unparalleled first-person centric perspective on entertainment.
“Fourth Star is more than just a platform – it’s a revolution in entertainment,” said Greg Simon, Co-Founder & CEO of Fourth Star. “We’ve created an immersive experience where users can not only consume content but also actively participate in it. Our vision is to transform how people experience media content and movies in a way that has never been done before.”
A New Era of Interactive Entertainment
The largest immersive media streaming platform available on Sidequest, users can explore nearly forty unique environments, interact with AI-driven crew, and experience entertainment in an entirely new way. Fourth Star offers a groundbreaking approach to digital engagement, whether socializing in the Cafe, customizing avatars in private Apartments or Ships, or stepping directly into a movie’s storyline.
“The combination of VR, AI, and blockchain in Fourth Star sets a new standard for immersive entertainment,” said Craig Wiltshire, CTO of Fourth Star. “Our vision is to seamlessly integrate all three technologies into the user experience. We are redefining the entertainment experience from passive observation to active creation.”
Built for Content Partners
Fourth Star is a self-serve platform designed for content partners of all sizes, from individual creators to blockbuster studios. Content partners can set up an account, create content channels, and begin monetizing their work immediately. No integration is required, allowing for seamless onboarding and instant access to a global audience. The Creator Portal empowers partners to distribute and profit from their immersive media with ease, making Fourth Star a truly open and accessible metaverse for digital entertainment.
Key Features of Fourth Star
- VR Streaming Platform – Users can access nearly forty environments and own their own luxury apartments and ships all equipped with an immersive media streaming entertainment hub.
- Social & Customization – Connect with others in dynamic social hubs, personalize your avatar, and invite your friends to your own luxury apartment and ship.
- Player Portal – Users can access the web-based marketplace to explore content, invite friends,
- Creator Portal – Set up an account, create content channels, and begin monetizing your work immediately. No integration is required, allowing for seamless onboarding and instant access to a global audience.
- Blockchain Integration – The FSTR token, built on the Polygon blockchain, powers the ecosystem, providing secure transactions and exclusive rewards.
- AI-Powered Companions – Coming soon
FSTR: The Utility Token Powering Fourth Star
FSTR serves as the primary ecosystem currency within the Fourth Star platform, enabling users to purchase Apartments, Ships, AI Companions, and exclusive content. Token holders benefit from:
- VIP Access – Exclusive events, early screenings, and red carpet experiences.
- Discounts – 25% savings on in-app purchases (IAPs) and entertainment content.
A New Paradigm in Entertainment
Fourth Star is designed to deliver the future of entertainment through merging cinematic storytelling with interactive gaming, offering:
- A seamless transition from passive to interactive experiences.
- A thriving community for players, creators, and investors.
- Advanced AI integration for interactive AI characters.
- Don’t just watch the star in the movie, become the star.
Availability and Access
Fourth Star is now live and available for users worldwide on Sidequest. Whether you’re an explorer, content creator large to small, storyteller, or entertainment enthusiast, Fourth Star provides an immersive space to experience digital entertainment like never before.
Canada
NorthStar Gaming Announces $43.4 Million Long-Term Debt Financing
NorthStar Gaming Holdings Inc. announced that the company has, subject to final approval of the TSX Venture Exchange, entered into a credit agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) in respect of a senior secured first lien term loan facility providing for loans in an aggregate principal amount of up to $43.4 million CAD (being the approximate equivalent of $30,000,000 USD) (the “Credit Facility”) to be made available by Beach Point Capital Management LP (“Beach Point”). Playtech plc (“Playtech”) and certain Playtech subsidiaries have agreed to provide credit support for certain obligations under the Credit Facility. The Credit Facility represents a significant milestone for NorthStar, strengthening its balance sheet and enabling the Company to continue to accelerate its growth initiatives.
“This is a pivotal moment for NorthStar, marking the largest financing in our history. This Credit Facility strengthens our balance sheet and directly supports our ability to scale operations and drive the business towards profitability with a single-minded focus. We are grateful to Beach Point Capital Management for their trust in our strategy and vision. We are also thankful for Playtech’s steadfast partnership which was instrumental in securing this funding, reinforcing their value both strategically and as a technology provider,” said Michael Moskowitz, Chair and CEO of NorthStar.
“Beach Point has deep experience investing across the gaming sector and is excited to partner with NorthStar to support their strategic initiatives. The online gaming sector has been growing rapidly, and this investment reflects our confidence in the Company’s leadership, market potential, and ability to deliver long-term sustainable growth. Likewise, we value the partnership with Playtech, who are contributing their leading technology, global reach, and strategic vision towards NorthStar’s continued success,” said Gabriel Fineberg, Managing Director at Beach Point.
The purpose of the Credit Facility is to support NorthStar’s continued growth by significantly strengthening the Company’s balance sheet. The Company will use the proceeds of loans made pursuant to the Credit Facility: (i) to repay the aggregate $9.5 million CAD principal amount (plus accrued interest) loaned to the Company by Playtech pursuant to unsecured, interest-bearing promissory notes dated April 25, 2024, September 13, 2024 and December 16, 2024; (ii) to fund an interest reserve account in respect of the Credit Facility in an amount equal to $7,000,000 CAD; (iii) for working capital and general corporate purposes; and (iv) to pay transaction costs in connection with the Credit Facility.
Latest News
HUFF N’ MORE PUFF Slot Arrives Online Exclusively at FanDuel Casino
FanDuel, a premier online gaming company in North America, announced the launch of Light & Wonder’s Huff N’ More Puff slot game, exclusively on FanDuel Casino. Huff N’ More Puff will be available on FanDuel Casino in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Michigan, West Virginia, Connecticut, and Ontario beginning February 4, 2025.
The online launch of Huff N’ More Puff combines one of America’s favorite slot games with the industry’s best promotions, giving online slot lovers a top-tier experience which can only be found on FanDuel Casino. Players join the Big Bad Wolf in a quest for prizes as he huffs and puffs to blow down houses to reveal rewards and prizes for real money.
“The Huff N’ Puff family of slots is one of the most popular slot series on the casino floor, and we are excited to bring it exclusively to FanDuel Casino customers. Offering our players beloved and exclusive games is a top priority for us, and bringing Huff N’ Puff to FanDuel Casino helps us continue to grow our iGaming product while offering our players more ways to win,” said Ian O’Reilly, FanDuel Casino Product Senior Director.
Vegas Matt, FanDuel Casino’s ambassador, is ecstatic that one of the most popular slots in the world, Huff N’ More Puff, is joining FanDuel Casino’s exclusive game roster. “I have been playing the Huff N’ Puff game family on the casino floor for years, and I am so excited I will now be able to play online at FanDuel Casino. The game is virtually identical to the casino floor with one extremely exciting difference, you can buy a bonus! It’s an absolute game changer.”
“We are honored to partner with FanDuel Casino to bring the Huff N’ Puff family of slot games to the iGaming space. Creating immersive content that forges lasting connections with players is core to our DNA. The Huff N’ Puff brand represents one of our top brick-and-mortar game families and we are ecstatic to work with FanDuel Casino to bring this series to life,” said Dana Jackel, VP Commercial & US Managing Director at Light & Wonder.
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