William Hill and the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, a federally recognized Indian tribe, have announced a long-term partnership.

William Hill will be GTB’s exclusive provider of online sports betting and online casino gaming throughout Michigan, with plans to open a retail William Hill Sports Book at Turtle Creek Casino & Hotel this year, pending regulatory approvals. The agreement follows the signing of legislation in December 2019 legalizing both sports betting and online gaming in the state.

The William Hill Sports Book will be located in the current Onyx Sports Bar at Turtle Creek Casino & Hotel, with a satellite location at Leelanau Sands Casino.  Both are expected to open prior to the 2020 football season, pending regulatory approvals. William Hill plans to launch Online Casino Gaming and Online Sports Betting when permitted under Michigan regulations.

“We are pleased to have found a great partner in the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians and look forward to working with the Tribe to bring a leading retail and online sports betting experience to sports fans in Michigan,” said Joe Asher, CEO of William Hill US. “Michigan will be a key state in William Hill’s U.S. expansion due to its large population and deep rooted-sports culture with so many popular college and pro sports teams.”

Michael Schrader, CEO of Grand Traverse Resort & Casinos, was equally pleased to partner with a clear leader in sports betting and online casino gaming industry. “It was important for us to find a partner with a great sports betting and gaming brand that has proven experience throughout the US market,” said Schrader. “William Hill’s expertise in sports betting operations and marketing and strategic media partnerships will ensure that we are able to attract customers from throughout the State of Michigan to the online products while offering another great amenity to attract guests to our casinos. We look forward to working with William Hill to develop the best sports book in northern Michigan at Turtle Creek Casino.”