Michigan bettors will soon have new gaming options at local casinos, as European slot producer Octoplay has announced it has obtained a provisional license to operate in the state.
The move marks the beginning of Octoplay's expansion into the U.S. real-money casino following recent successes in Italy, Slovakia, Denmark, and Ontario.
Malta-based game provider Octoplay has officially begun its expansion into the U.S. real-money casino market after obtaining a provisional license to launch in Michigan. Octoplay launched in the U.K. in 2023 after receiving a license from the U.K. Gambling Commission (UKGC).
"Obtaining the Michigan provisional license marks the beginning of our entry into the United States, a key market for our future growth," commented Octoplay chairman Gavin Hamilton in a press release. "We look forward to bringing our premium products and games to American players, starting in Michigan."
More than 50 gaming options
Currently, Octoplay's games are available via select U.S. sweepstakes casinos. To expand into any of the other six real money iGaming states (Connecticut, Delaware, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and West Virginia), Octoplay must first obtain additional licenses from the relevant regulators.
Founded in Oct. 2022, Octoplay now offers more than 50 slot titles, such as Twice as Nice, Mr Piggles, Disco Dive, and Pearly Shores, delivered via its Remote Gaming Server (RGS) platform. Since its formation, the company has forged partnerships with numerous leading gaming operators, including Paddy Power, PokerStars, Sky Vegas, and Ladbrokes.
Key market for future growth
Recent results from the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) revealed that Michigan online casinos generated their third-largest iGaming revenue total in August. The state’s 15 operators generated $196.7 million, a 29.2% increase compared to the same month last year. Assuming this level of growth continues, the market represents a solid place for Octoplay to launch its games.
"While we've seen great success in European markets recently, our entry into the US represents a new chapter for Octoplay," Hamilton added. "We're committed to establishing a strong presence in the American iGaming landscape, leveraging our experience in regulated markets to deliver exceptional gaming experiences to US players and operators."
Although Octoplay has not released details on the Michigan online casinos it will partner with, existing partner PokerStars Casino is live in the Great Lakes State. With the launch of Caesars Entertainment's Horseshoe Online Casino on Oct. 7, Michigan is now home to 16 online casinos.
Michigan is one of many thriving online casino markets in the U.S. The latest figures published by the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement (NJDGE) revealed that NJ online casinos collected a record $198.4 million in revenue in August, marking the fourth time this year that NJ iGaming has produced over $190 million in monthly revenue. This comes as a recent study from the American Gaming Association revealed that a record number of Americans are gambling.
