177% up to 5BTC + 77 Free Spins!
New players only. Exclusive Welcome Bonus of 177% + 77 Free Spins
The operator of Sports Illustrated (SI) Casino and Sportsbook, Evoke Gaming, has delayed its intended exit from Michigan. The withdrawal has been postponed to the first quarter of 2025 from its original date of late 2024. This move, which will affect operations in states including Colorado, New Jersey, and Virginia, is consistent with Evoke’s plan to completely withdraw from the business-to-consumer (B2C) gaming sector in the United States.
The extension allows SI Casino to continue operating in Michigan for a few more months, a market that has proven challenging since its rebranding from TwinSpires to Sports Illustrated earlier in 2024. Despite the brand’s recognition, SI Casino struggled to gain traction, consistently ranking at the bottom among Michigan’s 15 licensed online casinos. From June to September 2024, monthly revenue from the platform fell below $1 million, underscoring the difficulties in penetrating this highly competitive market.
Evoke attributed its U.S. market exit to low revenue and operational challenges, though specifics on the delay were not disclosed. According to Evoke’s Q3 2024 report, “Conclusion of sale of New Jersey and Virginia businesses with a full exit from U.S. B2C now expected in Q1 2025 with the sale of Colorado and Michigan.” While Evoke’s U.S. operations face setbacks, the company reported a 3% revenue growth in Q3, driven by solid performance in international markets like Italy and Spain.
With SI Casino’s impending departure, Michigan’s online gaming landscape could soon see new players. The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) caps licenses at 15, so SI’s vacancy could attract interest. Rumors suggest that Hard Rock, following its acquisition of 888 Holdings’ U.S. assets, may be considering Michigan as its next market. However, Hard Rock would need to secure a new license from the MGCB to operate in the state.
Should Hard Rock decide against entering Michigan, other operators may seize the opportunity. Earlier in 2024, Caesars expanded its presence in Michigan by acquiring WynnBet’s license, rebranding it as Horseshoe Casino. However, with Caesars already established in Michigan, it’s unlikely the company will pursue another license in the region.