“We take consumer protection very seriously and are committed to ensuring that Michigan residents are engaging with safe and legal sports betting options,” said Henry Williams, Executive Director of the MGCB.
Michigan Launches Investigations Into Unlicensed Sports Prediction MarketsSports prediction markets allow users to trade their predictions on the outcomes of sports events via contracts. These exchange-traded markets are available on platforms like ForecastEx2, Kalshi, Polymarket, and PredictIt.
However, unregulated platforms bypass regulatory protections of Michigan’s legal sports betting market, which can confuse bettors and “blur the line between sports betting as entertainment and sports betting as a financial trading vehicle,” says the MGCB.
Michigan Gaming Control Board Says Sports Betting Should Never Be Viewed As Investment Vehicle
Michigan Launches Investigations Into Unlicensed Sports Prediction Markets“Sports betting is meant to be a form of entertainment, not a financial investment,” Williams added. “By framing sports contracts as investment vehicles, these platforms risk confusing consumers and undermining the state’s commitment to responsible gaming.
“Moreover, many of these unlicensed platforms are often accessible to individuals as young as 18, in stark contrast to Michigan’s 21+ age requirement for legal sports betting.”
Michigan Launches Investigations Into Unlicensed Sports Prediction Markets Michigan Launches Investigations Into Unlicensed Sports Prediction MarketsThat ultimately puts consumers at risk of potential financial harm.