Michigan Sports Gambling Missing Out On Rush To Obscure Sports

Please rewrite the following sentence: “I am going to the store to buy some groceries.”

At the time of legalizing Michigan sports gambling in December 2019, the implementation plan appeared to be well-thought-out.

Regulators and lawmakers prioritized the opening of retail brick-and-mortar sportsbooks, recognizing the significance of launching these establishments before March Madness, which typically stimulates a surge in sports betting.

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the NCAA Tournament had to be canceled, prompting contemplation on whether greater attention should have been given to mobile sports betting, online poker, and online casinos.

Although it was unlikely that they would have been operational by March, a few American sports bettors are finding alternative options worldwide to satisfy their gambling cravings while confined at home.

On Tuesday, during the ESPN Daily podcast, Doug Kezirian from ESPN shared a story from his high school days, mentioning how his mom would often make jokes about people betting on everything, even something as unpredictable as the weather.

“That’s presently our situation.”

Obscure sports filling gambling void

On Tuesday morning, FanDuel Sportsbook offered a variety of betting options including table tennis matches in Russia and Ukraine, soccer games in Belarus and Nicaragua, basketball games in Taiwan, and an online darts league.

Dave McDowell, a CEO from London, stated that the content has been a lifeline for certain partners, which is a remarkable benefit. He originally hails from Michigan.

According to the New York Times, Nicaragua has emerged as a prominent hub for sports activities amidst the pandemic, with boxing, a marathon, and baseball being hosted in the country.

The Division of Gaming Enforcement in New Jersey has recently given its approval for the inclusion of some lesser-known sports in the betting offerings. These sports, namely darts, handball (from Sweden, Turkey, and Ukraine), lawn bowling, snooker, and volleyball (from Turkey and Russia), may soon be available at sportsbooks.

Kezirian stated that the experience has undeniably been fascinating and has posed challenges for us. Thanks to the wonders of the internet, we are all managing to progress in our own way. However, it is evident that everything has taken on a significantly different tone.

Could esports, virtual sports betting come to Michigan?

As the real sports world comes to a halt, numerous bettors may find themselves embracing the realm of esports.

In November, New Jersey accepted wagers on a competitive esports event featuring League of Legends players.

The lottery in New Jersey and Pennsylvania has already introduced virtual sports betting, which entails computer software simulating sporting events, races, or contests.

State Representative Brandt Iden (R-Oshtemo Township), who played a key role in legalizing sports gambling in Michigan, expressed during a recent iGaming Business webinar that esports might be considered in the future.

Iden stated that they have brought this matter to the attention of regulators, and it is possible that they will consider it. Exploring the world of esports can be quite daunting.

I believe that we are not fully prepared yet in Michigan.

Could Michigan expedite mobile sports betting?

Iden is eager for online betting to progress rapidly, but he also emphasizes the need for caution.

Iden stressed the importance of a systematic and swift approach in order to have some form of sports return in the fall. However, he cautioned that rushing the process could lead to mistakes and potentially cause greater damage in the future.

Michigan Gaming Control Board spokesperson Mary Kay Bean reaffirmed to USPoker.com this week that the early 2021 projection still stands.

In addition to being for the public good, Allen Kerridge, the interim CEO of Kewadin Casinos in the Upper Peninsula, emphasized that the revamped initiatives to launch online gambling aim to benefit the community.

Kerridge mentioned that a significant portion of their actions stem from the current national crisis. They are committed to offering any possible support to our communities.

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