LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) With the advent of online sports and casino gaming, there were huge concerns that money going into that would reduce the profits of the Michigan lottery.<\/p>\n
SKUBICK: On a scale of one to ten the michigan market is a?<\/p>\n
Its a nine, said Johnny Avello of DraftKings Gaming, a popular online gambling app.<\/p>\n
Internet sports betting has been a hit in Michigan, and while the industry wont disclose its profits suffice it to say<\/p>\n
Michigan has been a big state for us, said Avello.<\/p>\n
Avello said he cant give any definitive numbers, though.<\/p>\n
But early in the debate to legalize sports betting, there were some who worried that betting dollars going in that would siphon away profits from the Michigan Lottery.<\/p>\n
Governor Gretchen whitmer refused to sign off on State Rep. Brant Idens legislation because,as she knew, lottery dollars go into schools. Iden told her it would not be a problem.<\/p>\n
And he was right.<\/p>\n
The Lottery Bureau reports retail ticket sales rose from $582 million to $705 Million. A 21% increase.<\/p>\n
Online wagering went from $29 million last year to $68 million this year. A 135% boost.<\/p>\n
Avello was surprised to hear of the lotterys success.<\/p>\n
That means they must be doing fantastic, cause were doing great up there.<\/p>\n
So it seems internet gambling isnt impacting the lotterys profits.<\/p>\n
its a whole different type of wagering, said Avello. [The lottery] has core players and continues to have its core players. We bring something new to the state.<\/p>\n
University of Michigan is set to play UCLA tonight, which is sure to be a winning night for internet bookies.<\/p>\n
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See the original post here:<\/p>\n
Skubick: Could online gambling threaten profits of the Michigan lottery? - WLNS<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" LANSING, Mich. Continue reading