Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signs bills to legalize sports, online gambling in Michigan

Associated Press | Associated Press

LANSING – Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed legislation Friday to legalize sports betting and internet gambling, calling it a bipartisan win for the state that will bolster funding for public schools and permanently dedicated funding to help first responders who get cancer from fighting fires.

The laws take effect immediately, but wagering will not start for a number of months because commercial and tribal casinos need to obtain state licenses. Lawmakers have said they are hopeful that sports betting and online gambling could start in time for the NCAA men's basketball tournament in March.

Whitmer said her priority in negotiations was ensuring that the new gambling does not negatively impact the $15.1 billion school aid fund, which is funded in part by the Lottery, and boosting the school aid fund.

All current forms of casino games will be offered online or on mobile devices once casinos are licensed. Those who are 21 or older will be able to participate.

More: 4 types of online gambling expected to be legal in Michigan soon

More: Whitmer vetoes bill that would have repealed Michigan ban on baiting deer

The three Detroit casinos are expected to open on-site sports betting areas.

"Just like MGM and MotorCity, we will have a facility inside of our building, because you will only be able to come to the casino to sports bet, until later on," said Marvin Beatty, vice president of community and public relations for Greektown-Casino Hotel.

“We are absolutely excited about sports betting being legalized and about what it can mean for the casino, for the state of Michigan and for the city of Detroit," he said.

Alex Calderone, an analyst with knowledge of the casino industry, said the move was positive for Michigan.

“Michigan finally jumping on the legalization bandwagon makes a lot of sense," he said in a statement. "This will result in sizable incremental tax revenues that otherwise would have gone uncaptured by the state. The only parties that stand to lose from this legislation are those who operate illegally under the black markets.”

Free Press staff writer JC Reindl contributed to this report.