The Michigan Gaming Control Board has approved 888 Holdings’ VHL Michigan LLC as the new platform provider for the Hannahville Indian Community’s internet casino gaming site under the Sports Illustrated brand effective Tuesday, Feb. 7, at 8 am. The tribe operates Island Resort and Casino in Harris, Mich.

The Hannahville tribe entered an agreement with 888 Holdings after Twin Spires, the original platform provider for both internet gaming and internet sports betting, announced its plans last year to exit the business. 888 Holdings’ VHL Michigan LLC became the tribe’s internet sports betting provider on Sept. 7, 2022. Twin Spires no longer offers internet gaming or internet sports betting services in Michigan.

“I wish the Hannahville tribe continued success as they once again may offer their customers both internet gaming and internet sports betting in Michigan,” said Henry Williams, MGCB executive director.

The Hannahville Indian Community was among 10 licensees initially authorized by the MGCB to launch both forms of internet gaming in Michigan on Jan. 22, 2021. In mid-April 2022, the MGCB authorized the state’s 15th internet gaming and sports betting operator. Licenses by law are limited to the three commercial casinos and 12 federally recognized tribes in Michigan.

888 Holdings has appointed media veteran Howard Mittman as president of 888 US. Mittman will be responsible for 888’s US operations, including its strategic partnership with Authentic Brands Group (ABG) a brand development, marketing, and entertainment company and owner of the Sports Illustrated brand.

Mittman is having more than 20 years’ experience in the digital and media industries. Most recently, he served as the CEO of Bleacher Report, a leading digital sports brand, having previously been Chief Marketing and Revenue Officer at the company. During his career, he also held leadership roles including Chief Business Officer of Conde Nast, and Publisher and Chief Revenue Officer of WIRED and GQ.

Itai Pazner, CEO of 888, said: “We are delighted to announce the appointment of Howard as our new President 888 US. This key appointment comes at a hugely exciting point in our long-term growth strategy in the US online betting market as we look forward to launching SI Sportsbook in multiple states in the coming months and years.

“We have established a platform for strong growth in the US through our world-class technology and operational expertise, with the Sports Illustrated brand, and the appointment of Howard, which will enable us to maximise the potential of this unique combination to further grow a profitable business in the US.

“Howard has an exceptional track record at some of the world’s best known media brands, brings a huge amount of knowledge of the US digital landscape, has exceptionally strong relationships across the world of sports and media, and was the outstanding candidate after a thorough search.”

Howard Mittman said: “I am thrilled to be joining one of the online betting industry’s most respected and successful businesses. 888 has an outstanding reputation for innovation, product leadership, and customer-centricity. I have been hugely impressed by the people I’ve met within the business, particularly their passion for product and the customer experience, and I share their excitement about the significant opportunities ahead.

“The partnership with ABG and Sports Illustrated gives us a unique opportunity to deliver world-class betting and gaming products as part of a fully integrated experience with a leading sports media brand.”

Daniel W. Dienst, Executive Vice Chairman at ABG, said: “We applaud 888’s decision to appoint Mr. Mittman as President 888 US of its growing US platform and the operators of SI Sportsbook. With the breadth of his media industry experience and 888’s technical capabilities, we are excited to further capitalize on the opportunity to build a differentiated wagering experience for the loyal and avid fans of sports – and in particular, Sports Illustrated – who since 1954 continue to trust and rely on its peerless journalism and visit the platform in record numbers monthly.”

888 Holdings has become one of the first operators to have been issued an iGaming licence by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO).

The newly regulated market is set to launch on April 4, with 888 ready to offer its leading, innovative and content-rich casino, sport and poker products to players located across the province, all powered by its proprietary technology.

The approval of the licence in Ontario is an important step in 888’s growth strategy, which focuses on expansion in attractive regulated markets, with Ontario representing an exciting long-term growth opportunity. 888 has strong brand awareness in Ontario and is looking forward to being able to leverage its full marketing expertise and focus on product leadership to provide exciting and locally relevant experiences for players.

Around the globe, 888 now holds licences in 19 locally regulated markets, including seven states in the US, with revenue from locally regulated and taxed markets representing 74% of 2021 revenue.

Itai Pazner, CEO of 888 Holdings, said: “We are delighted to have been awarded a licence by the AGCO and look forward to launching in the market when it officially opens. As a Group, our focus is on strengthening our presence and offer to customers across key regulated markets. To that end, Ontario represents an attractive long-term growth opportunity for 888 and this is an extremely strategically important milestone for us.

“As we prepare for launch in the coming weeks, we are excited to bring all of 888’s leading products and games to new audiences across the province, providing our unique and differentiated experiences to players.”