Michigan Regulators Hope To Push Online Gambling Rules Over Legislative Hurdle

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Written By Matt Schoch on October 26, 2020
Michigan online gambling

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The Michigan Gaming Control Board is urging the state Legislature to take further action in order to facilitate the launch of online gambling.

At Monday’s special board meeting, Executive Director Richard Kalm announced that the MGCB will officially request action to advance the progress.

“We have granted approval for the language in a waiver request, aiming to waive the mandatory 15 session days for (the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules). The purpose is to expedite the acceptance of these rules. The request is expected to be sent out sometime within this week.”

The rules for internet gaming and internet sports betting are currently under review by the JCAR in Lansing. However, it is unlikely that any action will be taken until after next week’s elections.

It is anticipated that the MGCB will proceed with additional measures during its upcoming meeting on November 10. However, it remains uncertain whether licensing and legislation will be fully resolved by that time.

Online gambling rules in front of a bipartisan committee

A committee of 10 senators and representatives from both parties, known as JCAR, received the rules on Oct. 8 for their consideration.

As per the state’s rulemaking process, JCAR members are granted a maximum of 15 session days to raise objections to the rules, regardless of the reason. In the event of objections, they are required to present legislation within an additional 15 session days in order to halt or postpone the implementation of the rules.

The MGCB is encouraging members to waive some of the 15 session days in order to expedite the process, especially since suppliers are obtaining licenses for launch.

No movement expected until after the election

There will be no Michigan Legislature session until after the upcoming elections next week, so any progress or developments can only be anticipated afterwards.

After leading the legislative effort for several years, Rep. Brandt Iden stated that the launch of Playinmichigan could potentially occur shortly thereafter. However, he mentioned that he will have a better understanding of the situation once the legislature reconvenes.

After the election, Iden, who is a Republican, will become term-limited and assume the status of a lame duck.

In December, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer approved the expansion of gambling laws. Following this, sports betting was introduced in March. Since then, the MGCB has been diligently working towards the implementation of mobile sports betting, online gaming, and online poker.

First Election Day, then Michigan online gambling

Following the election, the subsequent significant day in relation to the launch of Michigan online gambling occurs the following week. On November 10th, the MGCB will convene its next regular meeting.

The tasks that must be completed before launch should be evident.

Online gambling may be delayed until December or possibly beyond, either with minimal remaining elements or some necessary pieces still missing.

During Monday’s meeting, Kalm informed the board members that there will be a live gaming demonstration by two companies at the upcoming meeting next month. However, Kalm did not disclose the identity of the companies set to make the presentation.

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