The Michigan Gaming Control Board has approved provisional licenses for 15 platform providers who will support commercial and tribal casinos’ online gaming and sports betting offerings.

“The MGCB now can approve provisional licenses following the filing of the administrative rules for online gaming and sports betting 2 December with the Office of the Great Seal,”

said Richard S. Kalm, MGCB executive director. “The platform providers still must meet other regulatory requirements before online gaming and sports betting can launch in Michigan. The launch date will depend on how quickly they can fulfill the requirements.”

Before launch happens, the platform providers must complete additional regulatory requirements including independent testing of platforms and games and MGCB approval of their internal controls, which ensure gaming integrity. The firms also must secure occupational licenses for certain employees.

“The platform providers’ ability to meet the requirements of the laws and rules will determine which entities can be licensed for launch first,” Kalm said.

Since mid-May, the MGCB has accepted applications, communicated licensing requirements and reviewed internal controls and branding submissions from prospective operators, platform providers running the gaming technology, suppliers and vendors.

The agency has allowed operators and platform providers to launch applications in the various app stores prior to launch. Michigan residents may download the apps and create accounts, but wagers cannot be placed until approval is granted to launch.