Michigan Withdraws Rules for Charitable Games

LANSING, Mich. (Associated Press) - A Michigan agency has withdrawn proposed new rules to rein in the charitable gambling industry to consider possible changes because of opposition from some lawmakers.

The state Gaming Control Board notified a joint legislative rules committee of its decision Wednesday.

Gov. Rick Snyder's administration is hoping to crack down on "millionaire parties." The events help charities raise money but have drawn criticism as "de facto casinos" also bringing large profits to bars and poker rooms.

The rules would have let poker rooms operate 208 days a year instead of 365 and given charities a bigger piece of profits. But they've been opposed by charities and others.

It's unclear if the Snyder administration will resubmit rules as early as next week.