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Michigan Leads the Charge in US Online Gambling Adoption
By Shane Addinall May 17, 2021 IndustryWhen you think of Michigan one generally pictures idyllic fishing scenes and enjoyment of the outdoors, however, reports by PlayMichigan show that the state has a vibrant online gambling community that is growing from strength to strength.It is a well-documented fact that Americans love gambling online. There are still groups within the iGaming industry who speak fondly of the Golden Days, when online casino games were new to the marketplace and the USA was experiencing its next gold rush, only this time the most desirable nuggets were video slot machines and virtual blackjack tables.
While nostalgia has its place, and even its charms, the reality is that a well-regulated American online gambling industry is proving to be as fruitful for operators while also providing players with the support they need to defend against gambling harms.
Michigan Leads the Charge
When it comes to an online gambling mecca the peaceful freshwater coastline of Michigan is not the first place most people would think of, yet a recent report by PlayMichigan shows it to be one of the fastest growing online gambling centres in the USA.
PlayMichigan analyst, Jessica Welman, said:
“There is no precedent for how Michigan has responded to the launch of online casinos. It is safe to say that at some point Michigan will challenge to be the largest online casino market in the US. The only question is when.”
It seems that Michigan locals are putting the income they generate from steady well-paying jobs and high-quality education to good use at both regulated online casinos and sports betting providers.
Amazing Online Casino & Betting Results
As Michigan analysts began gathering the results of the states first 99 days as a regulated online gambling territory the results have incredible.
Thanks to an April 2021 revenue figure of nearly $250 million the online sports betting industry in Michigan officially claimed the crown as the fastest US state to ever reach $1 billion in wagers.
The total wagers figure is expected to see a marked increase once the American Football season kicks off as it is not only the most viewed sports in the US but also the one that garners the most betting action.
Online casino games are showing incredible adoption in Michigan with April 2021 revenue figures topping out at $94.9 million. This puts the casino segment at a total revenue generation of $299 million in its first 99 days.
The Benefits of Regulated Online Casino Games
With the advent of a locally regulated online casino industry in Michigan millions of dollars in taxes and fees have made their way to local state coffers rather than overseas. With a total of $299 million in gaming revenue the industry has generated $74.5 million in state income.
PlayMichigan breaks down these taxes and fees as follows:
- State taxes = $53.4 million
- City of Detroit taxes = $15.7 million
- Tribal operators = $5.4 million
Historically the money spent by the residents of Michigan would have benefitted casino operators in Atlantic City, Las Vegas or even an illegal offshore operator. This way it can make its way back into the local community and assist in service delivery, infrastructure maintenance and community upliftment programs.
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