Mich. Gaming Control Board exempts more small, non-gaming businesses from licensing, extends exemption renewal to five years

Detroit, June 8, 2021 - Small-business owners may conduct up to $100,000 in non-gaming business with the Detroit casinos in a 12-month period without notifying the Michigan Gaming Control Board under a resolution approved during a public meeting today. The MGCB also will grant longer, five-year licensing exemptions to non-gaming vendors.

"The changes approved by a 4-0 Board vote allow more small businesses to supply things like food and beverages, snow removal or laundry services to the Detroit casinos without disclosing information to the MGCB," said Henry Williams, MGCB executive director. "If you are a non-gaming vendor already registered for internet casino gaming or online sports betting, your firm can provide up to $400,000 in goods and services to each Detroit casino and skip added paperwork."

Under Resolution No. 2021-03 adopted today:

• Fewer burdens for small businesses: Vendors doing $100,000 or less in non-gaming business in a 12-month period do not need to apply for a license exemption. This is a $50,000 increase. The exemption term also lengthens from one to five years.
• New automatic exemptions: Vendors registered under the Lawful Internet Gaming and Lawful Sports Betting acts will be exempt automatically from licensing requirements if they provide less than $400,000 of non-gaming-related goods or services to any Detroit casino. Medical-related service providers authorized to transact business in Michigan will also receive an automatic exemption.

Any currently granted exemptions will remain in effect for their one-year period unless otherwise ordered. The terms and conditions in this resolution will apply on renewal.

"The Michigan Gaming Control Board shall ensure the conduct of fair and honest gaming to protect the interests of the citizens of the State of Michigan."