Sports Operations of SI to End on July 28
SI Sportsbook, a joint venture between Sports Illustrated and 888 Holdings, has announced that it will be closing its operations in the United States on July 28, 2025. This decision comes as a result of strategic business decisions made by the parent companies.
The sportsbook, which launched its first U.S. market in Colorado less than three years ago, had expanded into Michigan, Virginia, and Iowa after its Colorado launch. However, it struggled to compete with larger online sportsbooks like FanDuel, DraftKings, and BetMGM.
SI Sportsbook had initially planned to exit Michigan by Q4 2024, but this was delayed to Q1 2025, and eventually scheduled for a full exit in Q3 2025 [1][2]. The company halted new registrations and deposits well before the final closure date, with customers required to withdraw all funds by August 25, 2025 [1].
The termination of the partnership with 888 Holdings appears to be critical; 888 Holdings ended its sports betting agreement with SI, prompting the shutdown of SI Sportsbook’s U.S. operations [3]. Previous state exits, including Colorado in September 2024, suggested a gradual market withdrawal before the complete U.S. closure [3].
SI Sportsbook has assured users that all outstanding bets will be honored and that customer service will remain available for post-closure issues. Users will not be able to place new bets after July 25. The funds of users will remain safe and protected during the process [4].
The vacated sportsbook license in Michigan could potentially lead to increased competition in the U.S. gambling industry. This shift could lead to more choices and promotional offers for Michigan bettors in the near future. One of Michigan's limited sportsbook licenses is now vacated due to SI Sportsbook's departure, creating a valuable opportunity for new operators in the state's iGaming market.
For any assistance, users can reach out through the official SI Sportsbook website. After July 28, the SI Sportsbook site and app will no longer be accessible. This move aligns with 888's previously stated intention to exit the U.S. online sports betting space due to intense competition and high operating costs. As competition heats up in the U.S. gambling industry, more companies may reconsider their online sportsbook and real money online casino strategies.
- In the realm of business and industry, strategic decisions often lead to significant changes, as seen with SI Sportsbook's plan to exit the U.S. market.
- Amidst the competitive landscape of the sports-related finance industry, SI Sportsbook encountered challenges competing with larger online sportsbooks like FanDuel, DraftKings, and BetMGM.
- SI Sportsbook's decision to withdraw from the education-and-self-development sector, specifically career-development in sports and casino-gambling, impacts the larger gambling industry.
- The trends in the casino-and-gambling sector, including the increasingly competitive landscape and high operating costs, have a direct impact on the decisions made by casino-personalities and casino-culture.
- Responsible gambling advocates might find skills-training opportunities in the sports and sports-betting sector, emphasizing the importance of understanding and controlling gambling behaviors.
- Casinos, sports, and sports betting overlap in the realm of entertainment, making connections within these industries valuable for anyone interested in expanding their business ventures.
- The sports and sports-betting industry offers a wealth of opportunities, from education and career development to sports-related finance and casino-games, as demonstrated by the example of SI Sportsbook.
