With the NFL back and Michigan casinos still impacted by the coronavirus, any move toward an online gambling launch is welcome news for many.
Another crucial step forward came this week, as Gaming Laboratories International is officially in business in the Great Lakes State.
The Michigan Gaming Control Board has authorized GLI to test and certify mobile sports betting and online casino games prior to launch.
This is another key step in the regulatory process. Licensees will need to get all sites and games certified by labs like these before they can launch. The two main hurdles to get online sports betting, online casinos, and online poker off the ground are licensing and rules promulgation by the state legislature.
Michigan online gambling should launch around Thanksgiving. The board is hosting a virtual public hearing about the proposed rules on Sept. 23.
BMM Test Labs has also applied for authorization
GLI is the first independent testing lab (ITL) approved in Michigan, though BMM Test Labs is also being reviewed, according to a memo submitted by MGCB Executive Director Richard Kalm to operators and suppliers.
Kalm said the board hopes to reach a decision on BMM “in the next several weeks.”
Michigan’s expanded gambling laws from December, in addition to proposed internet gaming and sports betting rules, require such testing.
The board must approve all platforms and internet games prior to use. Products are submitted to an ITL, which must approve with a certification letter.
Providers and suppliers must pay all costs associated with testing and evaluation services from an ITL, according to Kalm’s memo.
GLI experienced in iGaming testing
GLI boasts that, since 1989, the company has certified nearly 2 million items, testing equipment for more than 475 jurisdictions.
The company, headquartered in Lakewood, NJ, operates laboratories in six continents.
On its website, the company also notes its relationship with the Gun Lake Tribal Gaming Commission, regulators for Gun Lake Casino in Wayland.
Melinda Coffin, former executive director of the Gun Lake Tribal Gaming Commission, gave high praise to GLI.
“The Gun Lake Tribal Gaming Commission has had the privilege of working with GLI since the beginning of our gaming operations. We are proud of the relationship that has flourished through the years with their professional team. Their highly trained experts continue to provide world class services to our organization. We look forward to working with them for many years to come.”
Coffin now works with Saginaw Chippewa Gaming Enterprises, operators of Soaring Eagle Casino Resort in Mount Pleasant, according to a LinkedIn page in her name.
