Michigan could launch online casino gambling and sports betting in December

According to Republican Sen. Pete Lucido, the chairman of the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules, the committee will effectively bless the new regulations to allow for online and mobile sports betting and casino gaming at a meeting on Tuesday.

State lawmakers have to waive the remaining time they have to review proposed licensing rules, the Associated Press reports.

The expected move will come nearly a year after the Legislature and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer legalized internet gambling and wagering on sports.

Sports bettors were able to place wagers in person at casinos beginning last spring. But mobile sports betting, internet poker and other online games must wait until the three commercial casinos in Detroit, 24 tribal casinos and suppliers such as FanDuel and Barstool receive licenses.

“Everybody wants to get this thing going,” Lucido, of Macomb County’s Shelby Township, told The Associated Press. “This is something that’s long overdue at this point. It’s being done in other states. We’re losing opportunity costs.”

He noted that Detroit’s casinos, closed due to state coronavirus restrictions, would benefit from being able to offer mobile options.

“If we hear the waiver request was approved by JCAR, we are hopeful that online gaming and sports betting can start this year,” said Mary Kay Bean, spokeswoman for the Michigan Gaming Control Board.