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Sports Illustrated Sportsbook and Casino emailed customers last week with a timeline that lays out the company’s departure from the Michigan gambling market.
The last day of wagering on the site is July 28, and new registrations and deposits have already been halted.
The operator has had plans to pull out of Michigan for more than a year. Originally it had planned to exit in Q4 2024 but then pushed it to Q1 2025.
The operator is now officially set to exit the Michigan sports betting and Michigan online casino markets in 3Q 2025.
All funds must be taken out by Aug. 25
Sports Illustrated has not been in Michigan long. The operator launched its iGaming platform in February 2023 and added sports betting in September 2024.
A Sports Illustrated customer sent PlayMichigan an email from the company detailing its exit from the Great Lakes State.
“We want to thank you for being a loyal customer of SI Sportsbook & Casino. Unfortunately, we have had to make the difficult decision to close the business. It has been a pleasure serving you with an experience that we hope you have enjoyed.
“The last day of wagering for SI Sportsbook & Casino, including all jackpots, will be July 28, 2025. No new deposits or registrations will be accepted after June 25, 2025.
“Please note that certain wagers may not be accepted based on date of settlement. Wagers already made that are scheduled to be settled after the last day of wagering will be paid out to your account as winners based on odds on the closing date.”
Sports Illustrated is instructing customers to electronically withdraw all funds by Aug. 25.
Online casino license up for grabs
Sports Illustrated did not make much of an impact in either vertical. The operator accounted for well under 1% market share in online casino revenue and sports betting handle in May.
The company leaving the Michigan gambling market gives the state 14 online casinos and 12 sports betting platforms. The Michigan Gaming Control Board allows for 15 operators in each market.
An existing operator in Michigan is allowed to purchase Sports Illustrated’s license and two skins. Caesars bought out WynnBet’s license last year and launched a new brand, Horseshoe Casino, in October.
The last online casino spot could prove especially valuable, as Michigan has been the No. 2 online casino market in the US, only behind Pennsylvania, since the start of 2024.
