You can now legally bet on sports in northern Michigan. Turtle Creek Casino opened the state’s first sportsbook Wednesday morning, and they were joined by a special guest.
Former Detroit Pistons player Rick Mahorn landed in Traverse City to celebrate and mark the occasion.
The Onyx Sports Book is operated by William Hill U.S. and will offer money line betting and more. Grand Traverse Resort & Casinos, operates the Turtle Creek Casino & Hotel along with a satellite location at Leelanau Sands Casino.
The grand opening ceremony included a ribbon-cutting with National Indian Gaming Association Chairman Ernest L. Stevens, Jr., followed by a ceremonial first bet placed byMahorn, an NBA all-star
TVs, a bar, a patio, and food service are all available in the facility just above the first-floor casino.
The team is working to also facilitate mobile sports betting and casino gaming.
“Today’s grand opening at Turtle Creek Casino officially marks the 13th state where William Hill now offers sports betting. This is just the beginning of our partnership with the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, with plans to launch mobile sports betting and iCasino gaming throughout Michigan as soon as permitted,” said Dan Shapiro, Vice President of Strategy & Business Development for William Hill.
The satellite location at Leelanau Sands Casino includes two kiosks for sports betting available daily from 8 a.m. to 2 a.m. Customers at both locations will be serviced according to CDC-recommended guidelines and will find a seamless experience from setting up their accounts to placing bets.
“We are excited to align with William Hill, the leading sports betting company in the US. They are the best in the business, and that’s always what we strive to give our guests. We have an excellent, trained staff to assist customers with getting their bets down,” stated Michael Schrader. CEO of Grand Traverse Resort & Casinos. “We want to provide the best destination for sports betting in the state, and with William Hill as our partner, that’s a bet we’re happy to take. When Michigan regulations are permitted, we will be able to offer the best in online gaming and betting as well. This is truly a win-win for Northern Michigan.”
