Michigan Sports Betting Restricted To Licensed Casino Operators

419 (Public Act 149 of 2019), took immediate effect December 20, 2019, and legalized internet and mobile sports wagering statewide, but only through operators the Michigan Gaming Control Board licenses. 404(1)-(2), internet sports betting may be conducted only in accordance with the act, and every wager is legally treated as gambling conducted inside the operator's licensed casino, regardless of where the bettor is physically located when the wager is placed. 226, or to an Indian tribe lawfully conducting class III gaming in a state casino under an approved tribal gaming ordinance.

Each eligible casino licensee or tribe may hold no more than one sports betting operator license, valid for five years and renewable. 406(9) requires a $100,000 fee when the initial license issues, plus $50,000 annually after that. 403(e) only if they hold a valid internet sports betting account and are at least 21 years old. 25% on that operator's sports betting receipts too. 409.

Offering internet sports betting without a Michigan Gaming Control Board license remains illegal gambling. MCL 432.409(2) lets the board investigate unlicensed operators, issue cease-and-desist orders, and seek injunctive relief in court. Licensed operators who break the act or board rules face civil fines the board develops and administers under MCL 432.409(1)(i), and the board can suspend, revoke, restrict, or refuse to renew a sports betting operator license; a denied or disciplined licensee can request a contested-case hearing within 21 days of notice.