The state of Michigan is the latest US state to legalize online gambling and online sports betting within its borders. As reported several days ago, the state’s Governor Gretchen Whitmer has given iGaming fans and enthusiasts an amazing Christmas gift as she put her signature to a piece of legislation that has finally seen this Midwestern state fully legalizing online casino gaming and online sports betting.
According to a story released by the Associated Press several days ago, the measure was finally signed into law by the forty-eight-year-old Governor which allowed every one of the twenty-six casinos active in the state to apply for sports betting licenses. It was also revealed that tribal venues will be subject to revenue taxes of 8.75%.
Moreover, for several of Detroit-based commercial casinos including the MGM Grand Detroit, MotorCity Casino Hotel and Greektown Casino-Hotel facilities, this revenue tax rate is set a bit higher at 12% in order to reflect Detroit’s duty of 3.25%. All in all, the city hopes that these gambling facilities will start accepting their first online wagers before March when the NCAA Division Men’s Basketball Tournament starts.
Established Tax System for Online Operators
When it comes to online casino and online sports betting operators, the recently approved legislation by the state’s Democratic governor has also established a leveled tax system which initiates at 4% of gross gaming revenues before topping out at around 23%. This time around the three Detroit-based casinos including the MotorCity Casino, Greektown Casino Hotel and MGM Grand Detroit facilities are once again subject to a higher tax rate as their local duty towards the city regarding revenue taxes is going up to 26.25%.
As stated by the state’s Governor Gretchen Whitmer, legalizing online sports betting and online casino gambling will help the state increase its funds aimed at public schools. She also told the Associated Press news outlet that legalizing iGaming activities within the state’s borders will also help the state designate cash flow which will be aimed at emergency service workers who feel sick as a direct result of dealing with fires.
Moreover, the Democratic governor also declared that her biggest priority when it comes to negotiating the most recent legislation was to make sure that the new gambling forms legalized within the state’s borders do not hurt the state’s $15.1 billion-worth school aid funding that is backed by the state’s lottery.
The Three Detroit Casinos Planning to Open Their Online Sportsbooks
As reported by the Associated Press, the newly signed piece of legislation will allow all fans of online casino gambling and online sports betting who are over the age of twenty-one to use their mobile devices or their desktop computers to enjoy online casino games offered by land-based casinos in the state of Michigan. Moreover, in order to enjoy these activities, players have to be physically present within the state’s borders.
It was also additionally detailed that the three Detroit-based casinos will be probably the first to open online sportsbooks before they add other online operations including adding online casino games and online poker. Commenting on the news, Vice President of Community and Public relations for the Greektown Casino-Hotel venue Marvin Beatty told to the Associated Press that his facility is extremely excited to explore the possibilities which come with the latest piece of legislation that legalizes iGaming activities in the state. He also added that Greektown Casino Hotel just like MotorCity Casino Hotel and MGM Grand Detroit will have a new facility within its venue specifically designed for sports betting fans.
