Earlier this month, Michigan state Rep. Aaron Miller and state Rep. Jim Tedder sponsored House Bill 4742 and House Bill 4243, which together would define, legalize and regulate fantasy sports. Under the bills, fantasy sports operators would be required to be licensed, keep players’ funds separate and forbid contests connected to high school or college events. Players would have to be at least 18 years old.
“Michigan residents already are playing these games. We want to make sure people can continue to enjoy them legally well into the future, with some basic and important consumer protections,” Miller said. Tedder added, “Fantasy sports are growing in popularity in Michigan and across the nation. The state should have a limited role in this industry, but that role is critical. We should have clear laws and regulations for the benefit of both customers and companies.”
In 2015, a fantasy sports measure sponsored by state Senator Curtis Hertel did not advance in the legislature.
Regarding online gambling, last year state Senator Mike Kowall introduced Senate Bill 889, also known as the Lawful Internet Gaming Act. It passed 8-1 in the Senate Regulatory Reform Committee but died in the full Senate. This year, Kowall co-sponsored S.203, which also passed the Senate Regulatory Reform Committee, but lost steam in the full Senate. However, changes have been proposed and Kowall has said he will bring the bill back for discussion.
To become law, the fantasy sports and the online gambling bills would have to pass the House and Senate then receive Governor Rick Snyder’s signature.
