Lansing, September 24, 2025 – A bipartisan proposal in Michigan is aiming to take the gray area out of casual wagering. Senate Bill 511 (SB 511), introduced earlier this month, would legalize certain “social bets” such as March Madness pools or Super Bowl squares, provided they meet strict conditions.
The bill, currently under review by the Senate Regulatory Affairs Committee, sets out seven key rules designed to keep the practice small-scale and noncommercial. Among them: entry fees may not exceed $25, pools cannot involve more than 100 participants, and organizers must also participate without receiving any additional profit. Importantly, such wagers would not be allowed in casinos, bars, restaurants, or any venue operating for commercial purposes.
During a September 18 hearing, lawmakers and stakeholders discussed the proposal without taking a vote. Supporters argue that casual pools are already widespread and should not be treated as crimes, while critics raise questions about enforcement and potential conflicts with tribal gaming rights.
Tribal representatives, including members of the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of Potawatomi and the Gun Lake Tribe, have voiced opposition. They warn that even limited exemptions could undermine tribal exclusivity agreements and blur constitutional lines on gambling regulation in the state. The bill also raises penalties for violations, with fines climbing from $1,000 to $5,000 for those who operate outside the legal framework. SB 511 explicitly prohibits companies from using these types of pools as marketing tools, an effort to ensure the carve-out applies strictly to noncommercial, community-based betting.
Michigan has been at the forefront of gambling reform since legalizing sports betting and online casinos in 2019, with digital operations launching in 2021. In August 2025, the state set a new record with $312.5 million in online gaming revenue, highlighting the appetite for regulated wagering.
Still, lawmakers face a delicate balance. While casual betting pools are part of American cultural life, their legalization touches on sensitive areas of tribal sovereignty, state oversight, and problem-gambling safeguards. For now, SB 511 remains in committee, with its fate tied to how lawmakers reconcile community traditions with the state’s complex gaming framework.
