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Michigan Online Casinos and Gambling Sites in 2024

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Gambling in Michigan

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Michigan is one of just six U.S. states to have developed a vibrant, regulated online casino industry over the past few years. There are 14 in-state sites available today and plenty more offshore operators, too.

As Michigan continues expanding its gambling industry, players are taking advantage of fantastic bonuses and promotions from sites desperate to stand out.

This guide offers up-to-date information on Michigan gambling laws and where to play casino games in the state.

Top Casinos for Michigan
Top Bonuses for Michigan
Michigan Gambling Laws
Pros & Cons MI Gambling
Conclusion & FAQ

Summary of Michigan Gambling Laws

Michiganders can enjoy many forms of gambling: land-based and online casinos, sports betting, horse racing betting, poker rooms, and lotteries.

Here’s what gambling in Michigan looks like today:

GamblingMichigan
Is Online Gambling Legal?Yes
Playing at Online CasinosYes
Legal Age Online21
Legal Land-Based CasinosYes
Legal Age Land-Based18
Online Sports BettingYes
Charitable GamblingYes
State LotteryYes
Social GamingYes

Is Gambling Legal in Michigan?

Gambling is legal in Michigan and is available both online and in person.

The table below highlights the latest Michigan laws for land-based and online casinos, sports betting, and other forms of gambling under the Lawful Internet Gaming Act and the Michigan Gaming Control and Revenue Act.

GamblingMichigan Legal Status
Online CasinosThe Michigan Gaming Control Board permits and regulates online gambling in Michigan.
Casino GamblingCasino gambling is legal in Michigan. There are 23 tribal casinos across the state and 3 commercial casinos based in Detroit.
PokerCasinos can provide poker facilities and stage poker tournaments in the state.
In 2023, the Michigan State Poker Championship hosted a record 2,883 entrants, each paying the $1,100 buy-in.
Horse Racing BettingPari-mutuel betting on horse racing has been legal in Michigan since 1933. The Horse Racing Law of 1995 now regulates Michigan’s pari-mutuel industry.
Dog Racing BettingDog racing betting in Michigan is neither permitted nor prohibited.

A federal bill to rewrite and amend the Wire Act and outlaw gambling on dog races across America failed to receive a vote in Congress.
LotteryIn 2021, a Michigan resident won $1.05 billion from a single Mega Millions lottery ticket.

Since 1972 the Michigan Lottery has contributed more than $27 bn to public education.
Daily Fantasy SportsMichigan does permit Daily Fantasy Sports. However, in October 2023, the state outlawed Pick ‘Em contests that too closely mimic player prop betting.
Sports BettingSports betting is legal and thriving in Michigan, with 15 sportsbook sites operating in the state.

It all began in 2019 when Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed the Lawful Sports Betting Act.
Charitable GamingCharitable gaming is permitted in Michigan and is a division of the Michigan Lottery.

There are many types of charitable gaming activities, including raffles and bingo.
Social GamingMichigan also permits Social gambling and generally covers games like bingo and raffles.
However, you cannot win more than $50 (or prizes worth above $50).

Best Michigan Online Casinos

We keep an eye on Michigan’s online gaming industry to provide recommendations for the top real money online casinos available to residents.

Only some gambling halls are housed in-state. Many of the best online casinos MI players can access are based offshore in other jurisdictions.

We look at the entire casino offering of each operator and show readers how they compare to each other. So, find one below that suits your needs most!

Where to Gamble in Michigan

Players have no lack of choice when it comes to gambling in Michigan. Many options exist, from placing in-person sports bets to spinning online slots.

Whether you’re into roulette, poker, horse racing, or just want to bet on NFL, there’s something for everyone in the Wolverine State!

Look at where and how to gamble across MI below.

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Land-Based Casinos in Michigan

Michigan has three commercial casinos in the Detroit area and 23 tribal casinos across the state, offering Class III gaming facilities.

While many players prefer to gamble online in Michigan, there is a reasonably even spread of casinos from Baraga to Detroit to keep land-based enthusiasts entertained.

Most Michiganders are, at most, two hours drive from their closest casino.

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Horse & Dog Tracks

Horse racing betting is legal in Michigan, but there is only one racetrack in the state, at Northville Downs. However, online horse racing betting is legal and available at selected in-state and offshore betting sites.

It’s possible to access many bet types, including single bets, multi-horse, and multi-race wagers. Exotic betting like exactas, trifectas, and Pick 3s are also permitted in Michigan.

Dog racing is less popular and there are no dog tracks in the state.

Therefore in-state betting sites don’t operate dog racing odds, meaning players often head to offshore sites to bet on greyhounds.

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Online Sports Betting

Michigan launched its own online sports industry in 2021, just in time for the Super Bowl.

There are now 14 sportsbooks operating in the state, and MI residents can access many more offshore sports betting sites.

There are also five retail sportsbooks in MI, four of which are in Detroit.

In 2023, Michigan state benefited from an average of $1.24 million a month in online sports betting tax generated from its regulated sportsbooks.

The average monthly handle was around $340m.

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Bingo Halls and Charitable Gambling

The Charitable Gaming Division of the Michigan Lottery oversees bingo, charity games, raffles, and other forms of charity gambling in the state.

Scores of weekly bingo games are held across the state, with progressive jackpots available up to $1,100. You can find your closest Michigan bingo game here!

Charity games are usually known as pull tabs or scratch cards and have a 75% payout rate for players. Organizers are permitted a 15% average profit.

They are typically sold at ticket dispensing machines or via volunteers of said charity organizations.

You’ll need a license if you want to hold a raffle in Michigan.

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Social Gaming at Home

Michiganders cannot establish their own home casinos but are permitted to house games of chance so long as they don’t make a profit.

This rule is particularly pertinent for home poker players.

It is permissible for Michigan poker players to enjoy games at a private residence. However, said properties cannot profit from the activity.

That means no rake and no charging players for access to a game.

Prize pots are also restricted to $50 or prizes with a maximum value of $50.

Icon Real Money Poker

Poker Rooms and Clubs

In-person poker is big business in Michigan, and in recent years, legal online poker has flourished in the state, too.

The World Series of Poker Online Series is now an annual event in Michigan, while residents can also play at many licensed offshore poker rooms and compete with players outside the state.

There are card rooms and poker clubs littered across the state. MGM Grand Detroit has more than 20 tables active daily, with Limit and No Limit Texas Hold’em the go-to games.

The Greektown Casino has a 24/7 poker table with weekly tournaments.

Michigan’s tribal casinos, like the FireKeepers, Gun Lake, and Soaring Eagle Mt. Pleasant, provide a range of buy-in options for in-person players.

At the same time, the state has several smaller poker rooms like Momo’s Poker Room in Taylor.

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Casino Cruises

Riverboat and cruise ship gambling on the waters of Lake Michigan are only permitted in Indiana. No casino cruises are operating out of MI.

Real Money Online Casino Games You Can Play in MI

Playing real money online casino games in Michigan has never been more accessible, thanks to the array of regulated sites and licensed offshore sites available to residents.

Here are the most popular casino games in MI:

icon casino games green

Online Slots

You can play online slots in Michigan at state-regulated and offshore licensed sites.

Random Number Generator (RNG) software is built into online slots that deliver a set Return to Player percentage, usually between 91% and 99%.

Online slots are the go-to option for many players seeking to win mega jackpots. They offer far bigger profit potentials than other games like roulette and blackjack, and no skill is involved in playing.

Slots also cover a far wider range of themes compared to other games. From animals and space-age themes to ancient history, Gold Rush, and vampires, there’s a slot type for everyone!

Real money slots also offer a variety of reel types such as 3, 5, 6, and cluster reels; paylines from 10 to more than 200,000; and unique bonus features.

Offshore sites often pay out bigger jackpots than state-regulated casino sites because they don’t pay state taxes on their house take.

They can, therefore, pass on these savings to players through larger payouts.

You can also play slots at land-based casinos in Michigan, such as the MGM Grand Detroit, where almost 2,500 slot and video poker machines are available to players.

three poker cards

Online Poker

Michigan became the fifth state to legalize online poker in 2019, but due to COVID-19, it wasn’t until 2021 that state legislators began approving gaming operating licenses.

PokerStars was the first site to launch in Michigan, yet players had already been enjoying online poker at offshore sites before then.

Offshore sites are able to offer a far wider range of games that aren’t available in MI, as well as buy-in levels.

Texas Hold’em is naturally the most popular game but Omaha, Caribbean Stud, 7 Card Stud, and 5 Card Draw are all available.

In 2022, Michigan entered the Multi-State Internet Gaming Association, which means poker rooms can share player pools from sites in other states.

icono verde de dos cartas, una vuelta y la otra oculta y una mano encima

Blackjack

Online blackjack began to be available to MI residents in the early 2000s. Access to the internet meant players could play at offshore sites where blackjack tables were thriving.

These days, there is a good mix of blackjack options to suit everyone. Casinos like the MGM Grand and MotorCity have more than 40 blackjack tables apiece.

Most in-state online casinos offer standard blackjack, while offshore sites set up tournaments where players can win thousands of dollars. 

They also provide a wider range of blackjack versions, including Multihand, Single Deck, and Rolling Stack, and Double Deck.

zielona ikona krupiera przy stole

Live Dealer Games

Live dealer games have become increasingly popular in Michigan as players who start out enjoying poker and blackjack look for alternate forms of entertainment.

Games like craps, baccarat, and roulette attract more players every month.

These games are often at the epicenter of land-based casino halls, and online operators are also beginning to see their value for players.

Live studio casinos are run by third-party operators and allow players streaming access to their lobby.

You can jump between games, interact with dealers, chat with fellow players, and assess tables before joining. The dealers even accept tips!

Other Available Games at Online Casinos in Michigan

There are plenty of other games available at Michigan online casinos that provide the same level of fun, enjoyment, and profit potential as poker, blackjack, and slots. 

Online players are always looking for the next game to try out, so here are some to get you started:

white roulette wheel icon

Roulette

three keno numbers

Keno

white bingo card

Bingo

Two white craps dice

Craps

white baccarat chip

Baccarat

scratch cards icon

Scratch Cards

Top Bonuses at Gambling Sites for Michigan Players

Gambling in Michigan is a competitive market, and sites need to offer top bonuses to players to stand out.

While many in-state sites offer freebies, the bigger deals are usually found at gambling sites licensed out-of MI. They can offer far bigger welcome offers and promos because the state legislation does not restrict them.

Below are two examples of high-end bonuses you can trigger when joining a casino available across Michigan today:

Bovada Casino Logo

Bovada 100% up to $3,000 Welcome Bonus

  • Min Deposit: $20
  • Initial 25x rollover
  • 6 months to clear rollover

Bovada Casino offers a $3,000 welcome bonus that is paid out over your first three deposits, meaning you get more benefits for longer.

Get a 100% match on your first deposit of up to $1,000 when using the CAWELCOME100 promo code.

Get the same deal on your subsequent two deposits with the code BV2NDCWB.

Your deposit and bonus amount is subject to a 25x playthrough, and the funds are unavailable on Live Dealer games.

DuckyLuck Casino Logo

DuckyLuck Casino 500% Up to $7,500 Welcome Bonus

  • Min Deposit: $25
  • 30x rollover
  • No max cashout

DuckyLuck’s welcome offer is bigger than Bovada’s and also offers free spins.

Get 500% matched on your first qualifying deposit ($25-$500) and earn as much as $2,500 extra to play at the casino.

These funds come with 30x wagering on your deposit and bonus; your minimum cashout is 10x.

You also get 150 free spins with a $100 cashout limit to play on Mythic Wolf, Golden Gorilla, and Five Times Wins slots over three days.

Then get the same deposit match on your second and third deposits, again up to $2,500!

Michigan Online Gambling Laws

Michigan’s online gambling laws are very robust and provide operators and players with a thorough structure from which to work.

Gambling is widely accepted in the state, with in-person and online casinos, sports betting, and lotteries all permissible.

The Michigan Gaming Control Board was set up in the 1990s to oversee the state’s gambling industry, providing millions of dollars in taxes yearly.

The MGCB’s mission is to uphold the regulations set out by the Michigan Penal Code Chapter 750, sections 301 to 315a and subsequent amendments, and the Michigan Gaming Control and Revenue Act.

icono verde con cartas, un dado y una ficha

Is Online Gambling Legal in Michigan?

In Michigan, the law permits online gambling in many forms.

The state regulates sportsbooks and online casinos under the Michigan Gaming Control and Revenue Act and, more recently, the Lawful Internet Gaming Act.

In September 2023, the 15 operators offering online casino games generated $30m in state taxes.

Michigan does not actively block players from joining offshore sites.

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Gambling Promotion

Licensed sportsbooks and gambling retailers in Michigan are not restricted to how they promote their products apart from:

(1) Advertisements must not target self-excluded individuals.

(2) Marketing affiliates licensed or registered by the board must not promote or market illegal online gaming sites to individuals located in Michigan. (MGCB)

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Unlicensed Vendors

Michigan’s Lawful Internet Gaming Act outlaws unlicensed vendors from establishing public access to placing bets or playing Internet casino games.

(Lawful Internet Gaming Act: 432.304 (5)

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License fees

Michigan, like many other U.S. states, charges a fee for gaming license applications. The current price is $50,000.

Approved operators pay an additional $100,000 when they obtain their license and a further $50,000 each year after that. (Lawful Internet Gaming Act: 432.306)

*Please be advised that the information provided on this page does not constitute legal advice. Our team strongly recommends you seek professional counsel from a qualified attorney regarding your specific questions or concerns on the topic.

Michigan Online Gambling vs. Neighboring States

Michigan is bordered by Indiana, Ohio, and Wisconsin. Each state has an active online sports betting industry, but they have yet to take the steps Michigan has taken by regulating online casinos, too.

US StatePlaying at Online CasinosState-Regulated Online CasinosSocial CasinosOnline Sports BettingLotteryFantasy SportsCharitable Gaming
MichiganLegalLegalLegalLegalLegalLegalLegal
IndianaGrey AreaNot LegalLegalLegalLegalLegalLegal
OhioGrey AreaNotLegalLegalLegalLegalLegalLegal
WisconsinGrey AreaNot LegalLegalNot LegalLegalGrey AreaLegal

Indeed, Michigan is bordered by three states that offer varying forms of legal gambling. Indiana and Ohio permit online sports betting, but Wisconsin only allows in-person activity at its tribal casinos.

Lottery and charitable gaming are permitted in all three neighboring states, but none regulate their online casino industries.

Players in these states, therefore, face a choice. They can jump across the border and gamble online at Michigan casinos, find a land-based option in their own state, or join an offshore site.

Find out where all 50 states currently stand on legalizing online gambling.

Tips for Playing Safely at Online Casinos in Michigan

Player safety is the top priority for online casinos in Michigan. While gambling sites must adhere to the safety protocols in their license agreements, players have to also be vigilant.

Here are some quick tips for staying safe when playing at a Michigan gambling site:

icon industry leader

Find a Reputable Site

Only join a recommended site that has been independently reviewed and verified.
Read player reviews, explore potential sites, and only join a casino when you’re happy with its level of trust.

Two green speech bubbles

Seek Encryption

The best casino sites in Michigan and elsewhere in America use TLS encryption as standard. This means transactions between your device and the site are protected.

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Set Limits

All gamblers are advised to set betting limits before beginning their casino journey. Have a budget in mind, and don’t exceed it. You can use limitation tools to self-exclude.

icon real money green

Find Help If You Need It

No one is immune from addiction or any other problems related to betting, and sometimes we don’t realize we have an issue.

Michiganders who need help with addiction should be active. Get Help for Problem Gambling here.

bitcoin icon

Double Check Payment Options

Many offshore sites accept bank card deposits but not withdrawals.
Ensure you look at the payment methods available to you and check that you’re happy with the options provided.

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Take Your Time

You wouldn’t rush to buy a car, so why rush to place a bet? Whether you’re planning to play online slots or wager on the NFL, it’s essential to stop, think, and assess your bets.

Take your time when gambling, and you’ll likely have a more enjoyable experience.

Pros & Cons of Gambling in Michigan

Gambling has many pros and cons. For every jackpot winner, there are, sadly, those who lose out.

Remember that the house always wins, so we’re seeking big payouts against the odds for the rest of us.

Michigan has a better gambling industry than most states, however, and this means there are far more benefits to gambling in MI compared to other territories.

Pros

  • Access to 23 tribal casinos and three commercial casinos, spread evenly across the state.
  • Abundance of offshore sites available alongside 14 regulated online casinos.
  • Wide social acceptance of gambling and plenty of casinos and card rooms to make friends at.
  • Highly competitive market results in extensive welcome bonuses and promos.
  • Extensive support network for problem gamblers

Cons

  • Regulated gambling winnings subject to 4.25% state tax.
  • Threat of “gambling fatigue” in the state with ads and commercials on TV, sports stadiums, and elsewhere.
  • Little legal cover to players who are subject to fraud at unregulated sites.

The Future of Online Gambling in Michigan: Our Prediction

Gambling in Michigan is booming and generating millions of tax dollars for the state. However, we’re only likely to see small changes to the industry in the future.

Significant updates to state law aren’t expected any time soon. Tweaks, such as HB5227, proposed to redefine certain arcade games as gambling games.

But these won’t make a big difference to the industry state-wide.

Education of underage gambling is a growing concern. Senate Bill 54 will require teachers to educate students about underage gaming and how to stay within their limits when they come of age.

Enforcing Michigan’s existing laws is another priority. Almost 1,200 illegal gambling machines have been seized and destroyed over the past decade.

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Answers to Our Reader’s FAQs

Here are some common questions about gambling in Michigan

Disclaimer

As part of our commitment to transparency, it’s important to disclose that this website engages in affiliate marketing. This means that when you click on our links to online casinos and make a purchase or sign up, we may earn a commission.

These commissions contribute to the upkeep of our platform and the creation of valuable content. While we aim to provide accurate and unbiased information, it’s crucial to note that our reviews are not influenced by affiliate partnerships.

Additionally, we advocate for responsible gambling practices and encourage users to bet responsibly.

If you believe you may have a problem, please seek assistance from relevant support services.