2020 has been a challenging year, but there have been a few silver linings. In the 2020 November 3rd General Election, five different states expanded their gambling industries, creating new revenue streams for the state and a safe place for regional US bettors.
Moreover, the gambling hype has continued to expand past those five states and into Michigan. Michigan casinos are now just a step away from legal state-regulated sports betting and online gambling.
On Tuesday, Michigan legislators on the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules officially waived the necessary 15-day waiting period required to approve state regulations on online gambling licensing rules. This move comes nearly a year after the MI legislature and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer approved legal online sports betting and gambling in the state.
Within the next two days, Michigan’s casinos will be able to apply for appropriate licenses to participate. Michigan has three commercial casinos and 23 tribal casinos. Nearly all these casinos are expected to apply for online sports betting and gambling licenses.
Experts forecast a yearly revenue of $90 million, with an 8.6% tax imposed on commercial casinos, half going to their local jurisdiction and a half going to the state’s school aid fund.
Five other states joined Michigan’s ranks in the 2020 general election: Colorado, Louisiana, Maryland, Nebraska, and South Dakota.
Colorado passed Amendment C and Amendment 77. Amendment C allows hosts of bingo/raffle events to employ workers for their events instead of relying on volunteers. Amendment 77 removed the wager capped for licensed gambling operators in Black Hawk, Central City, and Cripple Creek. It also expands the types of casino and table games those operators may offer.
Louisiana voters passed Amendment 215 in 56/64 individual parishes. Act 215 defines “sports wagering” and opens the door for all sports betting forms, including mobile. The Act gives the Louisiana Gaming Control Board regulatory authority over sports wagering activities and operations.
Maryland voters voted resoundingly for Maryland Question 2. Question 2 expands commercial gaming in the state of Maryland to authorize sports and events betting. Now holders of video lottery gaming licenses or thoroughbred and harness racing licenses. Primary revenues go towards state education funds.
Nebraska passed three consecutive ballot initiatives, titled Initiatives 429,430, and 431. Initiative 429 removes constitutional restrictions on gambling. Initiative 430 creates statutes authorizing games of chance licensing for Nebraskan racetrack operators. Lastly, 431 establishes taxes for the new gambling revenue streams.
Finally, South Dakota passed Amendment B. The Amendment amends the state constitution to provide sports wagering within the City limits of Deadwood. The Amendment allows the legislature to authorize games of chance, including craps, keno, roulette, and limited card games, to be approved by Deadwood’s voters.
If you live in these states then you should have one reason to be happy this year, but those that don’t aren’t missing out either. US online international sportsbooks are a great option for most US bettors, and our preferred choice for legal online gambling.
Sources:
WoodTV