Caesars Entertainment is expanding its footprint in the US iGaming with the acquisition of WynnBET’s Michigan iGaming operations, includin market access rights with the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians. It’s a big deal that sees one major US casino grabbing a big chunk of a lucrative market, while another casino giant slowly steps back from that same market.
Though specifics of the transaction weren’t made public, it’s actually a bit more complicated than it seems on the surface. As part of the deal, Caesars will gain access to the Sault Tribe’s iGaming skins. That means that all of WynnBET’s Michigan customers, along with everyone who has signed up with any of the brands doing business under the Chippewa license, will become Caesars Entertainment customers. Since the company already operates Caesars Casino and Caesars Palace Casino, they’re all set to be a dominant force in the Michigan iGaming market.
Matt Sunderland, SVP & Chief iGaming Officer for Caesars Entertainment channeled the excitement of the deal in a recent press release saying, “As we continue to grow our iGaming franchise, the assumption of WynnBET’s iGaming operations in Michigan allows us to tap into a significant market and customer base, providing a crucial step forward in growing our digital products and offering players more ways to play. We are honored to work with the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians and look forward to growing with them in Michigan.”
Austin Lowes, Chairman of Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians was similarly enthusiastic adding, “It was paramount that our next partner in iGaming possessed both expertise in the U.S. iGaming market and a history of strong partnerships in Indian country. We believe we found that with Caesars and look forward to being part of their new iCasino offering.”
Caesars Entertainment’s acquisition of WynBET’s Michigan operation is pending subject to regulatory approval.