SAULT STE. MARIE, MI – The Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians has extended an agreement with Caesars Entertainment for iGaming market access rights subject to regulatory approvals. As part of the transaction, Caesars gains access to the Sault Tribe’s iGaming skins, enabling Caesars to operate additional digital brands in Michigan, and existing WynnBET customers will be transitioned to Caesars’ Michigan iGaming platform, pending regulatory approvals. Wynn and Caesars will receive non-cash consideration, including extinguishment, reductions, and assignment of certain contractual obligations related to both parties’ businesses.
“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,” said Austin Lowes, Chairman of Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians. “We believe we found that with Caesars and look forward to being part of their new iCasino offering.”
WynnBET’s iGaming operations provide Caesars with the opportunity to expand further into one of the largest iCasino markets in the U.S. while continuing to operate both Caesars Sportsbook and Caesars Palace Online Casino. Caesars intends to transition the WynnBET iCasino operations in Michigan later this year to one of the flagship gaming brands within the Caesars portfolio.
“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.”
The Sault Tribe currently owns and operates Kewadin Casinos, which consist of five land-based casinos located throughout the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.