.
For more than a year, Bryan Lofton has been engaging in online betting despite residing in west Michigan.
The 43-year-old resident of Holland has been making a round trip of approximately 90 minutes, 2-4 times a month, to visit a gas station located right across the state line in Indiana for the purpose of placing bets.
The state has fostered a thriving gambling culture for years, with lotteries and casinos spread across all areas. However, since March, the focus has shifted to sports betting, becoming a hot topic of conversation throughout the state.
For some individuals, the prolonged delay of online gambling in Michigan has made the situation even more challenging, especially considering that Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed the expanded gambling laws more than a year ago.
Therefore, Lofton frequently commutes to Indiana where online sports betting is fully operational.
In an email to Playinmichigan, Lofton expressed extreme frustration with the legislation in Michigan.
There is absolutely no logical justification for why this should have taken longer than 12 months.
After a lengthy wait, sports betting, online casinos, and online poker are set to make their debut in early 2021. Stay tuned to our live updates for the latest developments on this exciting milestone.
Reasons for online gambling stalls: Reasonable or ridiculous?
Depending on your perspective, the reasons behind the delays in Michigan online gambling can range from rational to absurd.
Initially, due to the pandemic outbreak, the staff members of the Michigan Gaming Control Board were compelled to shift their work operations to their homes, thereby introducing additional challenges.
The MGCB had faced a situation where the FBI was not handling the fingerprint processing required for completing background checks.
The progress of the legislative process faced yet another setback due to a delay caused by the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules. Despite no alterations being made, the bipartisan committee received the sports betting and internet gaming rules on Oct. 8 but did not proceed with forwarding them until Dec. 1.
This leads us to the general atmosphere of Lansing in 2020, characterized by anti-Whitmer rallies and culminating in a scheme to abduct the governor. Simultaneously, the Republican-dominated legislature engaged in a battle with the governor over pandemic-related regulations.
The MGCB foresees the launch of online gambling in mid-January, with the majority of obstacles now overcome.
Is it reasonable? Is it ridiculous? Or is it simply a manifestation of the never-ending year?
Lansing issues loom as a source of frustration
Cooperation was not the prevailing attitude in the state capitol this year, as evidenced by the aforementioned environment. Regardless of one’s political affiliation, it is easy to find the opposition being blamed for the government’s shortcomings.
According to Nick, a resident of Ferndale who preferred not to disclose his last name, he identified Whitmer as the primary scapegoat.
The process was hindered by Nick, who is not a Michigan native, stating that not classifying online gambling as an emergency order caused a delay.
Nick stated that Gretchen’s position at the top of his blame list is a result of her refusal to authorize any emergency action.
If online gambling and sports betting had been permitted, it is possible that they would have been operational by now. Consequently, residents might have had the opportunity to bet on football games conveniently from the comfort of their own homes.
Republican state lawmakers urged Whitmer and the MGCB to implement emergency rules in the spring to expedite the process. Nevertheless, in May, the governor’s office informed stakeholders that the matter did not meet the criteria for emergency rulemaking.
In the meantime, the sole available choice (when casinos are operational) has been retail betting. Nick expressed his annoyance with the lengthy process of placing bets during peak hours at Detroit casinos.
On a specific NFL Sunday, Nick showed up at 11:45 a.m., however, he didn’t place his bets until 1:15 p.m. Nonetheless, when it comes to online sports betting, there is no waiting involved.
COVID-19 created difficult situation for online gambling
Our @Play_Michigan account on Twitter frequently shares unfortunate updates on delays, which often leads to frustrated comments from users expressing their dissatisfaction.
However, there are more than just frustrated voices echoing through the chaos. Undeniably, 2020 proved to be a tumultuous year with countless setbacks including canceled sports seasons, postponed events, shuttered restaurants and casinos, imposed curfews, and widespread social unrest. The list of challenges seemed never-ending.
Benjamin Hyde, a 37-year-old resident of Kalamazoo, expressed his frustration without being certain about whom to hold accountable or if assigning blame is even necessary.
“I truly have no idea,” he admitted. “I recognize that with the ongoing COVID situation, this matter has likely lost its significance.”
To be honest, it pains us to admit that Michigan had little control over many of the ups and downs experienced in 2020. The cancellation of March Madness and the prolonged closure of casinos due to COVID-19 were unforeseen events that caught everyone off guard.
Online or not, just bet responsibly
Moving forward, Joe Beaudette, a 51-year-old resident of Flint, intends to exclusively place bets online, primarily focusing on the NBA. While he has previously explored other betting options, Joe now intends to utilize platforms like FanDuel Sportsbook for his gambling activities.
Actually, he has already registered for an account.
His response to fellow Michiganders, when asked what he would say to them, was straightforward: “Please gamble responsibly.”
Hyde reiterated those same feelings.
He advised, “Always act responsibly by considering your financial circumstances. If you find yourself in a situation where you cannot afford to spare any extra money, refrain from doing it. Although it can be enjoyable, ensure that you stay within your financial limits.”
Please remain patient a little longer. Despite the long year and wait, online betting will be available in just a few weeks.
