The Michigan Senate overwhelmingly approved bills that would legalize sports betting and internet gaming in the state, joining their colleagues in the House who already passed similar bills earlier this fall.
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer is expected to sign the legislation into law next week.
The Senate voted 35-3 in favor of an amended package of sports betting bills put forward by the House in October. The package was returned to the House, which subsequently approved the legislation with bipartisan support.
Lawmakers also passed an internet gaming bill.
With the Governor’s signature and proper licensing, sports betting will be permitted at Michigan’s three commercial casinos and 23 tribal casinos.
The state will impose an 8.4% tax on adjusted sports betting receipts, with most of the revenue aimed at improving Michigan’s education system.
Governor Whitmer had previously threatened to veto sports betting legislation due to what she perceived as too low a tax burden on casinos.
Her side eventually compromised for a tax rate slightly lower than the national average.
The city of Detroit will also levy an additional 1.25% tax on sports betting revenue.
All three of Michigan’s commercial casinos are in Detroit.
The Senate also passed a bill that would regulate daily fantasy sports. DraftKings and FanDuel would be required to pay an 8.4% tax.
Michigan lawmakers hope to have sports wagering up and running by early spring.
