A court decision and sheer luck are set to bring some serious cash into Michigan’s treasury. A recent decision by the First Circuit Court of Appeals allows for revenues from sports betting to be collected. Online sports betting is now legal in Michigan.
The court case clarifies a Department of Justice interpretation of the Wire Act that was ruled to be misconstrued. The ruling states that only interstate wire communications are prohibited.
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel said, “This is a major victory for state lotteries across the nation that raise millions of dollars in revenue which directly supports our schools, emergency personnel and other fundamental services for residents.”
Over a billion dollars went into the Michigan School Aid Fund from lottery proceeds in fiscal year 2018-19.
Unrelated to the sport betting ruling, but a stroke of luck for a Michigan resident and the state, the single winning Mega Millions ticket was sold in Novi, Michigan, with a prize of over a billion dollars. Depending on the payout that the winner chooses, the state will levy a tax bill between $33 million and $43 million.
Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland
