The Kalamazoo Wings of the ECHL have signed a Michigan sports betting partnership with Battle Creek’s FireKeepers Casino.
The deal is the first between an ECHL team and a gaming operator, clearing the way for the minor league hockey circuit to grow its brands through wagering.
But currently fans can’t place bets on ECHL games in Michigan.
“The K-Wings are proud to partner with FireKeepers Casino Hotel for the first official and exclusive iCasino & Sportsbook partnership in the ECHL,” Kalamazoo team GM and Governor Toni Will said in a press release. “While our partnership with FireKeepers is longstanding, expanding into the iCasino & Sportsbook business is new, forward-thinking and cutting edge.”
What the Wings-FireKeepers Casino Partnership Entails
The sports betting pact between the Wings and FireKeepers Casino allows the team to feature mobile application download stations in its arena, where fans can download the casino’s Michigan betting apps.
It also allows Wings fans to score signup incentives and exclusive bonuses from the Battle Creek casino, giving those in the peanut gallery added reason to cheer. Firekeepers Casino received approval for its sportsbook and iGaming platforms in July 2021.
Jim Wise, who serves as the vice president of marketing and iGaming for FireKeepers Casino Hotel, called the partnership a no-brainer that will allow fans to enjoy perks for its Michigan online casinos site.
“The K-Wings bring the heat every game, creating crowd-pleasing performances for our region’s hockey fans,” Wise said in the press release. “This unique partnership allows fans to experience FireKeepers iGaming from their seats in the arena without missing a minute of the action.”
FireKeepers Casino is an enterprise of the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi, partnered with marketing and engagement company OtherLevels on its digital player engagement practices.
