The Michigan Gaming Control Board is planning to allow third-party sportsbooks to apply for horse race betting licenses in the state. The operations can be run online and via mobile phones.

The state has just one race track

Michigan only has one race track- the Northville Downs Race Track, which has closed its doors because of orders from the state government. The authorities had asked all non-essential businesses to shut down to stop the spread of coronavirus. However, the race track will not be operating betting applications. It would be managed by third-party operators, licensed by the Michigan Gaming Control Board.

The business will be able to apply for an advance deposit wagering (ADW) license for horse races, according to a Tuesday order. The operator will have to submit an application to the Board with a $1500 application fee and background checks verified. Licensed operators can only offer bets under the pari-mutuel system.

Richard S. Kalm, the executive director of MGCB said,

“The order should enable the state’s horse racing industry to gain new followers through ADW and maintain protection for citizens who wish to place wagers on live and simulcast pari-mutuel racing in Michigan using their mobile phones.”

He added that the certified horsemen’s organizations and the race meeting licensee must also agree to a contract before the contract can launch his ADW in the state.

Race track closed till month-end

The horse racing track is not expected to open before May 29 because of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s lockdown orders. However, applicants can start applying for their licenses immediately. The state is still waiting for its online sportsbook launch. However, it appears that horse betting apps would be the first betting platforms to be available for state punters.

Land-based sportsbooks are also closed in the state since mid-March due to the lockdown orders. The MGCB has not defined a timeline within which it plans to begin issuing licenses for its mobile sportsbook platforms.