Michigan has an extensive history of online gambling dating back to the 1980s. Legislation only allowed online gambling in the Great Lakes state in 2019, with the first casino opening in 2021.
As online gambling is relatively new, our casino experts have created this extensive guide that covers everything you need to know about Michigan online casinos.
We’ll also examine the history of online gambling in Michigan, discuss the current gambling laws, and offer tips on remaining safe.
Fifteen online operator licenses were awarded to the three commercial casinos and 12 tribes, all currently full in Michigan. That means no new operators can launch in the state at this stage, although legislation can soon change to allow additional licenses.
You can access a wide range of exciting games at the best online casinos in Michigan. From exciting slots with bonus features and jackpot prizes, to the strategic table games of blackjack and video poker, there’s plenty on offer for real money players in the Great Lake State.
Online casinos are legal in Michigan so that players can choose from various real-money games. Jackpots and potential payouts are attractive, but all players should be aware of RTP figures, the average percentage of a stake a player could receive over time.
Online gambling was legalized in Michigan on December 20, 2019, as part of an all-inclusive bill that also legalized online poker and sports betting.
Representative Brandt Ident originally introduced the bill to legalize online gambling on September 4, 2019, but it faced resistance in the House. An amended bill passed on October 30, 2019, with Governor Gretchen Whitmer signing it into law and making online gambling legal in Michigan.
The laws for online and land-based casinos are similar in many areas, but there are significant differences in age restrictions. While all online and commercial casinos can only accept players over 21, the age limit at tribal casinos is 18.
Regulations vary between casinos, so check the rules before visiting. In addition, no online casinos can provide charitable games such as bingo.
To ensure fairness, responsible gambling, and player safety, every online casino must hold a license with the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) to operate in the state.
Signing up to an online casino may seem confusing at first. However, registering for a casino is straightforward.
Follow the simple steps below, and you can be playing at your favorite online casino in minutes:
Playing with real money at an online casino requires depositing cash into your casino account. Online casinos in Michigan provide many safe and convenient payment methods for depositing funds and withdrawing winnings. Follow these quick steps to fund your account:
Michigan gambling regulations allow most payment methods, as long as they are legal and safe. Most online casinos accept Mastercard and Visa payments and other banking methods, including e-wallets, prepaid cards, and online bank transfers. However, the availability of deposit and withdrawal methods can vary between gambling sites.
While land-based casinos have different age limits, all online casinos in Michigan require players to be at least 21.
Online casinos will ask you to verify your identity and date of birth by providing a copy of your photo ID. In addition, you must be within Michigan’s state borders to gamble online. The Michigan Gaming Control Board requires all players to enable their mobile device’s geolocation services. If you fail to do so, you cannot play at the casino, even if you are within state borders.
Online casinos will request a copy of your photo ID and proof of your address to confirm your identity to prevent fraud and underage gambling. The process usually takes up to two days, yet is often completed quicker. Although you can still deposit and play at the casino, you won’t be able to cash out until your account is verified.
They may ask you to provide the last four digits of your Social Security number during registration. You may also need to verify your account when signing up or withdrawing.
Online casinos in Michigan are licensed and regulated by the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB).
A 1996 vote permitted the construction of three commercial casinos in Detroit, prompting lawmakers to sign the Michigan Gaming Control and Revenue Act in 1997. The Michigan Department of Treasury created the MGCB as a part of this legislation.
Any online casino that launches in the state must receive a license from the MGCB, even if it partners with a tribal casino.
As mobile casino gambling is legal in Michigan, you can download a casino app or visit a mobile casino website and play from anywhere in the state. Players can use their mobile devices to register, deposit, play, and even verify their casino accounts. The only difference to using a desktop site is you must allow the casino to use your device’s location to confirm you are within the state’s borders.
Online casino apps are available for Android devices in Michigan. You can download these mobile applications by visiting the Google Play Store or the online casino site and downloading the app directly.
Many Michigan online casino apps are available for players with iOS devices. You can download any app from the Apple App Store. While it is more uncommon than with Android devices, you can sometimes visit an online casino site to download the app.
Online gambling, including casino games and sports betting, is legal in Michigan. If you are over 21 years old, you can play casino games anywhere within the state’s borders.
Michigan lawmakers decided to legalize online gambling to increase tax revenue for the state and encourage the casino market to grow. Any online casino must have a license from one of 15 eligible sources. Online operators can partner with 12 tribes and three commercial casinos.
Kings Club Casino, the first gambling location owned by Native American tribes to offer more than bingo, opens.
The Michigan Gaming and Control & Revenue Act is signed into law, allowing the construction of three commercial casinos in Detroit.
The first commercial casino in Michigan, the MGM Grand Detroit, opens.
A bill to legalize online gambling passes the Michigan Legislature, but Gov. Rick Snyder vetoes it.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signs HB 4916 legalizing online gambling, sports betting, online poker, and fantasy sports.
The first online casino sites launch in Michigan.
While online casino gambling is legal in the Great Lakes State, Michigan’s current regulations have confused some bettors over the differences between legal and offshore sites. Here is a closer look at the two:
These online casinos all hold a license with the MGCB. Since these sites operate within the state’s borders, they must follow the control board’s standards.
You won’t find these online gambling sites in the US. Instead, these casinos hold regulations with international gambling jurisdictions. Some of these sites may not even hold a license at all. Therefore, they don’t adhere to Michigan’s gambling regulations.
Offshore sites are often less reliable and trustworthy than legal and licensed Michigan casinos. For example, they may not hold strict player safety, fair gaming, and responsible gambling standards.
There are 26 land-based casinos in Michigan, including three commercial casinos in the Detroit area. The other 23 tribal casinos are spread across the state. Various online casinos exist in the Great Lakes State, with 15 operators currently operating.
The land-based casino industry in Michigan is unique, as different casinos have different minimum ages. For example, 18-year-olds can play at some tribal-owned casinos. Yet, all online casinos have a minimum age of 21.
There are 26 casinos in Michigan, with three commercial locations and 23 tribal casinos. These tribal casinos boast unique rules, meaning at venues like Turtle Creek Casino & Hotel, Island Resort Casino, and Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort, 18-year-olds can step onto the casino floor.
Some of the best land-based casino players can be found in Michigan, are listed below:
Four Winds has three casinos across Michigan, but at its site in New Buffalo, you can find 2,200 slot machines, some of which have jackpots starting at $500,000. There are also 48 table games, including many variations of blackjack, casino poker, and craps. If you are a high roller, you’ll enjoy the high-limits room with slots games at $100 and other table games. The casino also offers its loyalty program, amenities, and regular live events.
With 210,000 square feet of floor space, the Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort offers plenty of excitement for gamblers. It provides thousands of different slot games and table games with progressive jackpots. Soaring Eagle also provides the most extensive bingo game offering in Michigan. The casino also has a retail sportsbook, many eating and drinking options, and regular entertainment shows throughout the rest of the casino.
The MGM Grand Detroit is one of the biggest casinos in Michigan, with 100,000 square feet of casino space and 3,500 slot machines. There are also 143 table games, and the casino operates 24/7. The poker room is continually open, with games like “Show Us Those High Hands” regularly available during working hours.
You can receive MGM Rewards points while gambling with BetMGM Casino, which you can use to earn points for gambling or real-life prizes. The MGM Grand Detroit provides several restaurants, live events, nightlife, and other entertainment outside of the casino.
The Little River Band of Ottawa Indians has been planning to open a new casino in Michigan, with proposals for a new casino in Muskegon County. However, the $200 million project has suffered ongoing delays during its 14-year planning process due to difficulties gaining state approval.
Gambling can be fun, but problem gambling is an issue that affects millions worldwide. If your gambling interferes with your personal or work life and you feel the habit is getting out of control, seek help immediately.
Responsible gambling organizations can help those struggling with problem gambling in Michigan. There are helplines, live chat options, and resources on how to control problem gambling. Michigan also runs a self-exclusion program, which anyone can enter from any online casino. This program prevents people from registering with any gambling operator in the state and stops them from receiving gambling marketing material.
Yes, online casinos are legal in Michigan. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed online casinos, poker, and sports betting into law in 2019, and the first online casino launched in 2021.
Every online casino in Michigan has merits, and choosing between the sites is a matter of personal preference. You can read our online casino reviews, decide on your favorite, and play instantly.
The legal gambling age in Michigan is 21. Anyone over this age can register with an online casino and play casino games. You must be within the state’s borders while using an online casino.
There are 26 land-based casinos in Michigan, with many of these locations partnering with an online casino. In some tribal casinos, you can enter and play games at 18, like at Turtle Creek Casino & Hotel.
The biggest casino is the Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort, a 210,000-square-foot facility with thousands of slots and plenty of table games.
Of course, many online casinos in Michigan offer mobile apps you can download for iOS and Android platforms. While most apps will be available on your device’s app store, you can also visit the online casino directly.
Yes, the IRS taxes all gambling winnings in the US. You will need to include any profit made from gambling while filing your taxes.