Michigan’s online gambling bill includes sports betting

The online gambling bill that was voted in favor by the Michigan House Regulatory Committee now includes sports betting.

Michigan could allow sports betting in the state with a new version of the bill approved by the Michigan House Regulatory Committee, which aims at legalising online poker. If the bill passes the bill and New Jersey wins the legal case to overturn PASPA, Michigan would be allowed to offer sports betting services.

“The division may permit an internet gaming licensee to conduct internet wagering under this act on any amateur or professional sporting event or contest, if that internet wagering is not prohibited by federal law,” says the provision.

Rep. Brandt Iden, who presented H4926, said that he’s confident about the progress of the bill and that PASPA can be repealed. “That language is in there to start the next round of conversations. I don’t want us to get ahead of ourselves, but we know that is coming – the repeal of PASPA is likely coming in the spring – and we want to put Michigan in position to put our best foot forward as it related to sports gaming,” said Iden to Legal Sports Report.

Lawmakers have been debating the issue for several months and another bill, backed by Sen. Mike Kowall, even cleared a Senate committee in March. Rep. Iden explained that Kowall’s bill “appears to be stalled on the Senate floor for support” and said: “We thought that we’d strategically try to work this through the House.” According to Iden, the bill needs the states casinos, commercial and tribal support in order to get the bill to pass: “If I can get all those individuals to the table and supporting it we’ll be able to pass this in the House and Senate and get the governor to sign it without threat of a veto,” he said.