Michigan Allows Online And Mobile Betting On Horse Racing

The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) announced earlier this week that horse racing third-party facilitators can now apply for licenses to offer their services in the state.

The terms and conditions for acquiring a license
 

In order to operate with the MGCB, a potential provider will need to apply for a license by submitting their business strategy, as well as $1500 for an application fee and background check. Operators must also provide the MGCB with a proposed plan of operations. On top of this betting can only be offered through the pari-mutuel system.

This follows the amendment on the state’s horse racing laws in December 2019, which allows third-party companies to offer betting on live and simulcast pari-mutuel horse racing events.

Richard S. Kalm, the CEO of MGCB, said:
 

The order should enable the state’s horse racing industry to gain new followers through advance deposit wagering (ADW) and maintain protection for citizens who wish to place wagers on live and simulcast pari-mutuel racing in Michigan using their mobile phones. Before ADW can go live in Michigan, the race meeting licensee and the certified horsemen’s organizations also must agree to a contract with a provider.

What the future holds for Michigan horse betting

Due to the Coronavirus outbreak, Governor Gretchen Whitmer has ordered the closing of the Northville Downs race track until May 29, to stop the further spread of COVID-19. 

Online Sportsbooks in Michigan have not yet launched, which could lead to the horse betting apps being the first online betting platforms available in the state.

Land-based sportsbooks opened on March 11, before being closed down within days due to the sudden spread of the new virus. It’s not known yet as to how long it will take the MGCB to begin issuing licenses for mobile sportsbook platforms to begin offering horse race betting.