Michigan is poised to make itself an online gambling mecca after the recent passage of sweeping legislation. The state has long been involved in a financial crisis, and most lawmakers realize that online gambling legislation is the best way to bring in needed revenue.
Governor Gretchen Whitmer has signed House Bill 4311 into law. The measure, called the Lawful Internet Gaming Act addresses multiple types of online gambling. The tribal casinos in the state will be permitted to apply for various types of gaming licenses. There are 23 land-based betting venues. Not all of them are expected to provide online gambling.
Legalized online sports betting in Michigan is expected to launch first. The online sportsbooks will then be followed by online casinos. Last to make an appearance will be online poker rooms. Michigan needs to partner with other states in order to make the online poker rooms profitable. March 2021 has been established as a target date for the first online poker rooms in Michigan.
HB 4311 also addressed the legality of daily fantasy sports in Michigan. These will be allowed, and DraftKings and FanDuel have already moved to set up mobile betting apps for Michigan residents.
Legalized online gambling in Michigan will be restricted to those that are 21 years of age or older.
