In mid-May 1972, the first lottery was launched. We then have to fast-forward several decades to the next significant year for gambling in Michigan. It was at this same time when the Officer of Racing Commissioner was established. It basically paved the way for a newly regulated and authorized pari-mutuel horse racing industry. We can start by going back to 1933, when the Michigan state authorities passed new legislation known as the Racing Act of 1933. Here are some of the most significant milestones with regards to the history of gambling in the state of Michigan. Gambling History in the US State of Michigan