And the first sportsbook switcheroo has officially occurred in Michigan, with European operator 888 Holdings’ Sports Illustrated-branded sportsbook taking over the ground once held by TwinSpires.
The official change happened at 10 a.m. Wednesday, according to the Michigan Gaming Control Board. The change occurred due to TwinSpires’ announcement in February that the company was getting out of the sports betting game. TwinSpires officially shuttered operations in Michigan this past Saturday.
Partnered with the Hannahville Indian Community, Sports Illustrated has thus far only requested authorization to run a sportsbook, according to information contained in a press release from the MGCB. It is expected the company will seek casino approval later this calendar year.
“The Hannahville tribe is the first operator in Michigan to change platform providers since internet gaming and sports betting began here in January 2021,” Henry Williams, the MGCB executive director, said in the release. “The tribe has found another experienced partner, and I wish them continued success.”
The Hannahville Indian Community was one of the first 10 licensees initially authorized by the MGCB to launch both an online sportsbook and casino in Michigan on Jan. 22, 2021.
Sports Illustrated-branded online sportsbooks are also up and running in Colorado and Virginia.
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