Gaming regulators in the state are finalizing plans for online poker, iGaming
In the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, most of the online gambling market has been booming in the US. Notably, the four states running legal online poker operations have been thriving for the last two months Therefore, more states are putting online gambling as a priority in an effort to generate more revenue. Even if there are six states that have legalized online poker operations, only Nevada, Delaware, New Jersey and Pennsylvania are actually running operations. Next year could bring another addition to that list: Michigan.
As per the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB), the agency has been accepting applications to grant online gaming licenses since last week. Richard Kalm, executive director of the MGCB, said in a press release that this new legislation includes all forms of internet gambling, including poker. He also added that operations could start running as soon as 12 months from now when the regulatory agency finishes the rules to operate this new industry. "We continue to make progress on rule promulgation for internet gaming and online sports betting," said Kalm. "While we expect to launch these forms of betting by early 2021, we hope it can happen sooner."
Getting a license as an operator has a few steps and payments that need to be done. The application fee has a $50,000 cost, and the initial licensing fee will cost $100,000 plus another $50,000 every year in which the license gets renewed. The applications are open to the only three commercial casinos in Detroit, as well as the 23 tribal gambling halls across the state.
