If the legislature can gather enough support for a pair of identical bills, Michiganders may have more options for online gambling beyond the Michigan Lottery.
Unlike other bills, HB 4611 and SB 342 do not aim to legalize and regulate online casino games or poker. Instead, their focus is on permitting online pari-mutuel wagers on horse races, an activity that is already permitted in more than 20 states.
Horse racing legislation on the fast-track
The legislation, which was introduced at the beginning of this month, is currently being expedited. The Michigan Harness Horsemen’s Association (MHHA) has stated that the House and Senate may vote on these bills as soon as next week.
The MHHA issued a press release stating that…
Next week, the House and Senate will be addressing HB 4611 and SB 382, which are identical bills aiming to grant authorization to the Michigan Gaming Control Board for Advanced Deposit Wagering (ADW) within the state. This significant change has the potential to bring around $100 million in gross wagers out from the depths of the internet’s shadows. Consequently, this would result in increased funding for purses, additional race days, more financial support for fairs, and a revival of our colt stakes program after many decades.
The MHHA is urging members and supporters to reach out to their legislators and request their support for the bills, despite opposition from the casino industry.
“The MHHA has stated that the casinos’ special interests are tirelessly working to hinder the progress of these bills. Despite the ongoing wagers, the Michigan Horsemen, Michigan Tracks, and Michigan Agriculture sectors are not reaping any of the advantages.”
The argument for online horse wagering
The legislation is supported by the MHHA for the following reasons:
- This legislation does not represent a growth in the gaming industry. Placing pari-mutuel wagers on horse racing outcomes in Michigan has always been lawful. However, this bill does grant us the opportunity to update and adapt to new technological advancements.
- The bills, which received backing from both the Governor and the Michigan Gaming Control Board, were initially planned to be authorized by the Executive Branch following the revision of the Horse Racing Act last summer. However, a minor problem emerged with the wording, prompting the Governor’s office and the Gaming Control Board to collaborate in writing the bills in order to rectify the issue.
- The purpose of these bills is to safeguard the equine industry and agriculture. Although primarily focused on horse racing, they aim to generate increased funding for the Agriculture Equine Development Fund within the Department of Agriculture. This financial support not only benefits agriculture but also encourages the growth of Michigan horses and businesses.
Michigan’s shift to online wagering
Michigan may not be the first to introduce online pari-mutuel wagers, but it is pioneering the way for online wagering.
Out of all the states, Michigan is among the four that offer online sales of lottery tickets.
In addition to that, the state has been actively considering the legalization of online casino and poker for the past couple of years. Moreover, there have been bills (linked here and here) introduced by the state to legalize sports betting.
The legalization of online casino and poker in Michigan has encountered the usual obstacles. Moreover, the challenge of finding a balance between commercial and tribal gaming interests has proven to be more challenging than anticipated, resulting in a complete halt to discussions about online gambling.
If online horse racing gains traction, it has the potential to significantly boost the online gambling industry. Not only would it further establish online gambling as a common practice, but it might also encourage the casino industry to collaborate and capitalize on the online gaming market in the state, alongside lotteries and horse racing.
The photo was taken by GeptaYs and is available on Shutterstock.com.
