Michigan’s regulated internet gaming and sports betting sector posted an impressive $268.5 million in combined gross receipts this February, reaffirming its crucial role in the state’s modern digital economy. Though this marked a dip from the $331.1 million recorded in January—a decline of 18.9%—the month’s performance remains solid when placed in a broader context.
Both commercial and tribal operators have demonstrated resilience by maintaining strong adjusted gross receipts figures. But most importantly, by continuing to contribute meaningfully to public coffers through taxes and payments.
What makes these figures particularly noteworthy is the growing competition from offshore operators. According to insiders from premium platforms like instantcasino.com, these sites are attractive to US players because of their features and benefits. These include weekly cashback rewards, generous welcome bonuses, and instant withdrawals at online casinos, which tend to appeal to a tech-savvy audience that values speed, privacy, and user-friendly experiences.
Despite this rising competition, Michigan’s regulated market held firm in February. The iGaming sector alone brought in $222.5 million in gross receipts, while internet sports betting added another $46.0 million. While both categories saw a drop compared to January — especially sports betting, which fell from $83.0 million — the adjusted gross receipts tell a more nuanced story.
February’s adjusted gross receipts totaled $236.3 million, with $209.1 million coming from iGaming and $27.2 million from internet sports betting. Although these numbers represented a month-over-month decrease of 10.3% and 50.2%, respectively, they signal year-over-year growth. iGaming adjusted receipts were up by a robust 23.6% compared to February 2024, while adjusted sports betting revenue grew by $14.3 million.
This kind of growth, even in a shorter month and under mounting offshore competition, signals that Michigan’s regulated operators continue to build loyalty and maintain relevance. Sustained engagement, particularly in iGaming, highlights how well Michigan platforms have evolved to meet player expectations through seamless user interfaces, expanded game libraries, and effective promotional campaigns.
Another key metric to consider is the monthly handle, which came in at $379.8 million. That figure was down 31.6% from January’s $555.2 million handle, likely reflecting the seasonal lull following the NFL playoffs.
Still, the ability of Michigan’s platforms to generate nearly $380 million in wagers during a quieter sports calendar speaks to the strength and consistency of the market. This kind of volume suggests that players are continuing to engage even when the sporting landscape isn’t at its peak, thanks in part to strong mobile accessibility and intuitive platforms.
Beyond the revenue figures themselves, one of the most beneficial aspects of this performance is the substantial tax revenue it generates for Michigan. In February, operators paid a total of $43.8 million in state taxes and associated fees.
Of that, iGaming was responsible for $42.3 million, while internet sports betting contributed $1.5 million. These funds play a vital role in supporting public services across the state, from education and infrastructure to responsible gaming programs.
The impact also extends to Detroit specifically, where the city’s three commercial casinos contributed $12.1 million in taxes and municipal services fees. That included $11.5 million from iGaming and just over $640,000 from internet sports betting.
These local contributions help strengthen essential services, maintain city operations, and provide a more stable economic outlook for Detroit residents. Tribal operators also continued to make important financial contributions. In February, they paid a total of $4.7 million to their respective governing bodies.
These payments help support local programs, education, and economic development initiatives in tribal communities, further illustrating how regulated gaming benefits a broad spectrum of stakeholders. With Michigan’s model serving as a blueprint, it’s clear that a well-regulated and innovative gaming market can deliver impressive revenues while ensuring long-term benefits for both the state and its residents.
