Key Moments:
- Total online gambling revenue in Michigan reached $356.3 million in January 2026, up 7.6% year-over-year
- Gross iGaming receipts soared to $298.3 million, a 20.2% rise compared to January 2025
- Gross online sports betting receipts dropped by 30.1%, settling at $58 million
Strong Performance for Online Casinos
As the new year kicked off, Michigan’s digital casino sector powered the state’s gambling industry. Online casino revenues climbed to $298.3 million in January 2026, marking a significant 20.2% increase over January 2025. Enthusiasm for digital slots and blackjack remained high, contributing to this solid performance. Even net of promotional offers, iGaming revenue delivered consistent returns, demonstrating their resilience regardless of the sports calendar.
Sports Betting Faces Decline
While online casinos flourished, sportsbooks experienced notable setbacks. Gross receipts from digital sports betting tumbled by 30.1%, amounting to only $58 million for the month. The sports betting handle – or total amount wagered – also declined by 11.5%, down to $491.3 million. The reduction in betting activity was attributed to a less exciting sports schedule, dampening enthusiasm and wallet activity among bettors. This highlighted the sports betting segment’s reliance on major events to drive volumes.
Market Leaders Retain Their Positions
FanDuel and its partner MotorCity Casino continued to outperform competitors, generating $73.3 million from their online casino operations alone. BetMGM secured second place with $65.8 million, followed by DraftKings, which posted $45.5 million in digital casino revenue.
In the sportsbook category, FanDuel led again with $22.8 million in gross receipts and maintained a 13.47% hold on total wagers. DraftKings ranked second at $16.2 million, with BetMGM in third at $8.1 million. These rankings remained unchanged amid Michigan’s fierce market competition.
| Operator | Online Casino Revenue | Sports Betting Receipts | Sports Betting Handle (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| FanDuel / MotorCity Casino | $73.3 million | $22.8 million | 13.47% |
| BetMGM | $65.8 million | $8.1 million | – |
| DraftKings | $45.5 million | $16.2 million | – |
Detroit Land-Based Casinos Remain Resilient
Detroit’s trio of casinos delivered $103.9 million in January revenue. Slot machines and table games produced a small year-over-year increase of 0.8%. However, retail sportsbooks at these venues suffered a sharp 69.5% drop. MGM continued to command the market with a dominant 49% share, while MotorCity and Hollywood Casino maintained their presence despite intensifying competition from mobile operators.
Significant Tax Revenue for State and City
Gambling operators in Michigan provided $57.1 million in taxes and state payments for January. Detroit’s city government gained an additional $13.9 million. These revenues deliver essential support for schools and infrastructure projects, underpinning the sector’s significance for the local economy and public services.
- Author
Daniel Williams
