Michigan Online Gaming Rules Advance, December Launch Closer

Michigan’s online casino gaming and mobile sports betting launch took a major step forward Tuesday, and the online market could be in place before the end of December.

The Joint Committee on Administrative Rules (JCAR) waived the required 15 session days for the final draft of the rules to be before the committee. Michigan’s online gambling launch was delayed until the JCAR decided to approve the waiver request from the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB). Now, the MGCB can proceed and send the rules to the Office of the Great Seal.

After the state files the completed rules, casino and sportsbook applicants, along with their partners, will be required to earn final licensing approval. All operators must submit approval letters from independent test labs, which are then forwarded to the MGCB. The MGCB has to ensure that all platforms and games meet the technical requirements.

The licensing approval process will likely take more than a couple of weeks before Michiganders can start wagering on sports and casino games from their mobile devices.

Operators may partner with any of the state’s tribal casinos as well as the three commercial casinos in Detroit in order to gain access to Michigan. Bettors can expect the big-name brands to be ready for the state’s launch, including FanDuel, DraftKings, Barstool Sports, William Hill and PointsBet.

DraftKings and FanDuel are offering welcome bonuses to draw in new customers. DraftKings is offering a $200 sign-up bonus that includes a free $100 sportsbook bet and $100 in casino credits, while FanDuel features $50 in casino credit and a $50 sportsbook bet.

Both companies on Monday announced partnership deals with the Detroit Pistons. The Detroit Lions and Detroit Tigers also have betting agreements, with the Lions partnering with BetMGM and the Tigers aligning with PointsBet.

Michigan mobile launch coming at the right time

With the three Detroit casinos shutting down due to a state-mandated health order and a handful of tribal casinos following suit, an online mobile betting launch would likely make up the majority of the state’s betting handle going forward.

A late December launch would mark a year since Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed a package of gambling bills that permitted internet casino gambling, online poker and sports betting. The legislation made Michigan the first state to have both commercial and tribal casinos feature sportsbooks, poker and casinos.

With a mobile gaming and sports betting launch, Michigan would become one of the most progressive gaming states in the country.