michigan online gambling

Introduction

Michigan is one of the states in the US that have a growing online gambling industry. The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) oversees the regulation and licensing of both online and land-based casinos in the state. In December 2019, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed the Lawful Internet Gaming Act, legalizing online gambling in the state. The law enabled the creation of online casinos, poker, and sports betting platforms, and the first online casinos launched in January 2021. This article will explore Michigan's online gambling industry, its regulations, and the current state of the market.

The Legal Status of Online Gambling in Michigan

The Lawful Internet Gaming Act

The Lawful Internet Gaming Act, signed into law in December 2019, allowed the Michigan Gaming Control Board to oversee the regulation and licensing of online gambling in the state. The act permits online casinos, poker, and sports betting platforms, as well as daily fantasy sports and online horse race wagering. The law required each platform operator to hold a license issued by the MGCB.

Online Gambling Regulations in Michigan

The MGCB regulates online gambling in Michigan, and it has created a set of rules and regulations for online gambling operators. The regulations require the operators to provide a secure platform, including authentication and identification of players. Additionally, the regulations require the operators to provide responsible gaming measures, including allowing players to set deposit and time limits on their accounts.

The MGCB also requires the operators to use geolocation technology to ensure that players are located within Michigan's state lines. The regulations also require operators to pay a tax rate of 8.4% on adjusted gross sports betting receipts, which is among the lowest in the country.

The Current State of Michigan Online Gambling Market

Online Casino

Michigan's first online casinos launched in January 2021, offering various types of casino games, including slots, table games, and live dealer games. The number of online casinos in Michigan is set to grow as more operators receive licenses from the MGCB.

According to the MGCB, the revenue from online casinos in Michigan hit $79.7 million in the first four months of operation. The revenue generated from online gambling has more than made up for the decline in revenue from land-based casinos due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Online Sports Betting

Michigan launched online sports betting platforms in January 2021, becoming the 14th state to legalize sports betting in the US. The state currently has ten online sports betting platforms, with more expected to launch in the coming months.

According to the MGCB, the total sports betting handle in Michigan was $290.7 million in April 2021. The revenue generated by online sports betting operators in Michigan was $20.4 million in the same period.

Online Poker

Michigan launched its first online poker platform in January 2021. The state currently has one online poker platform, but more are expected to launch in the future.

According to the MGCB, the revenue generated by online poker in Michigan was $3.2 million in the first four months of operation. It is expected that the revenue will continue to grow as more operators receive licenses from the MGCB.

The editor says: Michigan's online gambling industry has seen significant growth since the legalization of online gambling in 2019. Online casinos, sports betting, and poker platforms have generated millions of dollars in revenue for the state. As more operators receive licenses from the MGCB, the market is expected to continue to grow. Michigan's low tax rate and strict regulations make it an attractive market for online gambling operators.