New rules governing daily fantasy contests took effect Wednesday in Michigan, and they effectively ban “pick’em” style contests such as the type offered by PrizePicks.
The Michigan Gaming Control Board’s rules — which were submitted to the Michigan Legislature’s Joint Committee on Administrative Rules — no longer allow fantasy contests that “have the effect of mimicking betting on sports, or that involve ‘prop bets’ or the effect of mimicking proposition selection,” according to an agency press release.
“Fantasy contests, like any other form of competitive gaming, thrive on rules and regulations,” MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams said. “The Administrative Rules, which were reviewed by the Michigan Legislature, provide a level playing field for all fantasy contest operators and participants, and will help ensure that fairness, transparency, and integrity are upheld.”
The MGCB will now review the fantasy contest license holders in Michigan to make sure they follow the new rules.
But at least one Michigan lawmaker is not ready for the state to say farewell to these contests.
State Sen. Jim Runestad said last week he’ll fight to bring these games back in the future.
“Moving forward, I pledge to work with the gaming commission and other lawmakers to restore access to the legal fantasy sports games that have just been stripped away from Michiganders,” Runestad said in a statement.
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