MGCB Public Meeting Notice December 10, 2024

The Michigan Gaming Control Board (“MGCB”) released a public notice of their upcoming public meeting.

The meeting will take place at the Cadillac Place Office, 3062 W. Grand Blvd., Suite L-700, Detroit, MI 48202-6062 on Tuesday, December 10th, 2024, at 9:30am EST. The meeting also be available via zoom at https://zoom.us/j/93977759068.

To join via telephone, use the information below:

USA 646 931 3860

Webinar ID: 939 7775 9068

To participate in public comment during the meeting, during which attendees are welcome to ask questions and voice comments, submit a Public Sign In Sheet Form to MGCBweb@michigan.com by 9:30am on December 10th.

The agenda for the upcoming meeting is available here. For additional meeting details, please refer to “Board Meeting Schedule and Agendas”

AGA Expands “Have A Game Plan®” Campaign with New Pillar: “Keep Your Cool”

The American Gaming Association (“AGA”) has unveiled the fifth pillar of its Have A Game Plan.® Bet Responsibly.™ initiative, introducing “Keep Your Cool.” This addition highlights the importance of maintaining respect and sportsmanship in sports wagering, reminding bettors that harassment or negative behavior towards athletes or officials is never acceptable.

The announcement comes as research shows increased confidence in responsible gaming programs. A recent survey revealed that 66% of Americans view the gaming industry’s responsible gaming efforts as effective, with even higher approval rates among active participants—79% of casino players and 85% of sports bettors, including 73% of bettors aged 18-24.

“Responsible gaming efforts like Have A Game Plan and other proactive efforts by legal operators are resonating with consumers and making a difference,” said Bill Miller, President and CEO of the AGA. “‘Keep Your Cool’ builds on this momentum by reminding bettors that a betting result – good or bad – is not an invitation to criticize a team, official, or athlete.”

Since its inception in 2019, Have A Game Plan® has focused on four core pillars:

Set a Budget: Establish and stick to a financial limit.
Keep It Social: Bet responsibly as part of a shared activity.
Know the Odds: Understand the risks and terminology before betting.
Play Legally: Use regulated, legal betting platforms.

The “Keep Your Cool” pillar complements these principles by promoting sportsmanship and a positive approach to sports betting:

Respect the Game: Winning and losing are part of the experience, and should not provoke negative actions toward athletes or officials.
Stay Focused on Having Fun: Remember that sports betting is meant to be an enjoyable form of entertainment.

NASCAR, an early supporter of the initiative, praised the new pillar, emphasizing its role in enhancing the fan experience and encouraging a respectful, responsible approach to sports betting.

For more information and resources, visit haveagameplan.org.

NCLGS Unveils Model iGaming Legislation, Seeks Public Comment

The National Council of Legislators from Gaming States (“NCLGS”) has put forward a draft of model legislation designed to assist states that are considering legalizing internet gaming. The proposed Model Internet Gaming Act is available for public comment continuing through December 31.

In creating this regulatory framework, NCLGS explains: “The objectives of this model legislation are to establish an effective, comprehensive, and efficient regulatory framework consistent with public policy that will foster public confidence and trust in the integrity of the regulatory process and the fairness of internet gaming operations. The regulatory provisions are intended to extend strict regulation and oversight over all aspects of internet gaming operations.”

The draft proposal, developed over several months by the select Committee on Model Internet Gaming Legislation, outlines a broad spectrum of policies for state lawmakers, regulators, and other stakeholders to consider. A draft of the model legislation is available here.

Members of the blue-ribbon committee that drafted the model legislation include:

NCLGS Officers and Legislators:

Steven A. Geller (FL), Chair, NCLGS Founder and General Counsel, former State Senator
Delegate Shawn Fluharty (WV), NCLGS President
Representative Al Williams (GA), NCLGS President-Elect

NCLGS Legislators:

Senator Tim Lang (NH)
Representative Tyrone Carter (MI)
Representative Joe McAndrew (PA)
Representative David Muradian (MA)
Representative Shelley Kloba (WA)
Alan Miller, Louisiana Senate Legislative Counsel

Consultants and Counsel who provided advice:

Juliann Barreto, COO, Spectrum Gaming Group
Allie Bartlett, Partner, Bose McKinney
Kim Copp, Partner, Taft Law Firm
Fredric Gushin, Founder and CEO, Spectrum Gaming Group
Steve Ingis, General Counsel, VP of Regulatory Affairs, Spectrum Gaming Group
Lynne Levin Kaufman, Co-Chair Gaming Practice Group, Cooper Levenson Attorneys at Law
Lloyd D. Levenson, CEO and Co-Chair Gaming Practice Group, Cooper Levenson Attorneys at Law
Philip A. Reale II, Partner, Law Office of Philip A. Reale, PLLC
Phil Sicuso, Partner, Bose McKinney
Marlene Warner, CEO, Massachusetts Council on Gaming and Health

NCLGS is the only organization where state legislators regularly meet to discuss gaming-related issues. To Learn more about NCLGS please visit their website.

Grand Traverse Band Announces New Gaming Facility in Benzie County

The Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians (“GTB”) has revealed plans for a new gaming facility on its trust land in Benzie County, Michigan, near the intersection of US-31 and M-115 highways. This development is expected to bring new job opportunities and stimulate economic growth for both the Tribe and the local community.

Consistent with the Tribe’s policy of maintaining productive, open relationships with neighboring state and local authorities, the Tribe has engaged with relevant state and local officials to apprise them of the Tribe’s plans. The Tribe looks forward to continuing to work with these officials, as well as stakeholders and the local Benzie community, to address questions and to ensure that the project aligns with regional interests.

The Grand Traverse Band currently operates two casinos: Turtle Creek Casino in Williamsburg and Leelanau Sands Casino in Peshawbestown. This new facility marks another important step in the Tribe’s ongoing economic development initiatives.

AGEM Index Sees 8.3% Increase in November with Aristocrat as the Largest Positive Contributor

The Association of Gaming Equipment Manufactures (“AGEM”) has announced the latest results for its index. The AGEM Index increased by 126.17 points to 1,644.36 in November 2024, an 8.3% increase from the prior month. Compared to one year ago, the index rose 51%, or 555.36 points.

The AGEM Index is a monthly stock performance guide of 12 global gaming suppliers. During September, nine of the 12 AGEM Index companies stated stock price increases, which resulted in nine positive contributions and three negative contributions to the AGEM Index.

The top positive contributors to the monthly index were:

Aristocrat Leisure Limited with a 10.15% increase in stock and a 60.87 point gain
Agilysis with a 34% increase in stock and a 31.06 point gain