Lawmaker Wants to Legalize Sports Betting to Fix Roads

» Get Patch’s daily newsletter and real-time news alerts.

A Westland lawmaker says Michigan’s best bet to fix its crumbling roads may be legalized sports betting in casinos, and he’s made a proposal to accomplish that.

The proposal by Rep. Robert Kosowski, D-Westland, needs a three-fourths supermajority in the Legislature, though, because it would amend voter-backed legislation, Mive.com reports.

“We need to come up with unconventional methods to help fund our roads,” Kosowski said. adding:

“There’s bookies everywhere. We all know that. So why not regulate it? Why not get some money for this?” he asked.

The proposal comes as lawmakers are observing what is described as a cooling off period Wednesday, but were confident a $1.2 billion deal is still within reach after reaching an impasse Tuesday.

Kosowski’s bill, HB 4669, depends on a couple of things happening. First, federal law would have allow sports betting — currently allowed in only in Nevada, Delaware, Oregon and Montana — and voters would have to approve whatever action the Legislature might take.

Critics say it could further fray relationships with Native American groups. In June, the Gun Lake Tribe declined to make a scheduled $7 million payment to the Michigan Lottery that resulted in layoffs at the Michigan Economic Development Corp.

The proposal comes with some risks, too. Revenue estimates are unclear, but it could cost the state up to $31.4 million if it violated tribal gaming compacts, according to the House Fiscal Agency.

Tell Us

• What do you think about this?