Online Gambling Be Legal in Michigan
As more states make it easier to play online poker and other casino games, the question of when will online gambling be legal in Michigan may be one of the first on your mind. While the legalization of online poker is still pending, the expansion of online casinos into Michigan has been a long time coming. With three commercial casinos and over a dozen Native American tribes, Michigan is primed to have plenty of sportsbook apps, albeit with limited betting options.
The Michigan state legislature overwhelmingly passed legislation to legalize sports betting in December, allowing several casinos to launch in-person sports betting. Though sports betting was initially stopped due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it was reinstated the following month when the governor signed the Lawful Internet Gaming Act. Currently, the state is the eleventh U.S. state to allow for legal sports betting. Additionally, the legislation allowed for online casino and poker games. The legislation also permitted wagering at tribal casinos and commercial casinos.
The sports betting legislation passed in Michigan is particularly strong compared to other states’. While it does not mandate brick-and-mortar sportsbooks, it does allow for a very competitive tax rate of 8.4%. Those who operate sportsbooks in Michigan will also be able to enjoy great sign-up offers, competitive odds, and more. The sports betting landscape in Michigan will likely look much like that of New Jersey.
While the state lottery is one of the top sources of revenue in Michigan, the potential for new gaming forms to affect the state’s already lucrative tribal and commercial casino industries is a key concern. While Michigan’s online gambling industry is set to generate revenues comparable to New Jersey’s, the state will have a steep hill to climb. When will online gambling be legal in michigan? The future will tell. While many of us will never know for certain, we’ll be able to see it in the state soon.
When Will Online Gambling Be Legal in Michigan?
While Michigan’s commercial casinos support the idea of legalizing online casino gambling, their opposition lies in the specific proposals Kowall has proposed. The commercial casinos backed the bill, and it passed the House Regulatory Reform Committee in December. Earlier, the Michigan online lottery chief, Rep. Brandt Kowall, a Republican, was a key ally in the fight for online gambling. However, the bill passed and is now in the Senate for consideration.
A few months ago, state legislators passed legislation legalizing daily fantasy sports betting. The legislation was signed by Governor Gretchen Whitmer on Dec. 20. In January 2021, sports betting and online casino sites began operating in Michigan. Since then, online betting has expanded, and there have been multiple online sportsbooks. In addition to the retail sportsbooks, the Michigan Gaming Control Board has regulated the industry and acted to protect the consumers. The state has become one of the gambling-friendly states in the United States.
On Jan. 29, PokerStars became the first legal online poker operator in Michigan. The announcement marks the fifth state in the US to legalize peer-to-peer online poker. The state’s legislature waived the waiting period required for online poker and sports betting platforms to be licensed. Individual online sportsbook operators will need to get approval from the Michigan Gaming Control Board before the casino industry can launch. However, in January 2022, online poker is expected to be fully legal in the state.
