Michigan Online Gambling Overview

Michigan Gambling Laws

Online gambling was legalized on December 20, 2019 as a part of an all-inclusive bill that also legalized online poker and online sports betting in Michigan.

Legalizing online gambling had originally been introduced by Representative Brandt Ident on September 4, 2019, but it had faced resistance in the House. An amended version of the bill passed on October 30, 2019 (63 to 45 votes) with Governor Gretchen Whitmer signing the bill 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 be sure to 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 to operate in the state.

How to Play With Michigan Casinos

Signing up to an online casino may seem confusing at first, especially if you have never gambled online before. However, registering for a casino is actually straightforward.

Follow the simple steps below, and you can be playing at your favorite online casino in minutes:

1. Choose one of the leading Michigan online casinos recommended on our site. You can choose to visit the online casino’s website or download the app. The registration process will be similar across platforms.

2. Click on the ‘sign up’ or ‘register’ button. Enter your full name, date of birth, address, phone number, and email. Michigan regulations also require you to enter the last four digits of your Social Security number.

3. Most MI casinos will allow you to register, deposit, and play for real money right away. However, you will need to verify your account before withdrawing your winnings.

4. There may be a promo code prompt box during your registration. You can enter a bonus code here to earn rewards. If not, proceed with the sign-up process as usual.

5. Go to the cashier section, choose a payment method and deposit amount, and follow the instructions to fund your casino account.

6. Use your cash and bonus funds to play your favorite online casino games.

7. If you win, revisit the cashier page and follow the instructions to withdraw.

Accepted Michigan Online Casino Banking Methods

Playing with real money at an online casino requires you to deposit cash into your casino account. Online casinos in Michigan provide a wide range of safe and convenient payment methods for depositing funds and withdrawing winnings.

Follow these quick steps to fund your casino account:

1. Log in to your online casino account.

2. Visit the cashier section.

3. Choose a payment method from those available with your online casino operator.

4. Select the amount you wish to deposit. If you are claiming a deposit bonus code, be sure to deposit the minimum amount needed to claim the reward.

5. Confirm your deposit.

6. Once the transaction is complete, the online casino will credit the bonus to your account balance.

Michigan gambling regulations allow most payment methods, as long as they are legal and safe. However, some US banks haven’t updated their policies since online gambling has been legalized in many US states and will block online casino transactions.

Still, most Michigan online casinos accept Mastercard and Visa payments as well as a variety of 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.

Who Can Play at Michigan Online Casinos?

While land-based casinos have different age limits, all online casinos in Michigan require players to be at least 21 years old.

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. Therefore, the MGCB requires all players to enable their mobile device’s geolocation services. You can easily allow the casino to use your device’s location through the settings menu. If you fail to do so, you cannot play at the casino, even if you are within state borders.

What Legal Requirements Must Players Meet for Michigan Casinos?

Online casinos may ask you to provide the last four digits of your Social Security number during registration. You may also need to verify your account during sign-up or when making a withdrawal.

The online casino will request a copy of your photo ID and proof of your address to confirm your identity, which helps 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.

Who Regulates Online Casinos in Michigan?

Online casinos in Michigan are licensed and regulated by the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB).

A 1996 vote on Proposal E, which permitted the construction of three commercial casinos in Detroit, prompted 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.

The Top Legal Games to Play at Michigan Online Casinos

Online casino laws in Michigan are very welcoming allowing you to enjoy many types of gambling. For example, Michigan also legalized online poker and joined the Interstate Online Poker Compact on May 23, 2022, allowing MI online poker players to share games, tournaments, and prize pools with players from other states that signed the compact.

Online Slots

On average, online slots have a much higher Return To Player (RTP) than physical slot machines. Similarly, you can get more out of your bankroll playing online. These slot games also have bonus features, jackpot prizes, and more. Online slots come in many different themes and designs, so you’re guaranteed to find an exciting game to suit your preferences at Michigan online casinos.

Video Poker

Video poker gives players control over their gambling by letting them choose which cards to keep. The payout table is set by how much you wager, and the better your hand, the greater your payout. Unlike poker at land-based casinos, where you may have to wait for a space at the table to free up, you can find a table at any time of day at the top MI casinos.

Blackjack

There are tons of real money blackjack options at Michigan online casinos, from the classic game to exciting variations with bonus rounds. Many top online MI casinos offer European and American blackjack, Pontoon, Vegas Strip, Atlantic City, and multi-hand varieties.

Roulette

Online roulette games have the advantage of adding new and exciting elements to the classic game. That means more significant maximum wins are on the table. Whether you prefer the traditional American, European, or French roulette varieties, or even unique variations, you can find it all at Michigan online casinos.

Craps

You can play 3D and real money craps online in Michigan, but there are no live dealer craps options. Still, you can play at any time of day and for however long you want at the top MI casinos. Better yet, playing games in a demo mode allows you to practice craps for free.

Baccarat

Online baccarat is a straightforward game that doesn’t require any skill to play. Since rounds are pretty swift, baccarat is perfect for gamblers who want quick and easy fun. You can access tons of exciting baccarat games from the comfort and convenience of your home with Michigan’s top online casinos.

Live Dealer Games

Many online casinos offer live dealer games, which bring a taste of the brick-and-mortar casino floor experience to your desktop or mobile device. You can play several live variations of blackjack, roulette, casino poker, baccarat, and even exciting game shows.

Keno

You can only buy keno tickets by visiting a Michigan Lottery retail location, but there are keno draws every day.

Lottery

The Michigan Lottery site is the only place you can buy lottery tickets online for draws every day with seven-figure prizes. The online lottery site also features raffles, bonus games, and instant win games.

Bingo

Bingo is a charitable game in Michigan, meaning only organizations with a charitable gaming license can offer games. Still, many land-based casinos hold these licenses so you can visit and play bingo legally.

Mobile Casino Apps for Michigan Players

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.

Michigan Casino Apps for Android

Online casino apps are available for Android devices in Michigan, and you can download these mobile applications by visiting the Google Play Store. You can also visit the online casino site and download the app directly.

Here are all the online casinos with Android apps:

• Barstool MI Casino App

• BetMGM MI Casino App

• BetRivers MI Casino App

• Caesars MI Casino App (No Google Play Store download)

• DraftKings MI Casino App

• FanDuel MI Casino App

• FireKeepers MI Casino App

• Four Winds MI Casino App

• Golden Nugget MI Casino App

• Play Gun Lake MI Casino App

• PointsBet MI Casino App

• Stars MI Casino App

• TwinSpires MI Casino App

• WynnBET MI Casino App

Michigan Casino Apps for iOS

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.

Casino operators with Apple apps are listed below:

• Barstool MI Casino App

• BetMGM MI Casino App

• BetRivers MI Casino App

• Caesars MI Casino App

• DraftKings MI Casino App

• FanDuel MI Casino App

• FireKeepers MI Casino App

• Four Winds MI Casino App

• Golden Nugget MI Casino App

• Play Gun Lake MI Casino App

• PointsBet MI Casino App

• Stars MI Casino App

• TwinSpires MI Casino App

• WynnBET MI Casino App

History of Online Gambling Laws in Michigan

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 provide more 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. There are 12 tribes and three commercial casinos online operators can partner with.

Timeline for Online Casino Gambling in Michigan

• January 22, 2021: The first online casino sites launch in Michigan.

• December 2019: Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signs HB 4916 legalizing online gambling, sports betting, online poker, and fantasy sports.

• December 2018: A bill to legalize online gambling passes the Michigan Legislature, but Gov. Rick Snyder vetoes it.

• November 2014: Michigan launches its iLottery so players can buy keno tickets and scratch card games online. The state adds lottery draws a couple of years later.

• July 29, 1999: The first commercial casino in Michigan, the MGM Grand Detroit, opens.

• 1997: The Michigan Gaming and Control & Revenue Act is signed into law, allowing the construction of three commercial casinos in Detroit.

• November 1996: Proposal E passes a vote of Michigan residents.

• July 4, 1984: Kings Club Casino, the first gambling location owned by Native American tribes to offer more than just bingo, opens.

Legal vs Offshore Casinos in Michigan: What’s the Difference?

While online casino gambling is legal in the Great Lakes State, Michigan’s current regulations have left some bettors confused over the differences between legal and offshore sites. Here is a closer look at the two:

• Legal and Regulated MI Casinos: 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.

• Offshore Casinos: You won’t find these online gambling sites located within 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 are not required to adhere to Michigan’s gambling regulations.

Michigan casino players can still access offshore casinos in the state. However, these sites are often less reliable and trustworthy than legal and licensed MI casinos. For example, they may not hold strict player safety, fair gaming, and responsible gambling standards. Still, it’s crucial you consider the advantages and disadvantages when choosing between legal Michigan online casinos and offshore sites.

As all internationally accredited casinos will not accept players from a state unless they have a full license of the respective jurisdiction, we always recommend using state-licensed casinos that are fully legal and licensed by the MGCB.

Online Casinos vs Land-Based Casinos: Which is Better?

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. There is also a variety of online casinos in the Great Lakes State, with 15 operators currently live.

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.

Legit Online Casinos in Michigan

Every online casino that is live in Michigan must hold a license with the MGCB. As part of the licensing requirements, casinos are tested and must adhere to the strict rules set out by the MGCB. These include guarantees for player safety, financial fairness, and responsible gambling support. To protect yourself from potential fraud, always play at casinos that are licensed by the MGCB.

There are currently 15 online casino operators in Michigan: 12 partnered with tribes and three partnered with commercial casinos. While this is the maximum number of online casinos that can launch in the state, the most prominent US casino brands are already available.

Golden Nugget Casino Michigan

The legendary Golden Nugget brand has locations in Nevada, Louisiana, New Jersey, and Mississippi, and Golden Nugget Casino is the online product of this company. The pride of this operator is its desktop site which features easy navigation thanks to its handy sidebar. You can also see what other bettors are playing using the feed feature. There is a good collection of games, including tons of slots and table games.

Caesars Casino Michigan

Caesars has plenty of experience in the gambling world as its parent company, Caesars Entertainment, owns many successful casinos across the US. Caesars Casino takes advantage of this, offering the Caesars Rewards program where you can earn rewards by gambling and by staying at Caesars Entertainment locations. However, the most impressive aspect of Caesars Casino is the range of games. There are hundreds of slot games, dozens of table games, and many other options.

BetMGM Casino Michigan

BetMGM is the online gambling brand of MGM Resorts, one of the biggest hotel and casino providers in the US. BetMGM offers a sportsbook as well as its online casino. Its selection of games is great, but its MGM Rewards program is excellent. You can earn rewards for gambling which you can use to redeem prizes for your online gambling or real-life locations, such as the MGM Grand Detroit.

What Other Online Casinos Will Open in Michigan in the Future?

15 online operator licenses were awarded to the three commercial casinos and 12 tribes, all of which are currently full in Michigan. That means no new operators can launch in the state at this stage, although legislation can soon change to allow for additional licenses. In addition, as TwinSpires is closing down its online casino soon, another new Michigan casino can take its place.

What are the Best Land-Based Casinos in Michigan?

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 find in Michigan are listed below:

Four Winds Casino

• Address: 11111 Wilson Road, New Buffalo, MI 49117

• Website:

• Phone Number: (866) 494-6371

• Operator: Four Winds Casino

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 own loyalty program, a selection of amenities, and regular live events.

Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort

• Address: 6800 E. 6800 Soaring Eagle Boulevard, Mount Pleasant, MI 48858

• Website:

• Phone Number: (989) 775-5777

• Operator: Eagle Casino & Sports

With 210,000 square feet of floor space, there is plenty of excitement for gamblers at the Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort. There are thousands of different slot games and table games with progressive jackpots. Soaring Eagle also provides the largest bingo game offering in Michigan. There is a retail sportsbook, lots of eating and drinking options, and regular entertainment shows throughout the rest of the casino.

MGM Grand Detroit Casino

• Address: 1777 3rd Avenue, Detroit, MI 48226

• Website:

• Phone Number: (877) 888-2121

• Operator: BetMGM 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 also 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.

Michigan Land-Based Casinos

What Casinos Will Open in Michigan in the Future?

The Little River Band of Ottawa Indians plans on opening a new casino in Michigan very soon, putting forward a proposal for a casino in Muskegon Country. However, Gov. Whitmer will need to sign off on the plans before construction on the $180 million project can begin. If everything goes to plan, construction is expected to start in the second quarter of 2022.

How We Rate Michigan Online Casinos

Our experts examine every part of a casino for our reviews, focusing on what’s important to players. How we rate these casinos isn’t determined in isolation but in comparison to other Michigan online casinos.

Here are some of the key areas we look at when reviewing an online casino:

Casino Bonuses

The best value casino bonuses give you the perfect start to your online casino experience, so we compare the promotions on offer at all Michigan online casinos. We don’t just look at the big number advertised but study the terms and conditions, such as wagering requirements, to determine the actual value. We also look at no deposit bonuses and free spin offers.

Security & Safety

We only review Michigan online casinos regulated by the MGCB, all of which have been tested strictly for player safety measures. In addition, we check these sites for further security measures, like SSL encryption.

Variety

Michigan online gambling regulations allow for a wide range of casino games, and we value online casinos that offer as many games as possible.

Mobile Gaming

Our experts always download an online casino’s mobile app and see if the experience is of equal quality to the desktop site. If there is no mobile app, we look at the mobile browser app with the same expectations.

Fast Payouts

The MGCB has guidelines for safe payment transactions, and we only review online casinos that stick to these rules. We also give credit to operators that can process these transactions safely and quickly.

Player Testimonials

While we do our own research, we also take the opinions of other players very seriously. For example, we add any online casino we see with a history of mistreating players to our list of sites to avoid.

Entertainment

Having lots of games is essential, but we also test how fun those games are. Graphics, themes, bet limits, and features are just some of the aspects of a casino game that we consider.

Avoid These Blacklisted Online Casinos

While we want to give every online casino a chance, there are some sites that we blacklist for our users. These are sites we advise bettors to avoid at all costs for various reasons. An online casino could have a history of not paying out to players or not having proper licensing. If so, we will add it to our blacklisted casino page.

Responsible Gambling in Michigan

Gambling can be fun and exciting, 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.

The links below will refer you to responsible gambling organizations helping 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 , which anyone can enter from any online casino. This program will prevent people from registering with any gambling operator in the state and stop them from receiving gambling marketing material.

• – (800) 270-7117

• – (517) 672-6904

• – (800) 522-4700