PlayMichigan: Handle, Revenue Rises at Sportsbooks in June

LAS VEGAS, July 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Michigan's online and retail sports betting volume rose slightly in June but remained relatively low as sportsbooks continued to slog their way through the summer slowdown. But with the first significant jump in taxable revenue and an online casino industry that remains a reliable revenue generator, the industry has much to look forward to when summer turns to fall, according to PlayMichigan.

"Michigan's sportsbooks grew so quickly from January through March that the slowdown that has followed might feel more dramatic than the reality," said Jessica Welman, analyst for the PlayUSA.com Network, which includes PlayMichigan.com. "Sportsbooks remain in excellent position for a ramp up when football season approaches. Until then, they will have to rely on opportunities such as the Olympics and the NBA Finals to stoke interest."

Michigan's online sportsbooks accepted $235.1 million in wagers over the 30 days of June, down 1.0% from $237.6 million over the 31 days of May, according to official data released Monday by the Michigan Gaming Control Board. With $24.4 million in retail handle, announced earlier this week, Michigan's online and retail sportsbooks took in a combined $259.4 million in bets. That total is up 0.7% from $257.7 million in bets in May.

April, May, and June are typically three of the slowest sports betting months of the year, but no major U.S. sports jurisdiction has experienced a steeper decline from March's highs as has Michigan. June's combined handle is off 32.4% from the record $383.7 million combined handle in March. By comparison, Indiana's sports betting volume dropped 22.2% from March to June, and Iowa is down 31.1%.

Gross gaming revenue at online sportsbooks rose 28.2% to $24.9 million in June from a $19.5 million total in May. And June's online sports betting hold of 10.6% for operators was their best for any full month in Michigan. After promotional credits, online sportsbooks produced $16.8 million in taxable revenue, up from $9.9 million. That yielded $1.4 million in state and local taxes from online betting.

"We've been waiting for a bump in taxable revenue that led to a real increase in tax revenue, which we finally got in June," said Matt Schoch, analyst for PlayMichigan.com. "If there has been a disappointment with Michigan's launch, it's that tax revenue gains have lagged. So hopefully, this will continue into the fall, when we know revenue from sports betting will make a big leap forward."

FanDuel topped the online market in June with a $77.3 million handle, up from $71.2 million in May. That led to a market-best $10.3 million in gross sports betting revenue, up from $9.3 million. June's action produced $8.1 million in taxable revenue.

"FanDuel really opened up a significant market share lead, which will be difficult for any rival to overcome," Schoch said.

Online casinos and poker

Revenue from Michigan's online casinos and poker rooms fell to their lowest level since February. In all, gross gaming revenue from online casinos and poker fell to $89.2 million, down 5.9% from $94.9 million in May.

Over the 30 days of June, online casinos and poker rooms produced $3.0 million per day, down from $3.1 million per day in May. Ultimately, that yielded $13.7 million in state taxes and $5.0 million in local taxes.

Since launching in January, online casinos and poker rooms have generated $483.1 million in revenue and $118.4 million in state and local taxes.

"It's not surprising to see revenue drop a bit during the summer months, when people tend to spend less time indoors," Welman said. "Overall, the online gambling market has been remarkably consistent so far. Growth will return — probably in the fall when the weather begins to turn. In the meantime, online casino gaming will continue to be the most dependable source of revenue for operators and for the state that Michigan's gaming industry can provide."

BetMGM/MGM Grand Detroit easily topped the online casino and poker market once again with $33.8 million in gross gaming revenue.

For more, visit PlayMichigan.com/news.

About the PlayUSA.com Network:

The PlayUSA.com Network and its state-focused branches is a leading source for news, analysis, and research related to the market for regulated online gaming in the U.S.

Contact:
Zack Hall, Catena Media, 775-338-0745, [email protected]

SOURCE PlayMichigan.com