Michigan’s live casino space is set to gain a third entrant after the state’s Gaming Control Board approved Authentic Gaming to compete with Playtech and Evolution.
In a move that will represent the company’s North American debut, the group, which forms part of the Light & Wonder stable, will livestream real-time casino table games with live dealers from a Farmington Hills studio.
The regulatory green-light was issued after fulfilling Michigan internet gaming regulatory requirements, including an onsite review by MGCB staff.
Authentic Gaming initially provided live dealer games through the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community with its platform provider Golden Nugget Casino under the Golden Nugget brand, and the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians with its platform provider Rush Street Interactive under the BetRivers brand.
The firm is said to be ready to offer a “wide range of live dealer gaming options”, including blackjack, baccarat, and roulette. Playtech and Evolution were authorised in December 2021 and July 2021, respectively.
“Live dealer online casino table games offer an immersive and engaging gambling experience that combines the convenience of online gaming with the authenticity of the environment in a land-based casino,” noted Henry Williams, MGCB Executive Director.
“Players can enjoy the excitement of playing their favourite casino games with real dealers in real-time, all from the comfort of their home or wherever they may be.”
In a recent financial filing, Michigan commercial and tribal operators saw igaming and sports betting revenue dip slightly through August, in comparison to the previous month. However, this was significantly higher on a year-over-year basis.
According to MGCB data, the 15 online casino and sports betting operators in the Wolverine State earned a combined gross receipts of $175.4m in August, down 0.4 per cent when compared to July’s $176.1m.
