Gambling News Out of Michigan

With most of the recent online gambling news in the U.S. focused on the robust sports betting industry, it's easy to forget other things are moving forward.

In the state of Michigan, sports bettors are awaiting the launch of online and mobile sports betting, a launch that is scheduled to occur sometime in the middle of January. In the meantime, there is some exciting news coming out for Michigan poker players.

After more than a year of negotiations and realignments, bill SB991 passed through the House by a count of 85-16 and through the Senate 36-1. Based on the language of the bill, Michigan residents will be able to play MI online poker against challengers coming from other states. The only provosion is that an agreement would have to established and approved between participating states before Michigan residents would be allow to participate.

Here is a passage from the bill that describes how Michigan resident participation would be allowed:

"The board may enter into agreements with other jurisdictions, including Indian tribes, to facilitate, administer, and regulate multijurisdictional internet gaming for poker by internet gaming operators to the extent that entering into the agreement is consistent with state and federal laws and if the internet gaming under the agreement is conducted only in the United States."

The bill is now on its way to Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer's desk where it is expected to be signed.