SI Casino Launches in Michigan

On February 7th, Sports Illustrated launched the SI Casino app in its first market, making history for the sports magazine brand. The new casino app takes the place of TwinSpires Casino, which began phasing out its sports betting and casino apps in February 2022.

The long-predicted casino project for Sports Illustrated was finally accomplished last week, and Michigan now has 15 regulated online casinos once again. 

A Sports Illustrated-themed casino was initially predicted when SI Sportsbook was first announced. Thanks to a partnership with 888 Holdings, the Hannahville Indian Community, and the Island Resort and Casino in Harris, Michigan, Sports Illustrated was the selected sportsbook to replace TwinSpires. 

“I wish the Hannahville tribe continued success as they once again may offer their customers both internet gaming and internet sports betting in Michigan,” said Henry Williams, MGCB executive director, in a statement. 

TwinSpires Exit

Last February, TwinSpires made the call to leave the sports betting market to focus on its successful horse racing product. TwinSpires CEO Bill Carstanjen announced that the sports wagering brand was struggling to compete in such a highly competitive market with very little room for up-and-coming brands like TwinSpires. Although TwinSpires has remained profitable in the horse wagering market, its sports betting and casino ventures underperformed. 

“The Hannahville tribe is the first operator in Michigan to change platform providers since internet gaming and sports betting began here in January 2021. The tribe has found another experienced partner, and I wish them continued success,” said Williams.

888 Holdings’ VHL, Michigan LLC obtained approval from the Michigan Gaming Control Board to become the new sports betting platform for the Hannahville Indian Community’s online sports wagering brand back in September 2022. The Hannahville Indian Community operates the Island Resort and Casino in Harris, Michigan. 

After TwinSpires left the online sports betting and igaming market to focus on horse wagering, the Hannahville Indian Community lived without that income for a couple of months. The sports betting turnover was rather quick, but for online casino gaming, that meant a five-month pause without that revenue. Understandably, it took some time for Sports Illustrated and 888 to put together the resources needed to create an online casino product. 

After the long wait, however, the SI Casino is here!

SI Casino Initial Game Offerings

SI Casino has some notable competition in the Great Lake State. Brands like BetMGM, DraftKings, FanDuel, and Caesars have all dominated across both sports betting and online casino markets in Michigan. Sports Illustrated and 888 Holdings knew the brand had to have a sizable game offering at launch to entice players. 

Games by type:

• 342 slot-style games (including 53 SI exclusive titles)
• 16 table games (with video poker options)
• 15 live deal games (including poker, blackjack, baccarat, and roulette)

SI Casino has easy-to-use theme filters to help quickly find the types of games you want to play!

Bonus Offer

When visiting the new SI Casino site, be sure to take advantage of their welcome bonus for new players. Every new user who signs up for an SI Casino account for the first time will receive a $10 promotional credit to SI Sportsbook and a $1,000 deposit match bonus. Be sure to check out the terms and conditions of the offer since there are wagering requirements before funds can be withdrawn as cash. New players can receive a deposit match bonus of up to $1,000 when they sign up for a new account on the SI Casino site and complete the wagering requirements. 

Mac Daniel is a Michigan native and freelance writer for PlayOnlineCasino and PlayOnlineSportsBetting. He has experience writing about a wide variety of topics, including healthcare, tourism, non-profit organizations, and most recently casino and sportsbetting news. To check out more of his work, visit: playonlinemichigan.com