Licensing Process For MI Online Casinos And Sportsbooks Underway
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Another milestone was reached this week in the race to introduce online gambling in Michigan.
The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) has declared its acceptance of license applications from both the state’s commercial casinos and tribes, enabling them to operate as internet gaming and internet sports betting operators.
Furthermore, the MGCB is currently open to receiving vendor registration applications from companies that provide assistance to operators and suppliers.
Richard Kalm, the executive director of MGCB, stated that the organization is making steady advancements in the development of online gaming. They have now included forms for operators and vendors to facilitate the process. Kalm urged operators to promptly file their applications, as this would enable MGCB to conduct investigations and collaborate with them on matters such as internal controls, technical standards, lab certifications, and other necessary requirements. Additionally, Kalm emphasized the importance of operators and suppliers encouraging their vendors to fill out and submit the registration forms.
When will online gambling launch in Michigan?
Kalm mentioned that the board is anticipating the launch of online gambling either later this year or in early 2021. According to MGCB deputy director David Murley, there is a possibility of an October launch.
Kalm stated that if the MGCB receives timely applications, there is a higher probability that all participants will be adequately prepared and qualified for launch.
Despite concerns about COVID-19, the upcoming NFL football season could serve as a profitable opportunity for Michigan online sports betting apps when they launch this fall.
Michigan casinos have formed partnerships with a range of online sportsbook brands, such as Barstool, BetMGM, BetRivers, DraftKings, FanDuel, Fox Bet, Parx, PointsBet, and William Hill.
Furthermore, it has been reported that Golden Nugget has entered into an undisclosed collaboration to introduce its Golden Nugget casino brand in the Great Lakes State.
PokerStars and PartyPoker are expected to be among the participants in the upcoming launch of online gambling in Michigan, which will include online poker as well.
Due to the pandemic, Greektown Casino-Hotel, MGM Grand Detroit, and MotorCity Casino in Detroit have all shut down, despite the fact that Michigan sports betting had commenced in March at these three retail sportsbooks.
Last week, the state’s inaugural tribal casino sportsbook was introduced by FireKeepers Casino in Battle Creek.
License application forms available on MGCB website
You can find the forms and relevant information in the Internet Gaming and Fantasy Contests section of the MGCB website.
Detroit’s three commercial casinos and Native American tribes have distinct applications. The application for commercial casinos spans five pages, while the tribal application consists of 10 pages.
The board had already released and commenced accepting online gaming supplier forms in May.
There is a total of eight supplier forms available, which include:
- Supplier License Inquiry Form
- Supplier License Initial/Five-Year Renewal
- Initial Business Disclosure Form/Five-Year Renewal
- Initial/Five-Year Renewal Personal Disclosure Form
- Initial/Five-Year Renewal Supplemental Personal Disclosure Form
- Initial/Five-Year Renewal Limited Personal Disclosure Form
- Multi-Jurisdictional Personal Disclosure Form
- Affiliate Marketer Certification
What’s next for Michigan online gambling launch?
At the same time as the licensing process, the regulatory body is also engaged in developing the rule-making process for online gambling.
The rulemaking process in Michigan is projected to take approximately 373 days, as per the expected timeline.
Nevertheless, it is possible to expedite certain aspects of the process, thereby reducing its duration to approximately 250 days.
Stakeholders were anticipated to receive the second drafts of rules for online casinos and online sports betting last month.
