Michigan governor Gretchen Whitmer has signed a number of bills into law to legalize sports betting and online gaming within the Wolverine State that will pave the way for a 2020 roll-out
The bills were signed into law almost a year after a similar proposal was put forward by Representative Brandt Iden, which was vetoed by Whitmer’s predecessor Rick Snyder in December of last year. Until now, it appeared as though the current Governor would fail to ratify the bills if they passed the legislature.
Those located within the state will have the opportunity to gain access to online slots, table games, poker and sports betting which will generate millions of dollars in revenues for the state.
Operators will pay sports betting taxes at a rate of 8.4%, while online taxes will be on a sliding scale of between 20% and 28%, depending on the type of casino that offers the service.
Whitmer commented on the new laws by saying that her top priority in signing this legislation was protecting and investing in the School Aid Fund, because their students deserve leaders who put their education first
Whitmer also said that thanks in part to the hard work and leadership of Senator Hertel and Representative Warren, these bills will put more dollars in Michigan classrooms and increase funding for firefighters battling cancer. She added that this is a real bipartisan win for their state.
Michigan is the 20th state to legalize sports betting. However, there is not yet any timeframe for the launch of both services.