Online casino games in Michigan show 'zero sign of slowing down'
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January was a fourth straight record month for online casino revenue in Michigan, one of the only states with a big online casino market.
The Michigan Gaming Control Board reported Tuesday the state's gaming revenue for January 2023.
Internet gaming revenue for the month totaled $153.7 million, surpassing the previous monthly record of $152.8 million in December 2022.
Online sports betting, meanwhile, generated $33.6 million, falling 31.1% from December's $48.8 million — results that industry analysts said could have something to do with the launch of internet sports betting in Ohio.
"The January revenue release was highly anticipated, particularly regarding sports betting," PlayMichigan Lead Analyst Paul Costanzo said in a Tuesday statement. "It was the first month with Ohio in the mix, and we have a comparison to a year ago when January set the state record for sports betting handle. The 7% year-over-year drop in total handle is somewhat in line with recent trends, but Ohio being a factor certainly can’t be ruled out."
Michigan commercial and tribal operators reported combined total internet gaming gross receipts and internet sports betting gross receipts of $187.3 million the month, according to data released by the Michigan Gaming Control Board. In total, receipts fell 7.1% compared with December results of $201.6 million.
"A fourth straight record month for online casinos in Michigan is also not surprising, as that industry shows zero sign of slowing down in the state," Costanzo added. "Not only is it a record, but the 26% growth in year-over-year revenue is a great sign for the overall Michigan gaming market."
The total handle, or amount wagered, declined a fractional 0.7% in January at $475.6 million from the $478.7 million reported in December. But the total handle was 4.3% lower than the January 2022 handle of $496.8 million.
The operators delivered $26.1 million in taxes and payments to the State of Michigan last month including $24.9 million tied to internet gaming and $1.2 million from online sports betting.
The three Detroit casinos reported City of Detroit wagering taxes and municipal services fee payments of $7.5 million, with the majority of the funds tied to internet gaming.
Additionally, tribal operators reported paying $2.7 million to governing bodies.
Michigan had 14 operators offering internet gaming and 15 commercial and tribal operators offering internet sports betting in January.
The state offers a 24-hour, toll-free problem gambling helpline at 1-800-270-7117. More resources are available at michigan.gov/mgcb.
Help is also available via an online peer support forum at gamtalk.org.
