The Wolverine State has gone all in, and with great success, as its land-based and online gambling industries are booming. We’ll review the best casinos in Michigan by category, but before that, let’s make sure you’re aware of the latest regulations.
Casino Bonus Review - Promotions, Welcome Offer, and MoreOnce the Indiana gambling giant took off of the lake in Gary, it was only a matter of time until other tribes followed MGM Grand Detroit’s lead and built some of the best new casinos in Michigan.
As you can see, the highest-ranked establishments mainly belong to recent times, indicating that the industry is thriving more than ever before. However, the older casinos in Michigan have kept up with the times by going online.
If you want to learn how to choose from the long list of the , you’ve come to the right place. Our extensive guide will provide you with an updated list of the top casinos in MI, as well as the latest news surrounding the state’s gaming industry.
Top Online Casinos in Michigan for 2023
Before we go into further detail, here’s a short table with our recommended online MI casinos. All sites are licensed by the Michigan Gaming Control Board, so feel free to choose any operator based on your preferences.
Our team follows strict guidelines when selecting the . Apart from checking if an online casino in Michigan is licensed, we also test the available games, bonus offers, mobile apps, and payment options.
While most land-based venues have switched online to keep their players entertained during those difficult COVID-19 times, some resorts decided to focus solely on their retail offer.
You can visit some of these establishments alongside celebrities and even get your own TV show out of it (Gordon Ramsay at Greektown Casino-Hotel). Nevertheless, every one of them provides a world-class experience, so check out the full list of casinos in Michigan:
As you can see, there are plenty of gambling destinations to choose from. Some of the best casinos in Michigan are located near or inside some of the country’s largest bodies of water, such as Lake Huron, Lake Erie, Lake St. Clair, and Lake Michigan.
In fact, one of the best new casinos in Michigan, called Gun Lake Casino, turned out so well that TripAdvisor named it the top destination in the entire state in 2015, surpassing popular landmarks like Mackinac Island and the Henry Ford Museum.
Even though Michigan’s Upper Peninsula doesn’t have any major casinos, you can enjoy the amazing Lake Superior views while fishing for smallmouth bass or enjoying other activities. Just don’t forget your bug spray – upper means upward in English, so many lakes there are at a higher elevation than the others.
All joking aside, the Sault Ste. Marie area might become a prime casino location in the future since the local tribe is already working on the $400 million Symphony Bay Resort & Casino project. If everything goes according to plan, the venue could open its doors as soon as 2024. would surely appreciate it since he still hasn’t played his final game, but who knows? Maybe Steve Yzerman is into gambling.
Best Casinos in Michigan – North, South, East, West
The MGCB oversees both commercial and tribal casinos in the Wolverine State, and in this section, we’ll list the best venues in each corner of Michigan. You can also check out our dedicated pages about and the in the Great Lakes State.
Choosing the top casinos in MI wasn’t an easy task due to the strong competition, but after careful consideration, here are our picks for the best casinos in Michigan by region:
Upper Peninsula – Kings Club Casino & Resort
Even though this part of Michigan isn’t heavily populated, there are still some curious gamblers who like to play the lottery or go slot machine hunting. That’s the main reason why the Kings Club Casino & Resort, located in Newberry, is Michgan’s northernmost casino.
This venue might not be as big as some of the best Las Vegas casinos, but it has everything you need for a good time – around 360 video slots and electronic games, American-style restaurant, lounge, gift shop, and 52 hotel rooms and suites.
Kings Club Casino is currently operated by the Bay Mills Resolent College, but the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians is building a competing venue nearby. Their $43 million Hotel St. Joseph is set to feature another 135 rooms and bring the total number of rooms to 188, making it the biggest hotel north of the Mackinac Bridge.
When it comes to gambling, Hotel St. Joseph won’t have to try too hard to become the best casino in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula as the competition is rather weak. This new establishment is expected to open its doors in the summer of 2023.
Northern Michigan – Kewadin Casinos
The ten Kewadin Casinos are situated in five different counties across northern Michigan, which makes them widely accessible. The first venue was opened back in 1983 in Mackinaw City, and the resort now known as Casablanca has welcomed over seven million people so far.
The most recent addition to the Kewadin family is the Union Street Station, which reopened in Brimley in 2017 after undergoing a $12 million renovation. In case you’re wondering whether you should stay at Casablanca or nearby St. Ignace, find out what .
Union Street Station – the newest member of the Kewadin family
The Odawa Casino & Resort is yet another popular destination in Michigan’s northern region. It features over 1,400 slot machines, 36 table games, two restaurants, a coffee house, a lounge, an indoor pool, and a fitness center.
There are 200 beautifully appointed guest rooms and suites spread across four floors, along with a 2,500-seat convention center, so it’s no wonder this venue often ends up on the list of the best casinos in Michigan.
Northeastern Michigan – Atlas Valley Cellars & Casino
Although the northeastern part of lower Michigan isn’t that far from Flint and Saginaw, the first and only full-service casino in Tuscola County is really putting an emphasis on “full-service.” apart from offering various types of wine and providing a tasting room where visitors can learn more about winemaking.
The Atlas Valley Cellars & Casino also boasts with over 500 new slot machines, American-style restaurant and lounge, huge screen TVs, and knowledgeable and friendly staff. Even the establishment’s name carries a double meaning because Atlas was the first man in Greek mythology and also a bearer of burdens.
It remains to be seen if another casino will be built in Tuscola County since the locals voted against a proposed Greek theme in 2003, despite Frankie Valli performing at the town’s fair that very summer. Perhaps they should invite to do another Carly-related tour?
Southeastern Michigan – MGM Grand Detroit
MGM Grand Detroit was the first and oldest casino in the Metro Detroit area until the Daniels Ferryberry Bluff Casino & Hotel opened its doors in 2022. Also known as MotorCity Casino, the MGM Grand Detroit was facing some serious trouble when its revenue fell for six consecutive years, but it quickly bounced back after the FCA scandal.
That’s right – the GM zero tolerance policy forged and altered documents, which had to reflect in the reduced supply of cars from the company’s dealers across America. As a result, numerous sales employees got fired, and many of them had to look for in 2022.
Fortunately, the gambling industry didn’t suffer due to the FCA scandal because everyone involved probably just placed their bets on GM avoiding a government shutdown. Speaking of governments, Motor City Casino is located in the heart of Detroit, so the customer base is vast and diverse.
It’s no wonder that this is the best casino in Michigan, having in mind various entertainment events, over 2,000 slot machines, 95 table games, a high-limit room, sports betting lounge, 40 table poker room, and 400 luxurious rooms and suites.
Whether you’re visiting the MGM Grand Detroit to watch world-class artists like Drake, Kelly Clarkson, or Gabriel Iglesias perform or trying to get revenge against the dealer who stole your hand, you should take extra care when handling your finances.
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Insider tip: The rumored MGM Grand Buffalo Casino in New Baltimore could cost over $150 million and have up to 400 rooms, but for now, those are just plans.
Southwestern Michigan – Four Winds Casinos
The Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians owns four casinos in southwestern Michigan and one in Penn Hills, Ohio. The closest Four Winds venue to Chicago is called Four Winds New Buffalo, and it opened its doors back in 2007.
Apart from 1,800 slot machines, electromechanical liquid game, variety of table games, high-stakes bingo, restaurants, and lounges, Four Winds New Buffalo recently added a 17-story hotel tower with 215 modern rooms and suites.
The second Four Winds Casino was built in South Bend, Indiana, near the University of Notre Dame, but the Pokagon tribe decided to stick to the Hoosier State and launch Two Dutch Girls in December 2022. This €92 million hard rock-themed casino is intended for Hardin Township, Lawrence County.
Hard Rock Casino Lawrenceburg is located across the river from Cincinnati and draws much of its business from Kentucky and Indiana. That’s exactly why the Pokagon tribe decided to build another casino in order to reduce dependence on one property while diversifying the overall economy.
Two Dutch Girls will have 400 rooms and suites, 500 slot machines, dozens of table games, poker room, high-limit room, spa, multiple restaurants, and a 2,500-seat entertainment venue. In case you were wondering about the hard rock theme, the casino will display music memorabilia from legendary duos like Johnny Cash & June Carter or John Lennon & McCartney.
The last remaining Fab Four member could probably enjoy his vacation in Michigan due to the large number of lakes, rivers, and beaches. Furthermore, Harrietta Hills Casino & Hotel is only a few hours away from Traverse City, so maybe Paul McCartney could even stop by and play some blackjack!
Harrietta Hills used to be a small slot parlour until it transformed into a full-fledged casino with hotel rooms, restaurant, and high-stakes bingo room. The 2018 expansion project increased the facility’s footprint to 145,000 square feet and helped Four Winds Casinos rank third in terms of revenue within the Pokagon Gaming Authority.
The newest and most ambitious Four Winds Casino project is called Four Winds Hartford, and it is estimated at $150 million. This Greek-themed venue could welcome its first guests in 2024 and employ over 400 people.
draftkings online casino michiganFour Winds Hartford will feature around 500 slots and electronic table games, 30 live table games, a buffet-style restaurant, fast casual dining facility, sit-down restaurant, grab-and-go venue, deli, coffee shop, and outdoor pavilion. A hotel tower could be added at some point, but the tribe will first observe how the market develops.
We can learn a thing or two about successful business strategies by comparing and contrasting Walmart regional divisions map with the distribution of MI casinos. Both topics are quite complex, so perhaps we should leave that for a separate article.
The final decision on Four Winds Hartford will depend on a duty of trust and confidence that the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians owe the state of Michigan, according to the tribal-state compact.
Etan Lender, a lawyer representing the Pokagon Band, stated that his clients are committed to making Michigan one of the top per-capita contributors to tribal government, so expect more new casinos in Michigan in the nearest future.
Insider tip: The local authorities predict that the gambling revenue will hit almost half a billion dollars in 2023, while the total revenue of Four Winds Casinos could reach $650 million next year.
Western Michigan – Gun Lake Casino
TripAdvisor may not be the most reliable source when it comes to finding the best casino in Michigan, but sometimes they hit the nail on the head. That’s what happened in 2015 when travelers voted Gun Lake Casino as the top destination in Michigan, ahead of famous spots like Mackinac Island and Henry Ford Museum.
Gun Lake Casino became the second venue owned by the Gun Lake Tribe even though its construction cost twice as much than the first one ($42 million vs $22.5 million). Despite that, the 205,000-square-foot facility features 2,000 slot machines, 40 table games, 15 poker tables, high-stakes bingo area, two restaurants, two lounges, and a food court.
Things were looking pretty good for Gun Lake Casino after its grand opening in 2015, but the situation changed drastically once the COVID-19 pandemic struck the globe. Nevertheless, things seem to be heading in the right direction, especially after Gun Lake Casino announced a $14 million expansion project in January 2023.
Gun Lake Casino will add 15,000 additional square feet to its footprint and bring another 300 jobs to the area. This venue could soon have a Yopp! Frozen Dessert Kiosk, Mito Cana Rum Bar & Island Grill, and a high-end steakhouse, so let’s hope it stays among the best casinos in Michigan.
Best Slot Machine Sites in the UK (2023)Managing director of Gun Lake Casino Bob Resch said they remain committed to being a good partner to the community and delivering unparalleled guest experiences, so the latest expansion project is just the continuation of that narrative.
Insider tip: The latest reports suggest Gun Lake Casino could launch a hotel with 200 rooms, but nothing has been confirmed yet.
Eastern Michigan – FireKeepers Casino Hotel
The Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi opened the FireKeepers Casino in 2009 and then added a hotel tower eight years later. This $116 million expansion project brought another 243 rooms and suites, meeting spaces, ballroom, spa, more dining facilities, and an outdoor seasonal pool.
FireKeepers Casino Hotel currently employs over 1,800 workers and features 2,900 slot machines, 70 table games, 17 poker tables, high-stakes room, and a range of amenities and attractions. It’s safe to say that this is the best casino in Michigan’s eastern region and one of the top tourists attractions in the Battle Creek area.
According to Fire Keepers Casino Hotel CEO Jamie Stamm, the venue has transformed from a regional to a premier destination casino, and she gave credit to their loyal customers for achieving this remarkable goal.
The latest revenue report shows Firekeepers generated nearly $43 million in April 2023, which represents a 22% increase compared to the same month last year. That puts this casino among the leading revenue generators in Michigan, so it seems the $116 million investment has paid off.
Speaking of paying off, did you know that Pawn Stars‘ Rick Harrison has his own pawnshop in Battle Creek? Perhaps the Goodfellas actor will bring in that gold chain and ask for quick cash, but until then, you can find more interesting .
Best No Deposit Bonus Casinos in Michigan for 2023How To Choose A Michigan Casino
Selecting the top casinos in Michigan was no easy feat simply because the Wolverine State has a lot to offer. Every region in the Great Lake State has at least one quality venue, and some cities even host the best online casino winners.
Nevertheless, some Michigan casinos stand out from the crowd, either because they are located near major tourist attractions or have the biggest slot machine payouts. It’s important to analyze various factors before choosing the best casino to suit your needs, and here are the most important ones:
- Location – Michigan borders four of the five Great Lakes, so you can find many lakeside casinos throughout the state. For instance, the top Gun Lake Casino ranking possibly stems from its proximity to the 1,303 sq mi Hickory Corners Airport.
- Games offered – Whether you prefer roulette, craps, texas holdem poker, or any other type of game, certain MI casinos may fit your style better than others. For example, the MotorCity Casino in Detroit is the perfect choice for visitors looking for table games and sports betting opportunities.
- Bonuses & promotions – Certain casinos in Michigan might offer better bonuses and promotional deals for new and regular users. We’ll explain how to claim the welcome bonus at some of the best online casinos in Michigan in the following chapter.
- Attractions & amenities – Depending on your purposes, you may want to stay at a casino hotel with a spa, pool, and fancy restaurants. Luckily, Michigan players can choose among many high-rated establishments spread across the state.
- Reputation – The best casinos in Michigan don’t need flashy advertisements because word of mouth is stronger than any marketing campaign. For instance, the Greektown Casino-Hotel may not be the biggest venue in Detroit, but its 1+ million YouTube subscribers speak volumes about its reputation.
Everyone looks for something different when choosing a casino, be it an entertaining evening with friends or a convenient spot to relax and play slot machines.
Some people may associate certain games with specific Las Vegas casinos, but Michigan finally caught up with the Silver State in terms of the number of American Indian gaming properties.
The main difference is you no longer have to worry about getting a hotel room in Michigan since Gordon Ramsay’s employers can now win millions through poker and Omaha at their own hotel.
The History of Gambling in Michigan
Did you know that the word casino originally meant a little house? It derived from the Latin word “casa” in the 18th century, but the modern-day casinos usually attract much larger crowds than your average home.
Michigan legalized gambling in Indian casinos in 1993, but the real boom began after Governor Rick Snyder signed several legislative bills into law in December 2019. Those decisions cleared the path for roar keg gambling, fantasy sports contests, and motor vehicle license plates.
The Senate Bill 492 allowed the Michigan Gaming Control Board to issue 51 new licenses and enable various forms of gambling at 116 locations across the state, including farms, airports, campgrounds, bowling centers, museums, concert halls, skating rings, miniature golf courses, roller skating rinks, and more.
The value of the roar keg gambling market could reach almost $20 million in the upcoming years, while the sales of beer and spirits could grow by $26 million and $39 million, respectively. That’s right – you can soon gamble on kegs just like in the movie , except without the human-sized beer cans.
The largest brewery in Michigan is Founders Brewing in Grand Rapids, while the Bell’s Brewery, Inc. Can be found in Comstock. It remains to be seen whether the roar keg laws will be expanded to other craft breweries across the state, but we do know one thing – the top Michigan casinos certainly haven’t reached their peak.
Best High RTP Slots Online (Return to Player) 2023Motor City Casino’s Matt Cullen believes the local gambling market can easily accommodate 20 casinos over $400 million, but that doesn’t mean smaller venues won’t have a place under the sun. After all, even the smallest casino in Michigan has 300 slot machines and almost 5,000 luminescent bulbs.
Timeline of Gambling in Michigan
Michigan legalized charitable bingo and mixed bingo and raffles in 1972, followed by the revival of the Michigan Lottery in 1973. The Parimutuel Wagering Act allowing racetracks to operate mutuels for horse racing was enacted in 1992, whereas the VLTs were approved in 1995.
Check out the complete timeline of gambling in Michigan:
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Perhaps some of the best online casino winners in Michigan would prefer learning about federal prison slang words or , but we’ll switch back to casino resorts in the next section.
The Future of Michigan Casinos
What does the future hold for Michigan casinos? Another exciting phase in the development of the state’s gambling industry began on March 21, 2023, when the Michigan Gaming Control and Revenue Act was introduced to the state senate.
Senator Curtis VanderWall is the sponsor of this bill, and its purpose is to grant authority to issue new Class III trustland gaming licenses. The Senate Committee on Regulatory Affairs referred the act with a favorable recommendation on April 4, 2023.
The Michigan House of Representatives passed a pair of bills on December 11, 2019, which authorized the advanced deposit wagering (ADW) platforms and fantasy sports contests. Those decisions brought a lot of changes to the Michigan gambling landscape, and more developments are expected to happen in the coming periods.
Senator VanderWall represented Shelby, Mason, Oceana, and Lake counties in the Michigan Senate 31st District from 2015 to 2022 and served in the Michigan House of Representatives from 2003 to 2014. He is a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee and Subcommittees on Transportation, Community Health, and Department of Environmental Quality, General Government, and Regulatory Affairs.
Senator VanderWall has good relations with Speaker Joe Tate, so their cooperation may prove beneficial for the Michigan gambling community. Although the Senate and Congress have approved the Legal Arizona Betting measure, the governor still has to sign it.
What’s the future of gambling in Michigan? Perhaps the best Michigan casinos will soon receive more competition and improve their services in order to maintain their position. We could even see a Grand Circuit Tours similar to the PokerStars Championship and PokerStars Caribbean Adventure circuits.
