Definitely for MTTs, but not cash...
Correct me if I'm wrong, but from my somewhat limited understanding, botting/colluding isn't widespread on PokerStars or PartyPoker, and would seem difficult to accomplish in a limited pool. Those are two of the poker clients at the forefront of MI online poker, at the moment.

Here is a "launch blog" posted by Michigan native Matt Schoch for PlayMichigan.

It says that the projected Michigan online gambling launch is still likely to happen this year.

https://www.playmichigan.com/michiga...e-launch-blog/

"The current projection for launch is around Thanksgiving Day or Nov. 26. But that date could be pushed back to early December or even Christmas. We might have more information after the Michigan Gaming Control Board has its regular meeting on Nov. 10..."

This is still in the hands of the JCAR, not MGCB. We can all still be hopeful that the 15-day period is waived and thus the rules become in effect the day after, allowing MGCB to take their next steps in the licensing approval process. GL

So, am I to understand that Party and Stars are the “big boys”, and they haven’t gotten that far with the application process?

Getting good/current intel from MGCB is tough. I'm not sure if there's a way to see publicly who is going through the application process at this time. There was some chatter that a couple of the smaller casinos were going to try for a partnership with 'the big boys' and that would allow them to enter the market 3rd party and just administer the license for the casino. Not clear if that's just sports betting or just poker or both.

We discussed that they may be waiting until the rules are final before making a move. Why 'waste' time/money when you don't know where the finish line is, so to speak?

There is no reason for this topic to be on the MGCB's agenda today since they can't actually 'act' on any aspect of the process until JCAR (hopefully) acts on their end. So although we may get some sort of information from the chairman, in general, beyond what is known already, I'm not sure that any specific entities will be mentioned in his comments. GL

I just caught the tail end of the public portion of today's meeting of MGCB. Nothing was discussed that isn't already posted here. They said that there are a few Suppliers that are close to being approved in the process, but JCAR must act before they can continue the process ...

... everyone loves the word 'soon' .. GL

So what’s left in the process exactly? Like a checklist.
-finalization of rules and regulations
-logistic formalities to expedite the process
-passing various committees
-passing legislative bodies
-completion of the application by the sites and approval
-committee review of player pool inclusion
-legislative vote on player pool inclusion
-certain benchmarks must be attained in 2020 or parts of the process will have to be essentially restarted in 2021

This is crude and probably inaccurate but it would be nice to know what exactly has to happen in order for us to play our first hand online in Michigan

How about rereading my post that you've already quoted in one of your previous posts ...

1) JCAR must approve/waive changes to the Rules/Regs as proposed by MGCB before end of 2020 session
2) If JCAR 'fails' (refuses) to do so then the new JCAR must do so in January .. or .. if they fail to act in Jan, then they automatically become in effect for MGCB to enforce
2A) If JCAR wants any changes to the R/R then the whole process starts over and MGCB must resubmit with the changes or similar.

3) Once the R/R 'pass' then MGCB can finalize any applications they have in process to operate a platform. This could take 2-6 weeks depending on application status, changes and holidays.

There are currently two entities that are using TV ads to get you to register so that you are ready to place a bet on Day 1. One site is offering a $100 match in funny money that must be used in the first 7 days after they on online.

Most of your list is either not needed or already happened .. .GL

Ugh, this is why I hate poker forums. I’m just a dum dum, help me navigate life. Respond or don’t respond but please leave the condescending tone out.

iGaming Supporters Can Help

According to Kalm, legislators who were instrumental in passing internet gaming legislation in Michigan in the first place are pushing members of the JCAR to sign the waiver. But the public can influence the process, too.

The JCAR is comprised of five State Senators and five State Representatives. Each of those have Twitter accounts and office phone numbers. We have compiled this list for the public’s convenience, should anyone be so inclined as to send an encouraging tweet or make a waiver-supporting phone call.

–Sen. Peter Lucido (Chairperson) @PeterLucido (517) 373-7670

–Sen. Ed McBroom @SenEdMcBroom (517) 373-7840

–Sen. Lana Theis @SenLTheis (517) 373-2420

–Sen. Adam Hollier @Adamant4Detroit (517) 373-7748

–Sen. Jeff Irwin @JeffMIrwin (517) 373-2406

–Rep. Matthew Maddock (JCAR Alternate Chairperson) @matthewmaddock (517) 373-2616

–Rep. Douglas Wozniak @dougwozniak1 (517) 373-0843

–Rep. Steven Johnson @johnson4rep (517) 373-0840

–Rep. Kyra Harris Bolden @KyraHBolden (517) 373-1788

–Rep. LaTanya Garrett @LatanyaRep (517) 373-2276

The JCAR has its own office in Lansing. Its contact information is:

–JCAR@legislature.mi.gov (517) 373-9425

^^ very nice

The other important factor is that JCAR actually has to meet. The Michigan House canceled their Wednesday session this week 'since there wasn't anything important to work/vote on' .. must be nice!

I guess it would've been better to put an emoji in there? It appears you've also put some time and effort into this topic by tracking down the JCAR members, nice.

The Chair of JCAR rotates every session even though most of the members may be the same .. So I would start with Lucido, but I'm not sure who actually schedules the meetings or what would constitute a legal quorum in order to propose and vote on a waiver. I assume at a minimum there would need to be at least 3 members from each side in attendance.

I would hope that I'm one of the least condescending posters on this site but there are also plenty of posters who come in from left field and don't read the scroll or fail to read the previous posts to get a feel for the flow. (Like the ones who go the Hammond thread and ask 'anything new?' when the last post is 4 weeks old. GL

I wish I could take credit for the info I posted about the Michigan legislatures but I took it from Legaluspokersites.com.
As far as tone, I’m just haven’t acclimated fully to the lower standard of civil conversation on poker forums, probably never will. I am not seasoned in this area and things trigger me too easily i imagine.
Do appreciate the info regardless.

My Twitter is @imakewinhappen if anyone wants to retweet to help get the word out to encourage the members of JCAR to sign the waiver.

I heard a radio newscast that said "they" were aiming for a Christmas Day start, but I was not able to listen to the newscast fully for any details beyond that.

PlayMichigan updates blog from Matt Schoch.

https://www.playmichigan.com/michiga...e-launch-blog/ (Nov 12-13, 2020)

"After cancelling its session on Thursday, the Michigan House of Representatives has scheduled a 10 a.m. full session for Wednesday in Lansing. The Michigan Senate had previously also scheduled a session for that day.

This is the last scheduled session for the Michigan Legislature in November, though more dates could be added..."

Per source in Sen Lucido's office .. no JCAR tomorrow

Next chance is first week of December .. IF they ever do meet it is still anticipated that the 15-day window will be waived and the R/R will go in effect the next day.

Once that happens, the MGCB can get back to approving platform Supplier applications which will ultimately lead to site launches.

I believe one of the anticipated sites upped their 'free' bet funny money to $200 this week .. must use within the first 7 days. GL

PS .. I'm assuming these sites are 'up and running' with play chips by now as they await the approval to start using real cash.

Thank you very much for the local updates, answer20 & ~PLO~ & Dick Tracy.

Wtf how hard is it to rubber stamp this shir

PLAYUSA REWIND: TROUBLE IN MICHIGAN AS ONLINE SPORTS BETTING LIKELY PUSHED TO 2021
Thanks for all of your updates.

From Play Michigan

NOV. 30 UPDATES

9:30 A.M. — LUCIDO: ONLINE SPORTS BETTING RULES WILL MOVE TUESDAY

The online gambling rules will move along in Lansing on Tuesday morning and there’s still has a chance for a 2020 launch, according to a report from The Associated Press.

Sen. Pete Lucido, the chairman of the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules, told the AP he expects the rules will sail through JCAR in Tuesday’s session.

“Everybody wants to get this thing going,” said Lucido, a Republican elected this month as Macomb County prosecutor. “This is something that’s long overdue at this point. It’s being done in other states. We’re losing opportunity costs.”

Mary Kay Bean, spokesperson for the Michigan Gaming Control Board, told AP the board is hopeful online gaming and sports betting can launch this year if the waiver request is approved.

Here's a separate update from Alex Weldon for OPR

Alex mentions that a Michigan online casino and sports betting launch could still happen in December, according to a quote provided to the Associated Press by MI State Senator and JCAR chair Pete Lucido.

Here's a November 30th writeup from Steve Ruddock for BettingUSA.

https://www.bettingusa.com/michigan-...unch-december/

The articles from today cite the following Associate Press story.

https://apnews.com/article/sports-le...c3e3980f9e1721

Via Matt Schoch Twitter

No quorum reached this morning in Lansing as 6 of 10 members of JCAR present in Lansing. Sen. Pete Lucido calls meeting at ease for now, confirmed plans to take up internet sports betting and internet gaming rules. Lucido said members had car trouble this snowy Michigan morning

Seriously, car troubles?!?!?! Beyond frustrated with our politicians here in Michigan.

Via Play Michigan

Even on the day things moved along in Lansing, there were delays.

The 8 a.m. JCAR meeting began with six of 10 members unable to establish a quorum. Sen. Pete Lucido indicated members had car trouble on the snowy Michigan morning and the meeting was called at ease.

About 30 minutes later, the meeting resumed with Rep. LaTanya Garrett making it seven members present.

Seven members yoted in favor of waiving the session days after Rep. Matt Maddock made motions to move the rules. One state senator voted against both motions.