State Senator Aric Nesbitt of Lawton used to head up the Michigan Lottery under former Governor Rick Snyder after he was term limited out of the state House. He was asked by the Michigan News Network if he’s concerned with the upcoming expansion of gambling to include internet gambling and sports betting if he’s worried that the Michigan Lottery’s internet play will take a hit.
“I don’t believe so. I think a lot of times, people that are (betting on) sports are using a different set of money for that compared to the I-Lottery,” said Nesbitt.
Governor Whitmer took some convincing before she was on board over concerns the overall Michigan Lottery and the School Aid Fund could lose revenue. Sponsors of the bills, which are awaiting her signature, made some tweaks to the tax rates on the new gambling to get her support after former Governor Snyder had vetoed similar legislation. It’s expected that sports betting will be available in Michigan by the start of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament in March.
