Sportsbook William Hill has formed a long-term partnership with the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians in Michigan.
Under the agreement, William Hill will be the exclusive provider of online sports betting and online casino gaming throughout the state, with plans to open a retail sportsbook at Turtle Creek Casino & Hotel this year, pending regulatory approvals. According to a press release, the deal follows the signing of legislation this past December which legalized both sports betting and online gaming in the state.
The William Hill Sports Book will be located in the casino’s Onyx Sports Bar with a satellite location at Leelanau Sands Casino & Lodge. William Hill also plans to launch both online casino gaming and online sports betting. Financial terms were not disclosed.
Regulations are still being drafted and in a statement, executives from the Grand Traverse tribe and William Hill said they hope to have the retail sportsbook open by football season this fall.
“We are pleased to have found a great partner in the Grand Traverse Band and look forward to working with the Tribe to bring a retail and online sports betting experience to Michigan,” said Joe Asher, CEO of William Hill U.S. “Michigan will be a key state in our U.S. expansion due to its large population and deep rooted-sports culture.”
Michael Schrader, CEO of Grand Traverse Resort & Casinos, said the tribe sought a partner with great brand and proven experience in the U.S. “William Hill’s expertise in sports betting operations and marketing and strategic media partnerships will ensure that we are able to attract customers from throughout Michigan.”
The Michigan Department of Treasury estimated sports betting and online wagering will bring in $19 million in new revenue to the state.
Thus far, William Hill has sports betting operations in nine states. The company also has a deal in place with Monumental Sports & Entertainment to build and operate a sportsbook at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. Michigan has three commercial casinos, all in Detroit, and 24 tribal-owned casinos.
