Wynn’s exit from the digital space continues with the announcement that Caesars is going to be purchasing the company’s iGaming operation in Michigan.
Caesars Entertainment announced today that it is acquiring Wynn’s business, including its access deal with the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians. Even though both Caesars Casino and Caesars Palace Casino are live in the state, Caesars believes the acquisition is worth pursuing to expand even more brands into the Michigan market.
“As we continue to grow our iGaming franchise, the assumption of WynnBET’s iGaming operations in Michigan allows us to tap into a significant market and customer base, providing a crucial step forward in growing our digital products and offering players more ways to play,” said Matt Sunderland, SVP & Chief iGaming Officer for Caesars Entertainment. “We are honored to work with the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians and look forward to growing with them in Michigan.”
Caesars has worked with the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa in Michigan since the launch of online casino and sports betting in the state. The company also has tribal partners throughout the U.S., including the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians in North Carolina and the Rincon Band of Luiseño Indians in California.
“It was paramount that our next partner in iGaming possessed both expertise in the U.S. iGaming market and a history of strong partnerships in Indian country. We believe we found that with Caesars and look forward to being part of their new iCasino offering,” said Austin Lowes, Chairman of Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians.
Last fall, Caesars rolled out a second online casino, Caesars Palace Casino, that centered the online casino customer compared to Caesars Casino, which is a more sports betting-led experience.
When Caesars first launched in New Jersey over ten years ago, it did so with two brands, Caesars Casino and Harrah’s Casino. The company has not rolled out the Harrah’s brand in any other state, but could be an example of the brand Caesars rolls out in the state later this year.
Last year, the company rebranded its CaesarsCasino.com product to Tropicana Casino, opening up another brand for the organization.
As for Wynn, the company is now out of every online gambling market save for Nevada. The app received approval to leave Massachusetts last week. That was also when the company announced it would be selling its New York online sports betting license to Penn in order for the company to launch ESPN Bet in the state.
