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- By Native News Online Staff
NEW BUFFALO, Mich. — Sports betting is now live at the three tribally owned Four Winds Casinos in Southwest Michigan.
On Monday, the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi formally launched its new sportsbook, which will be available at Four Winds locations in New Buffalo, Hartford and Dowagiac, according to regional business publication MiBiz.
Four Winds partnered with Kambi Group plc, an independent sportsbook partner with clients around the globe. The company maintains a domestic office in Philadelphia. Through the partnership, patrons are now able to place bets on a wide range of sports, including baseball, basketball, football, hockey, soccer and more.
“Following the legalization of sports betting in Michigan, our casino operations team completed an extensive evaluation of potential partners to create the Four Winds Sportsbook,” said Matthew Wesaw, Tribal Council Chairman and CEO of the Pokagon Gaming Authority. “Ultimately, Kambi was recommended and the partnership was approved by the Pokagon Gaming Commission and Pokagon Gaming Authority.
“We are very excited that we now offer sports betting as part of our growing list of amenities at our casino locations in Michigan,” Wesaw stated.
In December 2019, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed into law a bill legalizing sports betting and online gaming in Michigan. Following that, tribes across Michigan have worked to cement deals with partners to operate their sportsbooks and iGaming platforms.
The Little River Band of Ottawa Indians recently linked up with Chicago-based Rush Street Interactive LLC for the venture at its Little River Casino in Manistee, while Bay Mills Indian Community in the eastern Upper Peninsula signed a partnership with Boston-based DraftKings Inc. to operate the tribe’s sportsbook at Bay Mills Resort & Casino in Brimley.
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