Gaming can be a taboo topic when you add politics into the equation. Just like the legalization of cannabis, there are an array of viewpoints on sports betting. Governor Gretchen Whitmer is cashing in on the billion-dollar industry by introducing legislation that will legalize sports betting and internet gaming in Michigan.
All revenue from sports betting and internet gaming will support the School Aid Fund. The First Responder Presumed College Fund will also receive surplus funding. “My top priority in signing this legislation was protecting and investing in the School Aid Fund because our students deserve leaders who put their education first,” said Gov. Whitmer. “Thanks in part to the hard work and leadership of Senator Hertel and Representative Warren, these bills will put more dollars in Michigan classrooms and increase funding for firefighters battling cancer. This is a real bipartisan win for our state.”
Gov. Whitmer signed House Bills 4311-12, 4916-18, 4307 and 4308 into law which will allow the legalization of sports betting and internet gaming. Gov. Whitmer also signed HB 4310, 4323 and 4173 into action. The Michigan Department of Treasury reported that this new incentive will generate $19 million in revenue. From this, the School Aid Fund will increase by $4.8 million and $4 million will go toward FRPCF. Tribal and Detroit casinos will also benefit as more community-based programs will be created. Here are some examples of the HB’s that were passed:
- HB 4311 creates the Lawful Internet Gaming Act, which allows the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) to issue licenses for online and mobile casinos games to be offered by licensed Detroit or Tribal casinos if the applicants meet certain criteria. The bill allows for all current forms of casino games to be offered online or on mobile devices.
- HB 4916 creates the Lawful Sports Betting Act, which legalizes sports betting in casinos, online and mobile. This bill specifies that an internet sports betting wager received by a sports betting operator or its internet sports betting platform provider would be considered gambling or gaming that was conducted in the sports betting operator’s casino located in Michigan.
- HB 4308 creates the Fantasy Contests Consumer Protection Act, which establishes the legal framework to regulate fantasy sports contests within the state. It allows for both paid contest at a commercial level and private contest within certain criteria to be legal in the state of Michigan.
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