Can I Bet the FIFA World Cup Online From Michigan Using Bitcoin?
For this year's FIFA World Cup, the best way to place bets online from Michigan will be with bitcoin using a cryptocurrency wallet that can be linked to one's banking account. This past May, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that individual states can offer legalized sports betting but must first develop regulatory instruments before doing so and, in the case of most states including Michigan, this means passage of a new law, and that can take time. For now, a few dozen of internationally licensed sportsbooks will accept wagers on this year's World Cup.
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WILL MICHIGAN WELCOME SPORTS BETTING?
Indeed it is possible, however, following the Supreme Court's ruling it was determined that Michigan had yet to seriously explore the available opportunities, this despite the fact that they are home to one of the most rabid college sports fan bases.
Michigan hasn't been completely inattentive to the potential legalized sports gambling would bring.
There are currently eight bills that would expand gambling in the state, including several that would legalize sports betting and wagers on fantasy sports.
Four have gotten votes in committee — three that would allow Internet gambling and another that would legalize fantasy sports betting — but none have gotten votes in either the full House of Representatives or the Senate.
Other proposals that include sports wagering have failed to make it to committee hearings.
Michigan has allies on this front as well, therefore making 2019 a very real possibility that residents will be able to place sports bets in the state, just not until after this year's College Football season.
State Rep. Robert Kosowski, D-Westland, said: "This is a huge win for Michigan. We’re finally allowed to do something that only a few states can do. Now it’s an even playing field and we'll have a source of revenues to fix the roads and better the state's schools."
Sen. Mike Kowall, R-White Lake, who has sponsored legislation that would allow for online gaming, commented: “It’s a matter now that the governor doesn’t have that argument anymore. I think it’s a good idea to put rules and regulations in place so kids can’t gamble online. It’s not necessarily something I would encourage anyone to do, but if it’s being done out there, it should be done legally and the proper taxes being collected.”
Needless-to-say, Michigan gamblers will need to rely on international websites to place all their World Cup bets.
HOW TO USE BITCOIN AND OTHER CRYPTOCURRENCIES FOR BETTING THE FIFA WORLD CUP
The online betting site will simply have you send them the special address/token obtained from the Bitcoin wallet or exchange.
You would select either SEND (to deposit funds) or RECEIVE (to withdraw funds).
Some exchanges allow customers to link directly with their bank accounts or PayPal. The Bitcoin can be converted into the currency of your choice then transferred into your account in as little as 24 hours.
You will want to verify all your information (including personal identification) with the exchange prior to sending and receiving funds. Typically they will suggest setting up an authenticator on your mobile device for added security.
- Aaron Goldstein, Gambling911.com
