Michigan iGaming Bill Passes Senate Committee
More than five years after Black Friday rocked the poker world, just three states — Nevada, Delaware, and New Jersey — permit regulated online poker, with the latter two also allowing regulated online casino games.
Last week, New York took the first step in passing online poker regulation when the state's Senate Finance Committee reported with a 20-8 vote to the Senate floor the online poker legalization bill, S5302C. Despite the first step, industry experts have warned that it is still a longshot that a bill will be passed during this legislative session.
On June 8, Michigan potentially through its hat into the ring when according to the Poker Player Alliance the state's Senate Committee overwhelmingly passed an online poker and casino bill by an 8-1 vote.
BREAKING: Michigan Senate Committee passes internet #poker and iGaming bill 8-1!! #Greatday
— PokerPlayersAlliance (@ppapoker)
The momentum in Michigan seemingly came out of nowhere with the first reports of an internet gaming bill being considered by lawmakers coming in April after being introduced by State Senator Mike Kowall.
Online Poker Report editor Dustin Gouker points out that odds are still against the bill passing during this legislative session, which ends this month due to the bill still needing to pass both the state's Senate and House of Representatives. Even if this happens, the Governor will have 14 days to approve or veto the bill. If the Governor takes no action during that time frame, the bill will automatically become law.
Gouker also adds that time might not be on Michigan's side since there has been no significant discussion of a potential iGaming bill in state's House of Representatives.
That being said, Kowall previously has stated that he is confident that a bill will pass during the current legislative session. The bill is also believed to have support by MGM Resorts International, a long-time advocate of online gaming regulation and the owner of MGM Grand Detroit.
Stay tuned at PokerNews as more develops in Michigan.
*Lead image courtesy of hipmunk.com.
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