Michigan Gaming Control Board Approves Hard Rock Bet State Launch

• The Michigan Gaming Control Board has approved the launch of Hard Rock Bet iGaming and online sports betting
• Hard Rock Bet is a platform provider for the Hannahville Indian Community
• Hard Rock Bet replaces 888 VHL in the Michigan market

The Michigan Gaming Control Board has approved the newest Michigan online sports betting and iGaming platform.

The board today approved the launch of Hard Rock Bet, a platform provider for the Hannahville Indian Community. The Hannahville Indian Community operates the Island Resort & Casino in Harris, located in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.

“This approval reflects our continued focus on maintaining integrity, transparency, and consumer protection in Michigan’s online gaming and sports betting space,” said MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams in a released statement. “We look forward to seeing the Hannahville Indian Community and Hard Rock provide a safe, responsible, and enjoyable wagering experience for players across the state – and especially for those served by one of Michigan’s long-standing tribal gaming operators in the Upper Peninsula.”

Newest Michigan Gaming Operator

Hard Rock Bet is the state’s newest online sports betting and iGaming platform. The Michigan Gaming Control Board authorized the company to offer iGaming and online sports betting on behalf of the Hannahville Indian Community beginning Dec. 2, 2025.

Hard Rock Bet is operated by Seminole Hard Rock Digital, LLC, and has completed all MGCB licensing requirements to serve as the Tribe’s new platform provider.

“The MGCB remains committed to ensuring that all licensed operators and providers uphold Michigan’s high standards of regulatory compliance, responsible gaming, and consumer protection,” the commission noted in its decision.

Michigan now allows the following online sports betting operators:

• BetMGM
• betPARX
• BetRivers
• Caesars Sportsbook
• DraftKings
• Eagle Casino & Sports
• theScore Bet (rebranded from ESPN BET)
• Fanatics Sportsbook
• FanDuel Sportsbook
• FireKeepers iCasino
• Four Winds Online Casino & Sportsbook

ESPN BET Rebrands to theScore Bet

ESPN BET also recently rebranded in Michigan to theScore Bet. ESPN BET officially closed its doors on Monday, Dec. 1, as PENN Entertainment rebranded its online sports betting platform to theScore Bet throughout the United States.

ESPN BET users automatically had their account information, funds, and pending sports bets automatically transferred to the rebranded platform. An update of the app may be required, but no download of a new sports betting platform is necessary.

PENN Entertainment holds online sports betting licenses in 20 states, and Washington, D.C., throughout the U.S. theScore Bet is now available in the following:

• Arizona
• Colorado
• Washington, D.C.
• Illinois
• Indiana
• Iowa
• Kansas
• Kentucky
• Louisiana
• Maryland
• Massachusetts
• Michigan
• Missouri
• New Jersey
• New York
• North Carolina
• Ohio
• Pennsylvania
• Tennessee
• Virginia
• West Virginia