Michigan Online Gambling Guide: Best MI Gambling Sites for 2024

Michigan is one of the biggest gaming markets in the US. We researched and reviewed all Michigan online gambling platforms and selected the best ones. In our ranking, you will find our top finds for each category, including sportsbooks, casinos, DFS sites, and lottery. We have also discussed the most popular payment methods, the most lucrative bonuses, and more.

Todd Winkler, Editor at online-gambling.com

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Todd Winkler has been an editor at online-gambling.com for 6 years. His focus is on guides and articles about poker games, blackjack, and DFS. With relatives in New Zealand, he is also well aware of the gambling industry in the country.

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Online Gambling in Michigan: Legal Sites & Products

If you want to gamble online in Michigan, there are plenty of options available to you. The online gambling industry in the state may be young, yet there are many reliable and trustworthy gambling sites to choose from. In the following sections of this guide, we will explore the various types of gambling sites available in the state.

We will reveal the best Michigan gambling sites by product. So, if you want to play casino games, bet on sports, play lotto, or participate in daily fantasy sports, read on. We have reviewed the different types of MI gambling sites to bring you trusted operators with the best payouts, bonuses, and mobile apps for 2024.

Casinos

Michigan online casinos became legal in 2019, and in January 2021, the first licensed casino sites were launched. Now, players in MI can choose from various sites to play real money casino games online. To help you pick the best option for you, we have listed our favorites below.

Our recommended casino sites offer a rich selection of games. All sites offer a solid choice of online slots and popular table games such as roulette, blackjack, and baccarat. The best Michigan online casinos offer generous welcome bonuses to new players. They also offer various promotions and rewards that benefit loyal players.

Live Gambling in Michigan

If you are looking for the most immersive and authentic real casino playing experience online, live dealer games are the way to go. Many top MI casino sites offer a live gaming platform. You can play popular table games such as roulette and blackjack with real dealers online. HD quality streaming gets you up close to the gaming action and captures the thrill and atmosphere of playing in a real land-based casino.

Live gambling is also featured at the best sports betting sites in Michigan. In-play betting is the most exciting way to bet on sports. You can place bets on a sporting event as it happens. This provides up-to-the-minute odds that reflect the action taking place in the game.

Many top MI online gambling sites, even the top online roulette sites Michigan, also feature live streaming. So, you can watch the sporting action on your preferred gambling website or app and place bets in real-time. Live streaming of sports events is a great way to watch your favorite teams in action, especially when they are not available on free-to-air TV channels.

Sportsbooks

In December 2019, a gaming bill was signed into law authorizing online sports betting in Michigan. The state’s commercial and tribal casino operators can offer online sports betting in MI. The first legal online sportsbooks went live in MI early in 2021. Now, sports betting is one of the most popular aspects of online gambling in Michigan.

You can find a wide variety of sports events and markets at the best betting sites in Michigan. For example, you can bet on baseball, basketball, soccer, and football. We also check for competitive odds, mobile compatibility, and great promotions to select the top sports gambling websites for 2024.

Daily Fantasy Sports

Michigan residents have been able to play at daily fantasy sites in the state without fear of legal repercussions for many years. And fans of DFS were given even more reason to celebrate in 2019, with the passing of legislation that formally legalized fantasy sports in Michigan.

State residents can now benefit from the added protection of participating in daily fantasy sports betting through regulated platforms. Operators must hold a license to offer their services in the state. This means that DFS sites in Michigan are completely legal. You can sign up and be confident that your personal data will be secure.

Poker

Legal online gambling in Michigan also includes poker. The same legislation that allows online casinos in Michigan also permits online poker sites to offer services. Still, while there are numerous online casinos and sports betting sites available to Michigan players, MI poker sites have not taken off so quickly.

There is currently just one online poker site in MI. The site operates through a partnership with the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians. BetMGM Poker has also received authorization from the Michigan Gaming Control Board^[1], but it has not yet released a launch date.

We have a close eye on the online poker scene in Michigan and will keep you posted with the best MI poker sites to launch moving forward. Meanwhile, you can check our guide to the top online poker sites in MI. Video poker is one of the easiest and simplest online games that looks like a video slot, but it has very similar gameplay to the standard poker rules.

Lottery

In 1972, the Michigan Lottery Act was passed, allowing the Michigan State Lottery to be set up. In 2014, Michigan authorized online lottery sales through the official Michigan Lottery website. There is only one official site that sells online lottery tickets. You will see details below, including details of the current bonus that is offered.

You can buy lottery tickets online or in-person if you are a resident of Michigan and are physically located within the state when you purchase the ticket. The Michigan iLottery offers various instant win scratch-offs, keno games, and draw games. If you’d like to learn more about the online lotteries available in the state, make sure to check our guide to online lotto in Michigan.

Bonus Offers & Promo Codes for Gambling in MI

All of the MI online gambling sites featured in this guide offer welcome bonuses for new players. With various MI gambling sites to choose from, operators offer bonuses to encourage you to join their site over a competitor. The bookmaker offers, and casino bonuses give you extra value for your money and boost your bankroll.

To find the best online gambling bonuses, you need to look beyond the amount on offer and check the promotional conditions. Most offers come with wagering requirements that need to be met before you can withdraw your bonus winnings. The T&C will also tell you how long you have to complete wagering before the bonus expires. We have compared the available offers and picked the best ones.

Most online gambling sites offer deposit bonuses to new players. Upon making your first deposit, your cash will be matched up to a specified maximum. Generally speaking, the more you deposit, the bigger the bonus you will receive. Some operators also offer no deposit bonuses. Such offers are awarded simply for joining a gambling site.

Deposit Bonus Offers

Deposit bonuses are the most common type of welcome offer available at Michigan online gambling sites. Many operators offer a 100% match bonus. So, your first deposit will be matched dollar for dollar in bonus money. Alternatively, you could get risk-free bets. Such offers are commonly featured at sports betting sites and will refund losing bets made with your first deposit in free bets.

No Deposit Bonuses

Many top online betting sites and casinos in Michigan offer a no deposit bonus to new players. Although smaller in size than deposit bonuses, they are a good way to try out a gambling site for free before playing with your own money. While such offers give you free money when you sign up, you will usually need to wager the bonus and make a deposit before you can withdraw any winnings.

Gambling Apps in Michigan

Thanks to mobile gambling apps, it has never been more convenient to gamble with real money online. All the best gambling sites in Michigan offer the option to play on the go. There are apps available for all types of gambling products, including casino, lottery, and mobile betting apps. So, whatever your preferred type of gambling games, you can enjoy them on the go in Michigan.

Most MI gambling sites are fully mobile responsive. So, regardless of your device, you can access the operator’s website in your mobile browser and play instantly. Many operators have also developed native online casino apps for Android and iOS. By downloading a native gambling app, you get the quickest access to your favorite gambling platform.

The best online gambling sites in Michigan keep the differences between their desktop sites and mobile apps to a minimum. And our recommended casino app makes no exceptions. Our recommended MI gambling app is available for iOS and Android. It features a secure and reliable platform, enabling you to deposit, claim bonuses, and play your favorite games on the go.

Payment Methods – Deposits and Withdrawals

If you want to gamble with real money online, you will first need to deposit funds into your player account. All the gambling sites accept various payment methods for making secure and convenient deposits. You can deposit using credit/debit cards, e-wallets, prepaid cards, and bank transfer. Plus, you can even pay with cash at a local casino cage or using PayNearMe.

Whatever option you choose, your payment transactions will be protected and secured using SSL encryption. Still, some options, such as PayPal offer an extra layer of security. When you deposit with PayPal at an online gambling site, you do not need to divulge any banking data. So, you benefit from extra safety and privacy protection. Online gambling deposits are usually processed instantly with no fees involved.

Depositing at Michigan online gambling sites is a quick and simple process. You’ll need to register and validate your player account to get started. Then, you simply need to open the banking cashier and select your preferred payment option. Enter the amount you want to deposit and any other required details, then confirm your payment. The deposit will be processed within minutes, and you can start to place bets right away.

You will follow a similar process when you make a withdrawal. You should note that you can only withdraw using a method you have previously used to deposit. Timescales also differ for withdrawals, but gambling sites with Apple Pay payments are often faster. Once the operator has approved your withdrawal request, you will usually receive your money within 1-5 days, depending on the payment method. E-wallets generally offer swifter withdrawal times than all other payment methods.

Payouts and Odds

Your chances of winning when you play at an online casino vary depending on the types of games you play. Each online casino game has a return-to-player rate programmed into the game rules. If a game has an RTP of 96%, on average, for every $100 wagered, $96 will be paid out to players as winnings.

House edge is another expression used to describe payouts. The house edge is the portion of all bets that the casino keeps as profit. So, in the same example, where $96 of every $100 wagered is paid as winnings, the $4 remaining is the casino’s profit. Licensed and legal best Michigan online casinos invite independent testing of their game results and payouts. So, you can be confident that the games are fair, and payouts are guaranteed when you play at trusted Michigan gambling sites.

RTP can also be used to describe the expected profitability of betting on different sports markets. Operators expertly calculate the odds offered across all types of bets to ensure that they make a profit. As such, betting on sports with a higher RTP and smaller house edge gives you a better expectation of returns.

Payout Levels for Casino Games and Sports Betting:

The odds on offer at a sports betting site can fluctuate from one Michigan online gambling site to another. So, it is advisable to use a profit margin calculator to double-check the odds before deciding where to place your bets. The RTP of casino games, on the other hand, is calculated according to mathematical principles. So game RTPs do not fluctuate from one casino to another. Still, certain games, such as online blackjack, offer more favorable odds of returns. So, you should choose high RTP games for the best chance of winning.

How to Start Gambling Online in Michigan

If you want to gamble online in Michigan, the process to get started is the same for all types of gambling products. So, regardless of whether you want to bet on sports, or play casinos games, poker, DFS or lotto, you can start playing your favorite gambling games with just a few simple steps.

The first and most important step is to choose a reputable gambling site that is licensed and regulated by the Michigan Gaming Control Board. By selecting a licensed site, you can be confident that the site is trustworthy, safe and will protect any personal data you provide during sign-up. We have created a simple step-by-step guide on how to gamble online in MI.

If you want to play casino games online, you should choose a licensed site, create an account, and make a deposit. You can then choose your preferred casino games from the lobby and start playing right away. And whatever type of gambling site you join, be sure to gamble responsibly. Set yourself limits, and never be tempted to spend more than you can afford to lose. That way, gambling will stay safe and fun.

Responsible Gambling and Addiction Prevention

Numerous organizations help problem gamblers. You should turn to any of them if you think your gambling behavior is harming your life or if you are not sure that you can stop betting. The most relevant for Michigan residents is the Michigan Department of Health & Human Services (MDHHS).

The MDHHS offers a 24-hour toll-free helpline for anyone who needs help following responsible gambling practices. Professionals are on hand to provide advice and set up consultations with qualified counselors. The Michigan Gaming Control Board has also developed a dissociated person list in collaboration with Detroit’s casinos. Residents can voluntarily add their name to the list, which will exclude them from gambling in the state for at least five years.

Online vs. Retail Gambling

All types of gambling, both land-based and online, are legal in Michigan. So, gamblers in the state get a great choice of options. Online gambling has clear advantages. The biggest benefit is convenience. You can enjoy real money gambling from your home PC or your mobile device anytime you fancy. Still, offline gambling has its highlights too. Here is a comparison of online vs offline gambling in Michigan:

So, which is better, online or offline gambling? Both options have pros and cons. Playing in a real casino offers a more social and interactive gambling experience. You can chat with other players and the dealer while enjoying the ambiance of the venue. Yet, MI gambling sites offer quick and easy access to real money gambling games without the inconvenience and expense of travelling to a casino. Plus, online gambling sites offer generous bonuses that land-based casinos cannot compete with.

Land-based Casinos, Kiosks, and Racetracks

With the launch of online casinos and sportsbooks in MI in early 2021, online gambling is currently the hot topic of conversation in Michigan. Yet, the state also has a thriving land-based gambling industry. Commercial casinos were first authorized in 1996. There are three commercial casinos based in Detroit. The largest of which is the MGM Grand Detroit, followed by MotorCity Casino and Greektown Casino.

In addition to Michigan’s commercial casinos, 24 tribal casinos operate across the state. Still, the closest tribal casino is over 100 miles away from Detroit’s commercial casinos. MI commercial casinos face more immediate competition from the Caesars casino-resort in Windsor, Ontario. The Canadian casino is just a stone’s throw from Detroit’s casino venues.

Fans of NASCAR or horseracing are well catered for, with around 20 racetracks spread throughout the state. The Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn is the highlight of the bunch and is home to the Pure Michigan 400 and the state’s fastest laps. In comparison, Northville Downs is the undisputed home of horse racing in Michigan. Residents can also buy tickets for Michigan Lottery games, with more than 10,500 retailers across the state that sell lottery tickets.

Gambling Laws in Michigan

The Michigan gambling industry is comprised of private commercial casinos, Native American Class III casinos, charitable gaming, pari-mutual horse racing, and a state lottery. Pari-mutual horse racing was the first type of legalized gaming in Michigan and was introduced into law in 1933. The state lottery became the next form of legal gambling in the state, with the passing of the McCauley-Traxler-Law-Bowman-McNeely Lottery Act in 1972.

Commercial casinos in Michigan became legal in 1996, following a voter referendum. The Michigan Gaming Control and Revenue Act 1996 was enacted, setting the legal framework for three commercial casinos to operate in Detroit. Under this legislation, the Michigan Gaming Control Board was established to license and regulate the newly legalized commercial gambling industry. The MGCB also assumed the Office of the Racing Commissioner’s duties in 2010, taking over regulation of horse racing in the state.

Twenty-four tribal casinos operate in Michigan through gaming compacts between the state and 12 Native American tribes. The first set of compacts was set up in 1993, followed by an additional set in 1998. A third compact was agreed on in 2007. The MGCB does not regulate the Native American casinos in Michigan. Instead, they are governed by the tribal governments and the National Indian Gaming Commission. Still, the MGCB is responsible for auditing compliance with the terms laid out in the compacts.

December 2019 was a pivotal moment for Michigan’s gambling industry. Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed a package of gaming bills into law^[2]. The expanded gaming package permits Michigan’s commercial and tribal casinos to offer sports betting at their venues. The new laws also authorize the operators to provide online casino games and sports betting. Daily fantasy contests and online wagering on horse races also became officially legal for the first time in the state.

History of Gambling in Michigan

Michigan has come a long way from an originally very restrictive view of gambling. It has legalized pari-mutuel track betting, set up a charitable state lottery, worked closely with Native American tribes to facilitate tribal casinos and set up and regulated several large casinos. The state has also recently legalized online gaming. Check out the next timeline if you want to find out more about the history of gambling in MI.

Upcoming Regulation and Expected Changes

New Michigan gambling laws were enacted in 2019 that legalized all types of online gambling. Over the past year, the Michigan Gaming Control Board has been busy ironing out the rules and regulations to launch online gambling sites in the state. Online gaming went live in Michigan in 2021, with the first wave of licensed operators offering their services to players in the state.

Given the recent updates in the law, we do not expect to see any further gambling changes in Michigan any time soon. Instead, we expect the focus to be on expansion. We expect licensed gambling sites to grow in number, bringing more competition to the market, and even better offers for players.

Facts and Figures

There are lots of interesting things to know about the Great Lake State, from the fact that those lakes give it the longest freshwater coastline of any political subdivision in the world. The Mackinac Bridge, connecting the state’s two peninsulas, is the longest suspension bridge between anchorages in the western hemisphere. The state is also known as the Wolverine State, even though there are no longer any wild wolverines living in Michigan.

Legal Gambling Age in MI

The legal Michigan gambling age for playing online casino games and sports betting is 21. If you want to participate in fantasy contests or play the Michigan Lottery, you will need to be just 18. The legal age to gamble at a tribal casino varies, and some MI casinos accept players who are 18 years old. If you want to gamble at one of Detroit’s commercial casinos, the minimum age is 21. You will be required to provide proof of age to ensure that underage gambling does not take place.

Like all states in the union, you must be at least 21 years old to purchase or drink alcohol. It is one of the few states that allows people over 21 to use cannabis recreationally. As long as you do not possess more than 2.5 ounces and don’t smoke it on federal property or in public, it is permitted.

• Legal Gambling Age
  You must be 21+ years old to play at online casinos and sports betting sites in Michigan.
• Legal Drinking Age
  You can legally drink alcohol over the age of 21 in Michigan.
• Legal Age for Marijuana
  Anyone over the age of 21 may use marijuana recreationally.

Conclusion: Great Options for New and Experienced Players

Even though American online gambling sites have been live for over a decade, Michigan legalized them in 2021. Those changes in the Michigan gambling laws allowed players to enjoy casino games, poker, sports betting, daily fantasy sports, and more wagering entertainments. All online casinos in the state are licensed and secure. Furthermore, the operators enhance the gaming experience with great bonuses and mobile versions of their casinos.

What’s Legal Nearby?

• Online Gambling in WI
• Online Gambling in IL
• Online Gambling in IN
• Online Gambling in OH

References

1. Michigan Gaming Control Board, Wikipedia, Retrieved on 19.12.2023
2. (20.12.2019), Gov. Whitmer signs bills legalizing sports betting, internet gambling in Michigan, ClickOnDetroit, Retrieved 19.12.2023