Michigan introduces sports betting bill
HB4060 would allow the state’s casinos to accept sports wagers, pending the outcome of a referendum
Michigan has become the third state to introduce sports betting legislation in 2017, with the filing of a new bill that could allow the state’s casinos to take bets.
HB4060, introduced Wednesday by House Representative Robert Kosowski, would authorize a referendum for Michigan voters to decide on the issue.
The bill would also empower the state gaming control board to create rules to “regulate the conduct of sports betting.”
Kosowksi has previously attempted to introduce similar legislation to legalize sports betting in the state should it be legalized on a federal level.
The latest version of his bill ignores the federal aspect, but adds in the referendum to legitimize the change in the state constitution which would be needed to legalize sports betting.
The move makes Michigan the third state to introduce pro-sports betting legislation in 2017, following in the footsteps of New York and South Carolina.
New Jersey is also involved in the fight, the Supreme Court recently asking the Trump administration to weigh in on the state’s right to legalize the activity.
Florida sports law attorney Daniel Wallach said the Michigan legislation was another positive step towards the ultimate repealing of PASPA.
“Regardless of whether this new measure is ultimately approved by the state legislature (and by Michigan voters), we are finally seeing aggressive action from statehouses on the issue of sports betting,” Wallach wrote in his Sports Law blog.
“The New Year is only 19 days old, and we already have three new bills to legalize sports betting, with more likely on the way soon.
“This will be a fascinating development to watch unfold, especially against the backdrop of New Jersey’s efforts to overturn PASPA in the Supreme Court, the Donald Trump “wild card,” and the American Gaming Association’s ongoing lobbying efforts before Congress.”
Wallach added: “2017 is shaping up to be a dynamic year on the sports betting legalization front, with multiple points of entry and plenty of intrigue and drama.”