Michigan House Bill HB5116

Michigan 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 10/23/25
• Refer: 10/23/25

Caption

Gaming: bingo and charitable gaming; millionaire parties; modify. Amends sec. 41 of 1972 PA 382 (MCL 432.141).

Impact

Should this bill be enacted, it will significantly alter the landscape for millionaire parties in Michigan. For instance, it sets forth concrete age restrictions, allowing only individuals over the age of 17 to participate in restricted gaming areas, thus significantly tightening the existing laws. Additionally, the bill raises the limits on the amounts that licensees can exchange for imitation money or chips, with the potential to double these amounts based on the structure of the event, thereby facilitating larger gaming activities.

Summary

House Bill 5116 seeks to amend the Traxler-McCauley-Law-Bowman bingo act to enhance regulatory compliance and oversight for millionaire party licensees. This bill addresses specific provisions regarding the conduct of events under these licenses, with an emphasis on ensuring that gaming activities are confined to designated areas. It imposes controls to prevent underage individuals from entering these areas while permitting qualified individuals to participate under certain conditions if alcoholic beverages are served.

Contention

While the bill appears to promote more structured oversight for charitable gaming, it may also spark debate regarding its implications for community fundraising activities. Some stakeholders may argue that the increased limits on monetary exchanges could lead to potential misuse, while others stress the necessity for clearer regulations to safeguard the integrity of such events. The executive director's sole enforcement authority over charity or numeral games introduced by this bill could also raise eyebrows, as it centralizes regulatory powers that were previously shared with local authorities.