Optimism about iGaming law in Michigan
The online gaming legislation sponsor Mike Kowall has shared his optimism about the possible approval of the bill in Michigan.
US.- As the Michigan’s Legislature is studying the potential legalisation of the online gaming industry, the main sponsor of the bill, State’s Senator Mike Kowall, shared his optimism to the local press. Kowall’s SB 203 proposal, which was also supported by five officials from Michigan, attempts to extend the casino sector to online platforms.
“The number one issue is to make sure online gaming is safe while bringing in some revenue into the state at the same time,” explained the State’s Senator from R-Oakland County. Kowall, who will introduce small changes in the original draft, also told to the press that he is “cautiously optimistic” about the approval of the regulation.
As the bill was introduced earlier this month, Michigan’s legislators have not passed the bill yet to the Senate nor the House of Representatives. The project needs the signature of Governor Rick Snyder as well.
Although the proposal attempts to boost the gaming industry and the State’s revenues, some studies reveal that key operators, such as land-based Detroit casinos and the Michigan Lottery, would face “a loss of between US$27 million and US$46.7 million or roughly US$18 to US$32 per pupil,” stated a Senate’s fiscal resolution.
A group of native casino operators, the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe and the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi Indians, also showed their opposition to the legislation by issuing a joint letter: “The legislation requires unconditional and unwarranted waivers of sovereign immunity as a condition; oversteps the State’s authority to impose its jurisdiction on tribal reservation lands throughout the State of Michigan; and creates a licensing system that is inherently unfair to Indian tribes.”
Under the possible legislation, the authorised iGaming sector would only be operated by Michigan’s commercial casino operators and federally recognised native communities. Several states are currently debating the legalisation of online gaming services, which may also include sports betting and daily fantasy sports. Furthermore, the companies expect a federal legalisation of the industry.
