Michigan Edges Closer to Online Poker Regulation

Having failed in a 2018 attempt to regulate its online poker scene, Michigan is once again pushing forward towards full legalization.

Online legislation moved all the way through to Governor Rick Snyder last year but ultimately got vetoed just as his term was expiring. One year fast forward and Michigan legislators will once again attempt to introduce the law through Representative Brandt Iden who is supporting the Lawful Internet Gaming Act (House Bill 4311).

The first hearing of 2019 on online gambling was held in Lansing on Tuesday when the House Regulatory Reform committee met in an atmosphere which oozed the positive tone stemming from the 2018 momentum.

Iden is pushing forth the idea of online gambling by contrasting Rick Snyder’s idea that internet gaming would have no effect on the state lottery which was the Governor’s main argument for vetoing the 2018 Bill.

Poker players are not those who play the lottery, Iden is adamant as he gathers the support for his 2019 initiative. He hopes the newly appointed Governor Gretchen Whitmer will be more open to the idea of formalizing the online gambling in the state.

Iden’s proposal already enjoys support from representatives of land-based establishments within Detroit. The iGaming Act is hoped to protect thousands of casino jobs whereas the support for Iden comes from the online world as well.

The Stars Group (TSG) as the parent company of one of the world’s leading online poker websites – PokerStars – has also got Iden’s back. Senior Vice President of Strategy & Government Relations at PokerStars, Nick Means claims the Bill will be a choice of protecting customers either by regulation or providing offshore companies with the ability to offer their services in the state.