Just weeks following Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed a bill that legalized online gaming – such as on-line poker – among the world’s leading on-line poker operators has announced a partnership having a nearby tribe.
The Stars Group, the parent business of PokerStars and FOXBet, announced an agreement with Small Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians Gaming Authority that gives it “first skin market access to operate and brand real-money on-line betting, poker, and casino” to Michiganders. This makes PokerStars the first on-line poker operator to announce a companion in Michigan since the bill was signed.
PokerStars still needs regulatory approval from the Michigan Gaming Manage Board before launching.
“We are excited to announce this agreement using the Odawa tribe, which additional strengthens our marketplace access as we work to continue to develop our FOX Bet company into one of the leaders within the emerging U.S. on-line betting and gaming market,” stated Robin Chhabra, Chief Executive Officer, FOX Bet.
The agreement also enables The Stars Group to provide sports betting and casino games.
“The Tribe’s partnership with the Stars Group extends beyond our reservation and locations the thrill of world-class sports betting and on-line gaming under every finger-tip sliding across a touch screen within the State of Michigan,” stated Fred Harrington Jr., Tribal Council, LTBB Odawa.
PokerStars presently operates two sites within the United states of america. In New Jersey, PokerStars NJ launched in March 2016 in partnership with Resorts Casino Hotel. In November 2019, PokerStars PA launched in Pennsylvania in partnership with Mt. Airy Casino. The two sites don’t share visitors with every other and there is no indication that either site will share liquidity with Michigan.
LTBB Odawa currently operates the Odawa Casino Resort in Petoskey and the Odawa Casino Mackinaw in Mackinaw City. The Petoskey location includes a poker room with six tables whilst the Mackinaw venue has no poker room or table games whatsoever.
As a part of this partnership, LTBB Odawa will obtain a share from the income generated by PokerStars and FOXBet goods within the state.