New Michigan bill could strengthen protections for players

Michigan lawmakers have introduced a bill that may not change how residents play the Michigan Lottery, visit casinos, or place sports bets, but it could make it much clearer that those activities are fully protected under state law. House Bill 6068 would update portions of Michigan's gambling laws that date back to 1931, which is long before commercial casinos, online gambling, and legal sports betting were even a thought in anyone's brain.

Removing legal gray areas

For lottery players in the state, this proposal isn't about expanding gambling. Instead, it's more about removing legal gray areas that have lingered for decades.

HB 6068 would amend Michigan's penal code to explicitly exempt state-authorized gambling activities from criminal gambling prohibitions. This would include any games offered by the Michigan Lottery, licensed charitable bingo operations, commercial casinos, online casinos, and legal sportsbooks.

Yes, all of those activities are already legal under separate laws. However, supporters argue that parts of the state's criminal gambling statutes have never been fully updated to reflect the modern gaming landscape.

Not an expansion bill

Just to be clear, this bill does not authorize any new gambling products. It doesn't expand online betting or create any additional gaming opportunities.

Instead, lawmakers say the goal of HB 6068 is to modernize any outdated language and clearly distinguish regulated gaming from illegal gambling operations.

The current criminal gambling laws were originally written during a time when the state had no licensed casinos and no regulated gaming industry. The landscape has changed dramatically after voters approved casino gaming in Detroit in 1996. Then, in 2019, state lawmakers approved online casinos and sports betting in Michigan.

We saw the official launch of online casinos and sportsbooks in January 2021. Since then, they have become one of the fastest-growing segments of Michigan's gaming industry.

Now, HB 6068 is trying to align the state's older criminal statutes with these newer laws.

What does this mean for players?

For most players in Michigan, the day-to-day gambling activities they are used to would remain exactly the same.

Players will still be able to buy lottery tickets. They can still play at licensed casinos. They can still wager on sports or participate in legal online gaming platforms.

The change would be that those activities would be explicitly exempted from criminal gambling provisions within the penal code.

This bill would also strengthen the legal distinction between regulated operators and illegal gambling businesses. This has become more and more important as state regulators continue cracking down on unauthorized gaming operations.

Just earlier this month, investigators with the Michigan Gaming Control Board seized illegal gambling machines, cash, and computer-based gaming devices during a raid in Adrian. The agency has also been working to target offshore gambling websites that accept bets from Michigan residents without state authorization.

By clearly defining what gaming activities are legal, lawmakers hope enforcement efforts can remain focused on illegal operators rather than looking at activities that are already approved and regulated by the state.

One final takeaway

One final part of the bill would update Michigan's definition of a slot machine.

Under the current law, it references older mechanical devices. However, HB 6068 would recognize modern mechanical, electrical, and electromechanical gaming machines commonly found in casinos today.

It would also revise procedures for handling illegal gambling devices seized by law enforcement. The bill would give courts greater authority to determine whether the property should be destroyed, sold, or otherwise disposed of.

HB 6068 is currently awaiting action in the House Committee on Regulatory Reform. There is no hearing date scheduled.

Enjoy playing the Michigan Lottery, and please remember to play responsibly.