In this guide, we’ve provided a list of all online casinos in MI that are legit and safe. Additionally, you will find information about the legal environment around internet casinos in the Wolverine State as well as an overview of available games, bonuses, payments and more. Should you have any further questions, please refer to our FAQ section at the end of the page.
Best Michigan Casino Sites 2023
- 🏆 ✪ $1,000 WIth MATCHING Bonus ✪ Best Online Casino in Michigan for Real Money Gambling
- 🥇 ✪ $900 + $50 FREE Play ✪ Mi’s King of Live Dealer Games & Table Games
- 🎰 ✪ $1,250 + 100 Free VIP Spins ✪ Top-Rated MI Online Casino for Slot Players
- 💃 ✪ $1,000 + 100 Free Fish Coin ✪ Great First Deposit Bonus & Table Games Tournaments
- 💰 ✪ $750 + 200 Free Spins ✪ Top-Rated Online Blackjack in Michigan
- 🎉 ✪ $500 + 100 Free Spins ✪ Top Michigan Operator with Live Roulette Dealers
- ⭐ ✪ $600 + 200 Eternal Riches Spins ✪ Top-Rated New Online Casino in Michigan
- ✅ ✪ $600 + 100 Free Spins ✪ Top Michigan Casino App for Android & iPhone Smart Devices
- 🌟 ✪ $600 + 100 Spins ✪ Top Diverse Game Selection in Michigan
- 👸 ✪ $1,000 + 100 Free Spins ✪ Top Casino Site for Ignition API Games in Michigan
Not all online casinos in Michigan are created equal. While all platforms on our list are legit and licensed by the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGL), some rise above others due to their comprehensive game catalogs, higher bonus offers, faster payouts, or other factors. Our team of industry experts conducted a thorough analysis of each platform to score them according to key criteria. So, if your main goal is to get the most out of real money gambling over the Internet in Michigan, check out the best online casino site for you from the table above.
For example, if you want to play slots, we recommend joining the online casino in MI offering the highest RTP for slot machines, the widest variety of progressive jackpots and the largest no deposit bonuses for slot players. Our team of experts has already done the research and laid it out for you. If you want to play live blackjack online for money, we can point you towards the top online casino in Michigan with higher betting limits, early surrender, more side bets, wider table limits and higher payout rates for blackjack. To cut a long story short, join us on this page to find out which MI casino site online is best for your own personal needs.
Casino NJ Code & Review 2023 - Get 8 No Deposit BonusYou can also check out our list of the best casino apps in Michigan, ranked and reviewed based on the key criteria affecting the quality of your gaming experience. Read on to discover how we scored these casino websites and learn all the tips and tricks to choose the right one for you.
Best MI Online Casino
Choosing the best among all legit online casinos in Michigan was not easy, but we did it. According to our tests, BetMGM stands out thanks to its extensive selection of real money games and generous promotions. It offers the biggest welcome offer – new players get up to $1,000 back on their losses incurred during the first week after registration. There is no deposit requirement, and you can withdraw the bonus in full if you manage to win back the amount originally deposited.
In addition to the welcome promo, regular players at the BetMGM online casino in Michigan can benefit from daily and weekly promotional deals that change regularly. You can receive free plays, reload bonuses, cashbacks, entries for prize draws, and more. The iRush Rewards loyalty program is another way to be rewarded for playing online. The more you wager, the faster you climb the loyalty tiers and the better your perks become.
BetMGM is one of the leading operators of both land-based and online casinos in Michigan. (Screen shot courtesy of BetMGM).
Clearly, the best online casino in Michigan for real money gambling should meet certain requirements. We compared many popular platforms and tested them against our strict criteria. The scorecard below shows how each operator performed:
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- T&C apply +21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
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- T&C apply +21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
- T&C apply +21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
- T&C apply +21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
- T&C apply +21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
- T&C apply +21+. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.
As you can see from the table above, there are multiple aspects of online gambling that differ from one casino to another. Some platforms concentrate on slots, while others feature a wide range of live dealer tables. Others may excel with their mobile apps, while some may boast larger welcome bonuses than the competition. The purpose of this guide is to help you discover the strengths of each operator so that you can pick the one that suits your tastes and preferences best.
How We Picked Michigan’s Top Online Casinos
There are many important aspects to consider when choosing the best . As a rule of thumb, you would want to look into several different categories of casino games — slots, video poker, blackjack, baccarat, roulette, live dealer games, and others. Availability of attractive bonuses and reliable payment methods is also important. Another thing to keep in mind is the reputation of the company running the online casino site, especially if real money gaming is new to you. Finally, you would want to ensure that your personal data will be protected and that you will receive timely payouts whenever you wish to cash out your winnings.
The following subsections provide detailed descriptions of the major criteria used by our experts to rate online casinos in Michigan:
- Game Collection — A good collection of real money games covers all major categories, including slots, table games, video poker, live dealer games, lottery and keno variants, and others. Diversity in terms of suppliers and features is also important. However, since storage space on server machines is limited, large online casino sites in Michigan may feature random game selection and let players choose only a portion of the total catalog. Still, even the smallest platforms in the state feature several hundred titles.
- (Safety) Licensing — All trusted MI online casinos are licensed by the MGCB and are linked to land-based partner casinos and race tracks within the state borders. This provides a secure regulatory framework under the watchful eye of the state authorities.
- Bonuses — Welcome offers, reload bonuses, cashback deals, VIP rewards and other promotions help stretch your bankroll and improve your chances to win. However, all promotions come with stringent terms and conditions. Therefore, it is important to read them carefully to avoid disappointment once you decide to withdraw your bonus funds.
- Payments — Fast and secure deposit and withdrawal methods ensure a smooth gambling experience. Besides convenience, it is also important to consider transaction limits, fees and security measures offered by each online casino cashier.
- Mobile Platform — Mobile responsive websites and downloadable apps allow players to enjoy their favorite real money casino games while on the go. Important factors include compatibility with iOS and Android smartphones and tablets, graphical quality, intuitive navigation, and availability of exclusive mobile bonuses.
- Site Safety and Security — Since you will be required to share your personal and financial data with the online casino, it is essential to choose a trustworthy website that uses SSL encryption and other technical and organizational security measures to protect your data from unauthorized access by third parties.
- Customer Support — Good online casinos offer multiple contact channels, preferably including phone, email and live chat. Responsiveness and professionalism of the customer service agents are also important to ensure quick problem resolution.
- Operator — The company operating the online casino site should enjoy a solid reputation among players and investors. Check for active licenses and certificates issued by recognized international organizations.
Each of the above criteria is discussed in detail further in this guide. By considering all those factors, we hope that you will be able to make a more informed decision the next time you want to try an exciting new online casino in Michigan. Of course, feel free to refer to our scorecards to save some time. We have already done the heavy lifting, testing and rating all legal online casinos in the state.
Best Live Dealer Casinos Online (Plus Top Games to Play)Can I Play at Online Casinos in Michigan Safely?
Yes, you can! Playing at Internet casinos is perfectly safe and secure as long as you stick to the official platforms regulated by the MGCB. All licensed online casinos in Michigan must operate on the basis of a license issued to a land-based establishment within the state lines. For instance, BetMGM Casino online is linked to the MGM Grand Detroit. Other reputable brands include:
Each of the above online casinos is safe and legitimate for real money gambling. They have passed rigorous security tests to verify that their games are fair and their payouts accurate. What’s more, the sites themselves are protected with SSL encryption, which prevents unauthorized access to sensitive user data, such as names, addresses, social security numbers, bank card details, and others.
You should stay away from offshore casino sites that are not licensed by the MGCB. Those operators do not have to follow any rules, and there is nothing to stop them from ripping you off. On the contrary, gambling on unlicensed platforms is illegal in Michigan and could lead to fines and prosecution.
Advantages of Playing at Legal MI Casino Sites
It might seem cheaper to play at shady offshore sites, but that comes at a price. You cannot be sure that the games are fair and that the payouts are accurate. Even your very personal information may be shared with third parties or fall into the hands of cybercriminals. That is why you should always stick to the legal online casinos in Michigan that have been independently audited for safety, fairness and player protection.
Is Online Gambling Legal in Michigan? Although an established gambling destination in land-based format, Michigan had lagged behind other US states in embracing online gambling. Only in December 2019 did Governor Gretchen Whitmer sign into law a package of bills legalising a wide range of forms of remote gambling, including online sports betting, casino games, poker and even iLottery. The new legislation allowed the MGCB to start accepting licence applications on on July 15, 2020. Since then, dozens of online sportsbooks went live, followed closely by Internet casinos. The first online casinos and online sportsbetting apps became available to customers in mid-July, with more platforms rolling out every week. The first mi.lottery.com instant games were launched on August 22, 2021. The law allows the MGCB to grant online gambling licences to existing land-based casinos in the state as well as to race tracks that offer wagering on gallops and Standardbred races. Remote poker operators can offer their services through the online platforms of land-based casthers holding a commercial casino licence in the state. Online casino patrons in Michigan are required to be 21 years old and within the state limits. The only way for the regulator to generate real-time maps of the geolocated devices is through the IP and GPS data supplied by third parties such as internet service providers and mobile phone carriers. This means that you can legally use Michigan online casino apps outside of the state as long as someone else is compliant with the residency requirement on your behalf. However, if nobody uses the account, it will become dormant and any balances will be forfeited after three years of inactivity.
Who Can Play at Online Casinos in Michigan?
Anyone can set up an account at an online casino in Michigan, but only customered who are physically present in the state and are 21 years old or older can place real money bets. Your location is verified upon registration and will be checked again before you can place your first bet. If you move to a different state, you will be logged out of your account.
online gambling real money pokerOfficials check your IP address and GPS data to confirm that you are actually within the state borders. You don’t have to be a resident of Michigan. Visitors are also welcome as long as they meet the location and minimum age requirements.
You may be asked to re-verify your location randomly at a later time when using a particular online casino. That is why it is no useful to attempt to bypass the geolocation checks by using a VPN connection from another state or country. This may result in a suspension of your account or even a permanent ban.
Top MGM Casino Apps to Gamble Via Mobile Device in US, 2023How to Choose the Right MI Online Casino
Picking the best online casino in Michigan depends on what kind of player you are. As mentioned earlier, various gambling sites excel in different areas. Some of them focus on specific game types, while others offer bigger bonuses or more convenient payment options. The following steps will help you choose the best option for you personally:
- Check the Game Variety – Look at the game lobbies of each online casino and see whether you like the available games. You could be interested in , table games, card games, live dealer games, or anything else. An ideal platform should have a little bit of everything.
- Consider the Welcome Offer – Most players are looking for an online casino in Michigan with a big welcome bonus. Yet that should not be your sole criterion. Consider also which bonus suits your game style the best and check the difficult terms and conditions related to the offer.
- Explore the Remaining Promotions – Loyalty rewards, cashback bonuses, tournaments, reload bonuses, free plays, and other deals can bring you additional benefits. Browse through the sections for special offers and look for the promotions that match your play style and preferences.
- Have a Look at the Payment Options – Preferred payment methods vary greatly from one player to another. Credit cards, debit cards, e-wallets, prepaid cards, bank transfers, P2P payments, and cryptocurrencies all have their advantages and drawbacks. Check what options are available at the online casino cashier to find one that fits your needs.
- Read the Full T&Cs – Before you sign up, take some time to go through all terms and conditions attached to the bonuses and ongoing gameplay. That is the best way to avoid misunderstandings and issues down the road.
By considering the points listed above, you will have a much better idea of what each MI online gambling site can offer you. Of course, you are also welcome to use the results of our own research presented in this guide. We have rated the top online casinos in Michigan according to the criteria highlighted in the table below.
We strongly recommend that you pay attention to the scores in each category. A single top score will turn an average casino into a great one. Such an operator may lack diversity in one or more aspects, compensating with superior performance in another area. Thus, it could still be a better choice than another platform scoring medium points across the board.
All online casinos featured on our website hold a valid license by the MGCB and comply with the relevant state regulations. The operators rank among the largest gambling groups in the world, having substantial financial resources to cover the prizes and invest in enhancing the overall quality of their products. Their software is certified by recognised independent laboratories as fair and random. At the same time, the platforms are protected with SSL encryption to prevent unauthorised access to your private info. All in all, you can be confident that playing at any of the recommended online casinos in Michigan will be absolutely safe.
Available Casino Games in Michigan
Internet casinos in Michigan offer hundreds of real money games accessible directly through your web browser or via a dedicated app. The game portfolio includes slots, jackpot slots, blackjack, roulette, baccarat, video poker, virtual sports, scratch cards, wheel of fortune games, and keno.
Most of those games can be played for free or for real money. If you have never tried a game before, it is always advisable to test its demo version and get familiar with the rules, features and interface. Below are some examples of the popular game types you could encounter at online casinos in Michigan:
Slots remain the most popular game type at MI online casinos, accounting for over two-thirds of the market. Many of the local players like table games too, particularly roulette, followed distantly by blackjack and baccarat. Video poker attracts less interest, although it remains the preferred type among 15% of the players.
Top Game Types at Michigan Online Casinos
While most of the games are developed by leading software studios, some online casinos in Michigan rely mostly on in-house development studios. For example, BetMGM offers almost exclusively games created by its parent company, Entain. The same applies to the Barstool Sportsbook apps. STNPlay, the online gambling subsidiary of the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians, relies mainly on in-house developments branded as Gubernator and Midwest Meadows.
Having exclusive content gives those operators an edge in terms of game diversity. On the flip side, many studies have shown that proprietary games tend to trail their commercially developed counterparts in terms of graphic quality, innovative features, and overall entertainment value. That is why most online casino sites in Michigan have mixed game portfolios from renowned developers like NetEnt, Evolution, Scientific Games, etc.
Are Michigan Live Dealer Games Available Online?
Yes, Michigan residents can enjoy a number of thrilling live dealer games streamed from land-based studios. Those include live roulette, live blackjack, baccarat, poker games, game shows, and others. All action is broadcasted in real time, giving players the opportunity to experience the authentic casino atmosphere from the comfort of their homes.
Live dealer games contribute a significant part to the revenue of the and are expected to continue doing so. Currently, Golden Nugget leads the ranking with a 57.56% share of its revenue coming from live casino games. At the other end of the spectrum, live games generated only 8% of the revenues for DraftKings and 2.6% for BetMice.
Revenue Generated by Live Dealer Games : Wisconsin Lottery
Evolution is currently the undisputed leader in the segment of live dealer games, streaming its output from specialized studios in Pennsylvania, Maryland, and other locations. The Swedish software giant is the largest provider at the Michigan online casinos BetMGM, Stars Casino, and DraftKings. NetEnt is another major supplier of live games, available only at the Barstool Sportsbook apps.
Payout Rates at Michigan Casino Sites
Another major factor that determines the overall profitability of casino games is their theoretical return to player (RTP). It indicates the hypothetical share of all bets that will be returned as winnings to the players over the long run. The rest will represent the income of the casino.
The RTP is a percentage number expressed without the percent sign. For example, a game with 97% RTP will return $97 in winnings for every $100 wagered on it. However, this is just a theoretical benchmark that does not guarantee any specific outcome from a short session. The results of casino games are based on random number generation. Short sessions may yield results vastly deviating from the theoretical RTP. Long sessions may converge to the predicted value, though this requires large sums of money.
Miami Club Casino No Deposit Bonus Codes + ProfileYou should not chase games with the highest RTP thinking that this will bring you guaranteed profits. These are usually found among the low-margin games like blackjack and video poker. Yet they often require certain skills and strategies to be used effectively. Instead, you should choose the games that suit your style and budget best and that you simply enjoy playing.
RTP Ranges of Popular Casino Game Types
The house edge represents the opposite figure to the RTP. It is the advantage that the casino has engineered into each game to generate a profit. For example, a slot machine with 95% RTP has a 5% house edge. BetMGM publishes the average theory RTP for each slot game on its website. Here are some examples:
Low house edge games are offered under the tag “Vegas Blackjack” and “European Roulette”. They provide a solid foundation for serious players aiming to beat the casino. Other games boast colorful themes, unique features, and high-quality graphics, but many of them have low RTP and high house edge. For this reason, we recommend starting your game session with a smaller bonus, thus preserving a portion of your bankroll for the more profitable games.
Available Payment Methods at Michigan Online Casinos
Funding your casino balance is simple and straightforward at the regulated online gambling sites in Michigan. You can select the Cashier area and choose one of the available deposit methods. Then, you will have to authorize the transaction by entering your password or using a touch ID. Please note that all transactions at licensed online casinos in MI are processed in USD, regardless of the base currency of your payment method. You will be able to see the equivalent amount in your bank statement.
Below are the most common payment methods at online casinos in Michigan:
- Visa/MasterCard or alternative debit cards.
- Bank transfers.
- E-wallets, namely PayPal, Skrill, and Neteller.
- Prepaid cards, such as Paysafecard and Green Dot.
Please consult the individual terms and conditions for information on any additional fees, wait times, and transaction limits. You should also check which payment options can be used for withdrawals. Some deposit-only methods are not available for cashing out, forcing you to choose an alternate solution.
The Best Payment Methods for Online Casino Transactions
Banking at Internet casinos in Michigan is simpler and safer than on the black market because all legitimate operators are obliged to protect your sensitive data with SSL encryption. Moreover, you will be able to complete your transactions quickly and easily with the help of our recommended payment methods listed below:
- Green Dot – Available at BetMGM Casino, this payment voucher is recommended for players who want to keep their banking information private. You can purchase a Green Dot MoneyPak from numerous retail locations throughout the state and get a barcode that you could enter at step 4 of the BetMGM deposit form. The minimum deposit is $10, and the funds will become available immediately. There are no additional fees, and the money will be deducted from your bank account.
- PayPal – This widely recognized e-wallet is accepted for deposits and withdrawals at BetMGM Casino, Caesars Casino, and DraftKings Gambling App. It is fast, convenient, and secure. PayPal is a publicly traded US company, acquired by Elon Musk in the early 2000s. His space transportation company SpaceX continues using the logo, which features the Greek letter delta with a slash. Many people mistakenly believe that it prohibits negative numbers. In reality, it is called deltan, from delta (δ) and the negation symbol (-). The symbol was originally designed by Musk himself. To make a casino deposit with PayPal, you need to link the desired account to your betting account and approate the transaction through your PayPal PIN or password. Deposits of $10 or more are completed instantly. Withdrawals typically take between 4 and 24 hours. The maximum daily limit is $5000, whereas the weekly and monthly limits reach $10,000 and $20,000, respectively.
- Skrill/Neteller – Both online casinos in Michigan accept those P2P payment processors along with PayPal. They are similar in that they facilitate the transfer of funds between parties. The main difference is that you cannot upload funds to your Skrill account from a bank account but only through a variety of other payment methods. The advantage is that you can cash out your casino winnings to Skrill almost immediately, without the need to search for special solutions. Mind that some banks may categorise Skrill, Neteller, and PayPal transactions as cash equivalents and apply daily or weekly limits. It is always recommended to check with your bank about their policies regarding those payment methods.
Bonuses and Promotions at Michigan Online Casinos
Welcome bonuses entice new players to join a specific online casino with a generoso offer to boost their initial bankroll. Those promotions normally double or even triple your first deposit, thus giving you more opportunities to win. All Michigan online casinos offer such signup offers, although they come with many strings attached in the form of restrictive terms and conditions.
The standard procedure is to receive your bonus in stages. Each deposit up to a certain amount will unlock a portion of the promotion. For example, you may receive a 100% match worth up to $1,000, breaking down to $100 for each of the ten deposits of $100 each. Needles to say, you will not receive the bonus if you deposit less than $100.
Caesars Casino Promos to Try in Illinois - Promo Codes & WageringThen, you will have to play through the bonus amount many times in order to convert it into cash. For example, Let’s assume that you deposit $100 and benefit from a 100% bonus, thus receiving $100 extra. This means that you will have to playthrough ($100) x (5x deposit) = $500. Only after you accumulate this much revenue from bets will you be allowed to cash out your winnings and the bonus itself. Please bear in mind that those calculations are simplified and do not take into consideration other restrictions attached to the bonus offers.
Wagering Requirements of the Largest Welcome Bonuses : Wisconsin Lottery
To give you an idea about the restrictions, please consider the following examples of requirements attached to some of the largest welcome bonuses at Michigan online casinos:
- Games Contribution – Almost all games will contribute towards completing the wagering, although with varying efficiency. Slots and virtual table games normally carry a 100% weight, meaning that wagers of $1 will bring $1 towards completing the rollover. Video poker titles generally have a 50% contribution, so you will need to place bets of $2 to clear $1. No-risk blackjack games are usually excluded altogether.
- Validity Period – You will have 7 days to 365 days to complete the rollover and meet the other requirements.
- Minimum Deposit – The lowest amount permitted is $10, although some operators require a minimum deposit of $20 or $30 to participate in the promotion.
- Geographical Restrictions – You can register from any location, but you must be within the state borders to be eligible for the offer and to place real money bets.
- Game Exclusions – Certain titles, features, and side bets may be excluded from the bonus.
- Maximum Beting Limits – Whilst participating in the promotion, you may not be allowed to place bets exceeding $0.50 to $10.
With so many restrictions limiting your freedom, it is hard to recommend any of the welcome offers at Michigan online casinos. Instead, we suggest focusing on the ongoing promotions tailored to your game style and preferences. For instance, a loyal slot player could take advantage of a 50% reload bonus requiring only 10x wagering on slots to get a small amount of extra cash without undue complications.
Realistic Roulette Strategies (And What They Really Yield)High rollers could strive for bigger bonuses with longer validity periods that give them enough time to complete the rollover. Table games players could search for promotions providing protection against busts or insurance against losses. Overall, you will have plenty of opportunities to benefit from reload bonuses, VIP rewards, tournament prizes, and other perks at the best Michigan online casinos.
Michigan Online Casino Apps Ranked by Experts
Loads of exciting games, tempting bonuses, and many other perks await you at the top Michigan online casinos. After a thorough review of all fully operational platforms, we have handpicked our favourite contenders for the title of the ‘Best Online Casino in Michigan’. Check out their pros and cons to decide which one would work best for you.
The History of Gambling in Michigan
Michigan is famous for its thriving Indian casino industry, which started in 1983 when the Bay Mills Indian Community opened an illegal gambling establishment known as the Kings Club. The state of Minnesota filed a lawsuit against the tribe and its members, demanding a cease and desist order. The defendants replied with a countersuit, claiming immunity based on the 1976 Supreme Court ruling in the favor of the Seminole Tribe of Florida. In 1987, the District Court applied the same precedent to declare the Michigan Indian Gaming Regulatory Act unconstitutional and dismissed all charges against the Kings Club staff and patrons.
Emboldened by this success, other tribes in Michigan decided to open their own gambling venues. The Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Porcupine Hills Reserve opened the Ducky Lake Casino in 1988, followed by the Sault Ste. Marie Band of Chippewa Indians with the Kickn' Sally's Casino in 1989. Again, the state of Michigan took legal actions, but in 1990, the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the two casinos could remain open.
Encouraged by this decision, more tribes signed a compact with the governor authorizing them to offer Class II gaming. The Sault Ste. Marie Tribe opened the St. Ignace Casino, and the Match-E-Be-Nim-Me-Za-Band of Pottawatomie Indians launched the FireLake Casino. The Bay Mills Community Center was finally shut down in a showdown with the state police in 1992 but reopened as the Bay Mills Casino and later renamed Kings Club Casino.
Under President Obama’s administration, the Department of the Interior acknowledged the sovereignty of 11 Michigian tribes, allowing them to offer Las Vegas-style Class III gambling. Many tribal casinos sprang up across the state, including the popular Soaring Eagle Casino and Resort. Today, there are 12 recognized tribal casinos in Michigan, owned by 12 different tribes.
Lottery and Bingo
Before the arrival of the Indian casinos, the only form of expanded gambling in Michigan was the state lottery, legalized in 1972. Its rapid success encouraged lawmakers to add bingo to the authorized forms of gambling through the 1976 revised criminal penal code. Fraternal organizations were allowed to offer bingo games with prizes up to $2,500. Later, in 1984, the Laws Revision Commission approved the supplement to the Michigan Compiled Laws, permitting charitable organizations to hold bingo games with prizes up to $60,000 and raffles with max prizes of $20,000.
Horse Race Betting
Michigan legalized off-track wagering on pari-mutuel races in 1933, but the first legal bet was placed only in 1939 at the Motor City Race Course in Warren. Unfortunately, the track closed doors in 1995, followed by the other two racetracks in the state. Nowadays, horse racing is possible only at the singles 15 simulcasting facilities spread around Michigan.
Poker Rooms
Michigan became one of the few US states that have legalized and regulated both live and online poker rooms. The journey began in 1998 when Governor Engler removed poker from the list of gambling games prohibited for charitable organizations. Since then, nonprofits have been raising funds through Texas Hold’em tournaments. Players over 18 years of age are allowed to attend. Rebets are prohibited, and buy-ins are capped at $250 per hand. Prizes should be awarded based on chance rather than skill.
Sports Betting
Sports betting is not yet available at Michigan online gambling sites, but lawmakers are working on a bill to legalize the activity soon. Under House Bill 4308 and 4309, introduced in 2019, bettors would be allowed to wager on the outcomes of all professional sports and events involving colleges except those involving minor leagues, high school teams, and the Essexville Hamilton High School baseball team. The proposed bill foresees four types of licenses: in-person sportsbooks at land-based casinos and horse race tracks; standalone online sportsbooks; sports betting skins connected to an existing casino license; retail sports betting kiosks. The proposed tax rate is 8%. The bills were sent to the Committee on Finance on March 18, 2019, but neither of them has been enacted into law so far.
Michigan Gambling Revenue
Since the launch of the first tribal casino in 1988, the Michigan gambling industry has experienced steady growth. Class III gaming revenues reached over $1.6 billion in 2019, representing a year-on-year increase of 10.3%. The best performing casino type was slot machines, generating $1.1 billion and contributing 69.4% to the gross gaming revenue of the class. Table games brought $529 million, representing a decrease of 2.6% versus 2018. Among slots, coin denominations above $0.25 performed best, bringing $769 million (+13.2%) and surpassing for the first time the revenues from coins worth $0.05-$0.25 (-4.7%) that used to be favoured for decades. As for table games, the revenues from wager to win (WTW) games amounted to $297 million (+4.2%), while revenues from non-WTW games declined by 6% to $232 million.
Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of Michigan from 2001 to 2021 : Wisconsin Lottery
The COVID-19 pandemic caused a 19.9% drop in revenue from Indian casinos in 2020, largely due to temporary closures beginning in mid-March. More than a year later, in April 2021, the 12 tribes reported a combined handle of $276.8 million from retail and online sports betting, resulting in $7.1 million in revenue and $5.3 million in taxes paid to the state. Of that total revenue, Ducky MBET – operated by the Muckleshoot Tribe of Washington State – claimed the biggest share (43.2%) or $3
