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Michigan’s online sports betting and casino market saw strong numbers in May, continuing a growth trend that has positioned the state as one of the leaders in the U.S. digital gambling space. New data from regulators show an increase in both handle and revenue, while enforcement against unlicensed platforms also made headlines.
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Online sports betting brought in $50 million in gross revenue for May, up 17.3% from April and 19.3% higher than the same month last year. While the total betting handle dropped from $427 million in April to $386.1 million in May, that decline was expected. The end of March Madness and the Detroit Pistons’ early NBA playoff exit contributed to the dip.
Despite the lower handle, operator hold climbed to nearly 13%—well above the national average and higher than April’s 10.1%. That return rate was second only to January’s 14.9%.
Adjusted gross receipts for internet sports betting reached $35.6 million, marking a 35.6% increase from April and a 26.6% rise year-over-year. Operators paid $2 million in taxes and fees, and the state collected another $651,441 in additional taxes.
The iGaming side continued to dominate overall online gambling revenue. Online casino games generated $251.5 million in May. Michigan remains one of only seven states that allow online casino gaming, and the sector continues to outperform sports betting by a wide margin.
FanDuel, operating through MotorCity Casino, led all sportsbooks with $139.5 million in handle and $22.6 million in revenue. DraftKings followed with $108.2 million in wagers and $12.5 million in earnings, beating its April total despite a smaller handle. BetMGM came in third with a $54.7 million handle and $7.4 million in revenue.
Fanatics placed fourth at $30.7 million in handle and $3.4 million revenue, while Caesars reported $24.4 million and $1.4 million. ESPN Bet rounded out the top six with a $15.8 million handle and $1.8 million revenue.
In enforcement news, the Michigan Gaming Control Board took action against illegal operators. It issued cease-and-desist letters to five online casino platforms accused of violating state gambling laws, including the Lawful Internet Gaming Act. The state previously targeted offshore operators like BetUS and Bovada for similar violations.