Looking for the best online casinos in Michigan? Find out about playing online in MI, and browse the Great Lake State’s top casino sites at GamblingSpotlight.
Michigan’s brick-and-mortar casinos have been going strong for years, and online gaming action joined at the start of 2021.
Michigan online casinos now come courtesy of a mix of commercial and tribal operators and include popular platforms like BetMGM, Caesars, and Four Winds.
It’s a great time to get involved, which is why we’ve pulled together this handy guide to online casinos in Michigan. From banking to bonuses to the best places to play, you’ll find out everything you need to know about MI casino sites right here.
Are online casinos legal in Michigan?
Yes. Legitimate, regulated online casinos arrived in Michigan in January 2021. Its launch came a little over a year after Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed the Lawful Internet Gaming Act (LIGA) in December 2019.
BetMGM, DraftKings, and BetRivers were among the first operators to launch real money online casino sites in Michigan, but today’s players enjoy a much broader selection of online gambling options.
The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) takes charge of issuing licenses and regulating the activities of the state’s casino operators, so players can feel confident that legal casinos are safe, fair, and trustworthy.
The MGCB also sets out some rules for casino customers. For example, players must be at least 21 years old to use one of Michigan’s gambling sites and located within state lines when placing real money wagers.
Why play at a licensed Michigan online casino?
When you play at an online casino that holds a license from the MGCB, you’ll know the state has confirmed that the platform is a safe place to play.
The board doesn’t simply rubber-stamp applications. Instead, a rigorous review process ensures that Michigan online casinos are up to standard – including watertight internet security, anti-money laundering practices, and games that payout fairly.
This is why we make it our top priority to ensure a current MGCB license is in place every time we review and recommend a new online casino in Michigan.
Why should I avoid offshore online casinos?
It’s easy enough to access offshore casinos from Michigan, but it’s not something we recommend.
Offshore sites will not hold an MGCB license, and may not even be regulated at all. An unlicensed casino can potentially expose players to a range of risks. Customer support may be hard to come by, games might be rigged, and dubious banking practices could all be problems at offshore sites.
Worse still, you will have few places to turn if things go wrong. Even if an offshore site does hold a license from an alternative gambling authority, that’s no substitute for the peace of mind that comes from playing at a legitimate Michigan online casino.
How to identify a legal online casino in Michigan
You can feel confident that all the operators featured in this guide to online casinos in Michigan tick the right boxes in terms of licensing, but it never hurts to double-check. Legit sites always display their license information clearly on their site, usually toward the bottom of the home page.
If you remain in any doubt, you also have the option of checking a list of licensed casinos on the MGCB website.
Which online casinos can Michigan residents play at?
There’s quite the selection of online casinos available to Michigan residents:
- Barstool
- BetMGM
- BetRivers
- Caesars (formerly William Hill)
- DraftKings
- FanDuel
- FireKeepers
- Four Winds
- Golden Nugget
- Play Gun Lake
- PointsBet
- Stars Casino
- TwinSpires
- WynnBET
Michigan’s land-based casinos
Michigan has a mix of commercial and tribal casinos. Here’s a handy list of the places where you can play real money casino games in person.
| Commercial Casinos in Michigan | |
| Greektown Casino Hotel | 1211 Chrysler Dr, Detroit, MI 48226 |
| MGM Grand Detroit | 1777 3rd Ave, Detroit, MI 48226 |
| Motorcity Casino Hotel | 2901 Grand River Ave, Detroit, MI 48201 |
| Tribal Casinos in Michigan | |
| Bay Mills Resort & Casino | 11386 W Lakeshore Dr, Brimley, MI 49715 |
| Firekeepers Casino | 11177 E Michigan Ave, Battle Creek, MI 49014 |
| Four Winds Casino New Buffalo | 11111 Wilson Rd, New Buffalo, MI 49117 |
| Four Winds Casino Dowagiac | 58700 M-51 S, Dowagiac, MI 49047 |
| Four Winds Casino Hartford | 68600 Red Arrow Hwy, Hartford, MI 49057 |
| Gun Lake Casino | 1123 129th Ave, Wayland, MI 49348 |
| Island Resort & Casino | W 399 US-2, Harris, MI 49845 |
| Kewadin Casino Sault Ste. Marie | 2186 Shunk Rd, Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783 |
| Kewadin Casino Christmas | N7761 Candy Cane Ln, Christmas, MI 49862 |
| Kewadin Casino Hessel | N 3 Mile Rd, Hessel, MI 49745 |
| Kewadin Casino Manistique | 5630 W, US-2, Manistique, MI 49854 |
| Kewadin Casino St. Ignace | 3015 Mackinac Trail, St Ignace, MI 49781 |
| Kings Club Casino | 12140 W Lakeshore Dr, Brimley, MI 49715 |
| Leelanau Sands Casino | 2521 N West Bay Shore Dr, Peshawbestown, MI 49682 |
| Little River Casino Resort & Hotel | 2700 Orchard Hwy, Manistee, MI 49660 |
| Northern Waters Casino Resort | N5384 US-45, Watersmeet, MI 49969 |
| Odawa Casino Mackinaw | 1080 S Nicolet St, Mackinaw City, MI 49701 |
| Odawa Casino Petoskey | 1760 Lears Rd, Petoskey, Michigan, 49770 |
| Ojibwa Baraga Casino | 16449 Michigan Ave, Baraga, MI 49908 |
| Ojibwa Marquette Casino | 105 Acre Trail, Marquette, MI 49855 |
| Saganing Eagles Landing Casino | 2690 Worth Rd, Standish, MI 48658 |
| Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort | 6800 Soaring Eagle Blvd, Mt Pleasant, MI 48858 |
| Turtle Creek Casino | 7741 M-72, Williamsburg, MI 49690 |
How to play real money online casino games
Keen to get started? Here’s a step-by-step guide to playing real money casino games online in Michigan.
- Check out our list of Michigan online casinos and the welcome bonuses available. Our experts have reviewed each site to ensure they offer safe and secure gaming platforms.
- Click through to your favorite site’s registration page.
- Create your new account by entering some basic details – name, address, email, and so on – and verifying your age and identity. If you’re claiming a welcome bonus, be sure to watch out for any requirement to opt-in or enter a promo code.
- Have a look around the site. If there’s a no deposit bonus, you may be able to play some real-money games right away. Otherwise, you’ll need to head to the cashier page.
- Select the deposit option and choose your preferred payment method from the list of available options. If you’re looking to unlock a first deposit bonus, ensure you’re paying the minimum required amount.
- Most deposits will land instantly in your account, so you’ll now be all set to play real-money online slots, table games, poker, and more besides. Good luck!
Which games can I play at Michigan’s online casinos?
Online casinos in Michigan feature a huge range of exciting games. Here’s a quick overview of the most common options:
Blackjack
A favorite pick with Michigan players, blackjack is a classic casino card game in which players must build a hand that’s closer to 21 than the dealer’s, without going bust. Classic blackjack is widely available across the state’s online casinos, and many sites offer exciting variations, too. Top titles include Blackjack Xchange – which lets you buy and sell cards – and even a Detroit Lions-themed blackjack title from top software developer, Evolution Gaming.
Roulette
Roulette is another enduring casino game with multiple variants. MI online casinos offer classic versions of the game, including American, French, and European Roulette, along with innovative variations like the fast-paced First-Person Lightning Roulette, and Double Bonus Spin Roulette – which mixes things up with the addition of a yellow bonus slot on the wheel, which can trigger a separate bonus round for the potential of enhanced payouts.
Slots
Fans of the reels will be glad to know that Michigan’s online casinos hit the spot with vast libraries of online slot titles. Most of the state’s casino sites feature popular slots like NetEnt’s Gonzo’s Quest and Book of Dead from Play’n Go.
Some sites go one better, with a selection of exclusive online slots you won’t find elsewhere. The BetMGM online casino, for example, offers titles like Mirage Mega Magma and Big Spin Bonus.
Baccarat
A simple game that’s popular with players with bankrolls of all sizes, you’ll struggle to find an online casino in Michigan that doesn’t offer baccarat. There aren’t quite as many baccarat variants as there are for online roulette and blackjack, but titles like First Person Baccarat are available, with glossy graphics that make you feel like you’re right there at the table.
Craps
One of the liveliest games on the casino floor, craps is yet to appear as an online option in Michigan. There may be some movement on this in the future, of course, as online versions of the game do exist in other states.
In the meantime, players can enjoy live craps games at the state’s many land-based casinos, and we’ll keep you updated if and when the game rolls out at Michigan online casinos.
Live Dealer Games
Live dealer games from specialist providers like Evolution Gaming bring all the excitement of a real-life casino to your fingertips. Human croupiers and dealers use real cards and roulette wheels to provide the most authentic gaming experience possible.
Live dealer action is abundant at Michigan’s online and mobile casinos, meaning you can stream real-time games such as blackjack, roulette, poker, and baccarat straight from state-of-the-art studios.
Mobile casino apps in Michigan
Mobile gambling is readily available in Michigan, with all the state’s licensed casinos offering mobile-optimized websites and native mobile apps for Android and iOS platforms. So, whether you like to play at BetRivers, FireKeepers, or anywhere else, you can enjoy your favorite casino games on the move.
We recommend downloading dedicated mobile casino apps if you have the storage space. The bespoke nature of these native apps tends to make everything run a little faster and smoother, and you’ll be able to play casino games in a few taps, without going through your browser. Plus, you can opt into push notifications that alert you to the latest casino bonuses.
Michigan online casino bonuses
MI casino players have plenty to look forward to in terms of bonuses and promotions. Here’s a quick overview of some of the casino perks you can claim.
Free spins
There’s always plenty of free spins up for grabs from Michigan’s online casinos. You’ll see them pop up as welcome bonuses – 100 free spins on NetEnt’s Starburst, say – or as part of a generous sign-up package that also includes a deposit match offer.
Existing players may receive free spins as a reload bonus or as an incentive to wager real money on a certain casino game.
First deposit bonuses
It won’t come as a surprise to know that a first deposit bonus is a reward for players making their first deposit at an online casino site in Michigan.
An example offer is ‘100% up to $500’. In this case, the casino will match a player’s first deposit in full, up to a max bonus of $500. The specific percentage match and bonus limit will vary between casino sites.
No deposit bonuses
No deposit bonuses at online casinos in Michigan aren’t as common as deposit-related welcome offers, but they do show up occasionally.
These bonuses are usually small but give players the chance to try some real money games for free, simply for joining a site. Just keep in mind that no deposit bonuses don’t necessarily mean free money – as you’ll usually have to fulfill wagering or playthrough requirements before you can withdraw any winnings.
Reload bonuses
It’s not just new players who are in line for bonuses. Michigan’s online casinos often run promotions for existing customers, too. Reload bonuses are a popular promo for regular players, usually rewarding real money deposits with free spins or a matched deposit bonus.
Bonus terms and conditions
Michigan casino bonuses usually come with some restrictions. For example, you might have to make a minimum deposit or use a specific payment method to claim an offer. A max winning cap might also apply, as might an expiry date, which tells you how much time you have to use the bonus.
Wagering requirements are often attached to promotions, too. This caveat requires you to bet your bonus funds – and sometimes your deposit amount – a set number of times before you can access your winnings.
Michigan casino payment methods
Players will find a wide variety of safe and secure banking methods at Michigan’s online casinos. The selection of banking options varies between sites, as do withdrawal times, so it’s worth checking out the cashier page to confirm that your preferred payment method is available and payouts are relatively fast.
Deposit
Most payment options allow you to make instant deposits, and you’ll find some or all of these methods at different MI online casinos.
- Credit/debit cards (for example Visa, Mastercard, AMEX, Discover)
- Prepaid Play+ cards
- Cash deposits at the corresponding casino cage
- E-wallets
- PayNearMe
- ACH/eCheck
- Online banking
Withdrawal
There tend to be fewer options when it comes to cashing out, but you should find some of the following:
- Cash withdrawals at the corresponding casino cage
- Prepaid Play+ cards
- E-Wallets
- ACH/eCheck
- Check By Mail
History of gambling in Michigan
It’s been a long road to the arrival of legal online casino gambling in Michigan. Here’s a snapshot of the most important dates on the journey.
1984 – The Bay Mills Indian Community opens the Kings Club Casino in Brimley. It’s Michigan’s – and the country’s – first tribal casino.
1996 – Michigan voters give the green light to the opening of three land-based commercial casinos in Detroit.
2016 – State senator Mike Kowall introduces a bill to legalize online casino gambling in Michigan, though years of legal wrangling still await.
2019 – Governor Gretchen Whitmer signs through the Lawful Internet Gaming Act, paving the way for legal, regulated online casinos in the Great Lakes State.
2021 – Legal online casino gambling arrive in Michigan in January. BetRivers, BetMGM, and TwinSpires are among the first to debut.
Problem gambling support in Michigan
For most people, online gambling is a source of fun and entertainment. That’s not always the case, though. Even those players who use responsible gambling tools may find that gambling starts to have a negative impact on the lives of themselves and their loved ones. The signs of problem gambling can vary between individuals, but it’s important to know that help is readily available from the organizations listed below.
Michigan Association on Problem Gambling
http://www.michapg.com/
1128 Wethersfield Dr. S, MI 49002
Phone: 517-672-6904
Email: info@MichAPG.com
National Council on Problem Gambling
Phone: 1-800-522-4700
Gamblers Anonymous
http://www.gamblersanonymous.org/ga/
Phone: 855-2CALLGA
Ready to play online casino games in Michigan?
We’re hoping this guide has provided a primer on online casinos in Michigan. If you’re ready to get started, browse our list of the best sites, compare Michigan online casino bonus offers, and sign up whenever you like.
FAQs
Are online casinos legal in Michigan?
They are indeed. The relevant legislation was signed in 2019, and the first legal online casinos arrived in Michigan in January 2021.
How do I know if I’m playing at a licensed Michigan online casino?
Legal online casinos will display information about their license on their homepage, usually in the footer. You can also check the list of approved gaming operators on the MGCB website to confirm a site is legit.
Will I be taxed for my gambling winnings?
Yes, gambling winnings are considered income for tax purposes and are therefore subject to both federal and state taxes.
What other forms of gambling are allowed in Michigan?
Along with brick-and-mortar and online casino gambling, bettors in Michigan can wager real money on sports events, daily fantasy sports, horse racing, and poker. The Michigan State Lottery is also available.
Do you need to be in Michigan to play at a Michigan online casino?
Yes. Although accounts can be opened and managed from outside the state, players need to be located inside Michigan state lines to place real-money wagers at the state’s online casinos.
Are Michigan online casino games fair?
Assuming you only play at licensed casinos, yes. Games at licensed sites undergo third-party testing to confirm that the outcomes are random and payouts align with published rates.
Which is the best online casino in Michigan?
That’s a tricky question, as different sites will appeal to different players. You can, of course, browse our list of recommended online casinos in Michigan to find our top picks of casino sites and bonuses.
Are there any new online casinos in Michigan?
Since online casino gambling only arrived in Michigan at the beginning of 2021, it’s fair to say that all the state’s online casinos are pretty new. Be sure to pop back to GamblingSpotlight for all the info on new names joining the growing market.
References:
https://www.compare.bet/en-us/casino/michigan
https://michigan.casinocity.com/tribal-gaming/
https://www.michigan.gov/documents/mgcb/2016_Tribal_Casinos_420322_533817_7.pdf
https://casino.mi.betmgm.com/en/games
https://mi.betrivers.com/?page=all-games&gameType=TABLE&pageSize=1000&gameinfo=200-1533-001
https://www.michigansharp.com/craps
https://www.greatlakesstakes.com/gambling-winnings-tax