The Michigan Gaming Control Board vowed to “go all in” to advance the benefits and opportunities offered to citizens by the state’s retail and online ecosystem.
This is in response to Governor Gretchen Whitmer‘s What’s next Address’, delivered to state legislators this week. The address outlined a number of priorities for the future.
Whitmer said that the “numbers” speak for themselves regarding increased job opportunities, and an employment rate that is now “the lowest in 23 years”. Whitmer also stressed that it was important to “continue this tremendous progress towards growing the economy and creating jobs”.
The address stated that “she will focus on her policies priorities for the autumn legislative agenda which will build upon previous work to reduce costs, make Michigan competitive, improve energy-efficiency, expand opportunities, and protect people’s fundamental rights.”
Three key questions were asked:
- What can we do to take Michigan to the Next Level?
- How can we win the future through competition?
- How can we help everyone in Michigan’make it?
Henry Williams MGCB’s Executive Director responded by praising the gaming industry, its economic impact, and how it is key to ensuring continued growth, as well as providing opportunities for businesses, workers, and communities.
He said that the gaming industry in Michigan and its economic impact go well beyond just providing entertainment.
It fosters innovation and creates employment from table dealers to cashiers in the cage, it attracts investment by encouraging small business to partner and provide their products and services to our casino patrons and to drive economic growth via revenue generated, tax payments to the state and contributions to the School Aid Fund which directly benefit K-12 students.
Williams responded to the call for a “permitting” process that is more efficient to support economic growth and he emphasized the efforts of the regulator in achieving this goal.
He added that the Michigan Gaming Control Board has made a concerted attempt to improve its licensing process for gaming and other non-gaming providers who do business with three Detroit casinos as well as online operators.
The board also adopted several resolutions to clarify licensing issues, with a view to protecting the public interest.
