The state House today approved Rep. Matt Hall’s plan to permit sports wagering in Michigan with important consumer protections.

The bipartisan House vote is a significant step forward for the plan, which would benefit Michigan communities through revenue for local public services and schools.

“Everyone knows thousands of Michigan residents already bet on sports every single day,” said Hall, of Marshall, after the House approved his plan. “They either travel to other states where it’s legal, or stay in Michigan to bet illegally with no consumer protections at all against bad actors. We need to regulate sports wagering, keep it safe, and make sure it’s fair. My plan does that.”

The multi-bill package next advances to the Senate for consideration.

The measures would provide a regulatory framework for sports betting so Michigan could move forward recognizing a 2018 U.S. Supreme Court decision that allows legalization. The legislation also would allow for online wagering through regulated websites and mobile apps offered through casinos.

The plan would benefit communities with casinos – such as Emmett Township in Calhoun County, where FireKeepers Casino is located  – if the casinos choose to expand their options under the opportunities presented in Hall’s plan. In addition to the sports wagering provisions, other bills in the House package would allow for online casino-style gaming. A portion of revenue would be directed to local governments where participating casinos are located.

“This plan has the potential to help our local communities provide the essential public services residents rely on every day,” Hall said.

More than a dozen states – including Indiana and Pennsylvania – already offer sports betting, drawing customers and business away from Michigan. Many other states, including Illinois, have approved sports betting and will begin offering it soon. Ohio is among the several additional states with legislation in the works to do so.

“Michigan must move ahead with this plan, or we risk falling further behind on an important entertainment option for residents,” Hall said. “We know people want to bet on sports because they’re already doing it. We have a chance here to provide this opportunity in the right way.”

The plan features built-in safety features and strict state oversight – including protections against fraud and age verification systems to prevent those under 21 from participating. Sports betting would be based on official information provided by sports leagues such as the National Football League and National Basketball Association.

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The legislation: House Bills 4916-4918; 4308-4312; 4323; 4173.