Michigan’s new online gambling/sports betting sites may not launch until the new year, but the first 15 horses have officially entered the starting gate. 

On Thursday, the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) announced it had issued the first 15 provisional licenses for the online gambling and sports betting partners of the state’s commercial and tribal casino operators. 

The diplomas went to BetMGM, DraftKings, FanDuel, Fox Bet, GAN, Golden Nugget Online Gaming, Kambi, NYX Digital Gaming, Parx Interactive, Penn Sports Interactive, PointsBet, Rush Street Interactive, Churchill Downs Inc’s TwinSpires, William Hill and Wynn Sports Interactive. 

As for when any of those licensees’ sites might launch, MGCB exec director Richard Kalm said it will depend on how quickly the platform providers meet other regulatory requirements, including independent testing of platforms and games, approval of internal controls and securing occupational licenses for certain key staff.