Once you get done with our extensive , it’s time to tell you a bit more about what each of the includes, as well as the ones that are yet to launch but don’t have a place on our Michigan online casino reviews list simply because they aren’t live just yet.
Trusted Online Poker Sites That Won't Rip You Off 2023As of now, there are 16 online casino sites that you can enjoy in this state, and we know from experience that this is only the beginning. What started off as four operators that were present at the launch back in January 2021 has quickly grown into two dozen land-based casinos holding the right licenses to offer online gaming.
All of them haven’t launched their platforms yet, but they will sooner rather than later. We will be here to update you on their progress along the way, but until then, focus on getting to know the top online casinos in Michigan which are currently available.
Best MI Online Casino Sites - Overview
1. BetMGM Casino MI - Most Exciting Online Casino for Players from Michigan
BetMGM Casino is one of the world's most famous brands associated with gambling, so needless to say, their platform offered to players from Michigan is breathtaking. This is arguably the best online casino site in Michigan in terms of overall looks, navigation, user experience, promotions, as well as number and quality of games. It is hard to pinpoint what their main advantage is over other MI casino apps, but once you see it for yourself, everything will become clear.
To start things off, BetMGM Online Casino MI welcomes you with a generous bonus of up to $1,000 Bonus Funds + 200 Free Spins on select games. Their gaming library counts thousands of titles, including slots, mega dice, scratchcards, jackpots, and many others, all powered by . Aside from having great games, their platform stands out thanks to its intuitiveness and an easy-to-navigate layout. Learn more in this dedicated .
2. Golden Nugget Casino MI (Launching Soon)
We already have one of the best online casinos in Michigan, so why not have another? That's right – Golden Nugget Online Casino is making its way to this state, and even though it isn't live just yet, you can still prepare for its launch by creating an account prior to it.
Once the official date is set, all the players who have created their profile beforehand will have the chance to be among the first ones to experience this amazing platform offering multiple live dealer games, as well as numerous virtual table games such as baccarat, roulette, craps, and blackjack. There will also be dozens upon dozens of slot machines ready to be played as soon as Golden Nugget Online Casino Michigan launches.
3. DraftKings Casino MI (Launching Soon)
When we’re talking about online sports betting in Michigan, there is no reason not to use one of the best bookies in the business – DraftKings. The same applies to their casino platform, which isn’t live just yet, but you can easily secure your spot by being one of the first users to create an account at DraftKings Casino MI as soon as it launches.
Just like with any other top online casino in MI, you will be greeted with an awesome welcome bonus once you join DraftKings Casino. In addition, you’ll be able to pick your preferred Title from a wide selection of diverse games including slots, blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and poker.
4. Barstool Casino MI (Launching Soon)
If you are a fan of Barstool Sports, you are going to love their online casino which is coming to Michigan very soon. Just like most other top , Barstool Casino offers a ton of different games powered by high-end providers such as NetEnt, IGT, and Scientific Games. Not only that Barstool Casino has the games covered, but their welcome bonus of up to $1,500 and regular promos will make sure you stay for good.
Speaking of games, there will be lots of those to choose from once Barstool Casino Michigan goes live. Video slots, classic slots, roulette, blackjack, money drop, and live dealer games are just some of the categories you can expect to find at this casino app.
5. Caesars Online Casino MI (Launching Soon)
One of the most recognizable names in the entertainment industry - Caesars - has brought their online casino to Michigan. You don't have to go to any physical locations in order to enjoy all that this brand has to offer, although if you want to do so, you can play at and win big. For the armchair gamblers among us, Caisars MI Online Casino is the perfect destination.
Caesars Online Casino Michigan features several hundred slots, as well as various other types of games such as video poker, online blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and much more. On top of it all, you can enjoy a plethora of live dealer games, as well as claim a generous welcome bonus as soon as you sign up at the new Caesars Casino & Sports app MI!
6. Ceasars Sportsbook & Online Casino App MI (Top-Rated)
Caesars doesn't only have an outstanding online casino for the players from Michigan, but they also have a top-rated sportsbook app where you can bet on your favourite teams and athletes. Not only that Ceasars Sportsbook & Online Casino offers a ton of various games, but they also give you the opportunity to wager on multiple sporting events around the world and earn a ton of rewards in the process.
In addition to a vast array of sports markets you can bet on, Ceasars Sportsbook & Online Casino App MI also features a rich gaming library consisting of slots, blackjack, roulette, baccarat, video poker, and many other table games. On top of it all, you can also enjoy a wide range of live dealer games and claim tons of bonuses and promotions throughout the year.
7. William Hill Online Casino & Sports MI (Best Odds)
is one of the most popular bookies in the UK and a lot of other countries around the world, and now they are officially open for business in Michigan! What's even better is the fact William Hill Michigan is both an online sportsbook and a casino, meaning you get the best of both worlds in a single place.
Their online casino hosts hundreds of slot machines, while table games such as roulette, blackjack, baccarat, and poker are also well covered. If you prefer sports betting, you will be happy to learn that William Hill MI features live in-person betting at three locations and a mobile app for remote betting. Speaking of the app, you can claim a $500 Risk-Free Wager as a part of their welcome bonus, as well as plenty of other promos throughout the year.
8. Greektown Casino & Sportsbook MI (Excellent Live Dealers)
Land-based Greektown Casino in Detroit is one of the 23 Brick&Mortar venues which is authorized to provide their gaming services online. Thus, was born, offering a seamless transition from the world of physical gambling to online casino fun. Their platform is colorful, bright, and easy to navigate, featuring a decent amount of slots, live dealers, table games, and more.
What Greektown Casino & Sportsbook does best is definitely their live dealer section which features roulette, blackjack, bingo, and poker. All of the live dealer games are presented by professional and friendly dealers whose job is to make you feel like the king/queen of the casino. In addition, their sportsbook comes as no surprise given the fact that William Hill manages it, and it is safe to say you will enjoy excellent odds on all of your favourite teams.
9. WynnBET Casino MI (Most Intuitive Interface)
WynnBET may not feature too many games compared to other , but the ones they do have are of the highest quality. On top of that, their platform is incredibly easy to navigate, which makes your entire experience with this casino app flawless. Combine that with excellent bonuses and promotions, and you got yourself a recipe for success when it comes to online casinos in Michigan.
Although their gaming library isn't as extended as some other online casinos in this state, WynnBET MI Casino covers all of the important game categories such as slots, blackjack, roulette, baccarat, poker, and more. Live dealer games are also present and accounted for, and it remains to be seen whether WynnBET decides to expand this category in the future.
10. BetRivers Casino MI (Best Loyalty Programme)
iGaming giant Rush Street Gaming owns BetRivers Online Casino Michigan together with its land-based sibling in Detroit. Ever since day one, this casino app has focused on providing a fair and fun gaming environment for all players residing in this state. BetRivers Online Casino achieved this goal by using a large number of top-tier software providers and introducing multiple responsible gambling tools.
Even though BetRivers Online Casino Michigan could improve their welcome bonus in comparison to some other rivals, they more than make up for it by having the best iGaming loyalty program in the state. On their platform, you can enjoy a variety of online slots, table games, live dealer games, and more.
11. Caesars Navi Mumbai Pvt. Ltd. MI (Upcoming)
Caesars Entertainment is huge all around the globe, and they are planning to showcase their dominance in the online casino scene in Michigan by opening another online casino under the name of Caesars Navi Mumbai Pvt. Ltd.. Even though this casino app isn't live just yet, you can create an account ahead of time and be among the first players to try it out as soon as it launches.
When that happens, you will be welcomed with an amazing bonus worth up to $1,500, followed by additional promotions throughout the year. A rich gaming library will house a variety of games including slots, blackjack, roulette, money wheel, and others.
12. FanDuel Casino MI (Great Mobile Experience)
FanDuel is a massive brand in daily fantasy sports, but they have decided to broaden their horizons and obtain the licence for operating an online casino in Michigan. Even though their platform hasn't gone live just yet, you can easily secure your unique username and be among the first players to try out their service as soon as it hits the market.
FanDuel Casino Michigan will boast a nice welcome bonus, multiple deposit and withdrawal methods, and a variety of games developed by some of the top software providers in the world. Their mobile app will also be on par with the rest of the best online casinos in MI, allowing you to control your funds and play games wherever you are.
13. Star Casino MI (Coming Soon)
Pay attention closely because here comes another big name in the online casino industry – Stargamas, doing business as Star Casino in Michigan. Just like almost every other MI online casino, Star Casino isn't live just yet, but you can easily secure your unique username by signing up before it launches.
Powered by industry leaders such as Evolution, Star Casino Michigan will house a variety of live dealer games such as roulette, blackjack, money wheel, and more. On top of that, their gaming library will include multiple video slots, poker, baccarat, and other table games.
14. eloy Casino MI (Coming Soon)
bet365 is one of the most recognizable sports betting brands in the world, and now they are bringing their online casino to Michigan under the name of eloy. Bet365 has been in the business for decades, and it shows through their online casino platform that is extremely easy to navigate and understand even for total beginners.
Eloy Casino MI will offer multiple kinds of bonuses once you sign up and deposit for the first time. When it comes to games, you can expect anything from classic slots to mega wheels, as well as various kinds of table games such as blackjack, roulette, and poker.
How we Ranked the Best Online Casino Sites in Michigan - The Criteria
Our team of experts knows exactly what to look for when reviewing casino sites in Michigan. Our main focus lies within security, safety, payment options, customer support, the number and quality of games, and last but certainly not least - bonuses and promotions.
There are many shady websites across the internet posing as legitimate businesses, so it takes a keen eye to separate the wheat from the chaff. However, you don't have to worry about that since you have us sifting through the nonsense and only presenting you with the top online casinos in Michigan. Before moving forward with our guide, take a moment to check out the most essential factors we consider when ranking licensed Michigan casino websites.
No Deposit Real Cash Casinos in the US [2023]Security & Safety Measures
Safety is always our biggest concern regardless of whether we are talking about brick-and-mortar establishments or internet-based platforms. Luckily, all of the legal online casinos in Michigan are absolutely safe to play at. In order to even get a gambling licence in this state, you must prove to the authorities that your establishment is free of any potential threats to the players.
This means that all of the online casinos in Michigan have advanced encryption systems in place to protect your personal data from third parties. Furthermore, all of the casino apps have been audited by independent organisations to ensure there are no glitches in their system that could potentially harm the end-users.
Payment Options
Deposits and withdrawals should never be a problem on any online casino in Michigan. Since these websites are completely legal and regulated by the state government, you can expect a variety of payment options such as Visa, Mastercard, Play+, Skrill, PayPal, Neteller, bank transfers, cash at retail locations, and others.
Moreover, all online transactions at legal casino apps in Michigan are encrypted using SSL technology that protects your sensitive financial information from malicious hackers. This is the reason why you should stick to playing at regulated online casinos in Michigan instead of using the unregulated ones.
Game Variety & Software Providers
Having dozens of popular game developers powering an online casino might indicate nothing, but it actually says a lot about how serious a particular casino app is. All of the best MI online casino sites collaborate with companies like NetEnt, Pragmatic Play, Evolution Gaming, IGT, GVG, and others. These highly reputable software providers supply the best titles in the business.
Not only that top online casinos in Michigan work with the elite software developers, but they also offer a wide range of games to suit every taste. Starting from slots, table games, card games, and money wheels, these casino sites also feature live dealer games that bring the traditional casino atmosphere directly to your home.
Customer Support Channels
No matter how much you preparation you do, there is always a possibility you might run into issues along the way. In situations like these, it's important to have good customer support available at all times in case something doesn't go according to plan. The best Michigan online casinos have live chat available 24/7.
Email is also a viable option, but live chat allows you to ask your questions in real-time, thus receiving immediate answers. Phone support is also a major plus, but not many online casinos feature it due to various reasons. Either way, make sure your chosen casino app has reliable customer support channels for when you need assistance.
Bonuses & Promotional Offers
Online casinos are known for their lucrative bonuses and promotional offers, especially welcome deals. All of the MI online casinos featured on our radar have great bonuses and perks for their new and existing customers. Welcome offers generally come in the form of deposit matches, whereas other promos include reload bonuses, risk-free bets, and much more.
Loyalty programs are also a major thing at legal online casinos in Michigan, enabling players to earn points each time they bet real money on slots and table games. Collect enough iReward Points (IRPs) and exchange them for bonuses and other perks.
MI Online Casino Laws Explained
Before placing any real-money wagers at an online casino in Michigan, it is crucial to get familiar with the laws and regulations related to gambling in this state. To make things easier, we’ve prepared a step-by-step guide breaking down the key laws you need to know about Michigan’s online casinos.
The Legal Gambling Age in Michigan is 21 Years Old
You must be 21 years old or older to engage in any form of gambling in the state of Michigan, whether it is at a land-based venue or over the internet. What is more, you must be located in the state of Michigan to use any mobile or online casino app.
11 Licences Have Been Granted
15 different land-based casinos were given the initial authorisation to operate an online casino site in the state of Michigan. Those are:
- Ducker Creek Band of Chippewa Indians
- Bay Mills Indian Community
- Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians
- Honour the Earth – Wolf Lake Band of Missing and Poker
- Lac Vieux Day Day Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians
- Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians
- Luce County’s Galaxy Operator Cobalt Corp
- Mt. Pleasant Digital Operator Kingdom Weekends
- Glever | Wright Co. (Poker)
- Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians
- Lansing Digital Three Rivers Digital
- Fire Base One LLC (Grand Traverse Band)
15 Online Casino Websites Launched in Jan 2021
The Michigan Gaming Control Board received 19 online gaming applications in total. The board reviewed each of them and approved 15 online casino websites launched on January 22, 2021. The first wave of online casino platforms included:
- BetMGM Casino – BetMGM Poker Network – Waters Edge Wurtsmith
- Bedrock Detroity – Galaxys at Wallbury – Island Resort and Casino
- Century Casino – Ducky Luck Casino – Turtle Creek Casino
- WynnBET Casino – WynnBET Sports – Odawa Internet Gaming
- Greektown Casino – Barstool Sportsbook – Dania Casino
- Ceasars Port Huron – VICI PG & PG2 – Franks Sportsbook & PGatfel
- Northern Waters Casino – BETROCK – Northland MI
- 1X Slots – 1X Sportsbook – Mt. Holiday
- Little River Band Casino – Regency Playworkz – Little River Casino Resort
- Lady Luck Casino – Jackbbet Casino – Majestic Star
- Saganing Eagles Landing – Devrient Media – Saganing Eagles Landing Casino
- Kewadin Casinos – AGS Casino – Kewadin Casinos
- Luce Line Ferry Cruise – Cobalt Creations – St. Ignace
- Crown Colony Casino & Resort – Kingdom Weekends – Mt. Pleasant
- Ojibwa Casino – GLVE – Ojibwa Casino Marquette
- Gun Lake Casino Cybersole – Turing Group – Gun Lake Casino
- Turtle Creek Wheelhouse – Tigervital – Turtle Creek Casino
- Island Resort and Casino – Income Access – Island Resort and Casino
- Island Resort and Casino – PayNearMe – Island Resort and Casino
- Island Resort and Casino – Playsonia – Island Resort and Casino
- Lodge Casino – Zenedge – Lodge Casino
- Lodge Casino – Income Access US – Lodge Casino
- Lodge Casino – Playsonia – Lodge Casino
- Mt. Holidy Resort – ANTIDOT TO – Mt. Holiday Resort
- Mt. Holiday Resort – Acunetix – Mt. Holiday Resort
- Mt. Holiday Resort – Artesian Solutions – Mt. Holiday Resort
- Mt. Holiday Resort – Duo Technical – Mt. Holiday Resort
- Mt. Holiday Resort – Extreme Living – Mt. Holiday Resort
- Mt. Holiday Resort – Geoblink – Mt. Holiday Resort
- Mt. Holiday Resort – IBM – Mt. Holiday Resort
- Mt. Holiday Resort – NS8 Cloud – Mt. Holiday Resort
- Mt. Holiday Resort – Ovation – Mt. Holiday Resort
- Mt. Holiday Resort – PayNearMe – Mt. Holiday Resort
- Mt. Holiday Resort – RSI Security – Mt. Holiday Resort
- Mt. Holiday Resort – Screenz – Mt. Holiday Resort
- Mt. Holiday Resort – Synergism3 – Mt. Holiday Resort
- Mt. Holiday Resort – Trustwave – Mt. Holiday Resort
- Mt. Holiday Resort – Valent Software – Mt. Holiday Resort
- Mt. Holiday Resort – Visa – Mt. Holiday Resort
- Mt. Holiday Resort – Western Union – Mt. Holiday Resort
- Mt. Holiday Resort – Xpend Consulting – Mt. Holiday Resort
- Mt. Holiday Resort – zombie labs – Mt. Holiday Resort
- Ojibwa Casino Baraga – NeoGames – Ojibwa Casino Baraga
- Ojibwa Casino Harbour Springs – Income Access – Ojibwa Casino Harbour Springs
- Ojibwa Casino Harbour Springs – MasterCard – Ojibwa Casino Harbour Springs
- Ojibwa Casino Harbour Springs – PayNearMe – Ojibwa Casino Harbour Springs
- Ojibwa Casino Harbour Springs – Visa – Ojibwa Casino Harbour Springs
- Ojibwa Casino Hartford – Income Access – Ojibwa Casino Hartford
- Ojibwa Casino Hartford – MasterCard – Ojibwa Casino Hartford
- Ojibwa Casino Hartford – PayNearMe – Ojibwa Casino Hartford
- Ojibwa Casino Hartford – Visa – Ojibwa Casino Hartford
- Ojibwa Casino Manistee – Income Access – Ojibwa Casino Manistee
- Ojibwa Casino Manistee – MasterCard – Ojibwa Casino Manistee
- Ojibwa Casino Manistee – PayNearMe – Ojibwa Casino Manistee
- Ojibwa Casino Manistee – Visa – Ojibwa Casino Manistee
- Ojibwa Casino Morrice – Income Access – Ojibwa Casino Morrice
- Ojibwa Casino Morrice – MasterCard – Ojibwa Casino Morrice
- Ojibwa Casino Morrice – PayNearMe – Ojibwa Casino Morrice
- Ojibwa Casino Morrice – Visa – Ojibwa Casino Morrice
- Sand Creek Charter Township – GLVB – Sand Creek Charter Township
- Sand Creek Charter Township – Income Access – Sand Creek Charter Township
- Sand Creek Charter Township – MasterCard – Sand Creek Charter Township
- Sand Creek Charter Township – PayNearMe – Sand Creek Charter Township
- Sand Creek Charter Township – Visa – Sand Creek Charter Township
- Sand Creek Charter Township – Victory Square – Sand Creek Charter Township
- Sandro Venture – FireBase One – Little River Band of Ottawa Indians, Inc.
- Sicard Cachet – GLVB – Sicard Cachet
- Sicard Cachet – Income Access – Sicard Cachet
- Sicard Cachet – MasterCard – Sicard Cachet
- Sicard Cachet – PayNearMe – Sicard Cachet
- Sicard Cachet – Visa – Sicard Cachet
- Sicard Haitian – GLVB – Sicard Haitian
- Sicard Haitian – Income Access – Sicard Haitian
- Sicard Haitian – MasterCard – Sicard Haitian
- Sicard Haitian – PayNearMe – Sicard Haitian
- Sicard Haitian – Visa – Sicard Haitian
- Sicard James – GLVB – Sicard James
Some Of The Approved Gaming Partners Have Already Launched
Out of 15, some of the approved gaming partners have already launched their online casino sites, while others are still working on it. Currently, there are 13 legally operational online casinos in Michigan, and the 14th is expected to follow in spring 2021. The 15th licensed gaming partner – Island Resort & Casino – announced it will launch its INPlay Sports and INPlay Casino under the name Logic Systems in the summer of 2021.
There Can Be Up to 20 Online Gaming Licences
is mgm vegas casino online legitInitially, there will be 20 online gaming licences in total. Each licensee can apply for up to 3 online gaming sub-licenses. Each of those sub-licences can cover up to 3 brands, resulting in up to 20 online casinos for each licensee.
Each Licensee Pays $200k Application Fee
According to Michigan’s online gambling legislation, each entity interested in obtaining an online gaming licence must pay a non-refundable fee of $200,000 for the application alone. Moreover, the licence itself costs $50,000 every year after that.
Each Licensee Must Pay $100k for Initial Supplier Licence
Third-party suppliers who wish to provide products and services to multiple online operators in Michigan must also get their own licence. The price for the initial supplier licence equals $100,00 and must be renewed annually for $50,000.
Online Suppliers Must Pay $50k for Individual Licenses
Individual suppliers who wish to provide products and services only to a specific online gaming operator in Michigan must get an individual supplier licence. The price tag for such permits equals $50,000 without the refound, and $25,000 annually for the renewal.
Online Casino Revenue Reached Nearly $116 Million in Q1 2023
Since the start of online gambling in Michigan, the revenue numbers grew steadily quarter after quarter. According to the data released by the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB), the Internet Gambling (IG) and Internet Sports Betting (ISB) generated adjusted gross receipts (AGR) of nearly $116 million in Q1 2023.
Michigan Online Casinos Generated More Than $200 Million in 2022
Online casinos in Michigan had a record year in 2022. Despite the winter eclipse cast by the Super Bowl and the holiday break, online casino gaming in the Great Lake State continued to grow and beat the previous annual record, generating more than $200 million in revenue in 2022.
There is a Cap on Remote Registration
Anyone physically present in Michigan can access online casino platforms and register as long as they are at least 21 years old. However, there is a cap on remote registration, meaning that the casinos cannot promote underage gambling actively.
Cash Out Times Shouldn't Exceed 20 Days
All online casino operators in Michigan are obligated to offer quick and secure withdrawal procedures. The maximum cashout period must not exceed 20 days for all legit online casino sites in Michigan.
Mobile Betting is Permitted Within State Borders
Michigan became the first US state that allowed mobile betting outside of the land-based partner's physical premises. Players can place their wagers via the dedicated mobile betting apps of the retail casinos anywhere within the state borders.
Michigan's First Online Gambling Site Went Live in January 2021
The first online gambling site BetMGM went live on January 22, 2021, at 1 p.m. Launching the online site remotely from the casinos, Walter Bratspies, vice president of government relations for MGM Air Force Cass, entered betting and gaming history not only in Michigan but across the States.
Michigan Is Ranked Third by Online Gambling Revenue
New Jersey is leading the way in terms of online gambling revenue. Following New Jersey, Pennsylvania ranks second, and Michigan comes in third place. Together, those three states accounted for 66% ($437 million) of the overall $660 million generated by the online gambling industry in Q1 2023.
Why Do We Recommend Only Legal & Safe Online Casino Sites in Michigan?
Offshore casinos are not legal in Michigan, and we strongly advise against using their services. Some of the main reasons not to play at offshore online casinos are:
Of The Best Mohegan Sun Casino Online Games To PlayOffshore Casinos Cannot Guarantee Your Safety and Security
Offshore online casinos operate outside the law and lack regulation and oversight. They do not adhere to any strict security standards and often put your sensitive data at risk of theft, misuse, or leak.
No Protection if Things Go South
Unlike trustworthy online casino sites in Michigan that are monitored by the state regulatory body and abide by its rules, offshore platforms do not offer any protection if anything goes wrong. Legally operated online casinos in the Wolverine State must segregate their players’ funds from their operating funds.
This practice ensures that gamblers can claim their money in case the online casino runs into financial problems or goes bankrupt. Unfortunately, offshore online casinos usually keep their players’ deposits in a single pool of money, so you won’t be able to retrieve yours if something similar occurs.
You Might Break the Law
Gambling at offshore online casino sites is prohibited in Michigan, and bettors can face fines and penalties. Although nobody has been prosecuted for using offshore casino services in Michigan so far, we cannot guarantee you will not be the first.
Offshore Online Casinos Don't Support Responsible Gambling
Responsible gambling is essential to create a healthy and safe gaming environment. Reputable online casinos in Michigan partner up with problem gambling organisations to help players in distress and prevent addiction. Examples of such institutions include the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and the National Council on Problem Gambling.
Offshore online casinos do not collaborate with any responsible gaming associations. They rarely offer self-exclusion options and fail to contribute to the prevention of gambling addiction.
List of Offshore Casinos to Avoid
Here is the list of offshore casinos that are illegal in Michigan and other US states:
- Curacao licenced
- Panama licenced
- No licence
- Based offshore
- Jordan Litzensberger’s warning on offshore gambling sites
- Chumba Casino – Sweepstakes
How to Report Unlicensed Online Casino Sites in Michigan
If you come across an unlicensed online casino site in Michigan, you can report it to the Michigan Department of the Attorney General by calling 517-373-1110. You can also reach them by mail at P.O. Box 30013, Lansing, MI 48909 or visit them at Richard H. Next, Building, 430 M.A.C. Avenue, Lansing, MI 48918-30013.
History of Gambling in Michigan
Michigan has come a long way in terms of gambling legislation and regulation. Let’s take a brief trip through the history of gambling in the Great Lakes State.
1834 – Gambling Suppression
The Wisconsin Territorial Legislature passed an act to “check the evils arising from gambling”.
1847 – First Racing Tracks
Michigan got its first racetracks in 1847. The legislature established the rules for horse racing in the state.
1875, 1933, 1972 – More Anti-Gambling Legislation
The Michigan Constitution was amended in 1875, 1933, and 1972 to further limit legal gambling in the state.
1933 – Charitable Raffles and Bingo
The charitable gaming sector was opened to raffles and bingo in 1933.
1972, 1984, 1994, 1997 – Expanded Lottery, Instant Keno, Pull-Tabs, and More
Michigan voters approved a constitutional amendment to allow instant keno tickets in 1984 and pull-tabs in 1994. The Michigan Lottery was expanded in 1997.
1993 – Voters Approve Casino Gambling
After Governor John Engler signed the Lawful Gambling Establishments Act in 1996, casino gambling was finally legalised in Michigan in a statewide referendum in November 1996. Voters approved the constitutional amendment in March 1997.
1999, 2011, 2012 – Four New Casinos Opened
Gilbert Reynolds, the first commercial casino manager in Michigan, opened the Gilberts in February 1999. The Kewadin Casinos became the first tribal casino operator to offer electronic gaming devices in May 1999. In April 2011, the Bay Mills Indian Community opened the Bay Mills Resort and Casino. In June 2012, the Gun Lake Tribe opened the Gun Lake Casino.
2019 – Historical Horse Racing Machines Authorised
Historical horse racing machines were made legal in Michigan in December 2019 when Governor Whitmer signed Senate Bill 492. The new legislation also increased the number of permissible three-minute amusement machine from five to ten.
2019 – Sports Betting Bill Passed
In December 2019, Governor Whitmer signed the Lawful Sports Betting Act into law, allowing sports betting at the state’s 12 casinos. Later, the Michigan Gaming Control Board adopted emergency rules for sports wagering in April 2020.
2020 – First Sports Bet Was Cast
