Michigan interstate gambling bill awaits Governor’s signature

The bill would allow the MGCB to enter agreements with other jurisdictions to carry out interstate online poker.

US.- After the Michigan House of Representatives voted 85-16 to approve a bill that will allow interstate gambling, it just needs the signature of governor Gretchen Whitmer to be signed into law.

Bill SB 991 is an amendment to the Lawful Internet Gaming Act that authorises the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) to enter into agreements with other regulators in different jurisdictions (including tribal gaming authorities) to conduct interstate online poker.

State senator Curtis Hertel, Jr, the lead sponsor of the bill, has told media sources he believes Gov. Whitmer will sign the bill. He said he is not aware of any opposition.

Online poker was legalised in Michigan in December 2019 when Gov Whitmer signed a series of bills allowing the expansion of gambling in the state.

Retail sports betting launched in March when the MGCB gave the green light for Detroit’s three casinos to begin accepting sports wagers, although casinos were ordered to close due to the pandemic shortly afterwards.

Since then, the MGCB has been advancing in the licensing process, handing out the first 15 provisional licences for sports betting and igaming in mid-December.