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A new Michigan sports betting bill has been introduced, representing another version of a previous bill aiming to legalize sports betting in the Wolverine State. This latest iteration aligns with the typical expectations for such legislation.
Whether the bill will become law is the crucial concern for Michiganders, and its introduction, along with one of its principles, offers a positive indication.
New Michigan sports betting bill details
State Representative Brandt Iden has introduced HB4916 to the House Committee on Regulatory Reform. Although the legislative process allows for potential modifications, the bill encompasses all the anticipated elements.
The bill grants permission for both commercial and Native American casinos within the state to legally accept wagers on sporting events. Additionally, it includes provisions for the implementation of mobile betting.
In order to place online bets, bettors are not required to register in-person, but they must meet the minimum age requirement of 21 years. However, online operators are obligated to have a connection with a casino within the state.
The acquisition and annual renewal of licenses would amount to $200,000, with a yearly cost of $100,000. Additionally, a tax rate of 8% would apply to the revenue generated from sports betting.
The bill grants licensees the use of a single online skin, without the need to pay royalties to professional sports leagues. However, it does satisfy some of the demands made by these leagues.
Although operators are not obligated to buy official data, the bill permits leagues to ask the newly established sports betting division of the Michigan Gaming Control Board to limit betting on certain events. Additionally, leagues can request that books utilize official data for in-play wagers.
The crucial factor lies in the breakdown of the tax structure, as it will determine the success or failure of this bill.
Support for the state school aid fund written into the bill
The school aid fund has emerged as the primary bone of contention between Iden and Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, sparking public debates. Whitmer consistently voices her worries about sports betting potentially diminishing the fund’s financial resources.
In a strategic move aimed at securing Whitmer’s endorsement, the bill includes a provision that directs a portion of the sports betting tax to be directly allocated to the fund. Here is the detailed breakdown:
- The state of Michigan’s general fund receives 55% of the total.
- The city where the casino is situated receives 30% of the revenue.
- The state’s school aid fund receives a 5% contribution.
- The state’s transportation fund receives a 5% allocation.
- The state’s agriculture equine industry development fund will receive a 5% allocation.
It is yet to be determined if the allocation of 5% is enough to meet Whitmer’s satisfaction. Nonetheless, it can be seen as a gesture of goodwill towards her administration.
The tax structure may undergo changes as the legislative process progresses. The extent of involvement from Whitmer’s administration in the drafting of this bill remains uncertain.
Although this bill provides a comprehensive legal framework for sports betting in Michigan, it does not include certain elements present in previous bills proposed by Iden.
The big pieces of the gaming puzzle missing from HB4916
However, this doesn’t imply that Iden has abandoned the idea of online casino games, as HB4916, unlike his previous bills, does not include any provisions for them.
Iden’s successful legalization of sports betting would pave the way for the legalization of online poker and other similar activities. This achievement would provide Iden with a definitive route towards facilitating online gambling.
Iden’s expressed desire for sports betting to be available in his state by Super Bowl Sunday is now significantly closer to becoming a reality with the introduction of this bill.
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