Just in time for the New Year, Michigan has become the fifth US state to legalize and regulate online gambling. The law now heads to Governor Rick Snyder’s table for his final signature. The sweeping gambling expansion will allow Michigan residents to play online poker and casino games run by Detroit based land casinos and tribal casinos.
Some of the highlights of the bill include:
- Revenue from online games will carry an 8% tax
- 55% of the tax collected will be allocated to Michigan’s gaming fund, 30% will be allocated to Detroit and other funds will go to schools, roads and horse racing.
- The bill paves the way for online sports betting, although it does not directly authorize it.
- An online gambling division will be created under the Michigan Gaming Control Board.
The new gambling bill has its opponents who hope that the governor will still veto it at the last minute.
“While we’re disappointed in the legislature’s action, we’re hopeful the governor will put Michigan school revenue, the needs of addicts and family safety ahead of online casino special interests and veto the measure when it reaches his desk,” noted Coalition to Stop Internet Gambling said in a statement.
However, Michigan has come to realize that its citizens are already gambling online and bet on sports. As such, they have found the right way to allow them to do so legally and still make sure that their gambling dollars remain within the state.