The Michigan Gaming Control Board on Tuesday said it has approved the Lac Vieux Desert Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians, and its platform provider, PointsBet, to launch internet casino gaming at 10am today.
The Tribe, which is based in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, previously received approval from the GCB to launch online sports betting on January 22.
PointsBet and the Lac Vieux Desert Band announced their partnership in January, which gave PointsBet access to Michigan.
The two parties have said they will install a retail sportsbook at Lac Vieux Desert Northern Waters Casino Resort in Watersmeet, Michigan (pictured).
PointsBet has formed partnerships with several sports teams in the Wolverine State, including MLB’s Detroit Tigers, the Detroit Pistons of the NBA and the Detroit Red Wings of the NHL. The operator said it will open a PointsBet SportsBar at the Red Wings’ Little Caesars Arena.
Former Piston Rip Hamilton is a PointsBet brand ambassador.
“The Lac Vieux Desert Tribe becomes the 12th operator to offer both forms of online gaming after meeting all regulatory requirements,” Richard Kalm, executive director, Michigan Gaming Control Board, said in a statement. “The associated revenue payments will support K-12 education, economic development and the local tribal governing body.”
The Michigan GCB said a 13th operator, Gun Lake Casino, offers internet casino gaming only with authorized provider Parx Interactive.