Michigan iGaming Makes $261.7 Million, Wolverines Basketball Coach Warns Players from Betting

The iGaming sector in Michigan generated a total of $261.7 million in revenue during October, according to the latest figures. 

The Michigan Gaming Control Board’s latest monthly report shows that the 14 online casino operators in the state combined to generate $261.7 million in adjusted gross receipts during the month, representing a year-on-year increase of 31.8% on last October’s $198.6 million. 

However, a prominent Michigan head coach, Dusty May, has warned about the dangers of sports betting in the wake of multiple scandals in professional sports over recent weeks. 

Fanatics Revenue More Than Doubles 

The latest figures for iGaming show that 11 of the 14 operators still taking bets in October reported an increase in revenue from the previous year. However, the most impressive performance was from Fanatics, which more than doubled its revenue year-over-year, rising by 158.7% from $5.8 million in October 2024 to just under $15 million. 

Hollywood Casino saw a double-figure percentage increase of 83.3%, while market leader FanDuel Casino improved by 41.2% year-over-year from $50.6 million to $71.4 million. 

The biggest loser was the Four Winds online casino, which saw revenue fall 41.1% year-on-year from $3.8 million to $2.2 million. Additionally, the PokerStars online casino saw a double-digit revenue decline of 19.8%, falling from $2.3 million to $1.9 million. 

Michigan’s Dusty May Urges Caution as Wolverines Head to Las Vegas

Meanwhile, as Michigan men’s basketball prepares for the high-stakes Players Era Tournament in Las Vegas, worth $1 million to the winners, their head coach, Dusty May, is drawing a firm line on the rising influence of sports gambling. 

Speaking to the press, May warned that those in the sport stay as far away as possible from gambling, warning that even casual conversations can reveal sensitive information. The coach pointed to recent betting scandals across various sports, including cases involving former NBA and MLB personnel, as evidence of the risks faced by athletes and staff.

May expressed concern about prop bets, which hinge on specific player actions and can heighten the risk of insider details being misused. While he acknowledged that gambling drives attention and revenue, May said he remains vigilant and immediately shuts down any inquiries about team matters, even from friends, to avoid complications. 

Michigan Regulators Tighten Focus After National Betting Scandal

In light of the scandals in the NBA and MLB, Michigan’s regulators are also taking a closer look at sports betting. 

The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) stated that it will enhance protections aimed at detecting and deterring misconduct. Licensed operators must sign up for integrity monitoring programs, maintain internal controls to detect fraud, and refuse bets from anyone with non-public information. 

The Board’s Executive Director, Henry Williams, noted that prop bets may require further restrictions and warned the public about illegal gambling operations that lack consumer protections.