One thing is for certain, Michigan sportsbooks have some work to do in the coming months after February monthly numbers were released by the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) Monday morning.
The Wolverine State's total sports betting handle (retail, mobile) for the month was more than $357.16 million, a significant decrease of 27.2% from January's $490.90 million.
The state's mobile sports betting handle on Michigan sportsbook apps fared worse, recording more than $344.94 million, down a solid 27.5% from January's $475.62 million.
Ohio Partly To Blame?
The second straight month of full legalized sports betting in neighboring Ohio certainly has played a major role in the state’s decreases over the past two months, not only at mobile and retail outlets but at hundreds of sports betting kiosks statewide.
The out-of-state traffic which was once there has now essentially been cut off as more Ohioans register and bet within their state boundaries.
On the retail side of things, Michigan's sports betting handle fared better, coming in at more than $12.21 million, but that was still down 20% from January's $15.27 million.
Numbers To Know
If you thought the handle decreases were enough, here are the February revenue numbers to ponder on the heels of the Michigan January betting revenue report.
The state's total adjusted sports betting Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR) for February was more than $8.91 million ($8.45M online, $458,752 retail) confirming a drastic decrease of 50.4% from January's $17.95 million.
The total sports betting state tax for the month generated $600,604 ($583,263 online, $17,341 retail), a dramatic decline of 49.2% from January's $1.18 million.
However, there is one silver lining to the state's bleak numbers: the retail City of Detroit wagering tax climbed up to $21,194, a huge increase of 94% from January's $10,926.
Since sports wagering became legal, the state has handled more than $9.8 billion.
One calendar mark to note: Baseball fans in the state can infuse some “new” money into the market.
The Detroit Tigers begin their 2023 regular season campaign with a six-game road trip starting with three straight games at the Tampa Bay Rays (March 30-April 2) and then three straight at the world champion Houston Astros (April 3-5). The Tigers then open up their home slate with three against the Boston Red Sox (April 6-9).
Hope springs eternal!
Check out the best Michigan sports betting bonuses at BetMichigan before placing a wager.
