Canada
Michigan Loses Nearly $100M in Casino Tax Revenue, According to PlayMichigan
The closure of 26 casinos in Michigan has cost the state and local governments nearly $100 million in tax revenue during the first three months of the shutdowns, according to a new analysis by PlayMichigan.
As Michigan moves toward reopening its casinos, PlayMichigan’s analysis shows how much revenue has been lost over the last three months.
“The closing of the state’s casinos has left a revenue hole in the Michigan budget that will be very difficult to fill. It shows just how difficult the road that lies ahead is as the state begins to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic,” Dustin Gouker, lead analyst for PlayMichigan.com, said.
According to the analysis authored by PlayMichigan.com’s Matt Schoch, the closures have resulted in a loss of $44.6 million in tax revenue for the city of Detroit, $44.2 million in tax revenue for the state of Michigan, $7.5 million in revenue for various local governments.
Combined, that is $96.3 million in lost revenue for state and local governments. And that number will continue to increase until every casino has reopened and recovered.
“The response to the pandemic was swift and understandable, but the toll has been significant in terms of tax revenue. And that is just one facet. Operator revenue has completely dried up, and that will have long-term ramifications, too, including job losses,” Gouker said.
The good news is many tribal casinos have reopened, albeit with reduced capacity and other limitations. And Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has expressed hope that Detriot casinos can reopen before July 4. But that too will come with restrictions that will continue to affect revenue, including a 15% capacity limit and a smoking ban on the casino floor.
In addition, new revenue will flow soon. Sportsbooks, which launched on March 11, were shuttered after collecting less than $600,000 in sports bets over six days. But with the sports world beginning to reopen—including the NBA in late July, which should draw significant interest—sports bettors will drive revenue never realized before.
“With the sports world figuring out a safe way to reopen, sportsbooks will be a key to Michigan’s recovery efforts. After three long months, a return to something resembling normal is welcome for everyone, including state and local governments and the operators themselves. If Michigan can avoid major setbacks, casino revenue will only help as the whole state recovers,” Gouker said.
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Hard Rock Digital announced the official launch of Hard Rock Bet in Ontario, Canada, marking the company’s first international market expansion and bringing its award-winning mobile sportsbook and online casino platform to players across the province.
Hard Rock Bet enters Ontario with a differentiated offering that combines a premium online sportsbook experience with one of the largest online casino selections in the market, featuring more than 3000 games, including top slots, table games, and live dealer content from leading providers. The platform delivers an intuitive player experience, fast deposits and withdrawals, and parlay wagering across fan-favorite sports from around the world. Ontario players will have access to exclusive Legendary Reward Drops at launch, as well as online Unity Points, which can be redeemed in the Hard Rock Bet Reward Store.
The Ontario launch reflects Hard Rock Digital’s commitment to building a truly local presence in Canada. Hard Rock Bet draws on the legacy of Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa, which has established itself as a trusted destination in the province. The company has an Ontario-based marketing team and a 24/7 local customer support operation to provide players with around-the-clock service.
“Expanding into Ontario with Hard Rock Bet marks the first time we’ve brought our platform to an audience outside the US. We’re excited to introduce Ontario players to a premium entertainment experience that reflects the energy and service synonymous with the Hard Rock brand. And by investing in local talent, local partnerships, and localized customer support, we’re creating an experience designed specifically for Ontario players,” said Marlon Goldstein, Executive Managing Director & CEO of Hard Rock Digital.
“Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa has the reputation of bringing people together for amplified entertainment experiences, and we’re excited to see that spirit extend into the digital space. The launch of Hard Rock Bet is a natural next step for the Hard Rock brand in Ontario, and we look forward to building on that connection with guests and players over time,” said Christine Crump, President of Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa.
The launch will also be supported by connections to Toronto’s iconic music scene, including a collaboration with Canadian artist Choclair that remastered a celebrated 20-year-old track, “Let’s Ride,” to celebrate Hard Rock Bet’s arrival in Ontario.
Hard Rock Bet is available for download via iOS and Android and can also be played on desktop via HardRockBet.ca.
The post Hard Rock Bet Brings World-Class Sports Betting and Online Casino to Ontario appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.
Supplier says its slot content is live across most tier-one Alberta brands, extending its Canadian footprint to three provinces.
1X2 Network has gone live in Alberta, launching with seven operators in the province’s newly regulated iGaming market.
The supplier said the rollout covers the majority of Alberta’s tier-one brands. It added that its content has secured homepage placement across operator lobbies since the market opened, with Iron Dog Studio’s 3 Hot Chilli Peppers featuring on the homepages of most operators in the province.
The Alberta launch follows 1X2 Network’s existing presence in Ontario and Quebec. The company said Alberta will be treated as a core market for future game releases, with new titles included in its ongoing release schedule for the province.
Kevin Reid, Chief Executive Officer at 1X2 Network, said: “Going live in Alberta with seven operators is a fantastic start and a real milestone in our North American journey.
“North America is a primary focus for us this year, and Alberta is now a core market for everything we release. We’re excited to build on this momentum as we expand further across the region.”
The post 1X2 Network launches in Alberta iGaming market with seven operators appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
1X2 Network has deepened its commitment to North America by going live in Alberta, launching with seven operators in the province’s newly regulated iGaming market. The rollout spans the majority of Alberta’s tier-one brands and reinforces the supplier’s decision to make the region a primary focus for the year ahead.
Since the market opened, 1X2 Network content has secured prominent homepage placement across operator lobbies, giving its studios immediate visibility with Albertan players from day one. Leading the way is Iron Dog Studio’s 3 Hot Chilli Peppers, the network’s flagship title, which currently features on the homepages of most operators in the province.
The launch builds on the momentum 1X2 Network has established in Ontario and Quebec, where its content has resonated strongly with local players. On the back of that success, the supplier has confirmed Alberta as a core market for all future game releases, ensuring new titles reach Albertan players as part of its ongoing release schedule.
Alberta represents the latest step in a wider North American growth strategy, with its Canadian presence now spanning three provinces.
Kevin Reid, Chief Executive Officer at 1X2 Network, said: “Going live in Alberta with seven operators is a fantastic start and a real milestone in our North American journey.
“North America is a primary focus for us this year, and Alberta is now a core market for everything we release. We’re excited to build on this momentum as we expand further across the region.”
The post 1X2 Network goes live in Alberta as North American expansion gathers pace appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.
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