Hard Rock Bet was approved for launch in Michigan on Tuesday, adding another online sportsbook to the state’s catalog.
Key Takeaways
- Hard Rock Bet secured a market-access partnership with Island Resort & Casino in Harris.
- Michigan now has 12 online sportsbooks of a maximum 13 allowed by state law.
- The Hard Rock Bet online casino is now approved for its second state.
The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) confirmed Hard Rock will assume the title of internet gaming and sports betting platform provider for the Hannahville Indian Community, which operates the Island Resort & Casino in Harris. The state requires all online licensees to secure a partnership with a land-based casino.
Hard Rock Bet will replace 888 VHL, which had replaced SI Sportsbook. 888 VHL has exited the Michigan market.
“This approval reflects our continued focus on maintaining integrity, transparency, and consumer protection in Michigan’s online gaming and sports betting space,” said MGCB executive director Henry Williams. “We look forward to seeing the Hannahville Indian Community and Hard Rock provide a safe, responsible, and enjoyable wagering experience for players across the state - and especially for those served by one of Michigan’s long-standing tribal gaming operators in the Upper Peninsula.”
The agreement approves Hard Rock Bet to offer sports betting services in Michigan as of Tuesday.
Hard Rock Bet stated the company “had its eyes on the Great Lakes State,” which it hoped to service with “the nation’s top-rated mobile betting app,” promotions, and an array of betting markets.
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Michigan’s sports betting market
The Michigan sports betting market is one of the largest in the United States.
As such, Hard Rock Bet is only allowed to offer approved games and forms of wagering and use MGCB-approved suppliers and vendors at MGCB-approved locations.
Hard Rock Bet is also responsible for following a variety of rules regarding internal processes and reviews and meeting the state’s legal standards outlined in the Lawful Internet Gaming Act and Lawful Sports Betting Act.
The MGCB noted in its announcement it's committed to holding licensed operators to “Michigan’s high standards of regulatory compliance, responsible gaming, and consumer protection.”
Michigan’s list of available online sportsbooks now includes:
- BetMGM
- BetRivers
- Caesars
- DraftKings
- Eagle Casino & Sports
- Fanatics Sportsbook
- FanDuel
- FireKeepers
- Four Winds
- Play Gun Lake (Parx)
- theScore Bet
Hard Rock Bet online casino launch
Tuesday’s announcement didn’t only approve Hard Rock for sports betting - it also allowed the company to unveil its online casino brand to Michigan players.
Michigan is one of only seven states with legal online casinos. Hard Rock Bet’s online casino had only been legal in New Jersey prior to Tuesday.
