Online Gambling News - Around the Horn

Now and then, it's nice to update online gamblers on what's going on in the U.S. online gambling market. Here are some recent news tidbits out of Michigan and Minnesota.

Sports Illustrated Leaving Michigan Online Gambling Market

It was only 17 short months ago that Sports Illustrated introduced its sports betting brand in Michigan. They did so when TwinSpires exited the market, opening up an available license. It's noteworthy that up to 15 sports betting licensees are allowed to operate in the state at any given time. 

Sports Illustrated originally partnered with 888 Holdings to enter Michigan and Colorado. After 888 Holdings was purchased by Evoke, the new partner decided to break its contract with the media company on all fronts. This was done in March 2024. The dramatic move to take Sports Illustrated Sportsbook out of Michigan is expected to take place by the end of the year, giving existing customers plenty of time to locate a new sports betting home. 

With Sports Illustrated exiting the market, it opens up a license for another sports betting operator to enter the market. 

From a business perspective, this move makes sense. SI has consistently been ranking at the bottom in Michigan for sports betting handle and revenue.  

In a discussion with PlayUSA.com, an Evoke spokesperson stated:

“We’re currently planning our transition out of Michigan and aiming towards completion in Q4 of this year, subject to regulatory approvals. Until then, we remain very much open for business and committed to delivering fantastic betting and gaming experiences for players in the state.”

Sports Betting Legislations Fails in Minnesota

As of Monday, May 20, 2024, the last legislative session in Minnesota was officially closed. It created a lot of frustration and displeasure because one important topic never made it to the House floor for discussion and a vote. That would be sports betting legislation. 

The frustration came as the state looked like it had finally reached the point where sports betting would become a reality in Minnesota. A lot of hard work had been done over the prior two years to bring Minnesota's Indian community and horse racing industry together in an agreement over the split of sportsbetting revenue.

Along with Minnesota residents who have been craving the opportunity to bet on sports from home, the Indians and race tracks were the main stakeholders in the sports betting realm. While seemingly having the votes to get this done in the House, it was not to be.

If anyone wanted to point out a reason for sports betting not hitting the House floor, it would have to be pure politics. With the legislative session clock ticking, chaos broke out over bills related to family leave, equality, and abortion. Eventually, the clock struck 12, and the sports betting legislation was ignored.

Of course, all is not lost. There would appear to be enough momentum to take this issue into the January 2025 legislative session where proponents can take another swing. It's just a matter of waiting a few more months despite the frustration.