GreatLakesStakes is an online affiliate covering the state of Michigan.
Its data shows that the last month of the year saw a 3% increase compared to November 2021, while total online sports betting handle in the state rose by 60% from the February launch of the online betting market.
Michigan sportsbooks generated $3.5bn in handle for 2021, which generated $13m in state and local taxes.
The state reported the $500m mark handle twice in 2021, for November and December.
Motor City Casino, which has teamed up with FanDuel Sportsbook, led the state’s market with $993m in revenue.
A multi-state poker agreement is currently planned for 2022, which would allow residents to play online against people residing in other states.
Brandt Iden, former Michigan Representative, helped with the crafting of the Lawful Sports Betting Act and Lawful Internet Gaming Act of 2019, and was understandably pleased.
Iden commented on the Michigan report, saying: “The opening year of sports betting has absolutely been fantastic. What I love most is that, when we were originally passing the legislation, various entities projected that by the end of the first year — between sports betting and iCasino — the total handle would be somewhere around $50m.
“The biggest surprise for me has been the immense popularity and seeing both mobile and retail sports betting operators come together, whether it's through the tribal properties, whether it's through the commercial properties. And it's one (a model) that I think that other states have replicated. We've seen Arizona replicate this.
"We've seen Connecticut replicate this. And it's become a success story, I think, across the country.”
