All those commercials promoting new online gambling websites apparently worked.
Online sports gambling got off to a strong start in Michigan in January. Between January 22 and 31, Michiganders wagered more than $115 million on sports online.
The number does not include bets cast over Super Bowl weekend.Richard Kalm is the executive director of the Michigan Gaming Control Board. He says online sports gaming is off to a "good start." Though Kalm admits the initial online sports betting surge may slump over time.
“You know the biggest betting weekend ever is always the Super Bowl,” says Kalm. “So we could see a decrease in sports betting activity. It’s hard to tell.”
Kalm says the upcoming NCAA college basketball tournament, and NHL and NBA playoffs and start of Major League Baseball may help keep the ball rolling.
Overall, Michigan’s internet gaming and sports betting operators reported $42.7 million in gross receipts in January. Internet gaming gross receipts were $29.4 million. Internet sports betting operators drew $13.3 million in total gross sports betting receipts.
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