A bill package to revamp Michigan’s gambling laws to allow internet gaming and sports betting passed the state House and Senate this week. It is now on its way to the governor for her signature.

Some research claims the changes could bring well over $50 million additional for schools each year. More realistic estimates, using an assumption of a net 5% increase in gaming activity, have that number from $5 million to $30 million.

MEA kept a close eye on these bills to make sure there would be no loss in revenue to the School Aid Fund, because of expected lower sales of the Michigan Lottery. Once those concerns were addressed, MEA went from opposing these bills to a neutral position in the final weeks of negotiations on this package.