USA
April 2026 saw major operators continue expanding across regulated US gambling markets through new state launches and cross-vertical product rollouts. Bet365 entered Michigan, FanDuel expanded its poker footprint, and DraftKings accelerated its “Super App” strategy with horse racing integration in more states ahead of the Kentucky Derby. At the same time, regulators and operators increased focus on responsible gaming through new partnerships, blocking tools, and behavioral health initiatives.
TL;DR: A Bite-sized Overview
- Bet365 launches in Michigan: The operator entered its 17th US state through a partnership with Odawa Casino while expanding Detroit sports partnerships.
- FanDuel relaunches PokerStars in three states: Michigan, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania now share one of North America’s largest regulated online poker liquidity pools.
- DraftKings expands horse racing product: DraftKings Racing launched in six more states ahead of the Kentucky Derby as part of the company’s Super App strategy.
- Michigan partners with Gamban: The MGCB introduced free gambling-blocking software for residents as part of expanded responsible gaming efforts.
- PENN integrates Birches Health tools: theScore Bet and Hollywood Casino users now gain direct access to gambling addiction assessments and counseling resources.
Bet365 Launches Online Sportsbook and Casino in Michigan
bet365 officially entered Michigan, becoming active in its 17th US state through a partnership with the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians and Odawa Casino.
The launch follows regulatory approval from the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB), with bet365 replacing PokerStars as the tribe’s online gaming and sportsbook platform provider. Michigan sportsbook users now gain access to bet365’s wagering and online casino products, including features such as in-play betting, “Early Payout,” and casino promotions tied to free spins and deposit matches.
Alongside the launch, bet365 also expanded its US sports footprint through partnerships with the Detroit Tigers, Detroit Red Wings, and entertainment company 313 Presents. The move reflects the operator’s continued push to grow market share in regulated US sports betting and iGaming markets through aggressive expansion and localized partnerships.
FanDuel Launches PokerStars Platform Across Three US States
FanDuel launched a new PokerStars-branded online poker platform across Michigan, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, combining PokerStars’ poker network with FanDuel’s broader US gaming ecosystem.
The rollout creates one of the largest regulated shared-liquidity poker networks in North America, allowing players across the three states to compete in the same tournaments and cash games. The platform includes a dedicated poker app and desktop client, alongside major promotional events such as two $500,000 guaranteed Sunday Million tournaments and a $150,000 “No Sweat” series.
The launch reflects FanDuel’s continued expansion beyond sportsbook operations as operators increasingly seek to consolidate casino, sportsbook, poker, and other gaming verticals into unified platforms designed to increase engagement and retention across regulated US markets.
DraftKings Expands Horse Racing Product Ahead of Kentucky Derby
DraftKings expanded its horse racing platform, DraftKings Racing, into six additional states ahead of the Kentucky Derby as part of the company’s broader “Super App” strategy.
The product is now available in Florida, Louisiana, Montana, New Hampshire, Ohio, and Oregon, following earlier launches in Delaware, New Mexico, and Rhode Island. DraftKings Racing integrates horse wagering directly into the DraftKings Sportsbook app, allowing users to access horse racing and sports betting through a unified account and shared promotional system.
The rollout highlights how major operators continue consolidating multiple gambling verticals into single-platform ecosystems designed to increase engagement and retention. DraftKings also introduced a $1 million “King of the Track” promotion tied to the Kentucky Derby, while confirming further state-by-state expansion plans throughout 2026.
MGCB Partners with Gamban for Free Gambling Blocking Software
MGCB partnered with Gamban to provide residents with free access to gambling-blocking software as part of the state’s broader responsible gaming efforts.
Under the agreement, Michigan users can install Gamban at no cost for periods ranging from one to five years. The software blocks access to gambling websites and apps, including sports betting, online casinos, poker, crypto gambling, and sweepstakes-style platforms, and is designed to be difficult to uninstall.
The partnership adds another layer to Michigan’s responsible gambling framework as regulators continue responding to concerns tied to expanded online gaming access and safeguarding consumers. The MGCB said the initiative complements existing programs such as the state’s self-exclusion systems and responsible gaming awareness campaigns.
PENN Entertainment Partners with Birches Health on Responsible Gaming Support
PENN Entertainment partnered with Birches Health to integrate gambling addiction assessments and counseling resources directly into its betting platforms.
The services are now accessible through theScore Bet and Hollywood Casino apps in the United States, where users can access responsible gaming tools, behavioral assessments, educational content, and information about treatment options. Birches Health specializes in online behavioral addiction treatment, including counseling focused on sports betting and gambling-related harm.
The partnership reflects the broader industry trend of embedding responsible gaming resources directly into sportsbook and casino ecosystems as operators face increasing scrutiny and pressured to improve the standards around player protection and gambling-related harm prevention.