Michigan sports betting is off and running, and bettors in the state will have their first opportunity to place a legal wager with today’s opening of two Detroit-area sportsbooks, a momentous first step in the state’s fledgling industry. But with online sports betting and internet casino operations still a year away, the most significant leap forward is still months away, according to PlayMichigan analysts. “Today is something that sports bettors across Michigan have been waiting for for years, which makes it a moment to celebrate,” said Dustin Gouker, chief analyst for PlayMichigan.com. “But much work remains, particularly with the launch…

The state House of Representatives has passed legislation that would regulate Michigan sports betting, online gaming and fantasy sports. This move comes even as legislators have not reached an agreement with the Governor, who continues to express concerns that the activities could cut revenue from the state lottery. The main measures in the 10-bill package passed on 63-45 and 62-44 votes, with many Republicans and some Democrats in support. The legislation, which also would regulate the fast-growing paid fantasy sports industry, was sent to the Republican-led Senate for future consideration. An 8.75 percent tax would be collected on Michigan sports…

Lawmakers are resurrecting a plan to make Michigan sports betting a reality… possibly in time for the upcoming Super Bowl. Even though bills have had widespread support in the Legislature in the past, they were all vetoed by former Governor Rick Snyder who opposed expansion of gambling and feared a loss of revenue for the state lottery. State Representative Brandt Iden is hoping for a different outcome with a new governor in office. “My goal is to have this up and running by the Super Bowl. Casinos are moving forward because they know it’s going to come to fruition at some…

Former State Senator Mike Kowall has predicted Michigan online gambling will be legalized in the state, despite outgoing governor Rick Snyder vetoing legislation for each vertical. Snyder refused to sign the gaming bills which were passed by the Michigan House and Senate during the final legislative session of 2018. However, Republican Kowall, who served as Michigan Senate Majority Leader until this earlier month, and sponsored the versions of Brandt Iden’s House Bills in the legislative chamber, says despite this opposition, he fully expects legislation to pass sooner rather than later. In an opinion piece for The Detroit News, Kowall said…

A Michigan online gambling bill that advanced on Wednesday now has a sports betting provision in it. Lawmakers in the state advanced Rep. Brandt Iden’s bill that would legalize online casinos and poker in the state. The bill was approved in a hearing by the House Regulatory Reform Committee, which Iden chairs. The most recent version of H 4926 contains new language regarding online sports wagering. The potential for sports wagering is becoming real for states like Michigan, as New Jersey is challenging the ban on single-game wagering in the US Supreme Court. A win for the state in the…