The state of Michigan is one that has been considering online gaming options for some time, with legislation moving forward yesterday. A Senate committee voted to approve an online gambling measure sponsored by State Senator Mike Kowall with a vote of 8 to 1.

The Poker Players Alliance is reporting that the Regulatory Reform Committee voted in the majority to see the bill move forward, with the measure now being sent to the Senate Floor where a vote could take place. Online gambling still has a ways to go within the state but the recent movement is a step in the right direction.

Within the language of the legislation, the state would see application fees for potential operators set at $100,000 and a fee of $5 million for licensing. The fee for licensing would be considered an advanced payment for taxes in regards to online wagers. The tax rate proposed for the state is 10%. The state would only allow casinos in Michigan, such as the MGM Grand Detroit or the Greektown Casino. Both commercial and tribal venues would have the opportunity to apply for licensing.

The measure will also see a new group created, the Division of Internet Gaming, within the Michigan Gaming Control Board. This group would be in charge of overseeing the new online casino games. The state has been working on online gaming for about three years now, having started with an online lottery before moving on to considering additional gaming.

In the United States, it has been since 2013 that a state has actually passed online gaming legislation, with only Nevada, Delaware and New Jersey offering real money gaming online. Other states have been working on legislation to legalize the activity including Pennsylvania, California and New York, but none have passed any legislation into law as of yet.