SOCIAL MEDIA INTERNET GAME; GAMBLING                                                      S.B. 202:

                                                                                                    SUMMARY OF BILL

                                                                                      REPORTED FROM COMMITTEE

Senate Bill 202 (as reported without amendment)

Sponsor:  Senator Jack Brandenburg

Committee:  Regulatory Reform

CONTENT

The bill would amend the Michigan Penal Code to specify that Chapter XLIV (which prohibits certain operations and activities relating to gambling) of the Code would not prohibit a social media internet game from rewarding a player, as a result of chance or uncertain event, with either a free play or an extended period of playing time.

"Social media internet game" would mean a game offered over the internet or on a telephone or other mobile device. The term would not include fantasy sports.

Proposed MCL 750.310c                                            Legislative Analyst:  Drew Krogulecki

FISCAL IMPACT

The bill would have no fiscal impact on the State and could potentially have a positive fiscal impact on local government. It is unknown under which provisions of the Penal Code a social media internet game would be prosecuted absent the exception in the bill, but most violations related to gambling are misdemeanors punishable by imprisonment for up to one year or a fine of up to $1,000. Any reduction in misdemeanor arrests and convictions could reduce resource demands on law enforcement, court systems, community supervision, and jails. Any associated decrease in fine revenue would reduce funding to public libraries.

Date Completed:  3-15-17                                                    Fiscal Analyst:  Ryan Bergan

This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan Senate staff for use by the Senate in its deliberations and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.