2017 House Bill 4611

Facilitate horse race gambling by cell phone

Introduced in the House

May 11, 2017

Introduced by Rep. Dan Lauwers (R-81)

To establish a new kind of horse race gambling license called a third party facilitator license, for persons who facilitate off-track betting on live and simulcast horseraces. This is said to facilitate using cell phones to place bets.

Referred to the Committee on Agriculture

May 17, 2017

Reported without amendment

With the recommendation that the substitute (H-1) be adopted and that the bill then pass.

May 23, 2017

Substitute offered by Rep. Dan Lauwers (R-81)

To replace the previous version of the bill with one that revises details but does not change the substance as previously described.

The substitute passed by voice vote

Amendment offered by Rep. Robert Wittenberg (D-27)

To increase the amount of horserace license and related revenue earmarked to a problem-gambler's program intended to provide treatment, prevention, education, training, research, and evaluation of pathological gamblers.

The amendment passed by voice vote

Passed in the House 65 to 43 (details)

Received in the Senate

May 24, 2017

Referred to the Committee on Agriculture

June 13, 2017

Reported without amendment

With the recommendation that the bill pass.

Dec. 20, 2018

Amendment offered

To add restrictions limiting winnings on off-track betting by linking them to the actual race stakes.

The amendment passed by voice vote

Passed in the Senate 35 to 3 (details)

To establish a new kind of horse race gambling license called a third party facilitator license, for persons who facilitate off-track betting on live and simulcast horseraces. This is said to facilitate using cell phones to place bets.

Received in the House

Dec. 20, 2018

Dec. 21, 2018

Passed in the House 75 to 32 (details)

To concur with the Senate-passed version of the bill.

Vetoed by Gov. Rick Snyder

Dec. 28, 2018