Michigan’s FireKeepers Casino Launches Retail Sports Betting with Scientific Games
Second Major Tribal Launch for Scientific Games with Digital Sports and iGaming to follow
Scientific Games Corporation has launched retail sports betting for FireKeepers Casino, owned by the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi (NHBP), and is working with FireKeepers to expand that effort to include digital sports betting and iGaming when regulation opens within the state of Michigan.
The first stage of FireKeepers’ launch includes the deployment of Scientific Games’ OpenSports™ product suite for retail sportsbetting at ‘Dacey’s Sportsbook’, which opened in June, offering hundreds of markets across all US Sports along including international soccer and baseball and golf.
The go-live signals the first tribal operator to launch sports betting in Michigan and builds on Scientific Games’ strong Tribal partnerships after the successful launch of retail sports in New York with the Oneida Indian Nation.
Following a new bill passing in the state of Michigan, Scientific Games will also deliver its OpenGaming™ and OpenSports™ products to launch FireKeepers’ new digital sports betting and casino offering.
FireKeepers Casino first opened in 2009 and has become one of the biggest tribal gaming operators in the US. The casino, based in Battle Creek, features 2,900 slots machines, 70 table games, multiple restaurants and lounges alongside its new retail sportsbook.
Jordan Levin, CEO, Scientific Games Digital said, “FireKeepers are one of the leading casinos in the state of Michigan and the Midwest. It builds on our strategy to partner with forward-thinking tribes as regulations evolve. We were the first to partner with a tribe in New York through our agreement with Oneida and now we’re proud to launch the first tribe in Michigan with FireKeepers.”
Levin continued, “Retail sports is live via our OpenSports™ solution and the state of Michigan is preparing for a digital go-live for sports and iGaming - both of which are now key parts of our agreement with FireKeepers- as early as Q4 2020. They have a wonderful team and we’re looking forward to building out their full product suite with the launch of OpenGaming™ once regulations permit.”
Kathy George, Chief Executive Officer, FireKeepers, said, “These are exciting times for FireKeepers Casino and launching our retail sportsbook is the realization of a major strategic objective. The team at Scientific Games have been integral to delivering this fantastic new offering for bettors in Michigan. We keenly await the opportunity take both our sports and our casino online with their player-centric technology and global expertise.”
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About FireKeepers Casino Hotel
FireKeepers Casino Hotel, located just off Interstate 94 at Exit 104 in Battle Creek, MI, has been named Best Casino by audiences in Western Michigan and Northern Indiana, plus earned multiple awards in the Casino Player Magazine Best of Gaming 2019 Native Midwest category, including Best Casino. FireKeepers was recognized as 2019 Employer of the Year by Michigan Works! Association and was also selected as one of the Best Casinos to Work For by Casino Player Magazine. FireKeepers' signature restaurant, Nibi, is a multiple recipient of the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence. The property features 2,900 slot machines, 70 table games, a live poker room, and bingo room. FireKeepers offers a AAA-rated Four Diamond resort-style hotel with 243 rooms, a functional multi-purpose event center, six distinctive dining destinations, and multiple lounges. Driven by high demand, construction on a second hotel tower is underway and expected to be complete in 2021. FireKeepers is the title sponsor of the FireKeepers Casino 400, a NASCAR Cup Series race at Michigan International Speedway, and a host of the FireKeepers Casino Hotel Championship a Symetra Tour-Road to the LPGA golf event. For more information, visit www.firekeeperscasino.com.
About Scientific Games
Scientific Games Corporation (NASDAQ: SGMS) is a world leader in entertainment offering dynamic games, systems and services for casino, lottery, social gaming, online gaming and sports betting. Scientific Games offers the gaming industry's broadest and most integrated portfolio of game content, advanced systems, cutting-edge platforms and professional services. Committed to responsible gaming, Scientific Games delivers what customers and players value most: trusted security, engaging entertainment content, operating efficiencies and innovative technology. For more information, please visit scientificgames.com.