Michigan gaming chief supports economic initiatives

Michigan Gaming Control Board executive director Henry Williams has backed Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s priorities for the year.

He said: “As a native of Detroit, a lifelong Michigander and dedicated gaming regulator, I am pleased to express my support for the governor and her commendable economic initiatives as outlined in her recent State of the State address.

“Governor Whitmer has demonstrated a sincere commitment to promoting economic growth and revitalising our great state and Michigan’s gaming industry is a significant contributor to that effort.

“Our commercial and tribal operators are already on a roll in 2024, fueled by momentum from 2023 – a year that saw Michigan’s total igaming and sports betting gross receipts hit a record $2.3bn.

“The state continues to receive hundreds of millions of tax dollars from gaming operators and the casinos, which is much-needed funding that goes back into supporting our local communities and their citizens.

“Despite the fact that Michigan only launched online gaming three years ago, it has since become an emerging powerhouse and the country’s second leading igaming market, just ahead of New Jersey and behind Pennsylvania, proving that we’re well on our way to being simply the best.

“It is through the collaboration of government, businesses and communities that we owe our collective success and through which we can achieve continued economic growth and development that creates a better future for all Michiganders.

“I am proud to be a part of it and pledge my support to collaborate with the governor and her administration in achieving our shared goals.”