Online Gambling Legal in Michigan
In April 2016, a bill was introduced by Sen. Brandt Iden that would regulate online gambling in Michigan. The bill’s sponsor claimed that it would provide both revenue for the state and protection from illegal offshore operators. It eventually passed two House committees, but the Governor vetoed it. The new governor has promised to make online gambling legal in Michigan. In the meantime, when is online gambling legal in Michigan?
The legality of online gambling in Michigan depends on whether the state will legalize offshore sites or allow Michigan-based ones. Michigan’s Gaming Control Board is the regulatory body that oversees all online gambling sites. The regulation also stipulates that online gambling sites must partner with land-based casinos in Michigan and pay a $50-100k application fee. Meanwhile, offshore gambling sites are still available to Michigan residents, but these sites do not have the same level of security and financial protection.
The state’s Lawful Internet Gaming Act made online casino gaming legal in Michigan in 2021. Nine casinos and ten mobile sportsbooks went live within 24 hours of each other. This was several weeks ahead of the 2013 legalization of online gambling in New Jersey. By the end of July 2019, all but one of the 15 brands in Michigan were fully operational. It was then announced that online casinos would become legal in Michigan in January 2021.
When Is Online Gambling Legal in Michigan?
If online gambling is legal in Michigan, the revenue from it will bring in $64 million in new taxes a year. In addition to the revenue, the state will see a substantial increase in tax revenue as a result of expanded gambling. This money will be funneled to public agencies and organizations. It is hoped that the state’s online gambling industry will be profitable and flourish, but it remains to be seen whether the state will actually approve online gambling in the near future.
While Michigan’s legislature has been processing iGaming legislation for two years now, it is likely to pass a bill this year. The previous bill, Senate Bill 0889, was never approved by the Senate after passing its Committee of the Whole. Unlike the previous legislation, this one is expected to become law by 2020. The Michigan Senate also plans to approve online casino gambling, sports betting, and daily fantasy sports by 2020.
Internet gaming in Michigan is not open to everyone. Currently, residents must be 21 years of age to play online gambling. The minimum age for online casinos is 21 years old, but 18-year-olds can participate in land-based gambling, including charitable and tribal gaming. The Michigan Gaming Control Board will oversee the online gambling industry in the state. In addition to online casino gambling, Michigan has also allowed lottery ticket sales online.
