PointsBet Holdings subsidiary PointsBet Michigan has entered into an exclusive agreement with Lac Vieux Desert Public Enterprise and Finance Commission, an arm of the Lac Vieux Desert Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians

Under the terms of the deal, PointsBet will provide the sovereign, federally recognized, Indian tribe with online and mobile sports wagering and gaming in the state of Michigan, contingent upon obtaining the necessary regulatory licenses. 

On 20 December 2019, Michigan Governor 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.” 

The two organizations 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. 

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. It 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 20 years and will automatically renew for an additional five-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.