VHL Michigan LLC, a vertical of global online casino and sportsbook provider, 888 Holdings, has been approved by The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) as the new platform provider for the Hannahville Indian Community’s internet casino gaming site. The approval of the site’s operations under the Sports Illustrated brand name became effective Tuesday, Feb. 7, at 8 a.m and applicable for the Hannahville tribe’s Island Resort and Casino in Harris, Michigan.

Closure of deal:

The agreement between the Hannahville tribe and 888 Holdings follows the last year’s termination of the tribe’s deal with the internet gaming and internet sports betting platform provider, Twin Spires. This provider exited the business and no longer offers internet gaming or internet sports wagering services in the state of Michigan. Twin Spire’s withdrawal from the Michigan deal enabled 888 Holdings’ VHL Michigan LLC to become the tribe’s internet sports betting provider on Sept. 7, 2022.

Legalized internet gaming:

The Hannahville tribe thus became the first operator in Michigan to change platform providers since internet gaming and sports betting began in the state in January 2021, after Gov. Gretchen Whitmer had signed the bill to legalize sports betting and online gambling in December 2019. The tribe and 888 Holdings have requested the MGCB to authorize internet sports betting and internet gaming and received the MGCB‘s approval.

Online gaming approval:

Commenting on the partnership between VHL Michigan LLC and the Hannahville Indian Community and the approval of their gambling operations, MGCB executive director Henry Williams said:  “I wish the Hannahville tribe continued success as they once again may offer their customers both internet gaming and internet sports betting in Michigan.”

Licensed operator:

The Hannahville tribe was one of ten operators to receive MGCB license to launch online gaming and online sports wagering in Michigan in January 22, 2021 when both forms of internet gaming were launched in the state. The law allows licensees to operate three three commercial casinos, with Hannaville being home to a federally recognized tribe running casino operations in Michigan.

Authorized operations:

The tribe is included in the MGCB list of authorized online gaming operators and their platform providers. 888 Holdings’ VHL Michigan LLC is also there to ensure compliance of the latest partnership monitored by the Michigan Gaming Control Board. The state regulator, MGCB, fosters fair and honest gaming ”to protect the interests of the citizens of the State of Michigan,” for the benefit of all parties involved in the growing internet gaming business in the state.