PointsBet secures market access in Michigan for online sports betting and online gaming
6 Jan 2020
On 20 December 2019, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed legislation allowing both sports betting and online gaming in the State.
PointsBet and LVD will now work in tandem to offer online and mobile sports wagering and online gaming (casino) services through LVD's online licenses.
Commenting on the partnership, PointsBet Group CEO Sam Swanell said: "PointsBet is pleased to have reached agreement for both online sportsbook and online casino operations with such a forward-thinking Tribe, and we look forward to many years of great success working together in Michigan".
James Williams, Jr., Lac Vieux Desert Tribal Chairman, stated: "The Tribe is excited to join forces with PointsBet to further the Tribe's economic development efforts and expand gaming online as allowable under Michigan and federal law. We are confident that this new opportunity will strengthen the Tribe's self-sufficiency and self-determination efforts and provide much needed revenue to continue to expand and enhance tribal governmental services as well as provide jobs for the LVD community."
PointsBet and LVD are also in continued exclusive negotiations regarding the operation of retail sportsbook operations at the Northern Waters Casino Resort, located on the Tribe's reservation in Watersmeet, Michigan to complement the online offerings.
Key features of the agreement
- The agreement involves PointsBet and LVD partnering to launch digital sports wagering via PointsBet's mobile app and website platforms pending final regulations and licensure.
- The agreement also provides for the launch of PointsBet and LVD branded online gaming (casino) operations in Michigan pending final regulations and licensure.
- The initial term of the agreement is twenty (20) years and will automatically renew for an additional five (5) year term unless either party provides written notice of its intention not to renew.
- PointsBet will pay to LVD online sportsbook and online gaming market access fees as well as a portion of the Net Gaming Revenues derived from the online sportsbook and online gaming operations. PointsBet will be responsible for the licensing and regulatory costs in connection with launching and operating the PointsBet services.
- There are various grounds for termination associated with US gaming regulations. Neither party may terminate for convenience during the initial or additional term. As is customary for transactions of this type, LVD, an arm and instrumentality of and organized under the laws of the Lac Vieux Desert Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians, a sovereign federally recognized Indian tribe, has waived its sovereign immunity from suit in certain limited circumstances.
- Upon expiry or termination, PointsBet and LVD have negotiated rights related to retention and utilization of client data acquired during the term, with PointsBet retaining the right to utilise client data it has directly acquired via the online channels.
