The Michigan Gaming News Letter

Michigan Court Issues Temporary Restraining Order Against Kalshi

The Michigan Gaming Control Board (“MGCB”) announced that the Ingham County Circuit Court has issued a temporary restraining order (“TRO”) against KalshiEX, LLC, prohibiting the company from offering unlicensed sports event contracts to Michigan residents while the case proceeds.

According to the MGCB, the order requires Kalshi to stop offering and advertising its sports-related prediction markets in Michigan and to implement geolocation technology to prevent Michigan residents from accessing the platform. The order also provides for potential financial penalties of $120k per day if Kalshi fails to comply.

MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams stated that “Kalshi is targeting Michigan’s most vulnerable residents with sports betting dressed up as investing — and without intervention, the harm will keep getting worse.” The agency argues that licensed sportsbooks are subject to consumer protection requirements, including age verification, responsible gaming measures, and regulatory oversight, while Kalshi has operated outside of Michigan’s licensing framework.

The temporary restraining order follows recent Michigan federal court rulings denying preliminary injunction requests filed by Polymarket and Robinhood, marking another development in Michigan’s ongoing enforcement efforts involving sports-related prediction market platforms.

Michigan Legislature Continues to Consider Gaming-Related Bills

The Michigan Legislature continues to consider several gaming-related bills during the 2025-2026 legislative session. While most proposals remain in the early stages of the legislative process, the legislation addresses topics including gaming revenue distribution, internet gaming advertising, redemption games, horse racing funding, and illegal gambling devices.

The most recent activity occurred on June 24, when House Bills 6126 and 6127 were introduced. The companion bills would modify how revenue from the Internet Sports Betting Fund and Internet Gaming Fund is distributed by directing $1 million annually from each fund to the Michigan Strategic Fund for distribution to Michigan’s federally recognized tribal governments for essential governmental services. The bills would not change existing tax rates but would reallocate a portion of gaming tax revenue. Both measures have been referred to the House Appropriations Committee.

Other gaming-related bills introduced during the session include:

  • Senate Bills 713 and 714 – Would establish requirements governing advertising and promotional activities for internet gaming and internet sports betting operators.
  • House Bill 4346 – Would remove the statutory cap on revenue allocated to the Michigan Agriculture Equine Industry Development Fund under the Lawful Internet Gaming Act.
  • House Bills 4494 and 4495 – Would revise Michigan’s laws governing redemption games.
  • House Bill 6068 – Would revise the statutory definition of slot machines and add provisions addressing certain illegal gambling devices.

Although many of these bills have seen limited legislative movement, gaming legislation remains an active topic of discussion in Lansing. During the House Oversight Committee meeting on June 25, lawmakers were unable to complete discussion of the redemption games legislation due to time constraints and indicated they plan to invite representatives from the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) back for additional discussion at a future meeting. As the legislative session continues, these proposals will remain worth monitoring for further developments.

MGCB Responsible Gaming Website Receives National Award

The Michigan Gaming Control Board (“MGCB”) announced that its Don’t Regret the Bet responsible gaming website has received a Platinum Hermes Creative Award, recognizing the site’s expansion as a resource for responsible gaming education and support.

The updated website has grown from a single-page resource into a comprehensive platform offering educational materials, prevention tools, and support resources for players, families, educators, and community organizations. A key addition is the Don’t Bet On Your Future initiative, which focuses on educating young people and parents about the risks of underage and problem gambling as online betting continues to grow.

The expanded platform also includes access to responsible gaming resources, the Problem Gambling Helpline, downloadable educational materials, and information on funding opportunities of up to $4,000 for Michigan high school booster clubs that participate in youth gambling prevention efforts.

According to the MGCB, the website expansion reflects the agency’s continued commitment to responsible gaming and consumer protection by providing Michigan residents with accessible education and support resources.

Emerging Leaders of Gaming 40 Under 40 Nominations Now Open

Nominations are now open for the 2026 Emerging Leaders of Gaming (ELG) 40 Under 40 program, an annual initiative recognizing rising professionals who are helping shape the future of the gaming industry.

Presented by The Innovation Group, Global Gaming Business and iGaming Business, the program honors individuals under the age of 40 who have demonstrated leadership and innovation across areas such as casino operations, iGaming, sports betting, technology, compliance, responsible gaming, marketing, finance, and tribal and commercial gaming.

Selected honorees receive industry recognition through a featured profile in Global Gaming Business Magazine, recognition during a special event at the Global Gaming Expo (G2E), networking and professional development opportunities through the ELG alumni network, and a one-year membership to the iGB Executive program.

According to organizers, the program continues to reflect the evolving gaming industry by recognizing emerging leaders from a broad range of gaming sectors, jurisdictions, and professional backgrounds.

Nominations for the 2026 class are open through July 8, 2026, and individuals may nominate a colleague, peer, or themselves for consideration.

Click here to view eligibility criteria.