Scientific Games Corporation (SG) has launched retail sports betting at the FireKeepers Casino in Battle Creek, Michigan, owned by the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi (NHBP). The firm has also confirmed it will work with the venue to introduce digital sports betting and igaming when regulation opens within the Wolverine State.
The first stage of FireKeepers’ launch includes the deployment of SG’s OpenSports product suite for retail sports betting at Dacey’s Sportsbook, which opened in June, offering hundreds of markets across all US sports including international soccer and baseball and golf.
The go-live signals the first tribal operator to launch sports betting in Michigan and builds on SG’s strong tribal partnerships after the successful launch of retail sports in New York with the Oneida Indian Nation.
Following a new bill passing in the state of Michigan, Scientific Games will also deliver its OpenGaming and OpenSports products to launch FireKeepers’ new digital sports betting and casino offering.
FireKeepers Casino first opened in 2009 and has become one of the biggest tribal gaming operators in the US. The casino features 2,900 slots, 70 table games, multiple restaurants and lounges alongside its new retail sportsbook.
Jordan Levin, CEO, Scientific Games Digital, explained: “FireKeepers are one of the leading casinos in the state of Michigan and the Midwest. It builds on our strategy to partner with forward-thinking tribes as regulations evolve. We were the first to partner with a tribe in New York through our agreement with Oneida and now we’re proud to launch the first tribe in Michigan with FireKeepers.
“Retail sports is live via our OpenSports solution and the state of Michigan is preparing for a digital go-live for sports and igaming – both of which are now key parts of our agreement with FireKeepers – as early as Q4 2020. They have a wonderful team and we’re looking forward to building out their full product suite with the launch of OpenGaming once regulations permit.”
FireKeepers CEO Kathy George said: “These are exciting times for FireKeepers Casino and launching our retail sportsbook is the realization of a major strategic objective. The team at Scientific Games have been integral to delivering this fantastic new offering for bettors in Michigan. We keenly await the opportunity to take both our sports and our casino online with their player-centric technology and global expertise.”
