bet365 enters Michigan gambling market after Pokerstars bombshell
bet365 has officially entered the Michigan online gambling market after securing regulatory approval from the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB), replacing PokerStars as the platform provider for the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians.
The approval allows Hillside Michigan LLC, trading as bet365, to operate both online casino gaming and sports betting on behalf of the Odawa Casino in Petoskey. bet365 assumes the licence vacated by PokerStars, which recently exited the Michigan market as part of a broader strategic shift to integrate its poker operations into the FanDuel ecosystem across North America.
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The move marks bet365’s third US iGaming market, alongside New Jersey and Pennsylvania, and reinforces its growing footprint in regulated states. The operator also maintains a strong presence in neighbouring jurisdictions including Ohio and Ontario.
Michigan regulators confirmed bet365 has met all licensing and compliance requirements, including strict rules around approved games, suppliers, internal controls and tax obligations. The MGCB said the approval reflects its continued focus on maintaining integrity and consumer protection in the state’s regulated wagering environment.
bet365 enters one of the most competitive online gambling markets in the US, with 15 existing licence holders spanning commercial and tribal operators. Seven major sportsbook brands are already active, including BetMGM, DraftKings and FanDuel.
The opportunity for entry emerged on April 1 following PokerStars’ withdrawal from its tribal partnership, creating a pathway for a new operator. bet365 is also the second major brand to enter Michigan in recent months, following Hard Rock’s launch in December.
The UK-based gambling operator is expected to aggressively target market share, launching with a suite of promotional offers including deposit matches and free spins, alongside features such as in-play betting and its “Early Payout” product.
Michigan remains one of the top-performing online casino markets in the US, regularly competing with Pennsylvania and New Jersey for national revenue leadership. The state surpassed $300 million in monthly gross gaming revenue for the first time in December, underlining its importance for operators seeking scale in regulated markets.
