Last year, just before he left office, Michigan Governor Rick Snyder vetoed the Lawful Internet Gaming Act, even though it passed the House in a 71-35 vote and the Senate 33-5. This year, however, companion bills SB 186, sponsored by state Senator Curtis Hertel, and HB 4311, sponsored by state Rep. Brandt Iden, have the same goals as last year’s measure: to legalize online casino games and poker, plus online sports betting. The new governor, Gretchen Whitmer, is thought to be more open to the legislation.
The bills would not approve retail sports books; separate legislation would be required for that. The measures state gaming regulators “may permit internet gaming operators licensed by the division to accept internet wagers under this act on any amateur or professional sporting event or contest.” The three Detroit casinos and tribal casinos could offer online gambling, which would be taxed at 9.25 percent. An online gaming license would cost $200,000 with a $100,000 annual renewal fee. In addition, online gaming vendors that provide a gaming platform would pay a $100,000 license fee with an annual renewal of $50,000.
In January, Iden, who has led the push for online gambling the past two years, said, “The bills that came out of the legislature had tremendous bipartisan support, veto-proof support. If we had had more time, I believe we would have discussed an override of the governor’s veto. We’re going to get right back on the horse and go after online gambling again.”
In a primary debate last year, Whitmer said she supported legalizing sports betting in Michigan.
