The final legislative day of the year in Michigan was the crucial one for an online gaming bill that has hung around for months, even years. Both houses of the state legislature approved a bill that would legalize online gaming in the state and also opens the door to online sports betting. The bill now sits on the desk of Governor Rick Snyder.
Rep. Brent Iden’s bill was finally acted upon with only hours to go in the session. A parallel effort in the state Senate, sponsored by Senator Mike Kowell, was first to be approved by a 33-5 vote. In the wee hours of the morning, the House approved Iden’s bill by a 71-35 margin.
The details were favorable for casinos in the state. It imposes an 8 percent tax on online gaming revenue with a 1.25 percent tax on top of that for economic development in the state. Tribal casino operations are exempted from the 1.25 percent tax. The overall tax is substantially less than the 19 percent charged to the state’s commercial casinos—all in Detroit.
For commercial casinos, 55 percent of the taxes would go to the state gaming fund, 30 percent would go to Detroit with the remaining funds dedicated to roads, schools and horse racing. The tribal taxes would be divided up differently with 75 percent going to the state gaming fund and 25 percent to promote economic development and job creation via the Michigan Strategic Fund.
While the bill doesn’t legalize sports betting, it does open the door for it, saying, “The division 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.”
Applying for an online gaming license will cost $100,000 with a licensing fee of $200,000 and then $100,000 annually.
Snyder’s intentions on the bill are unknown, with pressure being brought from both sides of the bill. Should he sign it, Michigan would become the fifth state to join the online gaming club, joining Nevada, Delaware, New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
