Online casino revenue in Michigan is experiencing some ups and downs.
iGaming revenue dipped 10% in April, but the state saw a growth of 21% year over year. And despite the lower numbers, the Michigan Gaming Control Board reported that operators produced nearly $193 million in April, which is the second-best month ever.
Michigan’s March revenue were the highest in state history, so matching those figures in April was expected to be difficult.
But what’s encouraging operators is that since Michigan’s online casino launch in 2021, revenue has exceeded $190 million only twice: in April and March of this year.
Online Casino Market Very Strong in Michigan
A closer look at the number points out just how impressive the performance has been.
With six consecutive months of revenue exceeding $175 million, Michigan’s online casino market has been consistently strong.
In March, the state set a record by reaching $215.2 million in revenue. While it couldn’t surpass $200 million for a second straight month, Michigan also solidified its position as the No. 2 iGaming state in the US, ranking between Pennsylvania and New Jersey once again.
The revenue figures for April were as follows:
- Pennsylvania: $212.2 million
- Michigan: $192.9 million
- New Jersey: $187.9 million
So, the overall trend remains positive.
Which Individual Casinos Fared Best in Michigan in April?
MotorCity Casino generated over $50 million in revenue for the second time, hinting at its potential maturity after three years of growth.
On top of that, MGM Grand Detroit, the state’s top online casino in terms of revenue, delivered a strong performance, while Bay Mills, the third-largest iGaming earner, exceeded $38 million in winnings for only the second time since 2021.
| Casino | Gross Revenue, April 2024 | Gross Revenue, March 2024 | Gross Revenue, 2024 |
| Motor City Casino | $50,701,752.86 | $57,585,012.01 | $199,644,905.81 |
| MGM Grand Detroit | $49,795,508.49 | $54,678,061.36 | $203,061,301.74 |
| Bay Mills Indian Community | $38,503,700.36 | $40,424,938.18 | $152,092,185.96 |
Among the three commercial casinos, MGM maintained its lead with a market share of 46%. MotorCity and Hollywood Casino at Greektown, on the other hand, held market shares of 30% and 24%, respectively.
The three casinos paid the city of Detroit $9.8 million in taxes and municipal services fees, which was nearly 11% less than March’s total of $11 million.
Sports Betting Handle Also Up and Down
Despite a decline in sports betting handle, Michigan’s online sports betting operators still saw significant year-over-year growth. In April, they accepted approximately $399 million in bets, down from $480.4 million in March.
But on the flip side, monthly adjusted gross receipts (AGR) from online sports betting reached nearly $28 million, reflecting a 13.3% increase compared to the previous year.
Growth Expected to Continue in Michigan
In the short term, experts expect a revenue dip in May before numbers start to rebound in July and August.
Once football returns in September, it will be on target to usher in the second $200 million month in state history.
Other things to watch for in Michigan in the coming year:
- September, October, and November could eclipse $200 million in revenue.
- Revenue may hit $200 million in back-to-back months.
- Every month in the year might post at least $180 million in revenue.
So, the stage is set for some monumental sports betting and iGaming numbers. We’ll keep our eyes on the scoreboard.
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