Will Your NCAA Tournament Bracket Be Legal in the State of Michigan?

Saying that the NCAA Tournament and bracket pools do not go together is like saying that I-75 and "10mph over the posted speed limit" do not go together. We know it happens. Law enforcement knows it is the norm. We may or may not realize it stretches legal limits. We do it anyway.

The recent hype over the legality of daily fantasy sports is directing a lot of attention toward relevant state and federal law. With respect to Michigan's point of view on the matter, it gets a little risque. I have written on Michigan's stance on daily fantasy sports as of 2015, but making brackets is a different type of simulation that is also forced to live under an outdated rule.

How does Michigan law view your March Madness tourney bracket?

The year flew by like LeBron James in his Camero,

But we must finish the final stretch like American PharOAh.

From fifa's corrupt achilles to Brady's deflated ball,

I bet you thought you've seen it all.

The law never rests, in the court or on the field,

So you know many cases have yet to be sealed.

but since 2015 had stories that became routine,

We can prep and glance ahead at 2016!

Summary:

Fantasy Sports
Transgender Participation in Athletics
NFL Rules & Officiating
O'Bannon & the Student-Athlete Definition
Olympics Anti-Doping Reform

Is Daily Fantasy Sports Legal in Michigan?

The straight up answer: Technically, no, but hold up (x10) like Kanye says to do.

Next time you watch or listen to any television or radio football broadcast, count how many advertisements you see or hear from daily fantasy sports (DFS) companies like DraftKings or FanDuel. Think about how many people choose to participate in those games each day. Do you think they question the legality of those games, nationwide or specifically in your state of residence? I doubt it. Do you think the DraftKings and FanDuels of the world would subject themselves to business in a state where DFS is illegal? That is easily debatable, but hey, I'm here to highlight what the average person may not observe.

Being picky with semantics when drafting a legislative bill is warranted, and Michigan's law regarding fantasy sports is a prime example of why. One legislator is trying to modify it because apparently the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) has a thought-provoking stance on the issue. The MGCB executive director considers playing DFS to be "illegal under current Michigan law." Sen. Curtis Hertel is looking to modify current Michigan law to protect citizens' right to play.