State lawmakers are harnessing some money from online gambling to help Michigan’s struggling horse racing industry.
Legislation to allow Detroit and tribal casinos to apply for online gaming licenses passed in the waning hours of the Lame Duck session.
The bills would allow types of gambling and games already allowed in existing casinos to be played online.
A portion of the tax revenue would go to the School Aid Fund and Michigan Transportation Fund.
Along with insuring the city of Detroit won’t see a drop in tax revenues if fewer people actually go to the city’s casinos. The legislation also sets aside up to three million dollars annually for Michigan’s Equine Agriculture fund.