Hard Rock Bet enters Michigan with sportsbook and casino
Hard Rock Bet has launched its online sportsbook and casino in Michigan following approval from the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB). The operator partnered with Island Resort & Casino and the Hannahville Indian Community for the launch, which makes Michigan the brand’s tenth sports betting market and its second online casino state in the United States.
The MGCB approved Hard Rock Bet as Hannahville’s new platform provider on 2 December. It replaces 888 Holdings, now Evoke, SI Sportsbook & Casino, which has exited the market. The approval came after a long transition period that began when Hard Rock acquired the US customer-facing assets of 888 in early 2024.
“This expansion represents a major milestone for Hard Rock Bet and reinforces our ascent as one of the fastest growing digital gaming brands in the United States,” said Marlon Goldstein, Executive Managing Director and CEO of Hard Rock Digital. “Our launch in Michigan builds on our momentum as we bring the legendary Hard Rock experience to more fans across the country, offering a trusted online casino and sportsbook on our top-rated and easy-to-use platform.”
Regulatory approval and compliance
According to the MGCB, Hard Rock Bet has been approved as the new internet gaming and internet sports betting platform provider for the Hannahville Indian Community. The Tribe operates the Island Resort & Casino in Harris, Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Hard Rock Bet replaces 888 VHL, which has exited the Michigan market. The platform is operated by Seminole Hard Rock Digital, LLC, which has completed all MGCB licensing requirements.
With this approval, Hard Rock Bet is authorised to offer internet gaming and sports betting on behalf of the Hannahville Indian Community beginning 2 December 2025. The MGCB stated that the launch reinforces its commitment to a secure and well-regulated online gaming environment in the state.
“This approval reflects our continued focus on maintaining integrity, transparency, and consumer protection in Michigan’s online gaming and sports betting space,” said MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams. “We look forward to seeing the Hannahville Indian Community and Hard Rock provide a safe, responsible, and enjoyable wagering experience for players across the state and especially for those served by one of Michigan’s long-standing tribal gaming operators in the Upper Peninsula.”
To ensure full compliance with Michigan law and MGCB regulations, the operator and its platform provider must offer only Board-approved games and wager types, use Board-approved suppliers, Board-registered vendors, and Board-approved cashiering locations, and adhere to all Board-approved internal controls, terms and conditions, and change control processes. They must also submit all taxes, payments, and fees required under the Lawful Internet Gaming Act and Lawful Sports Betting Act, comply with all applicable statutory and regulatory provisions and Board directives, and fully adopt all Board-approved internal control amendments.
The MGCB said it remains committed to ensuring that all licensed operators and providers uphold Michigan’s standards of regulatory compliance, responsible gaming, and consumer protection.
Product offering and market entry
The Michigan launch introduces Hard Rock Bet Casino, which includes thousands of slot titles, live dealer games, and exclusive Hard Rock-branded content. The operator is also offering an in-house progressive jackpot engine. Players can access a full sportsbook that offers parlayable wagering on major sports, same game combinations, and daily promotions. Hard Rock Bet said customers will benefit from fast payouts and industry-leading customer service.
Unity by Hard Rock, the brand’s global loyalty programme, allows players to earn and redeem rewards across online play and participating Hard Rock locations. Weekly Legendary Reward Drops provide personalised rewards for online players.
Hard Rock Bet will promote the Michigan launch through a campaign across television, radio, digital, outdoor media, and more. New casino players can take part in a welcome offer of up to $1,000 back in casino bonus plus 200 bonus spins on Huff N’ More Puff. Sportsbook players can bet $5 and receive $150 in bonus bets if their first bet wins.
Hard Rock Bet said it has 4.9 stars in the App Store, which makes it the highest-rated real-money sports betting app in the United States. The platform is available through iOS, Android, and desktop.
Digital growth in the US
Michigan is the second online casino state for Hard Rock Bet after New Jersey. Sports betting is more widespread, with activity in 10 states. These are Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, New Jersey, Ohio, Tennessee, Virginia, and now Michigan.
Florida remains the driving force behind the brand. Hard Rock holds the monopoly for regulated online sports betting in the state under the 2021 gaming compact. Hard Rock Bet recently drew attention with a new game type called Games powered by Past Motor Races. It uses outcomes of real historical races and operates in a manner similar to historical horse racing machines to meet state requirements.
Retail expansion and development
The Michigan launch comes as Hard Rock expands its land-based operations. In California, the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tejon opened in mid-November as a $600 million project developed with the Tejon Indian Tribe.
On the East Coast, Hard Rock is in the final phase of the downstate licensing process in New York for its Metropolitan Park proposal in Queens. It stands alongside Bally’s and Resorts World.
Recent openings include Hard Rock’s first property in Canada, which is located in Ottawa. Last year, the company opened a casino in Rockford, Illinois, and a permanent resort in Bristol, Virginia.
Growth in Michigan’s online market
The launch places Hard Rock in a strong operating market. According to the Michigan Gaming Control Board, operators generated $278.5 million in iGaming gross receipts in October, a new state record. They also generated $73.8 million in online sports betting gross receipts. Combined online gaming activity for the month reached $352.3 million, more than 16 percent higher than September.
Online casino adjusted gross receipts grew 31.8 percent year over year. Sports betting revenue increased by more than $39 million compared to October 2024. Michigan has 15 licensed online operators, with Hard Rock Bet joining as the new provider for Hannahville.
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