It would appear as though the state of Michigan may be adding legalized sports betting to their state’s gambling options after it was added to a gambling bill, Rep. Brandt Iden’s H4926, that was approved by the House Regulatory Reform Committee on Wednesday, 13th December 2017, in the state that has a population of 10 million and includes major cities such as Detroit.
According to the gambling bill, ‘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.’
It would appear that there will not be time for a House floor vote on the bill before year-end although Iden is quite sure about the progress of H4926 as well as the likelihood of a repeal of the 1992 Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) that currently prevents states from allowing sports betting.
After the bill advanced, Iden revealed that “language is in there to start the next round of conversations”. He went on to say that he did not want them to get ahead of themselves but that they know that the repeal of PASPA is likely coming in the spring and they would like to put Michigan in position to put their best foot forward as it relates to sports gaming.