iGaming Drives Growth While Sportsbooks Struggle
Michigan’s online gambling market hit a new high in March, fueled by record-breaking iGaming revenue of $260.5 million — a 5% lift from January’s previous record and a 20.9% jump year-over-year. Meanwhile, the sports betting sector continued to cool, posting declines in both revenue and handle compared to 2024.
According to data from the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB), total online gambling revenue — combining iGaming and online sports betting — reached $293.5 million in March, up 6.7% from a year ago and 9.3% higher than February’s $268.5 million. After accounting for promotional spending, adjusted gross receipts came in at $260.7 million, a 17.9% increase from March 2024 and 10.3% ahead of February.
iGaming was the clear standout, delivering adjusted gross receipts of $246.1 million — setting yet another state record. Tax payments from iGaming operations totaled $50.5 million for Michigan, with Detroit’s commercial casinos contributing $13.1 million and tribal operators paying $6 million to their governing bodies.
BetMGM and MGM Grand Detroit led Michigan’s iGaming pack with $69 million in gross receipts, closely trailed by FanDuel and MotorCity Casino at $68.1 million. DraftKings, partnered with the Bay Mills Indian Community, secured third place at $41.1 million.
Sports Betting Revenue Tumbles
On the sports betting side, the numbers were less encouraging. Gross receipts fell to $33 million in March, a steep 21.2% drop year-over-year. Adjusted gross receipts were even lower at $14.6 million, a 45.3% decline from 2024.
Sports betting handle dropped 4.5% year-over-year to $475.1 million, despite a 25.1% jump from February. FanDuel and MotorCity Casino topped the sportsbook charts with $14.1 million in gross receipts from $179 million in wagers. DraftKings and Bay Mills Indian Community followed with $9.5 million off a $129 million handle, while BetMGM and MGM Grand Detroit posted $3.9 million from $70 million in bets.
State taxes from sports betting totaled $874,052, and Detroit received $281,974 in related municipal fees.
MGCB Launches Crackdown on Unlicensed Prediction Firms
Alongside the revenue reports, the MGCB announced an investigation into unlicensed sports prediction companies operating in Michigan. These platforms offer customers the ability to “trade” on sports outcomes, skirting traditional gaming regulations by framing their services as financial products rather than gambling.
Because they aren’t licensed, these firms don’t pay taxes or licensing fees to the state, prompting concerns from regulators about both lost revenue and consumer safety. The MGCB warned that these companies are not held to the same standards for identity verification, anti-money laundering compliance, or integrity monitoring that licensed operators must follow.
“Unlicensed entities not only pose a risk to consumers but also undercut the integrity and revenue-generating potential of the state’s regulated sports betting industry. We are actively investigating these practices and will pursue appropriate measures to protect Michigan bettors,” said MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams.
Regulators also criticized these firms for presenting sports betting as an investment opportunity, calling it a dangerous misrepresentation that conflicts with responsible gambling standards.
