Michigan’s online gambling momentum dips in April

While a dip after a record month might sound like a red flag, industry observers view the April numbers as a minor correction rather than a reversal. And with iGaming continuing to deliver strong year-over-year growth, some believe Michigan’s digital betting boom is still gaining steam.

Online slots and table games lead the line

Online slots and table games made up the bulk of Michigan’s internet gaming activity once again, contributing $248.1 million in gross receipts. 

Adjusted Gross Receipts (AGR) for iGaming, which exclude promotional credits, came in at $233.1 million, down 5.3% from March but up 33.9% year-over-year.

Sports betting painted a more dynamic picture. 

Gross receipts jumped to $42.6 million in April from $33 million in March, while adjusted gross receipts rose sharply to $26.8 million, an 83.4% monthly increase. 

The total online handle hit $417.6 million, down from March but 4.7% ahead of last April.

FanDuel reclaim top spot

FanDuel, partnered with MotorCity Casino, reclaimed the top spot among Michigan’s digital operators with $67.6 million in gross receipts and $63.5 million AGR. 

BetMGM (MGM Grand Detroit) followed closely at $64.9 million gross and $61 million adjusted, while DraftKings and Bay Mills rounded out the top three with $42.5 million and $40 million, respectively.

In sports betting, FanDuel once again led the charge with a $154.6 million handle and $19.1 million in gross receipts, good for a 12.35% hold. 

DraftKings trailed with $10.5 million from a $114.9 million handle, while BetMGM managed $5.8 million from $53.9 million wagered.

Tax contributions 

Despite the modest drop in total revenue, online gambling generated $49.6 million in taxes and payments in April.

iGaming was responsible for $48.2 million of that, with sports betting adding another $1.4 million. 

Detroit’s three commercial casinos contributed $13.1 million to the city in taxes and fees, while tribal operators paid $5.6 million to their respective governments.

The East Coast iGaming charge

Michigan’s April performance comes just as neighboring New Jersey reported $235.2 million in internet gaming revenue for the month, its second-highest total ever. 

While New Jersey’s numbers highlight strong eastern momentum, Michigan’s slight dip may simply reflect market normalization after an exceptional March.

With 15 licensed operators and strong year-over-year gains in iGaming, Michigan’s digital gambling scene appears well-positioned for future growth, even if every month isn’t a record-breaker.