Operator News
US – Grand Traverse Resort and Casinos opens first Michigan sportsbook
By Phil - 25 September 2020
William Hill US, America’s leading sports betting company and Grand Traverse Resort & Casinos, officially opened their first Michigan sports books at Turtle Creek Casino & Hotel along with a satellite location at Leelanau Sands Casino & Lodge.
The long-term partnership with the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians makes William Hill GTB’s exclusive partner for sports books, along with mobile sports betting and iCasino gaming, pending regulatory approvals. The Onyx Sports Book by William Hill and its satellite location are now open for business seven days a week.
Today’s grand opening ceremony included a ribbon-cutting with National Indian Gaming Association Chairman Ernest L. Stevens, Jr., followed by a ceremonial first bet placed by NBA All-Star Rick Mahorn. On hand for the momentous celebration was Dan Shapiro, VP of Strategy and Business Development for William Hill US, Tribal Vice-Chairman Mark Wilson of the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, Michael Schrader, CEO of Grand Traverse Resort & Casinos, Johnny Barrientoz, General Manager of Turtle Creek Casino & Hotel, and other area dignitaries and members of the press.
“Today’s grand opening at Turtle Creek Casino officially marks the 13th state where William Hill now offers sports betting. This is just the beginning of our partnership with the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, with plans to launch mobile sports betting and iCasino gaming throughout Michigan as soon as permitted,” said Dan Shapiro, Vice President of Strategy & Business Development for William Hill. “This is an exciting way to start the NFL season, and we know the Onyx Sports Book by William Hill will be the new game-day location for sports fans in Northern Michigan.
The Onyx Sports Book by William Hill at Turtle Creek Casino features two ticket windows and two kiosks, adjacent to the popular table games and slot machines on the casino floor. The sports book also offers 20 high-definition televisions, complimentary games, food and beverages, and an outdoor patio. Staffed hours are Monday through Thursday from noon to midnight, Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 a.m., and Sundays 10 a.m. to midnight. The kiosks will be available during casino hours at Turtle Creek from 7 a.m. to 3 a.m.
The satellite location at Leelanau Sands Casino includes two kiosks for sports betting available daily from 8 a.m. to 2 a.m. Customers at both locations will be serviced according to CDC-recommended guidelines and will find a seamless experience from setting up their accounts to placing bets.
“We are excited to align with William Hill, the leading sports betting company in the US. They are the best in the business, and that’s always what we strive to give our guests. We have an excellent, trained staff to assist customers with getting their bets down,” stated Michael Schrader. CEO of Grand Traverse Resort & Casinos. “We want to provide the best destination for sports betting in the state, and with William Hill as our partner, that’s a bet we’re happy to take. When Michigan regulations are permitted, we will be able to offer the best in online gaming and betting as well. This is truly a win-win for Northern Michigan.”
