Sporting betting coming to Michigan, but not until 2021

Optimism fades for early start as licensing process will take six weeks

Just one week after officials expressed hope for starting online sports betting in Michigan before the end of this year, the head of the state gaming regulator now says early 2021 is more likely.

One year ago, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed a bill that made online sports betting legal, but solving all the issues to actually making wagering happen has proved problematic – due to factors ranging from politics to the coronavirus pandemic.

Retail sportsbooks began operating in March – just in time for lockdown orders sweeping the country to prevent the spread of disease. Casinos in Michigan (and many other states) were closed from the middle of March to the end of July.

There are three casinos in Detroit, and all three recently had to close.

Officials wanted to kickstart online sports betting this month to take advantage of college and professional football nearing their respective postseasons, and the National Hockey League and National Basketball Association ready to commence their new seasons. However, Richard Kalm, executive director of the Michigan Gaming Control Board, told a local media outlet it will need at least six weeks to happen.

Michigan state legislators must review license applications from operators. Kalm told MLive, a local media outlet, that part of the process could begin as soon as Dec. 8, when a state administrative body holds it next scheduled meeting. After that, operators will have to obtain clearance showing their software and platforms conform with various technical standards.

Once the state grants an operator license to at least one of the three Detroit casinos, and one of Michigan’s tribal casinos, online sports betting can begin. Kalm said this will take approximately six weeks from the Dec. 8 meeting.

Michael Bartlett

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