Henry Williams, executive director of the Michigan Gaming Control Board, expressed strong support for Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s recent economic initiatives, outlined in her State of the State address and highlighted the significant role of Michigan’s gaming industry in contributing to the state’s economic growth.
“Our commercial and tribal operators are already on a roll in 2024, fueled by momentum from 2023 — a year that saw Michigan’s total igaming and sports betting gross receipts hit a record $2.3 billion,” Williams said in a press release. “The state continues to receive hundreds of millions of tax dollars from gaming operators and the casinos, which is much-needed funding that goes back into supporting our local communities and their citizens.”
Williams also highlighted Michigan’s emergence as a leader in the online gaming market.
“Michigan only recently launched online gaming three years ago,” he sad.”It has since become an emerging powerhouse and [one of] the country’s leading igaming markets.”
The gaming industry’s success aligns well with Whitmer’s economic vision, as presented in her address on Wednesday where she emphasized Michigan’s commitment to dominating new technology sectors. She proposed several economic development initiatives, including new tax incentives for businesses and focusing on boosting early learning and providing financial support to residents.
“We will build a Michigan where if you get knocked down, you have the support you need to get back up,” she asserted.
Williams echoed those sentiments.
“Gov. Whitmer has demonstrated a sincere commitment to revitalizing our great state, and Michigan’s gaming industry is a significant contributor to that effort,” he said. “It is through the collaboration of government, businesses and communities that we owe our collective success, and through which we can achieve continued economic growth and development that creates a better future for all Michiganders. I am proud to be a part of it and pledge my support to collaborate with the governor and her administration in achieving our shared goals.”
