Michigan Governor Rejects Racetrack Gambling Machines Bill

On Thursday, Michigan Republican Gov. Rick Snyder declined to sign a bill that would have allowed racetracks to install Instant Racing gambling machines.

The pocket veto essentially killed the bill, which expired the next morning. Snyder stated that the reason he opted not to sign the piece of legislation is because of a constitutional amendment enacted in 2004 that requires voters to authorize new forms of non-tribal gambling.

“Essentially, [the legislation] wasn’t signed because it was likely unconstitutional,” said Caleb Buhs, spokesman for the Governor. “It would have authorized a form of gambling without a statewide and local vote, which is required by the constitution. This was something that the administration had concerns with early on, and outlined those to the legislature, so it shouldn’t be a big surprise.”

The state of Michigan has four pari-mutuel racetracks in operation, but has closed five tracks in the last 15 years. Independent gambling operators have struggled to expand because of the 2004 amendment, while state-run and tribal casinos continue to thrive since they do not have to adhere to the same restrictions.

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