Internet Gaming Legislation Introduced In Michigan

March 2, 2017

Anthony Cabot, Karl Rutledge

On March 1, 2017, Senator Kowall, the Senate Majority Floor Leader for the Michigan Senate, introduced Senate Bill 203 (“SB 203”) which would only allow online skill games to be operated by licensed casinos and tribes in Michigan. The newly introduced SB 203 raises serious concerns to skill gaming operators.

First, SB 203 broadly defines an “internet game” to mean “a game of skill or chance that is offered for play through the internet in which a person wagers money or something of monetary value for the opportunity to win money or something of monetary value.” Given the broad definition of “internet game,” and the fact that only Michigan gaming licensees can offer such games, SB 203 would limit the offering of existing online contests of skill to only licensed casinos and tribes.

A hearing on SB 203 is reportedly slated for next week. If this legislation is of concern and you would like to explore the retention of lobbying representation, either alone or in collaboration with other operators in the skill-gaming space, please contact us: Tony Cabot at ACabot@lrrc.com or Karl Rutledge at KRutledge@lrrc.com.