Sports betting is now live at the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi’s Four Winds Casinos properties in New Buffalo, Hartford, and Dowagiac.
To commemorate the launch, former Chicago Bears legend and Super Bowl champion Steve “Mongo” McMichael placed the first bet at Four Winds New Buffalo. His wager of choice? $20 on the Chicago Bears to win the Super Bowl, a long-shot bet that would net McMichael $820 if the Bears take it all.
“We are very excited that we now offer sports betting as part of our growing list of amenities at our casino locations in Michigan,” said Matthew Wesaw, Tribal Council Chairman and CEO of the Pokagon Gaming Authority.
Frank Freedman, Chief Operating Officer of Four Winds casinos, said “The Pokagon Band and its Four Winds Casinos continually strive to exceed expectations and enhance the entertainment experience of our guests. We feel the Four Winds Sportsbook will add an additional level of excitement sports enthusiasts have been looking for.”
On-Premise Wagering At Four Winds
Four Winds partnered with Kambi to launch sports betting at its Michigan casinos. The partnership includes a Bring-Your-Own-Device program for seamless mobile wagering while bettors are at one of the three properties.
Patrons can use their mobile device to scan a QR code, which directs them to the Four Winds betting website. Once players select their wagers, they receive a second QR code. Scan it at the sportsbook cashier counter and the bets will be placed.
For a more traditional on-premise sports betting experience, each property has self-service kiosks. Four Winds New Buffalo has 18 kiosks while the properties in Hartford and Dowagiac each have six.
Available Sports Bets In Michigan
Though Covid-19 has brought most sports betting leagues to a complete stop, Michigan’s laws allow for a wide roster of wagers. Gamblers in the state can enjoy sports betting on professional sports popular across the US such as basketball, baseball, hockey, and football. Right now, futures bets are on offer as leagues work out start dates amid the global pandemic.
College sports are available as well, and Michigan has no restrictions on NCAA bets. Many states prohibit wagers on matches that include in-state schools, but Michigan has no such restrictions. Wolverine and Spartan fans can bet on their home team without issue.
The international sports scene is reflected in the offering as well, with bets available on global sports like soccer, table tennis, cricket, and darts.
The jury’s still out on esports betting, however. Michigan’s legislation doesn’t have any specific language that allows or prohibits esports wagering. The state could release a formal stance on esports betting in the future, but for now, it remains nebulous.
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