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Online gaming would start earlier in Michigan under Senate bill

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New legislationin the state Senate would allow online gaming in Michigan roughly six months earlier than expected.

Supporters of the bill say it will offer residents a way to gamble while continuing to socially distance.

The Michigan Gaming Control Board is currently drafting rules for online gambling in the state. That process is expected to conclude later this year at the earliest.

Democratic State Senator Adam Hollier said casinos should be allowed to start operating online gambling right away under a provisional license.

“The permanent ruleset will probably be finished in November or December but that’s six months of lost revenue and the casinos operating under decreased capacity rules.”

Hollier said it is incumbent on legislators to find ways to allow residents to stay home while still helping businesses operate.

“That’s what we need to do to make sure that local communities and sovereign nations have the revenue they need to keep existing in a safe manner.”

The legislation would allow casinos to operate under a provisional license until either social distancing is no longer deemed necessary or when the state can issue a long-term license, whichever comes first.

A spokesperson for the Gaming Control Board said they have not taken a position on the legislation.

Bryan Newland, President of the Bay Mills Indian Community which operates two casinos in the Upper Peninsula, said they support the legislation.

“Bay Mills supports any effort to allow iGaming to start sooner than later because it will generate revenues for tribal, local, and state governments at a time they are needed to respond to the pandemic.”

Bay Mills announced a partnership with DraftKings earlier this year.