DraftKings opened its first retail sportsbook in Michigan over the weekend, celebrating the grand opening of its Bay Mills Resort & Casino property in the Upper Peninsula.
Leaders from the casino, the Sault Ste Marie Chamber of Commerce, and the sportsbook operator were at the venue for the ceremonial ribbon cutting in Brimley on Sunday before inviting guests to stay for the Green Bay Packers-Detroit Lions game, which the Lions won by a score of 15-9.
The new sportsbook includes a wall of eight high-definition TVs, three odds boards, four betting kiosks, and live in-game betting, along with cocktail service and a variety of food and entertainment options.
“We’re excited to finally launch the retail DraftKings Sportsbook in our casino,” Richard LeBlanc, general manager of Bay Mills, said in a statement. “It has been equally gratifying to demonstrate our DraftKings partnership to our guests and community, which will positively impact our region for years to come.”
Sports betting available 24-7
The new sportsbook is open seven days a week, with food and beverage service available starting at 11 a.m. The kiosks in the sportsbook and on the casino floor will be available 24 hours a day.
“We are thrilled to expand our partnership with the Bay Mills Indian Community and to create an amenity that all guests can enjoy at one of the premier entertainment destinations in Northern Michigan,” said Michael Kibort, senior director of retail sportsbook operations at DraftKings. “Our new sportsbook at Bay Mills Resort & Casino will offer sports fans an unmatched high-energy, year-round, immersive sports betting experience.”
Bay Mills, owned and operated by the Bay Mills Indian Community of the Anishinaabe People, is the longest-operating casino in Michigan. It sits on the shore of Lake Superior about 20 miles from the Canadian border.
Michigan legalized sports betting in December of 2020, and DraftKings was among operators taking mobile bets on the launch date of Jan. 22, 2021.
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