The state of Michigan is poised to be the center of attention for online gaming stakeholders in the United States come the start of the 2018 political season.

Just before lawmakers concluded business for 2017, the Michigan House Regulatory Reform Committee passed a series of bills that would legalize gambling on the internet within the state.

Rep. Brandt Idena, the bills’ sponsor and Chair of the Regulatory Reform Committee, is selling the proposal to fellow lawmakers as a way to generate much needed revenue for the state, while at the same time, allowing citizens to engage in activities that some of them already participate in via offshore illegal online gambling sites.

“This extension of existing gaming will boost revenue to the state and our local communities for essential public services, without asking for more money through general taxes,” said Idena. “People already are gambling illegally online.”

Idena also suggested that it would be wise for Michigan online gambling to keep up with technological advances in the gambling industry.

“As technology and market forces evolve, legalization of online gaming is inevitable. Michigan should be proactive—legalize it, make it safe for customers by allowing them to play on a secure and regulated system, and capitalize on its revenue benefits for the public services we all use every day,” Idena remarked following the passage of the bills by the committee.

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