Online Gambling Legalized in Michigan
When was online gambling legalized in Michigan? The question is one that has been weighing on the minds of Michiganans for some time now. With commercial casinos already offering retail sports betting, the question of when was online gambling legalized in Michigan became one of the top priorities of the newly elected Governor, Gretchen Whitmer. The resulting gambling expansion bills cleared the Michigan House in November and the Senate in December. Despite the political uncertainty that surrounded the legislation, the bills eventually passed through committees and were signed into law by the governor.
Michigan is home to the oldest NFL franchise, the Detroit Lions. The franchise has called Detroit home since 1934, and it has crafted iconic architecture, including the Pontiac Silverdome and Ford Field. The Lions are one of only four teams in the NFL without a Super Bowl ring. The league’s four NFL Championships came before the merger with the AFL. Still, the team enjoys strong fan support, and it seems likely that the new online gambling law will enable the Lions to make it all the way to the Super Bowl.
In January of 2021, Michigan’s legislature passed legislation that made online gambling legal within state boundaries. However, this legislation did not go through and local lawmakers rewrote the law with a more favorable bill known as Public Act 185. While Michigan does not expressly prohibit any form of iGaming, local law enforcement has been hesitant to pursue individual gambling operators. A new bill is expected to pass in the next year or two.
When Was Online Gambling Legalized in Michigan?
Legislation in Michigan to legalize online gambling in Michigan has been in the works for the last year. In December, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed HB 4311 and the Michigan Gaming Control Board made it possible for online sportsbooks and casinos to operate legally. As of January 2021, the law will make all forms of online gambling legal in Michigan. The legislation also provides the state with a regulatory structure for the industry, protecting consumers.
While online gambling has yet to become widespread, Michigan residents are eager to experience the excitement of gambling in a new way. The state has already authorized casinos to offer online poker, which follows the same regulatory regime as the state’s casinos. In addition to traditional casino games, online poker also falls under the same regulatory regime as offline gambling. It is regulated by the Michigan Gaming Control Board. For more information, visit their website.
In 1972, Michigan lawmakers authorized a state lottery. In 1996, the Michigan Gaming Control and Revenue Act legalizes casinos on non-tribal land. Despite the state’s continued prohibition of gambling for decades, it eventually led to a series of bills making online gaming in Michigan legal. Governor Gretchen Whitmer signs the bills into law. Several casinos opened their sportsbooks in Michigan after the law took effect.
