Michigan online casino players will soon have a 14th option as Hard Rock Bet is preparing to go live in the Great Lakes State. New Jersey is the only other U.S. jurisdiction where the product is available. The sports betting app is live in nine states.
A specific go-live date has yet to be announced for Michiganders. Hard Rock Bet has created an entire webpage introducing its product to potential Michigan customers that says:
“Hard Rock Bet hopes to bring its top-rated online casino app to Michigan. In doing so online casino players from all corners of the state, from Detroit to Grand Rapids, to Traverse City and even the Upper Peninsula would be able to enjoy the industry’s best selection of casino titles, promotions, and rewards on Hard Rock Bet.
“This page has been curated to cover everything related to online casinos in Michigan so that readers will know the ins and outs of the marketplace, and what would make Hard Rock Bet stand out as the best online casino in Michigan.”
Michigan legislation permits up to 15 online casinos, many of which have been live since January 2021. The odd timing is associated with Sports Illustrated Sportsbook and Casino leaving the state over the summer. This opened up a spot for Hard Rock Bet.
In 2024, Hard Rock acquired the U.S. assets of 888, the company that rebranded its namesake product to Sports Illustrated. The SI branding failed to resonate with users and had a tough time competing against the likes of DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, and others.
Even though it owns 888’s U.S. assets, Hard Rock Bet is still required to go through the full licensing process with the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB). The Hard Bet Michigan website does not include any dates regarding when the product is expected to be available. The MGCB doesn’t publicize where operators stand in the licensing process.
Once Hard Rock Bet gets the regulatory green light to launch, users will find a solid variety of slots and table games. Slot titles will include:
The operator also offers exclusive games like Hard Rock Gold Blitz, Hard Rock Respins, and Hard Rock Pork N Roll. Hard Rock Bet also offers blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and live dealer games.
Michigan’s 13 online casinos generated $259.1 million for September, which was a decrease from the $263.3 million reported the previous month. The $259.1 million ranks third on the all-time list. The August total remains the current monthly record.
Like in other legal iGaming markets, FanDuel Casino leads the pack with $592.4 million in year-to-date revenue.
In New Jersey, the one state where the Hard Rock Bet online casino app is live, Hard Rock Bet is among the top 10 revenue generators. However, the brand is not in the same league as the top performers. Looking at September results from the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement, Hard Rock earned $14.2 million, good enough for sixth overall. Like with Michigan, FanDuel led the way with $56.6 million.
Time will tell how Hard Rock Bet fares in Michigan. Online casino players can at least look forward to a new offering coming soon.
