Online sports gambling legalized in Michigan, Sen. Hertel talks rollout

LANSING, Mich. (WILX) - Online sports gambling is legal and today State Senator Curtis Hertel is breaking down the timeline for when we can expect online gambling to launch in Michigan.

“I fully expect that sometime this month we’ll see a launch,” Hertel said. “What exact day it is I’m not sure at this point.”

Last year Michigan lawmakers passed legislation legalizing online gambling. There will be about dozen platforms offering online betting.

“I expect every casino in Detroit and most of the tribes will have a partner and will be online,” Hertel said. “I think we’re talking about a dozen different offerings that will be available.”

The state expects online gambling to significantly help Michigan’s economy.

Hertel said, “A large amount of money is bet right now in Michigan, but it’s bet illegally. This will actually bring this money out of the shadows and bring it into the economy. It also makes money for schools and one thing I was proud we got in there was money for firefighters who got cancer on the job.”

Senator Hertel says while sports gambling will launch this month--other types of online gambling will launch soon after.

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