Caesars Expands Michigan Presence With Purchase of Wynn’s Operating Rights

Caesars Entertainment seized the opportunity to acquire WynnBET Michigan’s online gambling skin following its downfall, expanding their presence in the Wolverine State’s online sports betting market.

Caesars is set to expand its presence in Michigan by taking over Wynn’s operations in the Wolverine State, further strengthening its existing relationship with the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians. Additionally, Caesars already has a successful partnership with the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, offering online casino, poker, and sports betting services to residents of Michigan.

The announcement on Tuesday showcases Caesars’ expansion strategy for Michigan sports betting, as well as positioning itself as a top sportsbook on a nationwide scale.

Matt Sunderland, SVP and Chief iGaming Officer for Caesars Entertainment, expressed excitement about the expansion of their iGaming franchise through the assumption of WynnBET’s operations in Michigan. This move will allow them to access a large market and customer base, advancing their digital products and providing players with more gaming options. Sunderland also mentioned their partnership with the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians and their eagerness to grow together in Michigan.

The financial terms were not disclosed.

Satisfying two desires

The deal announced on Tuesday fulfills two key objectives. The first is the prominent departure of the WynnBET sports betting and iGaming brand from the competitive American market. The second is Caesars’ goal to enhance its offerings by introducing one of the top sports betting apps in one of only six iGaming markets in the nation.

WynnBET has been clear in its intention to leave the U.S. legal sports betting and national iGaming market. The company has been actively working towards this goal, with the recent sale of Michigan’s “skin” being a significant step in unloading assets.

WynnBET recently sold its New York sports betting license to PENN Entertainment for $25 million and received approval to stop operations in Massachusetts by the end of the month.

Caesars Entertainment, known for its top-tier sports betting app, has been striving to increase its market share in the U.S. Despite often ranking in the middle of the second tier of providers in America, the company’s recent expansion into Michigan has allowed it to establish a stronger presence in a reputable legal gaming market. Additionally, this move showcases Caesars Entertainment’s expertise in iGaming, as Michigan is one of only six states with legal online casino markets.

According to the latest report from the American Gaming Association, iCasinos generated approximately $6.2 billion in revenues in 2026, accounting for roughly 10% of the total gaming revenue in the country for that year. Despite their limited availability, iCasinos made a significant contribution to the overall gaming industry.

For the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians…

The shift from Wynn to Caesars should be seen as a positive move. The tribe is exchanging a struggling iGaming provider for one that is positioned in the middle of the second tier of providers in the American market. While Wynn was looking to close its operations, Caesars is actively seeking to grow and expand.

Austin Lowes, Chairman of Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians, emphasized the importance of finding a partner in iGaming with experience in the U.S. market and a track record of successful partnerships in Indian country. He expressed confidence in Caesars as the ideal partner for their new iCasino offering.