Michigan’s regulator has approved Soaring Eagle Gaming’s move of its online casino and sports-betting platform from GAN to White Hat Gaming Inc., authorizing the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe to begin play on the new technology on Nov. 10. The Michigan Gaming Control Board announced the transition two days later, on Nov. 12.
White Hat has replaced GAN as the tribe’s platform provider for both internet gaming and internet sports betting. The board’s current authorized-provider register now identifies White Hat Gaming Inc. as provider for Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort’s internet casino games and online sportsbook, while the operation retains Soaring Eagle branding.
The approval followed the board’s review of White Hat’s platform and the tribe’s branding submission. Before launch, the tribe provided an executed agreement with White Hat, and the regulator approved the suppliers and vendors required for the transition.
The authorization carries continuing operating conditions. Soaring Eagle and White Hat may offer only board-approved internet games, sports-betting events and wager types, and must use approved suppliers, registered vendors and authorized cashiering locations.
They must also follow approved internal controls, account terms, platform change-control processes and subsequent amendments to those controls. The companies remain subject to payment and tax obligations under the Lawful Internet Gaming Act and Lawful Sports Betting Act, as well as applicable statutes, regulations and board directives.
Henry Williams, the board’s executive director, said the approval reflected a review intended to ensure platforms serving Michigan players meet standards for integrity, security and consumer protection. The regulator’s announcement did not give a reason for Soaring Eagle’s departure from GAN.
The Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe operates Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort in Mount Pleasant. It entered Michigan’s regulated online market in April 2022 under the Eagle Casino and Sports brand, with GAN as its platform provider, becoming the state’s 15th internet gaming and sports-betting operator.
Michigan opened internet gaming and sports betting with 10 operators in January 2021. State law limits the licences to Michigan commercial and tribal casinos, and Soaring Eagle’s 2022 authorization filled the state’s complement of 15 operators. As of September, all 15 authorized commercial and tribal operators offered iGaming, while 13 offered online sports betting.
