DraftKings Secures Agreement with Bay Mills Resort & Casino

Categories: News, Michigan | Published by: Alex W

09/06/2020

DraftKings Sportsbook has made a move into Michigan with Bay Mills Casino partnership

One of the most well-known operators in the United States, DraftKings, has found a way to enter the Michigan betting market. The fantasy sports giant has announced it has reached an agreement with Bay Mills Indian Community, a tribe that currently operates two casinos in the Wolverine State. As a result of this partnership, Michigan will become the eighth state to host the DraftKings online sportsbook. This news comes before Michigan have launched their online sports betting market.

As well as mobile and online sportsbook websites, the partnership will give sports fans in Michigan the chance to place sports bets in person at a retail betting location at Bay Mills Resort & Casino.

DraftKings Adds Another State

DraftKings initially entered the online sports betting market by launching in New Jersey in 2018. Since then, it has enjoyed plenty of success in the Garden State and has grasped the opportunity to launch in other states that have passed legislation to regulate online wagering.

Since its market debut in New Jersey, the DraftKings sportsbook now has a presence in; Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Indiana, New Hampshire, Iowa, and Colorado. As well as this, DraftKings has retail sportsbooks in Iowa, Colorado, New Jersey, New Hampshire, New York, and Mississippi.

DraftKings recently launched their daily fantasy sports in Michigan and have seen their success continue to grow. The operator became a publicly-traded company earlier this year and has seen its stocks rise from $17 to $41. The company believes Michigan has enormous potential for online sports betting, which was reflected in their press release announcing the news. Ezra Kucharz, DraftKings’ Chief Business Officer, stated that DraftKings would offer a ‘best-in-class experience’ for the already burgeoning gaming opportunities in Michigan.

Bay Mills Embraces Sports Betting

As part of the agreement, DraftKings will operate a branded brick-and-mortar sportsbook at Bay Mills Resort & Casino, the longest-running casino in Michigan. The Bay Mills tribe was one of 15 partnerships available for sportsbook operators and eventually ended up landing a partner quite late in the day compared to other land-based casinos.

They do say ‘good things come to those who wait,’ and Bay Mills has undoubtedly gained a considerable asset in DraftKings. This is especially true when you consider other properties that have renowned sportsbooks on board, such as William Hill, BetMGM, FanDuel, PointsBet, and Fox Bet.

Bay Mills has gained a powerful partner in DraftKings. The company has built up a loyal following through its daily fantasy sports offering, and people feel comfortable with them. Bay Mills is excited at what may lie ahead. Upon announcing the news, Bryan Newland, tribal chairman for the Bay Mills Indian Community, said, “Expanding on what entertainment options we can offer at Michigan’s longest operating gaming facility is always our goal. Our new on-site DraftKings Sportsbook will be one more great reason for Michiganders to vacation with us in the Upper Peninsula.”

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