Legal Online Gambling Sites In Michigan

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Michigan has a large and lucrative casino industry. In recent years, a huge number of individuals here have begun playing their favorite casino games over the internet. Today, we’re going to explain how you can find the best Michigan casino sites.

1. Michigan covers all of the bases using legal real money gambling opportunities that are regulated in-state to boost the state budget. There is a lottery, 26 casinos, pari-mutuel wagering, and charity gambling. The best Michigan online gambling sites also offer various other betting and gaming options.
2. Due to the passage of HB 4916 in 2019, legal Michigan online gambling is now a reality. The new law makes online and mobile casino games, sports betting, and poker legal in Michigan. The Michigan Gaming Control Board is currently working on the regulations necessary for licensing online casinos and sportsbooks in the state.
3. Online sports betting, gambling, and poker are all legal in Michigan, but only at gaming sites authorized by the MGCB. The MGCB has licensed numerous mobile sportsbooks and online casinos already, giving gamblers plenty of options. Online horse racing betting and daily fantasy sports are legal as well.
4. Fortunately for the state’s casino players, online casinos are now fully legal, but as the law is still fairly new, there’s a lot a player like you needs to know. Let’s take a look. Top 5 Michigan Online Casinos. Here is a list of our top 5 recommended online casino sites to play at for real money from Michigan.

Many of the top online casinos in the country are available in Michigan. For some, choosing which one of these websites to join can seem a little daunting. We’re going to help make things a little easier by explaining exactly what features to look for in these sites.

Later on, we’ll get into the legal landscape of online gambling here. Laws within this industry can change fast and it’s important to understand what’s allowed and what isn’t.

Some of you might want to skip over this information and get straight to the betting. No problem! Below are a few of the best casino sites in Michigan operating right now. Feel free to check them out!

This state’s gambling market continues to improve. If you’re a gambling fan here, you have a lot to be happy about! Here’s how you can find a fantastic online casino right now.

Here’s What to Look for in Michigan Casino Sites

Joining a casino website for the first time shouldn’t be difficult. In fact, it’s extremely easy. You just need to know exactly what to look for. There are some features that all reputable Michigan online casino sites offer to their members.

These are four of the most important features to keep an eye out for when looking to join any Michigan casino sites.

Safe and Transparent Payment Options

The first and most important thing to look for in a gambling website is its payment system. Before you decide to wager money through a casino site, you’ll want to know that your money will be secure. Fortunately, this is a very easy thing to look into.

One way to learn more about a site’s payment options is to head over to our gambling site reviews page. Here, we provide cashier information on many of the best casino sites in Michigan. You can also check these websites out for yourself and head to their cashier pages. Most will list exactly what’s available.

You’ll want to join a casino website that allows deposits to be made using all major debit cards including Visa and Mastercard. Withdrawal options tend to be a little more limited. Oftentimes, the only option to collect your winnings is via Bitcoin. Make sure fees for these deposits and withdrawals are reasonable.

Helpful Customer Support System

When first getting into online casino gambling, many completely overlook how important customer service really is. It’s a shame, as this is one of the most important tools available to online gamblers in Michigan. Before you join any casino websites, make sure that they are always available to help you out when you need it.

Today, the best option is a live chat feature. It allows you to speak to a customer representative through instant message. Some sites also provide a direct phone line option, which is great. It’s usually best to avoid the websites offering only email support.

Finding more information on these site’s support options is easy, too! You can find out everything you need to know using the same methods that we listed above.

Great Design and Overall Functionality

A casino website’s design is another commonly-overlooked feature. Don’t make the mistake of thinking it’s not important. The way that these Michigan online casino sites are designed will impact your entire gambling experience.

Website functionality is also extremely important. You will want to be able to navigate through these sites without the fear of them crashing. Of all the features listed here, this is the easiest to learn more about.

You can simply check out a few different Michigan casino sites for yourself. Eventually, you will begin to realize which styles you enjoy. We recommend that you check out the different pages and make sure that the wagering process with each one is simple.

Casino Games That You Want to Play

Unfortunately, some individuals who are still new to casino gambling join a website without even checking to make sure the games they want to play are available. This is one of the more frustrating mistakes that can be made. It’s also another easy one to avoid!

All reputable Michigan online casino sites clearly feature the games that are available. If they don’t, then the website is not worth joining. Spend some time ensuring that the exact games you want to play are provided before you join any online casino.

Everyone has a different gambling preference. Some love to play blackjack. Others want to relax and hit the slots. As long as you find a site that offers the games you enjoy, it’s probably okay.

Why Are Online Casino Sites in Michigan Growing so Popular Right Now?

Every year, more individuals in Michigan begin playing at online casino websites. This is the case throughout the entire country as well! It seems Michigan, in particular, is developing a massive online casino fan base.

We wanted to know why. Our team reached out to a number of individuals here and asked why online casino gambling is growing so popular. There are two responses that we continued to hear back.

It’s the Most Convenient Option Available Right Now

Michigan is home to many popular land-based casinos. Interestingly, many people are now skipping the trip to their local casino in order to make bets online. Why drive miles when all of your favorite gambling options can be done from the comfort of home?

Most casino sites in Michigan are also available to play using your smartphone. Mobile gambling is also extremely popular right now and is growing bigger each month. If you want to be able to make bets from anywhere with an internet connection, Michigan casino sites are probably for you.

There Are More Gambling Options Available

It’s incredible to see how many great gambling options are now available over the internet. Not long ago, online casinos only offered a few limited games such as slots and blackjack. Today, it’s not uncommon to see online casinos in MI offering hundreds of different games every single day.

In fact, some of these websites offer more gambling options than the top land-based casinos in the country. Fun, unique forms of gambling such as live dealer games are also available. These make it feel as if you’re gambling inside of a real casino.

There are many reasons why online gambling is growing so popular. Check out the best Michigan casino sites that we listed at the top of this page to see for yourself why they are attracting so many new players.

Do Casino Sites in MI Offer Online Poker?

Generally speaking, yes! Online poker has been extremely popular in the US for years. Today, most reputable Michigan casino sites offer at least some poker gambling options.

Some sites are known to offer better poker options than others. The best ones will put on major tournaments for their members. Sometimes, these tournaments can offer huge paydays for the winners.

If you’re a poker fan, make sure you find a site that offers the games you’re looking for. Fortunately, this is very easy to do nowadays.

List of Land-Based Casinos in Michigan

• Odawa Casino: Petoskey
• MGM Grand Detroit Casino: Detroit
• Soaring Eagle Casino: Mount Pleasant
• Four Winds Casino: New Buffalo
• Firekeepers Casino: Battle Creek
• Bay Mills Resort and Casinos: Brimley
• Island Resort and Casino: Harris
• Kewadin Shores Casino: Saint Ignace
• Ojibwa Casino Marquette: Marquette

As we mentioned earlier, Michigan is home to many great land-based casinos. In fact, this state has a storied history of casino gambling that dates back to the 1800s. In 1996, the state approved a referendum that allows for Class III gambling venues to start opening in the state.

Before long, many tribes here began opening casinos. Today, there are a huge number of gambling venues spread around the state. Some of them are known to be a little better than others.

Listed above are the names and locations of the best land-based casinos in Michigan.

Many people still prefer to make their bets the old-fashioned way inside a real establishment. There’s nothing wrong with that! If you’re near any of the cities above, make sure to check out the local casino.

Is Online Casino Gambling in MI Legal Right Now?

Since the 1990s, Michigan has been thought of as a gambling-friendly state. Most traditional forms of gambling here are perfectly legal including casino gambling. Here, the specific legality of online casino gambling lies in somewhat of a gray area. This is actually the case in many states that have not yet regulated this industry.

In 1999, a law was passed that outright banned online gambling. It was struck down just a year later. Now, there are no clear laws here that state whether or not it’s allowed to play casino games online in this state. Many take that as a sign that it’s legal!

“Any person who by playing at cards, dice, or any other game, or by betting or putting up money on cards, or by any other means or device in the nature of betting on cards, or betting of any kind, wins or obtains any sum of money or any goods, or any article of value whatever, is guilty of a misdemeanor…”

As you can see, the laws give a pretty broad description of gambling. Some detractors of online gambling claim this means it’s illegal to play at casino sites in Michigan. There’s no real evidence of that.

Will I Be Prosecuted for Playing at Michigan Online Casino Sites?

It’s highly unlikely. Lawmakers in this state don’t seem too concerned with the online gambling industry. Law enforcement also seems unwilling to go after anyone making wagers online. Our team has not come across a single case of anyone facing legal action for playing at casino sites in MI.

*We are not lawyers, and always recommend that you abide by your state’s laws. For a more in-depth description on online casino legality, feel free to contact a law professional with experience in gambling.*

How Can I Stay Safe Playing Casino Games Online Here?

It’s perfectly reasonable to be concerned with safety when first getting into online gambling. This industry is new, and many are still somewhat unaware of how exactly it works. Fortunately, online gambling has become much easier over the years and today, it’s extremely easy to protect yourself while making bets online.

Here are a couple of tips to keep in mind when getting into online casino gambling in MI.

Stick to Reputable Sites

This is the easiest way to ensure that your online gambling experience is nothing but fun. As long as you play through a reputable site, the odds of you encountering any issues is small. These Michigan online casino sites should offer great customer support options and a safe payment system.

Reach out to Customer Support When You Need It

Speaking of customer support, it’s important that you utilize this tool when you need it! Michigan does not regulate its online casino market. If you encounter an issue while gambling online, you’ll need to rely on the site that you play at to help you out. Make sure to always ask for assistance for any issues you come across.

Bet on Games You Know and Understand

The top casino sites in Michigan offer hundreds of different games every single day. It can be tempting to throw money on a game that you’ve never played before in hopes of winning big. Generally speaking, this isn’t a good idea. Your odds of winning will increase significantly when placing wagers on games you’re familiar with.

Keep Track of How Much You Are Betting

Most agree that casino gambling is fun. Unfortunately, some individuals wager a little more than they probably should. It can sometimes be easy to lose track of how much money you are losing. Make sure to track your betting habits and understand when to take a break.

Keep Your Betting Account Information Private

Never release the information of your betting account information! Think of it as a bank account. Anyone with access to this information can collect your money without you knowing about it. It’s also smart to change your account password from time to time.

FAQ on Online Casino Gambling in Michigan

Will Online Casino Sites in Michigan Ever Become Regulated by the State?

In the future, it’s very likely. As of now, however, lawmakers here seem to be turning an eye toward this industry. There haven’t been any real attempts to regulate online casinos but, in time, this will almost certainly change.

What Are the Best Michigan Casino Sites Currently Available?

Many will have their own opinion on this. Some online gambling sites are known to offer different options than others. From what we can see, the most popular Michigan online casino sites currently operating are Bovada and MyBookie.ag. Both are safe and offer a wide range of gambling options for their players.

Is Online Gambling Easier Than Land-Based Gambling?

Not necessarily! The actual betting process is actually very similar. You find the games you want to play and place your wagers. When it comes to convenience, however, it’s significantly easier. These websites allow you to play all of your favorite games from the comfort of home. You can even bet wagers on-the-go using a smartphone!

How Much Money Can I Win Playing at MI Casino Sites?

That all depends on how you bet! Generally speaking, the more that you play, the better your chances will be to win big. It certainly helps to play games that you are familiar with. Start slow with your bets and learn a game before you start placing huge wagers!

Why Should I Play Online Casino Games in Michigan?

The choice to play at online casino sites in Michigan is always yours. There seem to be no laws against it here, and it’s the most convenient gambling options available at the moment. If you’re a fan of casinos, you will probably love the Michigan online casino sites available right now.

Conclusion

Now is a fantastic time to be a gambling fan in Michigan. There are a huge number of both online and land-based casinos available in this state. It should never be difficult to sit down and place some bets.

Laws toward online casino gambling are changing around the country. Make sure to follow our industry news page for updates on the legal situation in Michigan. Don’t forget to check out the websites that we’re recommending at the top of this page, too!

Good luck with your bets.

History of online gambling in Michigan

The push for legal MI online gambling started in 2015. However, the state’s tribal casinos clashed with lawmakers over commercial casinos’ inclusion.

Additionally, the Michigan Lottery expressed fears that more gambling would cannibalize their lucrative industry. Lotteries generate roughly $1 billion for the MI school fund annually.

The state legislature made no serious efforts to legalize internet gambling until May 2018. May marks the point when the Supreme Court repealed PASPA—a long-time federal ban on sports betting.

Suddenly, MI lawmakers became much more interested in legalizing online gambling. They wanted to take advantage of the lucrative betting market that was sure to follow.

Rep. Brandt Iden drafted the Lawful Internet Gaming Act (HB 4311) and Lawful Sports Betting Act (HB 4916) in hopes of appeasing all sides. He largely achieved this goal when the commercial and tribal casinos agreed with both pieces of legislation.

The bills passed both houses in 2018 with little trouble. Many expected then-Gov. Rick Snyder to sign them into effect afterward. However, Snyder surprisingly rejected the bills as one of his last acts in office.

Iden reintroduced the Lawful Internet Gaming Act and Sports Betting Act in 2019. The bills again received bipartisan support and passed both houses.

New Gov. Gretchen Whitmer expressed the same concerns as the lottery, though. She feared that internet gambling would merely cannibalize money that would instead go to school funding.

However, Iden and other proponents convinced Whitmer that online gambling would raise fresh money for the state. She signed HB 4311 and HB 4916 into effect on December 20, 2019.

Contents of the Lawful Internet Gaming Act

What’s legal?

HB 4311 and HB 4916 make the following types of internet gambling legal in Michigan:

• Online casino games
• Online poker
• Online sports betting
• Daily fantasy sports

Online lottery games were already legal before HB 4916 and HB 4311. Therefore, Michigan residents and visitors can enjoy five different types of internet gambling in total.

Who regulates the industry?

The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) oversees the state’s online gambling industry. It carries the following responsibilities:

• Reviewing applications for licenses.
• Approving qualified applicants.
• Collecting relevant fees.
• Drafting rules for the internet gambling market.
• Ensuring that all licensees adhere to the MGCB’s standards.

Who can participate in the market?

Michigan’s three commercial casinos and 24 tribal casinos (collectively owned by 12 tribes) can participate in the online gambling market.

Outside companies (e.g., DraftKings, FanDuel) can also participate. However, they must form a partnership with a Michigan commercial or tribal casino.

Licensing fees & taxes

The Michigan online gambling licensing and taxation rates are as follows:

• Potential operators must pay a $50,000 application fee.
• If approved, operators must cover a $100,000 initial licensing fee.
• The annual renewal fee is $50,000.
• Licensees will pay an 8.4% tax rate on online sports betting revenue. Commercial casinos in Detroit must cover an additional 1.25% city tax.
• Online gaming operators must pay between a 20% and 28% tax rate.
• Free play at online casinos and sportsbooks counts as a tax deduction.

Michigan online sportsbooks

Land-based sportsbooks opened just a few months after Whitmer approved internet betting. However, MI online sportsbooks have dealt with a slower process.

No Michigan betting sites have launched at the time of this writing. Popular speculation, though, is that internet bookmakers will begin opening either in late 2020 or early 2021.

The MGCB is still working on the framework for MI online betting. It hopes to finish everything on its end before 2020 is up.

Once the MGCB gives the green light, bookmakers will try to launch as quickly as possible. The biggest brands will probably open before their counterparts.

Here are best estimates on when each betting site will become available in Michigan:

• DraftKings (partnered w/ Bay Mills Indian Community) - January/February 2021
• FanDuel (partnered w/ MotorCity Casino) - January/February 2021
• BetMGM (partnered w/ MGM Grand Detroit) - March/April 2021
• FOX Bet (partnered w/ Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians) - May 2021
• Barstool Sportsbook (partnered w/ Greektown Casino) - May 2021
• PointsBet (Lac Vieux Desert Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians) - June 2021
• BetStars (Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians) - June 2021
• William Hill (Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians) - June/July 2021

Other bookmakers will likely jump into the online betting pool as well. However, we can’t say for sure which brands will join the main players.

What bets will be available in Michigan?

The Wolverine State will probably offer a full range of betting opportunities. Online bookmakers should feature the basics, such as moneylines and point spreads, along with exotic prop bets and teasers.

Here are the likely bet types that will be available at MI online sportsbooks:

• Moneylines
• Point spreads
• Totals (over/under)
• Live betting
• Proposition bets
• Parlays
• Teasers

What markets will you be able to wager on?

Football, basketball, hockey, and baseball are all popular in Michigan. After all, the Wolverine State features major professional teams in all of these sports. Therefore, we can guarantee that bookmakers will cover these four sports.

Of course, Michigan is a large state that can support many markets. Betting sites will take advantage of this liquidity by offering lines on a wide variety of sports.

Here’s what you can look forward to regarding markets:

• Australian rules football
• Baseball
• Basketball
• Cricket
• Darts
• Golf
• Football
• Hockey
• Soccer
• Rugby
• Tennis
• The Olympics
• Volleyball
• World Cup

Michigan online casinos

MI online casinos are in the same boat as internet bookmakers. They’re still waiting on the MGCB to finish up the regulatory framework.

We don’t know when exactly gaming sites will become available. We also don’t know how many operators will be available.

Technically, Michigan could feature up to 15 casino skins. The three commercial casinos can run up to three skins apiece, while the 12 tribal gaming interests can each only run one.

Here’s speculation on when the major casino brands might launch:

• BetMGM Casino (partnered w/ MGM Grand Detroit) - December 2020
• FanDuel Casino (partnered w/ MotorCity Casino) - January 2021
• DraftKings Casino (partnered w/ Bay Mills Indian Community) - January 2021
• PokerStars Casino (partnered w/ Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians) - February 2021
• BetRivers Casino (partnered w/ MGM Grand Detroit) - March 2021
• Golden Nugget (partnered w/ Keweenaw Bay Indian Community) - May 2021
• Parx Casino (partnered w/ Gun Lake Tribe) - June/July 2021

If you don’t want to wait for these online casinos to arrive, you can play at Chumba Casino immediately.

Chumba is a legal sweepstakes gaming site that offers Sweeps Coins that let you enter sweepstakes contests and potentially win prizes.

What online casino games will Michigan offer?

We can only speculate on which internet casino games will be available in the Wolverine State. However, states with active online gaming markets (e.g., New Jersey, Pennsylvania) provide hints on this matter.

Online slots will no doubt be the primary games. Every other internet gaming market relies heavily on slots.

Blackjack and roulette should be the featured table games. Most online casinos from other states offer multiple variations of roulette and blackjack.

Here are some other games that’ll likely be available:

• Baccarat
• Casino hold’em
• Craps
• Let It Ride
• Mississippi Stud
• Pai gow poker
• Texas Hold’em Bonus Poker
• Three-card poker

Will live dealer casino games be available?

Michigan will assuredly offer live dealer gaming at some point. However, this likely won’t occur until months after online casinos launch.

Evolution Gaming is the primary supplier in most markets. It will need time to set up studios and equipment in Michigan.

Assuming the Wolverine State offers live gaming as expected, then it’ll likely feature the following games:

• Baccarat
• Blackjack
• Casino hold’em
• Dream Catcher
• European roulette
• Infinite Blackjack
• Three-card poker
• Ultimate Texas Hold’em

Michigan poker sites

Online poker plays third fiddle to online casinos and sportsbooks in any given market. The same will hold true in Michigan.

Even with almost 10 million residents, this state doesn’t boast the liquidity for a lucrative online poker market. It’ll need to sign a multi-state compact to generate more liquidity.

Michigan Online Gambling Law

The MGCB will take its time in establishing the legal framework for internet poker. MI poker sites could begin launching by May/June 2021 or later.

Michigan daily fantasy sports

Daily fantasy sports (DFS) were already happening in Michigan before the Lawful Internet Gaming Act. However, HB 4311 officially legalized DFS.

Michigan Online Gambling Legal

No speculation on launch dates is necessary. DFS giants DraftKings and FanDuel are already running legally in the state.

MI online gambling apps

Michigan online sportsbooks, casinos, and poker rooms will all feature apps. Most should provide Android and iOS apps, while others will only feature one or the other.

When a choice must be made, Android apps typically get the nod. More people own Android devices than iPhones.

Therefore, MI online gambling sites are more likely to provide an app for the former. They also appreciate that they can offer Android apps directly through their websites.

Apple, meanwhile, requires that all operators feature iOS apps in the App Store—not on the website. Gamblers must visit the App Store to download any iOS betting, casino, or poker app.

How to deposit at Michigan online gambling sites

Once MI internet gambling sites become available, you shouldn’t experience any trouble funding your account. You’ll just need to perform the following steps to deposit:

1. Register for an account
2. Visit the site’s banking section.
3. Choose a valid deposit option.
4. Enter the amount you’d like to deposit.
5. Confirm the deposit and wait for funds to arrive.

The waiting time depends on which banking option you use. For example, credit cards and casino cages provide instant funding.

Here are the probable deposit methods that’ll be available in Michigan:

• Cash at the cage: Visit a relevant land-based casino and deposit directly at the cage.
• Credit card: Instantly fund your account using Visa or Mastercard.
• E-check: Move funds from your bank account to a gambling site through an e-check.
• E-wallet: Use an e-wallet (e.g., PayPal, Skrill) to send funds online to your gambling account.
• PayNearMe: Purchase a voucher at the local 7-Eleven that you can use for an online deposit.
• Prepaid card: Many gambling sites feature branded prepaid cards for depositing.

Online gambling bonuses in Michigan

WIth internet sportsbooks, poker sites, and casinos all coming up, Michigan will offer many bonus opportunities.

Of course, the bonuses will vary based on the type of gambling. Here are the different bonuses you can expect in each respective form of iGambling:

MI online casino bonuses

• No-deposit bonus: You collect a small bonus (e.g., $25) just for signing up.
• Match deposit bonus: The site matches a percentage (e.g., 100%) of your deposit up to a specified amount (e.g., $500).
• Cashback: You receive a percentage (e.g., 20%) of your losses back over a specified period (e.g., five days).
• Free spins: Free spins let you play real-money slots for free and generate winnings.

MI online sportsbook bonuses

• Free bet: If your first bet loses, you can win the losses back up to a specified amount (e.g., $100).
• No-deposit bonus
• Match deposit bonus

MI online poker bonuses

• Leaderboard races: You accumulate points by playing poker in an effort to earn a leaderboard prize.
• No-deposit bonus
• Match deposit bonus

Michigan Online Gambling FAQ

No. You only need to be within Michigan’s borders to participate in its online gambling market. Each site uses geolocation software to determine whether you’re in the Wolverine State.

Yes. The Lawful Internet Gaming Act (HB 4311) legalizes online casinos, poker sites, and DFS sites. The Lawful Sports Betting Act (HB 4916) legalizes internet sportsbooks.

Yes. All annual MI gambling profits—whether online or land-based—are subject to taxation. Michigan’s state income tax withholding rate is 4.25%.

Yes. The Michigan Gambling Control Board works to ensure that every licensee operates in a responsible manner. It reserves the power to revoke licenses from operators who fail to uphold its standards.

You must be 21 years or older to gamble at online casinos, sportsbooks, and poker rooms. However, you can play online lotteries at 18 years of age.