SOUTHWEST MICHIGAN (WKZO AM/FM) — After reaching the governor’s desk, a package of bills legalizing online gambling and sports betting in Michigan has been approved into law.
Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced that she had signed the legislation on the morning of Friday, December 20th. The new laws allow the practice for those 21 years and older, and creates new regulation for fantasy sports games that operate in the state.
The bills passed the state house and senate with broad support from both parties. Proponants of expanding gambling laws say the move could bring in tens of millions in new tax revenue to the state government.
Lawmakers say provisions in the law allocate most of the money raised toward the School Aid Fund, which is partially funded through lottery sales and casino proceeds. Additional money ammounting to $4 million annuallty will be funneled toward programs addressing firefighters who have contracted cancer due to their work conditions.
Portage area Rep. Brandt Iden, a republican, was a lead sponsor of the bills in the house and says that the new laws modernize the state’s gambling laws. He’s been trying to change state gambling regulations for years while he’s been in state government.
Governor Whitmer for her part has called the laws passage a “real bipartisan win” in an era of gridlock in Lansing.
Under the legislation, a tax of 8.4 percent will be levied on sports betting winnings, with an included online gambling tax of between 20 to 28 percent taking effect as well.
13 states currently allow sports betting, with an additional six moving to make it legal. Iden says that with passage, the state can begin allowing the practice and collecting revenue hopefully by March of 2020.
The law authorizes the Michigan Gaming Control Board, which authorizes gambling and casinos in the state, to set rules and regulations during the year ahead.
