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Although Michigan online gaming faced challenges towards the end of 2018, the primary supporter of the bill intends to reintroduce a fresh bill later in the year.
Representative Brandt Iden, the author of H 4926, expressed his confidence in the reapproval of the bill.
Iden expressed his surprise upon learning that Governor Rick Snyder had vetoed his bill as he was leaving office.
Iden expressed his deep disappointment as the veto pen was wielded against his entire gaming package.
Potential for Michigan online gambling in 2019
In addition to proposing a fresh online gaming bill, Iden has intentions of presenting a sports betting bill as well.
There is optimism that incoming governor Gretchen Whitmer will have a more receptive approach towards expanding gaming.
Iden mentioned that he had observed the duration it takes to educate individuals about these matters and bring them up to date within the past two years. He acknowledged the need to repeat this process, but assured that he was fully ready to do so and expressed confidence in achieving success in 2019.
Michigan will witness the arrival of several fresh faces in the statehouse, alongside the appointment of a new governor.
He expressed confidence in getting it done, acknowledging the journey’s length and considering the current obstacle as a mere hiccup along the way.
Positive outlook
Michigan is aiming to take advantage of the numerous economic advantages that come with online gaming. New Jersey’s online gambling, before introducing sports betting, contributed to the creation of thousands of new employment opportunities.
The NJ online gambling industry created 3,375 job opportunities, as stated in a white paper released by the iDevelopment and Economic Association.
Not only did Snyder’s veto reset online gaming progress to the initial stage, but it also resulted in the state losing millions of dollars in tax revenue and potentially damaging the existing casino industry.
Snyder’s veto puts the reopening of Sports Creek Raceway at risk, as stated by the Michigan Horsemen’s Benevolent & Protective Association.
If Snyder had signed the bill, the struggling horse racing industry would have received an estimated annual revenue of approximately $3 million, along with the elimination of wagering restrictions.
Lottery stronghold
Iden stated that one of the main motivations behind Snyder’s veto of H 4929 was to safeguard the lottery’s profitable monopoly in the industry.
The sales of online instant-win games throughout the state exceed 300,000 on a daily basis. Furthermore, numerous players have already signed up for accounts with the Michigan iLottery.
After a successful pilot program in August 2014, the Michigan lottery introduced online lottery sales in November of the same year. Currently, the state boasts one of the most prosperous lotteries in the nation.
