The Michigan Gaming Control Board has vowed that it is “all in” when it comes to advancing the benefits and opportunities provided to citizens from the state’s online and retail ecosystem.
This comes in response to the delivery of Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s What’s Next Address to state legislators and leaders this week, which outlined a series of priorities for the period that lies ahead.
Stating that “numbers speak for themselves” regarding heightened job opportunities and an employment rate of 3.6 per cent that is “the lowest rate in 23 years”, Whitmer stressed a focus of “continuing that tremendous progress to grow the economy and create jobs”.
“That’s why she will focus on her policy priorities for the fall legislative agenda, which will build on previous work to lower costs, make Michigan more competitive, improve energy efficiency, expand opportunity, and protect people’s fundamental rights,” the address outlined.
This centres around three key questions, which were stipulated as:
- How do we take Michigan to the next level?
- How do we compete to win the future?
- How do we help anyone and everyone ‘make it’ in Michigan?
In response, Henry Williams, MGCB Executive Director, hailed the gaming industry and its economic impact as key to driving continued growth and providing opportunities for workers, businesses, and communities.
“Michigan’s gaming industry and its economic impact goes well beyond the entertainment factor everyone knows it provides,” he commented.
“It fosters innovation, creates employment opportunities ranging from table dealers to cage cashiers, attracts investments by encouraging small businesses to partner with and provide their goods and services to our casinos and their patrons, and drives economic growth through revenue generated and tax payments made back to the state, as well as contributions made to the School Aid Fund, which directly benefits K-12 students.”
In addition, Williams also responded to a call for a smoother “permitting process” to help support our economic growth, and stressed the efforts made by the regulator to ensure that this ambition is achieved.
“The Michigan Gaming Control Board’s licensing division has particularly made a concerted effort to improve its licensing application process for gaming and non-gaming suppliers that conduct business with the three Detroit casinos and online operators,” he added.
“In addition, the board has adopted several resolutions that provide clarification to licensing-related matters, all with an eye toward protecting the public’s interest.”
