Michigan Hopes to Pass Online Betting Bill By Summer

This story was published more than 5 years ago.

A Michigan representative stated this week that he hopes to get his online betting bill that he introduced passed by the legislature by the time the House takes summer vacation on June 21st.

Representative Brandt Iden told Online Poker Report about his new hopes on HB4926, which would legalize online betting within the Wolverine State. Unfortunately, the bill didn't get through in during the initial timeline Iden sought, as questions from other house members have bogged things down a bit. Now, the representative is working to answer those questions in an attempt to get the bill to a vote.

One sticking point for the bill appears to be the Native American tribes that dot the state. Tribes are concerned about being left out in relation to online betting, but changes to the bill have been made that would put the process in place. The proposed solution includes having an interested tribe sending a letter to the Governor requesting that their gambling compact be renegotiated to include cyber betting.

Another issue at play is to whether or not online gambling is constitutional under the state's rules. The current House Speaker Tom Leonard is one of the people questioning the constitutionality of the bill. Addressing this issue Iden said, "One of the things I'm trying to address is that the legislation is constitutional, that it merely regulates what is going on in the black market currently. Once I get them comfortable with that, the Speaker included, I think things will certainly be easier."

The newest bill draft by Iden would lower the tax rate for operators from 15% to 8%, which would likely spur investment into the sector by casinos.

If the bill passes through the House, it will move onto the Senate, where it'll face a battle to get voted on before the end of the year. If the bill makes it through the Senate, it will head to Governor Rick Snyder's desk where he will have the option to sign it into law or veto it.

Source: Online Poker Report

About the author

Dustin Jermalowicz // News Editor
Dustin Jermalowicz
Dustin has a long-standing passion for gambling. He has been writing professionally on the subject and breaking industry news for Casino Listings since 2011. His favorite casino games include Blackjack, Poker, and Hi/Lo. A proud native of Detroit, Dustin currently lives in Michigan.
1 reply • Last post

Comments

bgsharpe
Forum AngelForum Angel
sharpe's picture
Location: Sofia, Bulgaria
Joined: 4 Nov 2014
Posts: 7646
Thanks given: 4239
Thanks received: 1165
10 May 2018 - 6:14pm
#1

Well I think it shouldn't be a problem if the bill's passing takes a bit more time if then it would be more completed and fair to all parties including the Indian tribes involved in this business but obviously a bit more work to be done before that.