BetMGM argues MGCB has exclusive authority over Internet gaming disputes

In a pivotal legal showdown, BetMGM has firmly asserted that the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) holds exclusive authority over complaints related to internet gaming, including the case of Jacqueline Davis. During a recent court session, BetMGM's counsel argued that every appellate court in Michigan over the past two decades has consistently ruled in favor of the MGCB's jurisdiction, emphasizing that the board is the proper venue for resolving disputes involving gaming malfunctions and patron complaints.

The crux of the argument centers on Davis's claim that BetMGM improperly voided her wager due to a supposed equipment malfunction. BetMGM's representative highlighted that both state regulations and Davis's own contract stipulate that malfunctions void bets, and that she had the right to contest this decision before the MGCB. Davis did pursue this route but did not prevail, leading BetMGM to argue that her legal remedies were exhausted.

BetMGM's counsel underscored the comprehensive nature of the gaming statutes, which dictate that internet gaming must adhere strictly to the regulations set forth by the MGCB. They maintained that the board's ruling on the malfunction was correct and that Davis's claims lacked merit, as she did not challenge the MGCB's decision on its validity.

The discussion also touched on the broader implications of the case, with BetMGM asserting that without the MGCB's framework, there would be no legal basis for internet gambling in Michigan. This case not only highlights the regulatory landscape of online gaming but also sets a precedent for how disputes in this rapidly evolving sector will be handled in the future.

As the court deliberates, the outcome could have significant ramifications for both BetMGM and the broader online gaming industry in Michigan, potentially shaping the way patron complaints are managed moving forward.