PointsBet and Stars Group seal Michigan tribal deals

Australian sports betting operator PointsBet and PokerStars and Fox Bet operator the Stars Group each signed a market access agreement with a Native American tribe for a path into Michigan’s regulated betting and igaming market.

The moves follow the ratification of Brandt Iden’s bill to legalise betting and igaming in the state, House Bill 4311, on 19 December.

The Stars Group agreed a deal with the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians (LTBB Odawa), granting the operator first skin market access to operate real-money betting, poker and casino in the state, subject to license availability, state law and regulatory approvals. In return, the tribe will receive a share of revenue generated from the igaming offerings.

“We are excited to announce this agreement with the Odawa tribe, which further strengthens our market access as we work to continue to build our Fox Bet business into one of the leaders in the emerging US online betting and gaming market,” Fox Bet chief executive Robin Chhabra commented.

PointsBet has partnered the Lac Vieux Desert Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians. Through its 20-year agreement, PointsBet will launch mobile and desktop sports betting offerings in the state, as well as a branded tribal product. The partnership could be expanded into the retail channel in future, with PointsBet in negotiations to operate a sportsbook at the tribe’s Northern Waters Casino Resort.

PointsBet's deal with the Lac Vieux Desert Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians is also subject to license availability, state law and regulatory approvals.

PointsBet group chief executive Sam Sewell said he was pleased to work with a tribe such as the Las Vieux Desert Band.

“PointsBet is pleased to have reached an agreement for both online sportsbook and online casino operations with such a forward-thinking tribe and we look forward to many years of great success working together in Michigan,” Sewell said.