Firekeepers Sportsbook Battle Creek Michigan

The Firekeepers Casino in Battle Creek, Michigan has announced plans to open a sportsbook on its property once the state gives the green light to allow sports betting to commence.  MichiganGovernor Gretchen Whitmer signed the Lawful Sports Betting Act in December, which opens the door for sports betting operators once regulatory, licensing and compliance issues are sorted out.  Gambling on sports is currently only accessible to Michigan residents through long established offshore betting sites.

PokerStars and PointsBet have already entered into operating agreements with existing casinos to offer sports betting in Michigan with other gaming companies sure to follow suit.

Jim Wise, vice president of marketing at FireKeepers Casino, said they have begun negotiations with a sportsbook, and the partnership could be announced as early as next week.

Jamie Stuck, tribal council chairperson of the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi, said the tribal council was happy with the decision because it offers more options to gamers attending FireKeepers Casino.

“We salute the actions of the Michigan Legislature and Governor Whitmer to proactively move to provide Michigan with the sports wagering and online casino options it citizens and visiting gamers have sought,” he said in a statement. “Passage allows Michigan’s gaming industry to keep pace with other states that have already legalized, or are poised to legalize, both sports betting along with safe, secure and regulated online gaming. We appreciate the contributions of the many stakeholders who participated in this process and the work of the Administration, key members of the House and Senate and legislative staff, who delivered what we believe is legislation that can serve as a model in other states."

- Aaron Goldstein, Gambling911.com