Michigan Sets Record State Numbers in March

Michigan’s online gambling sector reached unprecedented heights in March 2025, driven by strong performance in the igaming segment. According to newly released data from the Michigan Gaming Control Board, total online gambling revenue climbed to $293.5 million, marking a 6.7% increase from February and a 9.3% rise year-on-year. This growth underscores the increasing dominance of digital gambling options in the state, particularly as igaming continues to break monthly records. Adjusted gross receipts—after accounting for promotional credits—stood at $260.7 million, reflecting a 17.9% increase from March 2024 and 10.3% more than February. The data confirms that igaming, more than any other segment, is driving the industry’s upward trajectory.

In particular, igaming alone brought in $260.5 million in March, surpassing the previous record of $248 million set in January 2025. This represents a 5% increase from that record and a 20.9% jump compared to March of last year. Adjusted gross receipts for igaming also hit an all-time high of $246.1 million, a 26.5% year-on-year increase, highlighting the segment’s rapid and consistent growth. These numbers reflect a maturing market with a growing customer base, improved platform experiences, and increased operator competition driving performance. This segment’s expansion is also fueling significant contributions to public funds through taxation.

 

Market Developments

Market leadership in igaming shifted in March as BetMGM, in partnership with MGM Grand Detroit, reclaimed the top position, reporting $69 million in gross receipts and $64.8 million in adjusted receipts. Close behind was FanDuel, aligned with MotorCity Casino, which brought in $68.1 million gross and $64 million adjusted. DraftKings and the Bay Mills Indian Community maintained a strong presence with $41.1 million in gross receipts and $38.7 million adjusted. These three operators continue to dominate Michigan’s igaming space, reflecting broader national trends in brand strength and user loyalty. Their performance significantly impacted the state’s tax collections, with igaming operators paying $50.5 million in taxes to Michigan, while the city of Detroit received $13.1 million. In addition, tribal operators contributed $6 million to their respective regulatory bodies, reinforcing the economic importance of online gambling to local and state budgets.

In contrast, Michigan’s sports betting market experienced a notable decline in March. Total gross receipts from online sports betting fell to $33 million, down 21.2% from the same month last year. Even more striking, adjusted gross receipts plummeted 45.3%, reaching just $14.6 million. Player activity also declined, with total sports betting handle coming in at $475.1 million, a 4.5% decrease year-on-year. The industry’s hold—or the percentage of money retained by operators—stood at 6.95% based on gross receipts and only 3.07% based on adjusted receipts. These figures suggest that fewer high-margin outcomes and increased promotional activity may have eroded operator profitability.

Despite the overall downturn in sports betting, FanDuel and MotorCity Casino retained their leading position with $14.1 million in gross receipts from a handle of $179 million, yielding a hold of 7.88%. DraftKings and Bay Mills came in second with $9.5 million in gross receipts off a $129 million handle, for a 7.36% hold. BetMGM and MGM Grand Detroit followed with $3.9 million in gross receipts from $70 million, translating to a 5.57% hold. The sports betting downturn also affected tax collections, with operators contributing just $874,052 to the state and $281,974 to the city of Detroit. These lower figures stand in sharp contrast to the rising contributions from igaming, further emphasizing the current market divergence.

Meanwhile, the Michigan Gaming Control Board also reported mixed results from Detroit’s three commercial land-based casinos. Total revenue from these properties reached $117.4 million in March, which is 5.3% lower than March 2024 but 18.8% higher than February 2025, indicating a partial recovery from a sluggish start to the year. Revenue from table games and slot machines totaled $116.8 million, down 4.5% year-on-year. Retail sports betting fared worse, with adjusted gross receipts falling 64.3% to just $571,216 on a total handle of $12.1 million, yielding a hold of 4.72%.

Among Detroit’s casinos, MGM Grand Detroit held the largest market share at 46%, followed by MotorCity Casino at 31%, and Hollywood Casino at Greektown with 23%. In total, Detroit’s commercial casinos paid $9.5 million in state gaming taxes and $13.9 million to the city. They also contributed a modest $21,592 to the state and $26,390 to Detroit from retail sports betting activity. These results reflect ongoing challenges for physical venues as consumer preference continues shifting toward digital platforms.

 

While Michigan's igaming market continues to break records, the decline in sports betting highlights the volatility inherent in the sector. Consumer behavior is shifting, and operators will need to adapt to maintain profitability in an increasingly competitive landscape.

Bottom Line

March 2025 highlighted a clear divide in Michigan’s gambling market. While online igaming continued to accelerate and set new financial benchmarks, sports betting showed signs of cooling, particularly in terms of adjusted revenue and player engagement. Detroit’s land-based casinos showed some resilience but remain under pressure from both digital competition and shifting consumer behavior. As igaming cements its role as the state’s primary gambling revenue driver, stakeholders will be watching closely to see whether sports betting can rebound in the months ahead—or if this downturn signals a broader plateau in that segment.