Michigan Senate Passes Charitable Gambling Bill: No More 'Millionaire Parties'

LANSING, Mich. (Associated Press) — Gov. Rick Snyder and Michigan lawmakers aren't seeing eye to eye on reining in the charitable gambling industry, which has seen significant growth over the past decade.

The Senate on Thursday unanimously passed a bill regulating so-called millionaire parties. The casino-style events allow nonprofits to split proceeds with poker rooms that host Texas Hold 'Em and blackjack games.

The Senate's move creates uncertainty over the future of separate rules proposed by the Snyder administration. Those rules would put restrictions on charitable gambling that aren't in the bill.

It's unclear if lawmakers will let Snyder's proposal take effect or if they will object and proceed with the Senate bill.

State authorities have been cracking down on some charity poker rooms and bars due to illegal gambling.