The Michigan Gaming Control Board issued a new, six-page attestation document in late April. It asked six questions. Some licensed sports betting and igaming suppliers were left in the dark, not knowing how to answer the question.
Many stakeholders have concerns about the “Illegal Game Attestation for Internet Content Providers”. The form is intended to stop illegal players from stealing business and tax revenue in Michigan. Many stakeholders have relationships and are involved in places where there is a grey area between legal and illegal igaming. Some unclear terms and questions are particularly alarming to those operating internationally. The Michigan regulators may have unintended effects, they believe.
The form doesn’t define all relevant terms, like ‘illegal gaming’, said Susan Hensel of Hensel Grad PC. She has worked for the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board in the licensing department and the International Association of Gaming Regulators. The language is difficult to interpret, and companies may find it useful to contact the regulator to get clarification. This type of investigation is usually conducted through interviews with key executives, as part of a background check. It is a direct, up-front attestation that puts the answers of the company to record.
The regulator says that the “ordinary” definition of illegal is applicable
The MGCB did not provide clear guidelines when asked by Casino Reports for clarification of the term “illegal gaming”. Lisa Keith, public information officer at the MGCB said that the term “illegal” is not defined on the form and therefore the ordinary meaning should be used.
Keith confirmed that the board had sent the relevant parties the application form. This includes all with “a date of filing 1 June 2024 to all licensed game content providers (or those applying for licences) under the [Lawful Internet Gaming Act].
Some people are confused and anxious about how to distinguish between legal and illegal activities. Michigan has become one of the most lucrative and popular igaming markets in the US. Michigan, along with New Jersey is another jurisdiction where businesses invested significant resources that they wish to protect.
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