Sports Illustrated Casino and Sportsbook plans to leave the Michigan gambling market in Q1 2025, according to a trading update filed last month. That is later than the original timeline Evoke, formerly 888 Holdings, told PlayMichigan in May.
An Evoke spokesperson confirmed that it planned to pull SI out of the state in Q4 of this year.
However, the timeline has been pushed back. The company referred PlayMichigan to the trading update, which stated the following regarding a departure from the Great Lakes State:
“Conclusion of sale of New Jersey and Virginia businesses with full exit from US B2C now expected in Q1 2025 with the sale of Colorado and Michigan.”
What the delayed exit means for Michigan gamblers
Evoke did not provide a reason for pushing back the date to leave the state. However, through the rest of the year, there will still be 15 Michigan online casinos.
When Evoke told PlayMichigan of its plans in May, the spokesperson made it clear that the operator would “remain very much open for business and committed to delivering fantastic betting and gaming experiences for players in the state.”
That looks to remain true, as the SI casino still contains slots, table games and live dealer titles.
The operator also appears to be releases new games, too. There’s a section in the casino that’s labeled “New Released Slots.” Here are some slots that are available, which includes getting customers ready for the holiday season:
- Santa Spins
- Snowy Secrets
- Tiki Fortune
- Knights of Avalon
- Loaded 7s
The sportsbook also looks fully operational, with lines available for the upcoming slates of NFL and college football.
What will happen to license currently occupied by SI
The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) caps the number of operators to 15 in the state. With SI leaving within the first three months of 2025, that’ll open up a spot for a newcomer.
There has been speculation of Hard Rock expanding and entering the Great Lakes State. It has positioned itself to do so after acquiring 888 Holdings’ US assets in March.
Despite the acquisition, the MGCB told PlayMichigan that Hard Rock must apply for its own online casino license to launch successfully.
If Hard Rock doesn’t pounce, the vacancy can be filled with an existing operator in the state. Caesars recently bought out WynnBet’s license earlier this year, and launched a new brand, Horseshoe Casino, last month.
When SI finally does leave the market, any operator will be able to capitalize, other than Caesars because it has already reached two brands in the state.
As one of the top gambling markets in the US, all operators should have their sights set in Michigan.
