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Michigan online gambling continues to present hopeful timelines day after day.
According to a state regulator, as initially reported by Online Poker Report, there is a possibility of online casinos and mobile sports betting launching in October.
In addition, the legislator informed OPR that he plans to include Michigan players in the existing online poker pools that currently operate in three other states.
These recent developments have significantly contributed to the growth of the state’s gambling market, positioning it to potentially become one of the most thriving in the nation.
Michigan Gaming Control Board timeline moves up
During the pandemic, the Michigan Gaming Control Board has been making gradual progress towards the finalization of online gambling.
Regulators made retail sports betting their top priority for a March Madness launch after Gov. Gretchen Whitmer approved gambling expansion in December.
Ever since the pandemic caused upheaval in the sports industry in March 11, there has been a renewed focus on advancing iGaming and mobile sports betting to the finish line.
MGCB Executive Director Richard Kalm expressed cautious optimism about a 2020 launch, following an initial early 2021 estimate.
This week, his deputy director went even further.
Murley: All parties on board for expediting launch
Although there are obstacles to overcome, it is reassuring that the stakeholders appear to be in agreement about progressing forward.
In his remarks to OPR, David Murley, the deputy director of the MGCB, stated that this is the case.
There is a collective effort from various stakeholders, including commercial casinos, tribal governments, the executive branch, and legislative leaders, to expedite the launch of this project. It appears that there is a shared sentiment among these groups to swiftly progress with the implementation of the regulations. Based on our current pace, it is feasible to expect that the rules will reach the legislature and the licensing process will be completed by October.
Given the budget constraints caused by the pandemic, it is understandable that all the parties have united in favor of implementing the new laws as soon as possible.
Michigan poker players could compete nationwide
This week, Sen. Curtis Hertel Jr., a prominent legislator advocating for gambling, brought even more good news for gamblers.
Hertel announced his intention to amend the Lawful Internet Gaming Act by proposing a bill that would incorporate multi-state pooling for online poker.
Hertel claimed that the omission was accidental.
Hertel expressed concern about the absence of multi-state slot machines to challenge the lottery. He admitted that poker was unintentionally overlooked due to the fast-paced nature of the situation.
This is his suggested wording regarding the expansion of poker across multiple states, which has already been initiated in Delaware, New Jersey, and Nevada.
The Michigan Gaming Control Board has the authority to establish agreements with various jurisdictions, including Indian tribes, to support, manage, and oversee cross-jurisdictional online poker gaming. However, these agreements must align with both state and federal laws and must ensure that the online gaming activities conducted under the agreement are limited to the United States.
Hertel is aiming to pass the bill during the late summer or early fall in order to align with the ongoing rule-making process.
Hertel: Proposed Senate bill couldn’t hurt
In addition, the senator representing East Lansing expressed to OPR that the recent introduction of a Senate bill by fellow Democrat Adam Hollier aimed at expediting the licensing process could only have positive effects.
Hertel expressed his gratitude for and endorsement of the bill, stating that the necessary work is already in progress. While he believes that having a measure that adds pressure is not a negative idea, he is confident that the regulatory bodies will successfully complete the task ahead of schedule.
A group consisting of two Republicans, including Hertel, is among the nine sponsors of the bill.
The proposed legislation grants the state’s 15 casino operators the ability to establish online casinos, bypassing the need for the complete regulatory procedure.
How online gambling could launch faster in Michigan
OPR provided an explanation on how the regulatory process could be accelerated from the initial 373 days stipulated by the state’s rule-making process. A revised estimation suggests that a shorter version could be accomplished in 250 days.
According to Murley, the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules approving final regulations is the most significant factor in determining the launch timeline.
If the committee decides to forgo its 15-session day review period, this process can be completed within two days.
According to Murley, it is possible to reduce the duration of the process by a few days, potentially even up to three weeks.
Michigan could be Midwest gambling hot spot this fall
The state’s 26 casinos are expected to open soon, featuring several new retail sportsbooks. One such sportsbook was recently inaugurated by FireKeepers Casino on Monday. Dacey’s Sportsbook in Battle Creek is the state’s fourth sportsbook and the first to be established through a partnership with a tribal entity.
In addition to that, there is the Michigan Lottery along with its online options, a single horse racing track, and regulated daily fantasy sports.
Michigan sports fans can expect to have a wide range of sports betting apps to choose from for football wagering by Halloween. The market is anticipated to grow and feature over a dozen different brands. As an example, BetRivers recently entered the competition on Monday.
In addition to online casinos and online poker, there are opportunities to connect with players nationwide.
Hertel expressed confidence in the arrival of more in the near future.
Hertel expressed that after conversing with both the governor and the gaming control board, he believes that significant advancements are being made. He confidently stated that if he had to wager, he would place his bet on it being accessible by October regardless.
