bet365 Launches in Michigan as Its 17th US State — Detroit Tigers and Red Wings Sign On as Sports Partners

bet365 Arrives in Michigan — One of the Last Big European Names to Claim a US iGaming Foothold

bet365 has launched its online sportsbook and casino platform in Michigan, completing a long-anticipated US market entry milestone. The platform went live on April 17, 2026 under the tribal gaming licence of the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians, which operate Odawa Casino in Petoskey.

What Happened

The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) authorised bet365 as the new internet gaming and internet sports betting platform provider for the Little Traverse Bay Bands, filling a gap left by PokerStars' exit from the Michigan market in late 2025. The launch covers both online casino and online sportsbook products, available to users aged 21+ within Michigan state lines. To mark the entry, bet365 has signed formal sports partnerships with the Detroit Tigers (MLB) — including branding at Comerica Park, broadcast integrations, and fan engagement programming — and with the Detroit Red Wings (NHL) and 313 Presents. Launch promotions include a 'Bet $10, Get $365' sportsbook offer and a casino welcome package of up to 1,000 free spins and a $1,000 deposit match. Michigan is now bet365's 17th active US state.

Why It Matters

Michigan is the highest-revenue iGaming market in the US on a per-state basis: March 2026 saw combined iGaming and online sports betting gross receipts of $372.1 million. For bet365 — which has historically dominated UK and European markets but has been a relative latecomer to the US — Michigan represents a commercially meaningful market from day one. The Detroit Tigers partnership is a strong local signal: MLB partnerships in iGaming markets are particularly valuable because baseball's 162-game regular season provides sustained year-round betting inventory and audience reach that shorter NFL and NBA seasons cannot match.

Industry Context

Michigan's tribal gaming framework allows federally recognised tribes to partner with commercial platform providers, enabling the tribe to hold the licence while the commercial operator provides the technology, brand, and marketing. This structure — used by DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, and now bet365 — has been the primary route for commercial online operators to access Michigan's market. With bet365's launch, Michigan now has one of the most competitive online gambling markets in the US, with all major international and domestic operators represented.