Regulated Offshore Poker Sites
For the rest of the country, I recommend trusted offshore sites such as Global Poker and Bovada Poker. Is PokerStars a legit poker site? There's no questioning that PokerStars is one of the most legitimate poker sites online, even if I don't like them as a player. If you don't have access to state-regulated poker games, no worries you can legally access one of the licensed and regulated offshore poker sites that accept US players recommended on this page. The only states that make it iffy to engage in licensed offshore poker.
Regulated Offshore Poker Sites Games
Regulated Offshore Poker Sites Real Money Michigan Online Gambling Launch Dates
Online Casinos: Launch Date January 22, 2021
Online Sports Betting: Launch Date January 22, 2021
Online Poker: Launch Date January 29, 2021
Michigans gambling bills legalized online sports betting as well as online casino games and poker. Michigan is the fifth state to legalize all three, joining New Jersey , Pennsylvania , Delaware, and West Virginia . By the start of February 2021, 10 online casino apps launched in Michigan.
House Bill 4916 legalized sports betting, both retail and online, in the state. House Bill 4311 authorizes online casinos and poker rooms. House Bill 4308 formally legalized Daily Fantasy Sports in the Great Lakes State.
These new online platforms are certain to boost Michigans gambling economy. House Bill 4311 also legalized retail sportsbooks, which have already launched at some of the states 26 land-based casinos.
When the plans put forth by HB 4311 reach full maturity, the selection of online gambling options in the state will rival even the biggest US online gambling markets, such as New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Michigan Online Casinos
Golden Nugget Online Casino
FanDuel Casino Michigan
WynnBet Casino
BetRivers Michigan
BetMGM Michigan
DraftKings Casino Michigan
William Hill Casino
TwinSpires Casino (formerly BetAmerica)
Stars Casino by Poker Stars
Barstool Casino Best Michigan Online Casino Bonuses Golden Nugget Michigan
Golden Nugget launched an online casino through its partnership with Ojibwa Casino. The property is operated by the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community.
Golden Nugget is a renowned iGaming brand, especially in New Jersey. Michigan players can look forward to an ever-expanding game selection at Golden Nugget Michigan. FanDuel Michigan
Motor City Casino chose FanDuel as the technology partner for its upcoming legal online casino platform. FanDuels growth from a fantasy sports brand to a multi-faceted iGaming company includes the introduction of the FanDuel Casino platform in multiple states.
FanDuel Casino launched in Michigan on Jan. 22, 2021. The casino welcomes new players with a risk-free day bonus up to $200. WynnBet Casino
The Salut Tribe of Chippewa Indians inked a partnership with iGaming company GAN to offer online gambling to Michigan players. This means Michigan players can access the WynnBet Casino in Michigan.
GAN software powers other legal US online gambling platforms like Betfair Casino New Jersey, one of the top revenue-earning iGaming skins in the US market. The Salut Tribe of Chippewa Indians operates the Kewadin Casino brand, which includes five retail properties.
WynnBet MI launched as an integrated online sportsbook and casino on January 22, 2021. For a limited time, new bettors can claim 200 free spins plus $1,000 in a deposit match bonus offer. BetRivers Michigan
Rush Street Interactives portfolio of iGaming products includes the BetRivers and PlaySugarHouse brands. Those brands continue to expand in the legal US online gaming industry, with the capability of offering the full gamut of mobile gambling products. Michigans Little River Casino partners with Rush Street Interactive in its iGaming offerings.
BetRivers launched an integrated online casino and sportsbook platform in Michigan on Jan. 22, 2021. The BetRivers MI welcome bonus includes a 100 deposit match up to $250, with just a 1x playthrough requirement. BetMGM Online Casino
The Roar Digital brand operates as a partnership between MGM Resorts International and British sports betting technology powerhouse GVC Holdings.
This collaboration of major players in the gaming industry powers the BetMGM online gambling platforms already operating in several US states. Retail property MGM Grand Detroit launched a BetMGM platform for its online casino offering in Michigan on Jan. 22, 2021. Regulated Offshore Poker Sites Games
BetMGM also recently partnered with Evolution Gaming. The companies plan to launch live dealer games as part of a robust online casino offering in Michigan. New players at BetMGM can enjoy a 100 deposit match bonus up to $1,000, plus $25 on the house. DraftKings Michigan
Although most known for its online sports betting and Daily Fantasy Sports offerings, DraftKings also operates one of Michigans most exciting online casinos. DraftKings license partnership with Bay Mills Resort Casinos includes online casino gaming, online sports betting, and retail sports betting.
Michigan players can sign up for a new account at DraftKings Casino and get a 100 deposit match bonus up to $1,500, as well as $10 in free betting credits. Additional Michigan Online Casinos William Hill
One of the worlds biggest iGaming brands, William Hills reputation as a powerhouse in the US sports betting industry is unrivaled.
As legal online gambling in the US expands, William Hill continues to extend its online casino and sports betting platforms into new territories.
William Hills foray into Michigan comes as a product of a partnership with the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians. The tribe owns the Leelanau Sands Casino and the Turtle Creek Hotel Casino.
William Hill launched a hybrid sports betting and casino app in Michigan on January 22, 2021. Signing up at William Hill Casino Michigan yields 24 hours of risk-free playing up to $100 as a welcome bonus. TwinSpires
TwinSpires (owned by Churchill Downs) operates in Michigan by way of a partnership with the Hannahville Indian Community, which owns and operates Island Resort Casino in Harris,
The TwinSpires online casino and sportsbook platform went live in Michigan on Jan. 22, 2021. New players can enjoy up to $500 of risk-free play in their first week after depositing at TwinSpires MI Casino. Regulated Offshore Poker Sites Real Money Stars Casino By PokerStars
The worlds biggest online gambling brand, The Stars Group, expands into Michigan through a partnership with the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indian Gaming Authority.
The tribe owns two casinos, Odawa Casino Mackinaw and Odawa Casino Petoskey. The Stars Group already operates a PokerStars-branded online casino in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
In Michigan, The Stars Group launched its FOX Bet Sportsbook, PokerStars poker app, and Stars Casino all on the same day. Barstool Casino
One of the biggest name on sports on the internet, Barstool Sports launched its sportsbook during 2020. As part of its intensive growth plans, Barstool plans to launch almost a dozen sportsbooks in states around the US. Its Barstool Casino launched on February 1, 2021. It will be interesting to see if Michigan sports bettors flock to the casino app in the same way as Golden Nugget or BetMGM, more established casino industry brands. Four Winds Casino
Four Winds Casino launched its online casino app in February 2021, making it the first Michigan tribal casino to launch a casino app under its own name, rather than an international brand. Additional Casinos Launching Later In 2021 PointsBet
In addition to expanding its sports betting presence in the US, Australian company PointsBet is bringing its online casino project to Michigan. They partnered with the Lac Vieux Desert Public Enterprise and Finance Commission under the license of Northern Waters Casino Resort. FireKeepers Online Casino
FireKeepers Casino entered into a partnership with proven iGaming brand Scientific Games for the tribal casinos upcoming online gaming platforms.
Scientific Games interactive gaming partners include Golden Nugget Casino New Jersey, Caesars Interactive, Rush Street Interactive, and numerous others in the US industry. What Online Casino Bonuses Are Available In Michigan?
Michigans legal online casino sites launched with the first wave of products hitting the market on Jan. 22, 2021. Bonuses at the states mobile casinos look similar to what weve seen in other states. Deposit Match Bonuses
Deposit match bonuses award bonus money based on the amount a player deposits. The most commonly offered bonus across US iGaming platforms, deposit match bonuses, give players a percentage of a deposit back as a bonus, up to a certain amount.
For example, Golden Nugget Casino Michigan offers a generous deposit match bonus for new players. Golden Nugget Casino players receive a 100 match bonus on deposits up to $1,000.
Using that offer, new players earn up to $1,000 in bonus money. Deposit match bonuses usually require a certain amount of playthrough to unlock the bonus.
Playthrough requires the player to wager a multiple of the deposit to unlock the full bonus. Playthrough requirements can range from 1x to 30x the deposit.
On most platforms, the match bonus is unlocked in smaller increments as players advance through the playthrough requirement. Risk-Free Days
Some online casinos extend the opportunity of a risk-free day for players to try out the platform. A risk-free day offers a rebate on losses up to a certain amount.
The risk-free day period generally gives players a 24-hour window after the first deposit.
At FanDuel Casino MI, for example, new players are eligible for a risk-free day up to $200. Using this offer, the casino refunds new players up to $200 in losses in the first 24 hours after depositing. Free Sign-Up Bonuses
Many mobile casino platforms offer free wagering funds just for signing up. No deposit is necessary for these bonuses.
At BetMGM Michigan, for instance, new players get $25 in betting credits just for signing up. The $25 is issued as casino credit and must be wagered on the platform before it can be withdrawn as real money. How To Deposit At Michigans Online Casinos ACH/eCheck
Across all US legal online gambling sites, ACH/eCheck is the most universally accepted deposit method. An eCheck deposit uses an online bank account to draft an electronic check, which then goes through an Automatic Clearing House (ACH) for processing.
ACH/eCheck deposits instantly become available on a players online casino balance once theyre processed. Prepaid Cards
The prepaid card option isnt as widely available as ACH/eCheck. On the platforms that offer prepaid card deposits, however, this method is one of the fastest and most reliable ways to get funds into an online casino balance.
Certain online casino platforms offer prepaid cards directly. Players load money onto cards with money from a debit or credit card. From there, the funds are immediately available for use at the casino.
Once loaded, the casino mails a physical version of the prepaid card to the player within 7-10 days. Theres no need to wait for the physical card to show up to start playing, however. The prepaid card is ready for use as soon as funds are loaded. PayPal
PayPal offers one of the most reliable and widely accepted methods for getting money onto a legal online gambling site.
The process takes extra verification steps compared to other deposit methods but yields an almost 100 acceptance rate. Players 21 and over with a valid US PayPal account have access to this deposit method. Debit Cards
Debit cards are another widely offered deposit method at US legal online casinos. The biggest concern about debit card deposits is a relatively high rejection rate from issuing banks.
When a debit card deposit does make it through, the funds are instantly available for play at the online casino. eWallet
Skrill and Neteller are a couple of the eWallet options accepted for deposits at some legal mobile gambling sites. These methods do come with fees, however, generally around 3 per deposit. Casino Cage Deposit
Visiting the land-based casino that operates a given online platform is another way to register for an account, and deposit funds, at a legal mobile casino. Do Michigan Online Casinos Offer Live Dealer Games?
Michigans legal online casinos will likely offer live dealer games at some point, although none of the eight casinos going live on Jan. 22 had live dealer games on the menu.
Live dealer games allow players to interact with a physical table, and a human dealer, with real-life games, streamed from a secure studio.
BetMGM and Evolution have inked a deal to provide live dealer games in Michigan. So far, this is the most high-profile deal of its kind in the state, though more will almost certainly follow. Blackjack
Live dealer Blackjack offers online players the social experience of live blackjack, with the convenience of the mobile gaming experience.
These games play virtually exactly like a live blackjack game at a land-based casino. A human dealer deals the cards at a physical table. Online players interact with both the dealer and other players. Roulette
Many of the variants of roulette found at a land-based casino can be played as live dealer games on legal online casino sites as well.
Live dealer versions of American and European Roulette play exactly like they do in a live setting. The only difference is that players can participate from the comfort of a mobile device or desktop at home. Other Games
Baccarat and casino table games like Casino Holdem and Three Card Poker are offered as live dealer games at many legal online casinos. These games play exactly as they do at a retail casino. Progressive Jackpots At Michigans Online Casinos
Michigans online casinos include enticing progressive jackpot slots. The following list includes some of the most popular progressive slots offered in the state: Divine Fortune
Divine Fortune sits at the top of the list of most popular progressive online slots in the US. This slot is found at numerous online casinos in Michigan.
The Divine Fortune Mega Jackpot can reach totals of more than $300,000. The Big One
The Big One network of progressive jackpot slots resides exclusively at BetMGM Michigan.
This collection of slots operate as different games, linked to the same progressive grand prize. That grand prize jackpot started at six figures when BetMGM launched in Michigan.
Big One progressive jackpot titles include MGM Grand Millions, Looten Khamun, and Book of Myths. Online Casinos Come To Michigan
Numerous US states are jumping into the pool when it comes to online sports betting, but Michigan is just one of five states to legalize online casinos. With the passage of HB 4311, Michigan now joins Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, and West Virginia as a state with legal, regulated online casinos. West Virginia launched its online casinos in 2020, and Michigan debuted its mobile casino platforms in January 2021. Current Tribal Casino Landscape
Like those other states, Michigans land-based casinos operate the legal online casino sites. The retail casino industry in Michigan, however, has a different makeup than the other states.
Out of 26 total casinos in the state, 23 are tribal casinos. House Bill 4311 allows for all state casino ownership groups, both tribal and commercial, to apply for online gaming licenses.
The language of the bill contains a unique provision. It provides that at least one commercial and one tribal casino must be licensed to offer interactive gaming (iGaming) for any of the states casinos to offer iGaming. This provision is in place to ensure a competitive balance between tribal and commercial casinos. Michigan Aims For NJ-Style Success
New Jersey is the benchmark state for US online casino gaming performance. After all, it was the first state to legalize and launch online casinos. By far the largest US market, New Jerseys online casino industry has generated nearly $1.46 billion in revenue since the launch of the states first online casinos in December 2013.
Michigans online casinos launched with full lineups of classic casino games. This includes blackjack, roulette, craps, slots, video poker, and casino table games.
Live dealer games, which allow online players to interact with a live dealer and other players, are popular in New Jersey. BetMGM and Evolution gaming recently partnered to launch live dealer games in Michigan. Michigans online casinos dont include live dealer games yet, but they will at some point.
The convenience of playing from home or anywhere within the state makes online casino gaming a hit in New Jersey. The same is true in Pennsylvanias emerging market.
The ability to deposit, withdraw, and play a wide variety of casino games on a mobile phone or desktop computer has led to the growing popularity of the market in states where mobile casinos legally operate. Michigan looks staged to replicate this success as a state that has legalized online gambling in almost every form. Who Could Be Big Players In Michigan?
Michigans online gambling legalization drew the biggest names in the industry to the Wolverine State. DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, Golden Nugget, BetRivers, and other big-name brands all launched mobile casino apps in January 2021, Michigan Online Gambling Options: The Run-Down Real Money Online Casinos
The massive gambling expansion outlined in HB 4311 includes the legalization of online casinos.
Michigan is one of only five states to legalize online casino gaming, along with New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and West Virginia.
Michigan hopes to see its mobile casino market catch on and grow in a similar fashion to Pennsylvania, another newcomer to the online casino industry. Pennsylvanias online casinos earned a record $19.5 million in revenue in February 2020, growing nearly 40 percent over the previous month.
In a state that hosts 23 tribal and three commercial casinos, the launch of casino iGaming should give a welcome boost to the Michigan economy. Online Sports Betting
House Bill 4916, aka the Lawful Sports Betting Act, brings a new era of sports betting to Michigan, both retail and online. With a population of 10 million and a deep tradition of both college and professional sports, the Michigan sports betting market looks to be poised for success.
Much like several other states with legal sports betting, the industrys biggest brands operate in Michigan. These brands offer sports betting platforms through partnerships with retail casinos in the state.
Brands like FanDuel Sportsbook, FOX Bet, William Hill, BetMGM, and PointsBet have partnerships in place with state casinos. Michigan bettors can expect to see mobile betting platforms from these companies at some point.
Michigans first wave of online sportsbooks debuted in January 2021.
See our Guide To Online Sportsbooks In Michigan. Online Poker
While the online sports betting industry booms in the US, legal online poker currently operates in just a few states. The December 2019 online gambling legislation passed in the Wolverine State put Michigan on the list of markets that to offer state-regulated online poker. The first online poker app, PokerStars, launched on January 29, 2021.
PokerStars parent company, The Stars Group operates as a license partner to the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indian Gaming Authority. The tribe owns a pair of land-based casinos in Michigan.
Michigans online poker market should also see partypoker offering legal poker to Michigan players. Partypokers parent company, GVC Holdings, launched online gambling under the license of MGM Grand Detroit. Michigan Online Lottery
Visit : Michigan Lottery
Michigan was one of the first states to implement online options for the state lottery. The Michigan Lottery started to offer online purchases in 2014.
With this option to play online in place, the Michigan Lottery realized record sales figures in both 2018 ($3.6 billion) and 2019 ($3.9 billion).
Michigans online lottery platform allows players to purchase entries for a wide variety of instant win and drawing games. The Michigan Lotto 47, an in-state drawing game, offers jackpots reaching well into seven figures.
Online purchases for multi-state lotteries like MegaMillions and Powerball are also at the disposal of Michigan players. Michigan Lottery can be played online on both desktop and mobile apps for iOS and Android. History Of Michigan Lottery
In May 1972, Michigan voters approved a constitutional amendment to introduce a state lottery. Public Act 239 was signed into law in August 1972, which formally legalized the lottery.
The first lottery tickets were made available to the public in November 1972. By the end of 1977, the Michigan Lottery offered a variety of games. This included instant win tickets and the Daily 3 drawing game.
In August 1996, Michigan, in collaboration with five other states, begins offering the Big Game. The Big Game was the first multi-state lottery to operate in the US.
The Big Game eventually evolved into MegaMillions. It is currently one of the two biggest multi-state lotteries in the US. MegaMillions now includes 45 states. Michigan also participates in Powerball, which is the other major national lottery games.
Michigan became one of the first states to implement online lottery ticket sales, which started in August 2014. The Michigan Lottery app offers purchases to almost every in-state instant win and drawing game, as well as MegaMillions and Powerball.
All profits from the Michigan Lottery go to the Michigan School Aid Fund. Since its inception in 1972, the Michigan Lottery has contributed more than $23.4 billion to the fund.
Check out our full Guide To The Michigan Online Lottery. Or, purchase tickets for the Michigan Lottery here. Daily Fantasy Sports
The gambling-expansion bills signed by Gov. Whitmer included HB 4308, a bill that regulates paid fantasy sports.
Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) giants like FanDuel and DraftKings operated in Michigan for years without regulation. This practice is common in the US. FanDuel and DraftKings operate in about 40 states, with only around half of those states having explicit DFS regulations in place.
HB 4308 doesnt change anything about the actual execution of fantasy sports sites. DFS operators can continue to offer their services. With the new legislation in place, DFS operators will be taxed by the state at the same rate (8.4 percent) as legal sportsbooks.
The bill set licensing fees for fantasy sports operators at a considerably lower rate than many other states. The intent is to allow smaller DFS brands to compete in the Michigan market. Online Horse Racing
The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) issued an order to legalize online horse race betting on May 6, 2020. Prior to the order, horse race wagering was limited to in-person betting at the states lone operating racetrack, Northville Downs.
No standalone off-track betting facilities operate in the state, but Northville Downs does offer simulcast race betting,
With the order from the MGCB in place, Michigan bettors can now enjoy access to legal wagering platforms like TwinSpires and BetAmerica. These mobile apps open up a new world of horse racing options for Michigan bettors, with the convenience of wagering from anywhere within state borders. Sweepstakes Casinos
State-regulated online casinos are up and running in Michigan. Additionally, sweepstakes sites like Chumba Casino are available to Michigan players and offer a variety of casino games.
Chumba Casino allows for players to purchase Gold Coins to be used for play-money games. Players receive an amount of Sweeps Coins as a gift that comes along with the Gold Coins packages.
Sweeps Coins can also be obtained for free through various offers. Gold Coins games and Sweeps Coins games both offer a variety of classic casino staples like slots, roulette, blackjack, and casino table games. Best Sweepstakes Sites In Michigan
Chumba Casino
LuckyLand Slots
Funzpoints Sweepstakes Poker Sites
Chumba Casino also operates Global Poker, the largest sweepstakes poker site available to US players. Like Chumba Casino, the games on Global Poker are mini-sweepstakes games.
Players purchase Gold Coins packages for play-money poker games. Those packages award an amount of Sweeps Coins that come along with the Gold Coins purchase. Players can also receive Sweeps Coins as a free gift through various offers from Global Poker.
Like Chumba Casino, players can redeem Sweeps Coins for cash prizes. Sweeps Coins are never available for direct purchase. They can only be obtained as a gift with Gold Coins purchases or by special free offers. Legal Versus Illegal Online Casinos
The US legal online casino industry is just beginning to take shape. Michigan joins a list of just a handful of states offering legal, state-regulated online casino gaming.
With Michigans legal mobile casinos going live, players in the state enjoy access to a virtual casino landscape thats owned and operated by Michigans retail casinos. Michigan Online Casino Regulations
The National Indian Gaming Commission regulates Michigans tribal casinos. The Michigan Gaming Control Board provides oversight of the states commercial casinos. These agencies ensure that the casinos in their respective jurisdiction operate with transparency and accountability.
Tribal and commercial casinos in Michigan conduct business as part of multi-billion-dollar industries. Both the National Indian Gaming Commission and the Michigan Gaming Control Board have a vested interest in fair games and player safety for customers of Michigans casinos.
Michigans regulated tribal and commercial casinos own and operate the states online casinos. As such, playing at a legal, state-regulated online casino platform in Michigan presents the same level of security as playing at a legal retail casino in the state. Risks To Offshore Betting
Offshore casinos operate illegally in the US. These platforms are not subject to the same regulations as legal online casinos.
Playing at an offshore casino can be a riskier proposition than playing at a state-regulated casino. Players that visit offshore online casinos do so at their own risk. Timeline For Legal Gambling In Michigan
1933 The first form of legalized gambling became available in the form of pari-mutuel horse race betting. The Racing Act of 1933 legalized pari-mutuel betting on races. It also created the Office of Racing Commissioner to oversee the new industry.
1972 Michigan voters approved a constitutional amendment permitting a state lottery. Then Gov. William Milliken signed Public Act 239 into law later that same year. By the end of 1972, the newly created Michigan Lottery offered the first games.
1984 Tribal casinos launched in Michigan. Fred Dakota, a member of the Keweenaw Bay Indian Tribe, challenged the states legal right to regulate gambling on tribal lands. Dakota opened a casino called The Pines in January 1984. The casino consisted of a single blackjack table in Dakotas garage. Later in 1984, large-scale tribal casinos started to operate. The Bay Mills Indian Band opened Kings Casino Club, the first tribally owned casino in the US. By the end of 1985, multiple tribal properties started to offer casino gaming.
1996 Michigan, along with five other states, started to offer tickets for the Big Game, the first multi-state lottery in the US. The Big Game eventually evolved into what is now known as MegaMillions, involving 45 US. states.
1997 The Michigan Gaming Control and Revenue Act was signed into law. State voters passed the bill, originally called Proposal E, in November 1996. The bill permitted the construction of three commercial casinos in Detroit. The MGM Grand Detroit and MotorCity Casino Hotel both opened in 1999. The Greektown Casino-Hotel opened in 2000.
2014 Online sales for the Michigan Lottery began in November. This made instant win games available for purchase online. Tickets for in-state and multi-state drawing games started online in January 2016.
2018 Both the Michigan Senate and House of Representatives passed a bill to legalize online gambling. The bill only needed a signature from then-Governor Rick Snyder to go into law. Snyder instead vetoed the bill just days before his gubernatorial term ends.
2019 A package of bills that included legislation to legalize sports betting (both retail and online), online casinos, and online poker passed the state Senate and House. Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed these bills into law in December. The passage set the foundation for significant gambling expansion in the state.
2020 The first of Michigans legal retail sportsbooks went live in March, but only briefly. The COVID-19 pandemic forced nationwide shutdowns of casinos just days later.
2020 Online horse race betting legalized by the Michigan Gaming Control Board.
2021 Michigans legal online sportsbooks and casinos go live. Ten online sportsbooks and eight online casinos launch on Jan. 22, 2021. Recent History Of Michigan Online Gambling
The state first approved and regulated online lottery as the first form of online gambling in Michigan. The Michigan Lottery started to offer online purchases of instant win game tickets in November 2014. In January 2016, Michigan Lottery added options to buy tickets for in-state and national drawing games as well.
Pro-gambling lawmakers, led by former Michigan State Representative Robert Kosowski, began to advance the narrative for legalized sports betting in 2015. In 2017, State Representative Brandt Iden drafted a Lawful Internet Gaming Act bill. The bill was designed to legalize internet-based sports betting if the then-effective federal ban on sports betting was ever overturned.
By 2018, the prospects of legal online gambling in Michigan began to gain serious momentum. A package of bills outlining the legalization of online casino games, retail and online sports betting, and online poker made it through both the state House and Senate. Overcoming The Veto Hurdle
The bills faced one final hurdle. Then Gov. Rick Snyder vetoed the bills instead of signing them into law. This happened just days before his term as governor ended. Snyder vetoed the gaming bills in December 2018, which pushed Michigan back to square one.
Governor Whitmer took over in the governors office the following January. With Whitmer in office, 2019 proved to be a landmark year in the advancement of Michigans iGaming initiatives. A package of internet gaming bills, similar to 2018, once again made it through the state House and Senate.
These gaming bills made it to the governors desk for the second consecutive year. This time, they received the required signatures from Gov. Whitmer.
The bills package included HB 4311, which legalized online sports betting, casino games, and poker in Michigan. Michigan is now one of five states in which all three of those gaming verticals are legal.
Operators in all three areas can launch iGaming platforms via license partnerships with Michigans retail casinos. The Michigan Gaming Control Board approved 15 different iGaming operators in December 2020.
Legal online gambling platforms launched in Michigan on Jan. 22, 2021. History Of Live Gambling In Michigan
Pari-mutuel horse race wagering was the first form of legal gambling in Michigan. The Racing Act of 1933 legalized betting on horse races. The states first legal wagers took place in September 1933.
The state established the Michigan Lottery in 1972. This introduced instant win and drawing games to the state.
In 1984, a single individual in the Keweenaw Bay Indian Tribe took the first step for what would eventually become a robust live casino industry in the state. Fred Dakota challenged the states stance toward regulated gambling on tribal lands by operating a single blackjack table in his garage.
Other tribal gaming interests soon followed suit. Kings Club Casino became the first tribally owned casino in the US, opening later in 1984. Michigans casino industry has grown to include 23 tribal casinos.
The 1997 Michigan Gaming Control and Revenue Act authorized the construction of three Detroit-area commercial casinos. All three of those properties started to operate by 2000. As of 2020, Michigan is home to a total of 26 casinos. Michigan Live Gambling At A Glance FAQ Answer Is lottery legal in Michigan? Yes, the Michigan Lottery launched in 1972. Michigan players have access to in-state instant win games and drawings, as well as multi-state lotteries like Powerball and MegaMillions Does Michigan have casinos? Yes, Michigan is home to 26 total casinos, including 23 tribal and 3 commercial properties Does Michigan have racetracks? Yes, Michigan has one horse racetrack, Northville Downs Where else can I gamble in Michigan? Online casinos, sports betting, and poker are legalized. Michigans mobile gaming platforms launched in January 2021. Players can play on these iGaming sites from anywhere within state borders What is the minimum gambling age? 21 (18 for lottery and horse racing) Who regulates gambling? The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) and the National Indian Gaming Commission Casinos In Michigan
Michigan is home to 26 casinos, with 23 tribal casinos situated throughout the state, as well as three commercial casinos in Detroit.
Players can find tribal casinos all over the Michigan map. There are 12 in the Lower Peninsula and the other 11 in the Upper Peninsula. Kings Club Casino, located in the Upper Peninsulas Bay Mills Township, was the first tribally owned casino to open in the US. It started operations in 1984. Michigan Casino Locations Casino Name Location Bay Mills Resort Casino Brimley FireKeepers Casino Hotel Battle Creek Four Winds New Buffalo New Buffalo Four Winds Hartford Hartford Four Winds Dowagiac Dowagiac Gun Lake Casino Wayland Island Resort Casino Bark River Kewadin Casino Christmas Christmas Kewadin Casino Hessel Hessel Kewadin Casino Manistique Manistique Kewadin Casino Hotel and Convention Center Sault Sainte Marie Kewadin Shores Casino St. Ignace Kings Club Casino Brimley Leelanau Sands Casino Suttons Bay Little River Casino Manistee Northern Waters Casino Resort Watersmeet Odawa Mackinaw City Casino
Mackinaw City Odawa Petoskey Casino Petoskey Ojibwa Baraga Casino Baraga Ojibwa Marquette Casino II Marquette Saganing Eagles Landing Casino Standish Soaring Eagle Casino Mt. Pleasant Turtle Creek Casino Williamsburg Greektown Casino-Hotel Detroit MGM Grand Detroit Detroit MotorCity Casino Hotel Detroit Tribal Casinos In Michigan
The opening of the Kings Club Casino by the Bay Mills Indian Band was just the beginning of a long history of tribal gaming in Michigan. Five more tribal casinos opened by the end of 1985.
At the time, these tribal casinos operated in a legal grey area. The Supreme Court of the United States ruled in 1987 that Native American tribes could legally operate on tribal lands. In 1988, the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act further defined the legal relationship between tribal gaming industries and state regulatory agencies.
The Indian Gaming Regulatory Act required Michigans tribal casinos to enter a state compact. The Act provided that tribes retained exclusive rights to operate casino gaming throughout the entire state. This included off-reservation lands.
The compact required the tribes to pay 10 percent of revenue from video gambling machines to the state. As of 2021, the industry has grown to include 23 tribal casinos. Commercial Casinos In Michigan
The 1997 passage of the Michigan Gaming Control and Revenue Act authorized the construction of three commercial casinos in Detroit. This bill negates parts of the state compact, as tribal interests no longer held exclusive rights to operate casinos in the state. The tribal casinos were also no longer required to pay the 10 percent tax on video gaming profits.
All three of the proposed Detroit-area casinos opened in 1999 and 2000. The MGM Grand Detroit, MotorCity Casino Hotel, and Greektown Casino-Hotel are still in business as of 2020.
These three casinos realized all-time highs in combined revenue for both 2018 ($1.44 billion) and 2019 ($1.45 billion).
Michigans tribal casinos are owned and operated by 12 different Native American tribes. Of the commercial casinos, MGM Resorts International owns the MGM Grand. IH Gaming owns the MotorCity Casino Hotel. Penn National Gaming operates Vici Properties, which in turn owns Greektown Casino. Other Reading On Michigan Gambling Michigan Online Casinos Gambling FAQ
Yes. Michigan is home to 23 tribal and three commercial casinos, all of which legally offer gambling in the state.
Michigan was one of the first states to introduce tribally owned casinos. These properties can be found throughout the state. The state authorizes tribal casinos to operate anywhere in the state, including on non-reservation lands.
Michigans three commercial casinos are all located in Detroit. How old do you have to be to gamble in Michigan?
18 at some casinos, 19 or 21 at others. Michigans tribal casinos can individually set the minimum gambling age at their respective properties. Depending on the casino, this age can be 18, 19, or 21.
The minimum age to gamble at the three Detroit commercial casinos is 21. For horse racing and lottery, the minimum age is 18.
All online gambling platforms mandate a minimum age of 21, including those licensed to tribal casinos. Do I have to pay taxes on gambling winnings in Michigan?
Yes, on gambling winnings of $5,000 or more. Federal laws require a 25 percent tax to be paid on all gambling wins of $5,000 or more.
For proper tax reporting, the casino will require paperwork for any players winning $5,000 or more. If a player provides a social security number, the casino withholds 25 percent. If the SSN is not provided, the casino withholds 28 percent.
The state tax rate of 4.25 percent also applies to winnings of more than $5,000. It is the players responsibility to report winnings to the state.
Yes. Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed off on a package of bills in December 2019 that legalized online sports betting, casino games, and poker. Michigans online gambling platforms launched on January 22, 2021.
The Michigan Gaming Control Board regulates the states land-based tribal and commercial casinos. The land-based casinos operate all legal online gambling sites.
Michigan legalized online horse race betting in May 2020. TwinSpires and BetAmerica online wagering sites now operate legally in Michigan. The Michigan Lottery also offers online purchases for tickets. Do you have to be a resident of Michigan to gamble online in the state?
No, apart from the online lottery. Michigans online gambling platforms allow any players within state borders who are of legal gambling age to play.
Purchasing online tickets for the Michigan Lottery is different. Players must be located in Michigan and be able to provide proof of residency.
Yes. In 2019, Gov. Whitmer signed off on a package of bills that legalized sports betting, both online and retail.
Michigans tribal and commercial casinos are eligible to apply for licenses and to launch online sportsbooks in the state. The first 10 of Michigans mobile sportsbooks launched in January 2021.
The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) and the National Indian Gaming Commission. The MGCB, a government agency, regulates commercial casinos in the state.
The National Indian Gaming Commission oversees tribal casino operations. Both of these agencies take part in the overall regulation of Michigans online gambling industry. How can I deposit and withdraw on Michigans online gambling sites?
A variety of options should be available for players to deposit and withdraw when Michigans online gambling platforms launch. This includes ACH/eCheck, credit/debit cards, prepaid cards, casino cage deposit, PayPal, eWallets, and wire transfers.
These are the most common ways to deposit and withdraw in other states that offer legal online gambling.
Yes. DraftKings Casino is partnered with Bay Mills to offer online sports betting and an online casino as well.
The DraftKings Casino homepage displays a map of all states in which it legally operates. The platforms geolocation software will not allow for players outside of these states to play.
Yes. FanDuel Casino operates in Michigan under the license of MotorCity Casino Hotel, one of three Detroit-area commercial casinos in the state. They also operate a retail sportsbook at MotorCity Casino in Detroit.
How Are Poker Sites Regulated and Licensed Around the World?
When it comes to playing poker today, especially online, the question of whether you are playing legally will depend on your location. As you move from continent to continent, country to country or even from state to state - you will find conflicting rules regarding what constitutes a legal game of online poker.
In this guide, youll find background on the different legal situations regarding poker around the world, along with how licensing works in each of the jurisdictions. The guide starts by detailing the current laws in the US, adding some background by pointing to laws that have shaped the regulatory landscape surrounding poker.
You will then find detailed of licenses and legal situations across many other major nations. These include the main regulated European markets, plus the jurisdictions which license sites globally. Historical Rulings and Events that have Shaped Legal US Poker
With the exception of 3 states which license their own poker rooms, US real money poker is played at offshore sites. These are licensed in jurisdictions where online gambling is legal. In order to understand how this situation came about some of the laws shaping this legal landscape are covered first. After these, you will find information on the offshore licensing jurisdictions.
The Wire Act - While 1961 was more than half a century ago, the Wire Act ruling is still having repercussions today. The ruling states:
Whoever being engaged in the business of betting or wagering knowingly uses a wire communication facility for the transmission in interstate or foreign commerce of bets or wagers or information assisting in the placing of bets or wagers on any sporting event or contest, or for the transmission of a wire communication which entitles the recipient to receive money or credit as a result of bets or wagers, or for information assisting in the placing of bets or wagers, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than two years, or both.
This ruling was introduced and signed by US Attorney General, Robert F. Kennedy as an attempt to curb the mobs wide ranging illegal gambling network. However, in 2002, anti-gambling opportunists seized on the ruling and contended that the law applied to online gambling too. This was confirmed when the Department of Justice contacted the Nevada Gaming Board in 2002. Despite the ruling, the game would thrive in the next few years, especially after online qualifier Chris Moneymaker, won the World Series of Poker main event after qualifying for the event online at PokerStars.
It was not until 2011 that a ruling (by the attorney general in New York) clarified that the Wire Act only applied to sports betting. With poker and casino gaming excluded, the path was opened for state regulated poker sites.
The Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act - In 2006, the passing of the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) was a major blow to online poker players in the US. This bill was introduced by conservative members of the government as an attempt to curb online gambling in general and was tacked onto the Safe Ports Act (a defense bill) to ensure that the ruling would pass.
Although this bill didnt question the legality of gambling online (including of course poker), this ruling would prohibit the movement of money from banks to and from gambling sites. This law put the onus on both the websites and financial institutions, making them both liable for prosecution if continuing to trade in the US. The act did not cover individual players or make it illegal for an individual to enjoy real money online poker games.
The UGIEA had an immediate effect, as many financial institutions did stop any gambling related transactions sites such as Neteller pulled out immediately, this eWallet was popular at the time for poker players in the US. Many of the big-name poker sites pulled out too, the most notable of which was Party Poker, who were the worlds number one site before leaving the US market.
Despite the ruling, a number of large sites continued to trade within the US, including PokerStars and Full Tilt. These sites would grow to assume the number one and two ranking in online poker traffic worldwide post 2006.
Black Friday in 2011 - The status quo would continue until April 15th, 2011, when poker players in the US were met by a nasty surprise. Players visiting the dot-com sites of both PokerStars and Full Tilt would see a screen showing a seizure notice with seals from both the FBI and Department of Justice. By the end of the day, both sites had blocked all their US based players from playing, while announcing that it would be business as usual for players from outside of the US. At the time both Absolute Poker and Ultimate Bet would continue to trade in the US, although this was short lived as just a month later, their parent company announced that they would be filing for bankruptcy.
As well as allegedly violating the current gambling laws in the US, there were also accusations of money laundering and bank fraud and eleven individuals were charged in the indictment. Players at PokerStars would be able to cash out just a few days after the ruling, while players at Full Tilt would face a long wait of up to three years to receive their balances. Sadly, players at both Ultimate Bet and Absolute Poker would never see their funds.
Although 2011 was a bad year for poker in the US, there was a glimmer of light, when the Department of Justice clarified its position regarding the Wire Act and poker. The ruling below made it clear that poker, not being a sporting event, was in the clear:
interstate transmissions of wire communications that do not relate to a sporting event or contest fall outside the reach of the Wire Act. Licensing Jurisdictions for US Poker Today The 3 Regulated States
Fast forward to today and there has been some progress in regard to online poker. The game can be played online in 3 states at regulated state-licensed poker rooms.
Delaware became the first state to legalize online gambling on June 8th, 2012 and by November 2013, real money gambling was live. There are three sites which offer legal online poker in the state of Delaware, each linked to one of the three racetracks in the state (Delaware Park, Dover Downs and Harrington Raceway). These sites are run by 888 Poker and use the same player pool, meaning increased liquidity at the tables, although players in Delaware did suffer due to the overall lack of traffic. This would soon change.
Nevada legalized online poker in February of 2013 and would soon be offering real money games, first from Ultimate Poker and then WSOP.com who would quickly corner the market. The following year would see a deal between Nevada and Delaware to share their respective player pools. This deal especially helped the players from Delaware who would see a 20x increase in traffic levels. Notably, this deal would also lay the framework for further cooperation between states (a co-operation which might not have been possible before the clarification regarding the Wire Act in 2011 from the Department of Justice).
New Jersey became the third state to introduce legal online poker after a ruling in February of 2013. WSOP.com, Party Poker and 888 all entered the marketplace, but the reintroduction of PokerStars into the US saw them become the dominant site in this state. Licensing Jurisdictions for Offshore US Friendly Poker Sites
While residents of Delaware, Nevada and New Jersey can happily play poker online, players from outside of these three states might assume that they have no avenue for online poker. However, this is not strictly true, as a number of offshore sites are more than happy to accept players from the US.
The legality of playing at these sites is something of a grey area. While the Wire Act no longer applies to poker, the UIGEA ruling still stands. As stated earlier, this ruling is aimed at both the gambling sites and the financial institutions - nowhere does it mention the individual players, and it is a fact that no individual from within the US has ever been charged or prosecuted for playing online poker.
It could be assumed therefore, that players are free to play at these offshore sites, however, there is another factor to bear in mind. Individual states each have their own rules regarding gambling, The Offshore Licensing Jurisdictions
Most of the nation states licensing poker sites offshore are based in the Caribbean or Central America. These countries claim their right to allow gambling under international free trade agreements (though the World Trade Organization).
Here are the biggest licensing bodies:
Curacao: Formerly known as the Netherlands Antilles, this licensing body welcomes many of the bigger offshore casino and poker brands.
Antigua: This island nation filed a dispute with the US via the World Trade Organization, threatening retaliation (via relaxing copyright laws). This dispute is still ongoing.
Panama: This central American nation licenses BetOnline, a huge sportsbook which now has a leading US poker room on the Chico Network.
Kahnawake: This is not a Caribbean island, instead it is a tribal reservation based inside Canada, the Morris Mohawk tribe there have shaped a lot of the poker (and gambling in general) landscape in the years since 2006. Poker Licensing Jurisdictions Around the World
When you look at the situation for Gaming licenses outside of the US, things get complex very quickly. There are jurisdictions like Malta and Gibraltar, which offer licenses for global gaming (though not to sites welcoming US players). There are individual country licensing bodies too. Some of these oversee ring-fenced player pools (France, Spain), while others allow players to join the giant global sites (UK, Denmark). Still other countries ban online gambling, including poker, completely though their enforcement efforts vary in quality.
The section below covers the bigger countries and those with notable licensing rules. Below this countries list you will find information on the jurisdictions awarding global licenses.
Online Poker Licenses in the United Kingdom - While online poker has always been legal for players in the UK, the companies and websites offering the games have seen legal changes in recent years. In 2005, The Gambling act was introduced, which gave power to the Gambling Commission to issue licenses to approved online poker sites (as well as casinos and other gambling sites). For a site to be awarded a license, they have to meet a series of standard requirements, ensuring that playing at one of these sites ensures a safe and secure environment.
Until 2014, these laws only applied to sites based in the UK, but now any sites based overseas also have to hold the same license, which has seen a reduction in choice for players, as some sites chose not to pursue a license. Online poker can be played legally by anyone over the age of 18 in the UK.
Online Poker Licenses in France - Up until 2010, poker players in France had been playing online for many years, but the introduction of the French Gambling Act changed the scene completely. No longer were French citizens able to play online outside of France and play within the country saw players with two distinct disadvantages. First, the government tax the gambling sites highly, meaning this is passed onto players in the form of higher rake levels than you would usually find elsewhere. Second, the traffic levels at sites within France are much smaller than at the international sites, making games (especially at higher stakes) harder to come by. Much like in the US, many players within France still play at sites outside of the country, although sites such as PokerStars.fr are popular.
Online Poker Licenses in Germany - There was no regulation regarding online gambling at all until 2008, when the Interstate Treaty on Gambling (ISTG) was signed. This treaty effectively banned all forms of online gambling across the 16 states of Germany and apart from a short lived opt-out from Schlesswig-Holstein in 2012, this ban has remained intact.
This means that players from Germany have to resort to sites outside of the country. Much like in the US, the legality of playing at an offshore site is legally ambiguous, though there seems to be no appetite from the authorities to enforcing a ban. As such, online poker and gambling in general is very popular in Germany.
Online Poker Licenses in Spain - In many ways, the regulations concerning online poker mirror the rules in France. The only main difference between the laws is the fact that regulated sites within Spain only pay a percentage of their profits as tax, rather than part of the rake. This is more player-friendly than the French system, where the taxation is based upon turnover. Spain has strict penalties for international poker sites allowing residents of the country to play, although as a deterrent, this hasnt been a success. It is estimated that nearly half of Spains online poker players play at sites from outside of the country.
Online Poker Licenses in Italy - The Finance Act of 2007 legalized online poker and other games of skill, although there were regulations put in place. Poker itself was subject to the fact that only tournament play should be allowed, something that didnt go down well with the Italian players. This changed in 2011 and today players can enjoy both cash and tournament poker. Today PokerStars Italian site is one of the most popular sites online and sites in the country have been relatively successful. Licensing and Regulation in Smaller European Countries
Many smaller European jurisdictions have bought in their own licensing systems. Some are in the process of fine-tuning the implementation of these. Denmark, the Netherlands and Belgium are 3 recent examples. These countries control advertising via licensing, and allow players at licensed sites to join the bigger international player pools. Other countries in central and eastern Europe have attempted to ban online poker with varying degrees of success.
Australia: New Regulations - The laws regarding online poker in Australia have changed dramatically in recent months. A law dating back to 2001 had attempted to prohibit internet gambling, but this ruling had no effect on poker players at all. A study in 2015 surrounding illegal online gambling recommended that loopholes allowing Australians to play online poker be closed. The Interactive Gambling Amendment Bill of 2016 stated that online companies cant offer poker to Australians unless regulated, but there is no process for gaining that regulation, and this bill was approved in early 2017.
Online Poker Regulations in Canada - Canada does not have any specific licensing for poker sites. The law here allows individuals to enjoy the real money poker games at globally licensed sites. The stipulation being that those sites must not be physically located within Canada. Licensing Bodies for Global Poker Sites
In addition to the many individual country licenses, legitimate poker sites have global operating licenses. The best regarded of these are supplied by island states and dependencies around Europe.
Seeing a site with a license from one of the jurisdictions below is a good sign that this is a reputable operator.
Gibraltar: This UK dependency has been a licensing jurisdiction for gambling sites for many years. In addition to licensing, many big operators have headquarters there. Examples of sites with Gibraltar licenses include 888 and Bwin.Party.
Isle of Man: This offshore tax haven between the UK and Ireland is home to some of the biggest names in online poker. These include PokerStars and Paddy Power.
Malta: Better known for casino licensing, Malta has a long list of brands under its jurisdiction. Notably sports and spread betting operators are not licensed here.
Alderney / Jersey: Two more jurisdictions that offer licenses, though are not as popular or prominent as the others these days. Gaming Licenses and Jurisdictions Overview
The rules surrounding online poker and gambling online in general seem to be in a constant state of flux. While many governments around the world seemed to react to online gaming long after the horse had already bolted, many laws have now been introduced to ensure that if gambling is allowed, the states/countries want a financial piece of the pie. In many countries, the laws can be confusing, especially when concerning the legality of playing at a site from outside of the country. While this confusion is in place, the numbers seem to point to the fact that players do enjoy the opportunity of playing poker at both offshore and international sites.
Looking ahead to the future, there are sure to be further law changes, especially when consider the number of rulings that have been introduced or amended in the last ten years. Lets hope online poker will continue to be accessible to all.
Check out our poker sites page for information on the best legal poker rooms for your location, device and game preferences.
Regulated Offshore Poker Sites Games
Regulated Offshore Poker Sites Real Money Michigan Online Gambling Launch Dates
Online Casinos: Launch Date January 22, 2021
Online Sports Betting: Launch Date January 22, 2021
Online Poker: Launch Date January 29, 2021
Michigans gambling bills legalized online sports betting as well as online casino games and poker. Michigan is the fifth state to legalize all three, joining New Jersey , Pennsylvania , Delaware, and West Virginia . By the start of February 2021, 10 online casino apps launched in Michigan.
House Bill 4916 legalized sports betting, both retail and online, in the state. House Bill 4311 authorizes online casinos and poker rooms. House Bill 4308 formally legalized Daily Fantasy Sports in the Great Lakes State.
These new online platforms are certain to boost Michigans gambling economy. House Bill 4311 also legalized retail sportsbooks, which have already launched at some of the states 26 land-based casinos.
When the plans put forth by HB 4311 reach full maturity, the selection of online gambling options in the state will rival even the biggest US online gambling markets, such as New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Michigan Online Casinos
Golden Nugget Online Casino
FanDuel Casino Michigan
WynnBet Casino
BetRivers Michigan
BetMGM Michigan
DraftKings Casino Michigan
William Hill Casino
TwinSpires Casino (formerly BetAmerica)
Stars Casino by Poker Stars
Barstool Casino Best Michigan Online Casino Bonuses Golden Nugget Michigan
Golden Nugget launched an online casino through its partnership with Ojibwa Casino. The property is operated by the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community.
Golden Nugget is a renowned iGaming brand, especially in New Jersey. Michigan players can look forward to an ever-expanding game selection at Golden Nugget Michigan. FanDuel Michigan
Motor City Casino chose FanDuel as the technology partner for its upcoming legal online casino platform. FanDuels growth from a fantasy sports brand to a multi-faceted iGaming company includes the introduction of the FanDuel Casino platform in multiple states.
FanDuel Casino launched in Michigan on Jan. 22, 2021. The casino welcomes new players with a risk-free day bonus up to $200. WynnBet Casino
The Salut Tribe of Chippewa Indians inked a partnership with iGaming company GAN to offer online gambling to Michigan players. This means Michigan players can access the WynnBet Casino in Michigan.
GAN software powers other legal US online gambling platforms like Betfair Casino New Jersey, one of the top revenue-earning iGaming skins in the US market. The Salut Tribe of Chippewa Indians operates the Kewadin Casino brand, which includes five retail properties.
WynnBet MI launched as an integrated online sportsbook and casino on January 22, 2021. For a limited time, new bettors can claim 200 free spins plus $1,000 in a deposit match bonus offer. BetRivers Michigan
Rush Street Interactives portfolio of iGaming products includes the BetRivers and PlaySugarHouse brands. Those brands continue to expand in the legal US online gaming industry, with the capability of offering the full gamut of mobile gambling products. Michigans Little River Casino partners with Rush Street Interactive in its iGaming offerings.
BetRivers launched an integrated online casino and sportsbook platform in Michigan on Jan. 22, 2021. The BetRivers MI welcome bonus includes a 100 deposit match up to $250, with just a 1x playthrough requirement. BetMGM Online Casino
The Roar Digital brand operates as a partnership between MGM Resorts International and British sports betting technology powerhouse GVC Holdings.
This collaboration of major players in the gaming industry powers the BetMGM online gambling platforms already operating in several US states. Retail property MGM Grand Detroit launched a BetMGM platform for its online casino offering in Michigan on Jan. 22, 2021. Regulated Offshore Poker Sites Games
BetMGM also recently partnered with Evolution Gaming. The companies plan to launch live dealer games as part of a robust online casino offering in Michigan. New players at BetMGM can enjoy a 100 deposit match bonus up to $1,000, plus $25 on the house. DraftKings Michigan
Although most known for its online sports betting and Daily Fantasy Sports offerings, DraftKings also operates one of Michigans most exciting online casinos. DraftKings license partnership with Bay Mills Resort Casinos includes online casino gaming, online sports betting, and retail sports betting.
Michigan players can sign up for a new account at DraftKings Casino and get a 100 deposit match bonus up to $1,500, as well as $10 in free betting credits. Additional Michigan Online Casinos William Hill
One of the worlds biggest iGaming brands, William Hills reputation as a powerhouse in the US sports betting industry is unrivaled.
As legal online gambling in the US expands, William Hill continues to extend its online casino and sports betting platforms into new territories.
William Hills foray into Michigan comes as a product of a partnership with the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians. The tribe owns the Leelanau Sands Casino and the Turtle Creek Hotel Casino.
William Hill launched a hybrid sports betting and casino app in Michigan on January 22, 2021. Signing up at William Hill Casino Michigan yields 24 hours of risk-free playing up to $100 as a welcome bonus. TwinSpires
TwinSpires (owned by Churchill Downs) operates in Michigan by way of a partnership with the Hannahville Indian Community, which owns and operates Island Resort Casino in Harris,
The TwinSpires online casino and sportsbook platform went live in Michigan on Jan. 22, 2021. New players can enjoy up to $500 of risk-free play in their first week after depositing at TwinSpires MI Casino. Regulated Offshore Poker Sites Real Money Stars Casino By PokerStars
The worlds biggest online gambling brand, The Stars Group, expands into Michigan through a partnership with the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indian Gaming Authority.
The tribe owns two casinos, Odawa Casino Mackinaw and Odawa Casino Petoskey. The Stars Group already operates a PokerStars-branded online casino in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
In Michigan, The Stars Group launched its FOX Bet Sportsbook, PokerStars poker app, and Stars Casino all on the same day. Barstool Casino
One of the biggest name on sports on the internet, Barstool Sports launched its sportsbook during 2020. As part of its intensive growth plans, Barstool plans to launch almost a dozen sportsbooks in states around the US. Its Barstool Casino launched on February 1, 2021. It will be interesting to see if Michigan sports bettors flock to the casino app in the same way as Golden Nugget or BetMGM, more established casino industry brands. Four Winds Casino
Four Winds Casino launched its online casino app in February 2021, making it the first Michigan tribal casino to launch a casino app under its own name, rather than an international brand. Additional Casinos Launching Later In 2021 PointsBet
In addition to expanding its sports betting presence in the US, Australian company PointsBet is bringing its online casino project to Michigan. They partnered with the Lac Vieux Desert Public Enterprise and Finance Commission under the license of Northern Waters Casino Resort. FireKeepers Online Casino
FireKeepers Casino entered into a partnership with proven iGaming brand Scientific Games for the tribal casinos upcoming online gaming platforms.
Scientific Games interactive gaming partners include Golden Nugget Casino New Jersey, Caesars Interactive, Rush Street Interactive, and numerous others in the US industry. What Online Casino Bonuses Are Available In Michigan?
Michigans legal online casino sites launched with the first wave of products hitting the market on Jan. 22, 2021. Bonuses at the states mobile casinos look similar to what weve seen in other states. Deposit Match Bonuses
Deposit match bonuses award bonus money based on the amount a player deposits. The most commonly offered bonus across US iGaming platforms, deposit match bonuses, give players a percentage of a deposit back as a bonus, up to a certain amount.
For example, Golden Nugget Casino Michigan offers a generous deposit match bonus for new players. Golden Nugget Casino players receive a 100 match bonus on deposits up to $1,000.
Using that offer, new players earn up to $1,000 in bonus money. Deposit match bonuses usually require a certain amount of playthrough to unlock the bonus.
Playthrough requires the player to wager a multiple of the deposit to unlock the full bonus. Playthrough requirements can range from 1x to 30x the deposit.
On most platforms, the match bonus is unlocked in smaller increments as players advance through the playthrough requirement. Risk-Free Days
Some online casinos extend the opportunity of a risk-free day for players to try out the platform. A risk-free day offers a rebate on losses up to a certain amount.
The risk-free day period generally gives players a 24-hour window after the first deposit.
At FanDuel Casino MI, for example, new players are eligible for a risk-free day up to $200. Using this offer, the casino refunds new players up to $200 in losses in the first 24 hours after depositing. Free Sign-Up Bonuses
Many mobile casino platforms offer free wagering funds just for signing up. No deposit is necessary for these bonuses.
At BetMGM Michigan, for instance, new players get $25 in betting credits just for signing up. The $25 is issued as casino credit and must be wagered on the platform before it can be withdrawn as real money. How To Deposit At Michigans Online Casinos ACH/eCheck
Across all US legal online gambling sites, ACH/eCheck is the most universally accepted deposit method. An eCheck deposit uses an online bank account to draft an electronic check, which then goes through an Automatic Clearing House (ACH) for processing.
ACH/eCheck deposits instantly become available on a players online casino balance once theyre processed. Prepaid Cards
The prepaid card option isnt as widely available as ACH/eCheck. On the platforms that offer prepaid card deposits, however, this method is one of the fastest and most reliable ways to get funds into an online casino balance.
Certain online casino platforms offer prepaid cards directly. Players load money onto cards with money from a debit or credit card. From there, the funds are immediately available for use at the casino.
Once loaded, the casino mails a physical version of the prepaid card to the player within 7-10 days. Theres no need to wait for the physical card to show up to start playing, however. The prepaid card is ready for use as soon as funds are loaded. PayPal
PayPal offers one of the most reliable and widely accepted methods for getting money onto a legal online gambling site.
The process takes extra verification steps compared to other deposit methods but yields an almost 100 acceptance rate. Players 21 and over with a valid US PayPal account have access to this deposit method. Debit Cards
Debit cards are another widely offered deposit method at US legal online casinos. The biggest concern about debit card deposits is a relatively high rejection rate from issuing banks.
When a debit card deposit does make it through, the funds are instantly available for play at the online casino. eWallet
Skrill and Neteller are a couple of the eWallet options accepted for deposits at some legal mobile gambling sites. These methods do come with fees, however, generally around 3 per deposit. Casino Cage Deposit
Visiting the land-based casino that operates a given online platform is another way to register for an account, and deposit funds, at a legal mobile casino. Do Michigan Online Casinos Offer Live Dealer Games?
Michigans legal online casinos will likely offer live dealer games at some point, although none of the eight casinos going live on Jan. 22 had live dealer games on the menu.
Live dealer games allow players to interact with a physical table, and a human dealer, with real-life games, streamed from a secure studio.
BetMGM and Evolution have inked a deal to provide live dealer games in Michigan. So far, this is the most high-profile deal of its kind in the state, though more will almost certainly follow. Blackjack
Live dealer Blackjack offers online players the social experience of live blackjack, with the convenience of the mobile gaming experience.
These games play virtually exactly like a live blackjack game at a land-based casino. A human dealer deals the cards at a physical table. Online players interact with both the dealer and other players. Roulette
Many of the variants of roulette found at a land-based casino can be played as live dealer games on legal online casino sites as well.
Live dealer versions of American and European Roulette play exactly like they do in a live setting. The only difference is that players can participate from the comfort of a mobile device or desktop at home. Other Games
Baccarat and casino table games like Casino Holdem and Three Card Poker are offered as live dealer games at many legal online casinos. These games play exactly as they do at a retail casino. Progressive Jackpots At Michigans Online Casinos
Michigans online casinos include enticing progressive jackpot slots. The following list includes some of the most popular progressive slots offered in the state: Divine Fortune
Divine Fortune sits at the top of the list of most popular progressive online slots in the US. This slot is found at numerous online casinos in Michigan.
The Divine Fortune Mega Jackpot can reach totals of more than $300,000. The Big One
The Big One network of progressive jackpot slots resides exclusively at BetMGM Michigan.
This collection of slots operate as different games, linked to the same progressive grand prize. That grand prize jackpot started at six figures when BetMGM launched in Michigan.
Big One progressive jackpot titles include MGM Grand Millions, Looten Khamun, and Book of Myths. Online Casinos Come To Michigan
Numerous US states are jumping into the pool when it comes to online sports betting, but Michigan is just one of five states to legalize online casinos. With the passage of HB 4311, Michigan now joins Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, and West Virginia as a state with legal, regulated online casinos. West Virginia launched its online casinos in 2020, and Michigan debuted its mobile casino platforms in January 2021. Current Tribal Casino Landscape
Like those other states, Michigans land-based casinos operate the legal online casino sites. The retail casino industry in Michigan, however, has a different makeup than the other states.
Out of 26 total casinos in the state, 23 are tribal casinos. House Bill 4311 allows for all state casino ownership groups, both tribal and commercial, to apply for online gaming licenses.
The language of the bill contains a unique provision. It provides that at least one commercial and one tribal casino must be licensed to offer interactive gaming (iGaming) for any of the states casinos to offer iGaming. This provision is in place to ensure a competitive balance between tribal and commercial casinos. Michigan Aims For NJ-Style Success
New Jersey is the benchmark state for US online casino gaming performance. After all, it was the first state to legalize and launch online casinos. By far the largest US market, New Jerseys online casino industry has generated nearly $1.46 billion in revenue since the launch of the states first online casinos in December 2013.
Michigans online casinos launched with full lineups of classic casino games. This includes blackjack, roulette, craps, slots, video poker, and casino table games.
Live dealer games, which allow online players to interact with a live dealer and other players, are popular in New Jersey. BetMGM and Evolution gaming recently partnered to launch live dealer games in Michigan. Michigans online casinos dont include live dealer games yet, but they will at some point.
The convenience of playing from home or anywhere within the state makes online casino gaming a hit in New Jersey. The same is true in Pennsylvanias emerging market.
The ability to deposit, withdraw, and play a wide variety of casino games on a mobile phone or desktop computer has led to the growing popularity of the market in states where mobile casinos legally operate. Michigan looks staged to replicate this success as a state that has legalized online gambling in almost every form. Who Could Be Big Players In Michigan?
Michigans online gambling legalization drew the biggest names in the industry to the Wolverine State. DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, Golden Nugget, BetRivers, and other big-name brands all launched mobile casino apps in January 2021, Michigan Online Gambling Options: The Run-Down Real Money Online Casinos
The massive gambling expansion outlined in HB 4311 includes the legalization of online casinos.
Michigan is one of only five states to legalize online casino gaming, along with New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and West Virginia.
Michigan hopes to see its mobile casino market catch on and grow in a similar fashion to Pennsylvania, another newcomer to the online casino industry. Pennsylvanias online casinos earned a record $19.5 million in revenue in February 2020, growing nearly 40 percent over the previous month.
In a state that hosts 23 tribal and three commercial casinos, the launch of casino iGaming should give a welcome boost to the Michigan economy. Online Sports Betting
House Bill 4916, aka the Lawful Sports Betting Act, brings a new era of sports betting to Michigan, both retail and online. With a population of 10 million and a deep tradition of both college and professional sports, the Michigan sports betting market looks to be poised for success.
Much like several other states with legal sports betting, the industrys biggest brands operate in Michigan. These brands offer sports betting platforms through partnerships with retail casinos in the state.
Brands like FanDuel Sportsbook, FOX Bet, William Hill, BetMGM, and PointsBet have partnerships in place with state casinos. Michigan bettors can expect to see mobile betting platforms from these companies at some point.
Michigans first wave of online sportsbooks debuted in January 2021.
See our Guide To Online Sportsbooks In Michigan. Online Poker
While the online sports betting industry booms in the US, legal online poker currently operates in just a few states. The December 2019 online gambling legislation passed in the Wolverine State put Michigan on the list of markets that to offer state-regulated online poker. The first online poker app, PokerStars, launched on January 29, 2021.
PokerStars parent company, The Stars Group operates as a license partner to the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indian Gaming Authority. The tribe owns a pair of land-based casinos in Michigan.
Michigans online poker market should also see partypoker offering legal poker to Michigan players. Partypokers parent company, GVC Holdings, launched online gambling under the license of MGM Grand Detroit. Michigan Online Lottery
Visit : Michigan Lottery
Michigan was one of the first states to implement online options for the state lottery. The Michigan Lottery started to offer online purchases in 2014.
With this option to play online in place, the Michigan Lottery realized record sales figures in both 2018 ($3.6 billion) and 2019 ($3.9 billion).
Michigans online lottery platform allows players to purchase entries for a wide variety of instant win and drawing games. The Michigan Lotto 47, an in-state drawing game, offers jackpots reaching well into seven figures.
Online purchases for multi-state lotteries like MegaMillions and Powerball are also at the disposal of Michigan players. Michigan Lottery can be played online on both desktop and mobile apps for iOS and Android. History Of Michigan Lottery
In May 1972, Michigan voters approved a constitutional amendment to introduce a state lottery. Public Act 239 was signed into law in August 1972, which formally legalized the lottery.
The first lottery tickets were made available to the public in November 1972. By the end of 1977, the Michigan Lottery offered a variety of games. This included instant win tickets and the Daily 3 drawing game.
In August 1996, Michigan, in collaboration with five other states, begins offering the Big Game. The Big Game was the first multi-state lottery to operate in the US.
The Big Game eventually evolved into MegaMillions. It is currently one of the two biggest multi-state lotteries in the US. MegaMillions now includes 45 states. Michigan also participates in Powerball, which is the other major national lottery games.
Michigan became one of the first states to implement online lottery ticket sales, which started in August 2014. The Michigan Lottery app offers purchases to almost every in-state instant win and drawing game, as well as MegaMillions and Powerball.
All profits from the Michigan Lottery go to the Michigan School Aid Fund. Since its inception in 1972, the Michigan Lottery has contributed more than $23.4 billion to the fund.
Check out our full Guide To The Michigan Online Lottery. Or, purchase tickets for the Michigan Lottery here. Daily Fantasy Sports
The gambling-expansion bills signed by Gov. Whitmer included HB 4308, a bill that regulates paid fantasy sports.
Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) giants like FanDuel and DraftKings operated in Michigan for years without regulation. This practice is common in the US. FanDuel and DraftKings operate in about 40 states, with only around half of those states having explicit DFS regulations in place.
HB 4308 doesnt change anything about the actual execution of fantasy sports sites. DFS operators can continue to offer their services. With the new legislation in place, DFS operators will be taxed by the state at the same rate (8.4 percent) as legal sportsbooks.
The bill set licensing fees for fantasy sports operators at a considerably lower rate than many other states. The intent is to allow smaller DFS brands to compete in the Michigan market. Online Horse Racing
The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) issued an order to legalize online horse race betting on May 6, 2020. Prior to the order, horse race wagering was limited to in-person betting at the states lone operating racetrack, Northville Downs.
No standalone off-track betting facilities operate in the state, but Northville Downs does offer simulcast race betting,
With the order from the MGCB in place, Michigan bettors can now enjoy access to legal wagering platforms like TwinSpires and BetAmerica. These mobile apps open up a new world of horse racing options for Michigan bettors, with the convenience of wagering from anywhere within state borders. Sweepstakes Casinos
State-regulated online casinos are up and running in Michigan. Additionally, sweepstakes sites like Chumba Casino are available to Michigan players and offer a variety of casino games.
Chumba Casino allows for players to purchase Gold Coins to be used for play-money games. Players receive an amount of Sweeps Coins as a gift that comes along with the Gold Coins packages.
Sweeps Coins can also be obtained for free through various offers. Gold Coins games and Sweeps Coins games both offer a variety of classic casino staples like slots, roulette, blackjack, and casino table games. Best Sweepstakes Sites In Michigan
Chumba Casino
LuckyLand Slots
Funzpoints Sweepstakes Poker Sites
Chumba Casino also operates Global Poker, the largest sweepstakes poker site available to US players. Like Chumba Casino, the games on Global Poker are mini-sweepstakes games.
Players purchase Gold Coins packages for play-money poker games. Those packages award an amount of Sweeps Coins that come along with the Gold Coins purchase. Players can also receive Sweeps Coins as a free gift through various offers from Global Poker.
Like Chumba Casino, players can redeem Sweeps Coins for cash prizes. Sweeps Coins are never available for direct purchase. They can only be obtained as a gift with Gold Coins purchases or by special free offers. Legal Versus Illegal Online Casinos
The US legal online casino industry is just beginning to take shape. Michigan joins a list of just a handful of states offering legal, state-regulated online casino gaming.
With Michigans legal mobile casinos going live, players in the state enjoy access to a virtual casino landscape thats owned and operated by Michigans retail casinos. Michigan Online Casino Regulations
The National Indian Gaming Commission regulates Michigans tribal casinos. The Michigan Gaming Control Board provides oversight of the states commercial casinos. These agencies ensure that the casinos in their respective jurisdiction operate with transparency and accountability.
Tribal and commercial casinos in Michigan conduct business as part of multi-billion-dollar industries. Both the National Indian Gaming Commission and the Michigan Gaming Control Board have a vested interest in fair games and player safety for customers of Michigans casinos.
Michigans regulated tribal and commercial casinos own and operate the states online casinos. As such, playing at a legal, state-regulated online casino platform in Michigan presents the same level of security as playing at a legal retail casino in the state. Risks To Offshore Betting
Offshore casinos operate illegally in the US. These platforms are not subject to the same regulations as legal online casinos.
Playing at an offshore casino can be a riskier proposition than playing at a state-regulated casino. Players that visit offshore online casinos do so at their own risk. Timeline For Legal Gambling In Michigan
1933 The first form of legalized gambling became available in the form of pari-mutuel horse race betting. The Racing Act of 1933 legalized pari-mutuel betting on races. It also created the Office of Racing Commissioner to oversee the new industry.
1972 Michigan voters approved a constitutional amendment permitting a state lottery. Then Gov. William Milliken signed Public Act 239 into law later that same year. By the end of 1972, the newly created Michigan Lottery offered the first games.
1984 Tribal casinos launched in Michigan. Fred Dakota, a member of the Keweenaw Bay Indian Tribe, challenged the states legal right to regulate gambling on tribal lands. Dakota opened a casino called The Pines in January 1984. The casino consisted of a single blackjack table in Dakotas garage. Later in 1984, large-scale tribal casinos started to operate. The Bay Mills Indian Band opened Kings Casino Club, the first tribally owned casino in the US. By the end of 1985, multiple tribal properties started to offer casino gaming.
1996 Michigan, along with five other states, started to offer tickets for the Big Game, the first multi-state lottery in the US. The Big Game eventually evolved into what is now known as MegaMillions, involving 45 US. states.
1997 The Michigan Gaming Control and Revenue Act was signed into law. State voters passed the bill, originally called Proposal E, in November 1996. The bill permitted the construction of three commercial casinos in Detroit. The MGM Grand Detroit and MotorCity Casino Hotel both opened in 1999. The Greektown Casino-Hotel opened in 2000.
2014 Online sales for the Michigan Lottery began in November. This made instant win games available for purchase online. Tickets for in-state and multi-state drawing games started online in January 2016.
2018 Both the Michigan Senate and House of Representatives passed a bill to legalize online gambling. The bill only needed a signature from then-Governor Rick Snyder to go into law. Snyder instead vetoed the bill just days before his gubernatorial term ends.
2019 A package of bills that included legislation to legalize sports betting (both retail and online), online casinos, and online poker passed the state Senate and House. Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed these bills into law in December. The passage set the foundation for significant gambling expansion in the state.
2020 The first of Michigans legal retail sportsbooks went live in March, but only briefly. The COVID-19 pandemic forced nationwide shutdowns of casinos just days later.
2020 Online horse race betting legalized by the Michigan Gaming Control Board.
2021 Michigans legal online sportsbooks and casinos go live. Ten online sportsbooks and eight online casinos launch on Jan. 22, 2021. Recent History Of Michigan Online Gambling
The state first approved and regulated online lottery as the first form of online gambling in Michigan. The Michigan Lottery started to offer online purchases of instant win game tickets in November 2014. In January 2016, Michigan Lottery added options to buy tickets for in-state and national drawing games as well.
Pro-gambling lawmakers, led by former Michigan State Representative Robert Kosowski, began to advance the narrative for legalized sports betting in 2015. In 2017, State Representative Brandt Iden drafted a Lawful Internet Gaming Act bill. The bill was designed to legalize internet-based sports betting if the then-effective federal ban on sports betting was ever overturned.
By 2018, the prospects of legal online gambling in Michigan began to gain serious momentum. A package of bills outlining the legalization of online casino games, retail and online sports betting, and online poker made it through both the state House and Senate. Overcoming The Veto Hurdle
The bills faced one final hurdle. Then Gov. Rick Snyder vetoed the bills instead of signing them into law. This happened just days before his term as governor ended. Snyder vetoed the gaming bills in December 2018, which pushed Michigan back to square one.
Governor Whitmer took over in the governors office the following January. With Whitmer in office, 2019 proved to be a landmark year in the advancement of Michigans iGaming initiatives. A package of internet gaming bills, similar to 2018, once again made it through the state House and Senate.
These gaming bills made it to the governors desk for the second consecutive year. This time, they received the required signatures from Gov. Whitmer.
The bills package included HB 4311, which legalized online sports betting, casino games, and poker in Michigan. Michigan is now one of five states in which all three of those gaming verticals are legal.
Operators in all three areas can launch iGaming platforms via license partnerships with Michigans retail casinos. The Michigan Gaming Control Board approved 15 different iGaming operators in December 2020.
Legal online gambling platforms launched in Michigan on Jan. 22, 2021. History Of Live Gambling In Michigan
Pari-mutuel horse race wagering was the first form of legal gambling in Michigan. The Racing Act of 1933 legalized betting on horse races. The states first legal wagers took place in September 1933.
The state established the Michigan Lottery in 1972. This introduced instant win and drawing games to the state.
In 1984, a single individual in the Keweenaw Bay Indian Tribe took the first step for what would eventually become a robust live casino industry in the state. Fred Dakota challenged the states stance toward regulated gambling on tribal lands by operating a single blackjack table in his garage.
Other tribal gaming interests soon followed suit. Kings Club Casino became the first tribally owned casino in the US, opening later in 1984. Michigans casino industry has grown to include 23 tribal casinos.
The 1997 Michigan Gaming Control and Revenue Act authorized the construction of three Detroit-area commercial casinos. All three of those properties started to operate by 2000. As of 2020, Michigan is home to a total of 26 casinos. Michigan Live Gambling At A Glance FAQ Answer Is lottery legal in Michigan? Yes, the Michigan Lottery launched in 1972. Michigan players have access to in-state instant win games and drawings, as well as multi-state lotteries like Powerball and MegaMillions Does Michigan have casinos? Yes, Michigan is home to 26 total casinos, including 23 tribal and 3 commercial properties Does Michigan have racetracks? Yes, Michigan has one horse racetrack, Northville Downs Where else can I gamble in Michigan? Online casinos, sports betting, and poker are legalized. Michigans mobile gaming platforms launched in January 2021. Players can play on these iGaming sites from anywhere within state borders What is the minimum gambling age? 21 (18 for lottery and horse racing) Who regulates gambling? The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) and the National Indian Gaming Commission Casinos In Michigan
Michigan is home to 26 casinos, with 23 tribal casinos situated throughout the state, as well as three commercial casinos in Detroit.
Players can find tribal casinos all over the Michigan map. There are 12 in the Lower Peninsula and the other 11 in the Upper Peninsula. Kings Club Casino, located in the Upper Peninsulas Bay Mills Township, was the first tribally owned casino to open in the US. It started operations in 1984. Michigan Casino Locations Casino Name Location Bay Mills Resort Casino Brimley FireKeepers Casino Hotel Battle Creek Four Winds New Buffalo New Buffalo Four Winds Hartford Hartford Four Winds Dowagiac Dowagiac Gun Lake Casino Wayland Island Resort Casino Bark River Kewadin Casino Christmas Christmas Kewadin Casino Hessel Hessel Kewadin Casino Manistique Manistique Kewadin Casino Hotel and Convention Center Sault Sainte Marie Kewadin Shores Casino St. Ignace Kings Club Casino Brimley Leelanau Sands Casino Suttons Bay Little River Casino Manistee Northern Waters Casino Resort Watersmeet Odawa Mackinaw City Casino
Mackinaw City Odawa Petoskey Casino Petoskey Ojibwa Baraga Casino Baraga Ojibwa Marquette Casino II Marquette Saganing Eagles Landing Casino Standish Soaring Eagle Casino Mt. Pleasant Turtle Creek Casino Williamsburg Greektown Casino-Hotel Detroit MGM Grand Detroit Detroit MotorCity Casino Hotel Detroit Tribal Casinos In Michigan
The opening of the Kings Club Casino by the Bay Mills Indian Band was just the beginning of a long history of tribal gaming in Michigan. Five more tribal casinos opened by the end of 1985.
At the time, these tribal casinos operated in a legal grey area. The Supreme Court of the United States ruled in 1987 that Native American tribes could legally operate on tribal lands. In 1988, the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act further defined the legal relationship between tribal gaming industries and state regulatory agencies.
The Indian Gaming Regulatory Act required Michigans tribal casinos to enter a state compact. The Act provided that tribes retained exclusive rights to operate casino gaming throughout the entire state. This included off-reservation lands.
The compact required the tribes to pay 10 percent of revenue from video gambling machines to the state. As of 2021, the industry has grown to include 23 tribal casinos. Commercial Casinos In Michigan
The 1997 passage of the Michigan Gaming Control and Revenue Act authorized the construction of three commercial casinos in Detroit. This bill negates parts of the state compact, as tribal interests no longer held exclusive rights to operate casinos in the state. The tribal casinos were also no longer required to pay the 10 percent tax on video gaming profits.
All three of the proposed Detroit-area casinos opened in 1999 and 2000. The MGM Grand Detroit, MotorCity Casino Hotel, and Greektown Casino-Hotel are still in business as of 2020.
These three casinos realized all-time highs in combined revenue for both 2018 ($1.44 billion) and 2019 ($1.45 billion).
Michigans tribal casinos are owned and operated by 12 different Native American tribes. Of the commercial casinos, MGM Resorts International owns the MGM Grand. IH Gaming owns the MotorCity Casino Hotel. Penn National Gaming operates Vici Properties, which in turn owns Greektown Casino. Other Reading On Michigan Gambling Michigan Online Casinos Gambling FAQ
Yes. Michigan is home to 23 tribal and three commercial casinos, all of which legally offer gambling in the state.
Michigan was one of the first states to introduce tribally owned casinos. These properties can be found throughout the state. The state authorizes tribal casinos to operate anywhere in the state, including on non-reservation lands.
Michigans three commercial casinos are all located in Detroit. How old do you have to be to gamble in Michigan?
18 at some casinos, 19 or 21 at others. Michigans tribal casinos can individually set the minimum gambling age at their respective properties. Depending on the casino, this age can be 18, 19, or 21.
The minimum age to gamble at the three Detroit commercial casinos is 21. For horse racing and lottery, the minimum age is 18.
All online gambling platforms mandate a minimum age of 21, including those licensed to tribal casinos. Do I have to pay taxes on gambling winnings in Michigan?
Yes, on gambling winnings of $5,000 or more. Federal laws require a 25 percent tax to be paid on all gambling wins of $5,000 or more.
For proper tax reporting, the casino will require paperwork for any players winning $5,000 or more. If a player provides a social security number, the casino withholds 25 percent. If the SSN is not provided, the casino withholds 28 percent.
The state tax rate of 4.25 percent also applies to winnings of more than $5,000. It is the players responsibility to report winnings to the state.
Yes. Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed off on a package of bills in December 2019 that legalized online sports betting, casino games, and poker. Michigans online gambling platforms launched on January 22, 2021.
The Michigan Gaming Control Board regulates the states land-based tribal and commercial casinos. The land-based casinos operate all legal online gambling sites.
Michigan legalized online horse race betting in May 2020. TwinSpires and BetAmerica online wagering sites now operate legally in Michigan. The Michigan Lottery also offers online purchases for tickets. Do you have to be a resident of Michigan to gamble online in the state?
No, apart from the online lottery. Michigans online gambling platforms allow any players within state borders who are of legal gambling age to play.
Purchasing online tickets for the Michigan Lottery is different. Players must be located in Michigan and be able to provide proof of residency.
Yes. In 2019, Gov. Whitmer signed off on a package of bills that legalized sports betting, both online and retail.
Michigans tribal and commercial casinos are eligible to apply for licenses and to launch online sportsbooks in the state. The first 10 of Michigans mobile sportsbooks launched in January 2021.
The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) and the National Indian Gaming Commission. The MGCB, a government agency, regulates commercial casinos in the state.
The National Indian Gaming Commission oversees tribal casino operations. Both of these agencies take part in the overall regulation of Michigans online gambling industry. How can I deposit and withdraw on Michigans online gambling sites?
A variety of options should be available for players to deposit and withdraw when Michigans online gambling platforms launch. This includes ACH/eCheck, credit/debit cards, prepaid cards, casino cage deposit, PayPal, eWallets, and wire transfers.
These are the most common ways to deposit and withdraw in other states that offer legal online gambling.
Yes. DraftKings Casino is partnered with Bay Mills to offer online sports betting and an online casino as well.
The DraftKings Casino homepage displays a map of all states in which it legally operates. The platforms geolocation software will not allow for players outside of these states to play.
Yes. FanDuel Casino operates in Michigan under the license of MotorCity Casino Hotel, one of three Detroit-area commercial casinos in the state. They also operate a retail sportsbook at MotorCity Casino in Detroit.
How Are Poker Sites Regulated and Licensed Around the World?
When it comes to playing poker today, especially online, the question of whether you are playing legally will depend on your location. As you move from continent to continent, country to country or even from state to state - you will find conflicting rules regarding what constitutes a legal game of online poker.
In this guide, youll find background on the different legal situations regarding poker around the world, along with how licensing works in each of the jurisdictions. The guide starts by detailing the current laws in the US, adding some background by pointing to laws that have shaped the regulatory landscape surrounding poker.
You will then find detailed of licenses and legal situations across many other major nations. These include the main regulated European markets, plus the jurisdictions which license sites globally. Historical Rulings and Events that have Shaped Legal US Poker
With the exception of 3 states which license their own poker rooms, US real money poker is played at offshore sites. These are licensed in jurisdictions where online gambling is legal. In order to understand how this situation came about some of the laws shaping this legal landscape are covered first. After these, you will find information on the offshore licensing jurisdictions.
The Wire Act - While 1961 was more than half a century ago, the Wire Act ruling is still having repercussions today. The ruling states:
Whoever being engaged in the business of betting or wagering knowingly uses a wire communication facility for the transmission in interstate or foreign commerce of bets or wagers or information assisting in the placing of bets or wagers on any sporting event or contest, or for the transmission of a wire communication which entitles the recipient to receive money or credit as a result of bets or wagers, or for information assisting in the placing of bets or wagers, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than two years, or both.
This ruling was introduced and signed by US Attorney General, Robert F. Kennedy as an attempt to curb the mobs wide ranging illegal gambling network. However, in 2002, anti-gambling opportunists seized on the ruling and contended that the law applied to online gambling too. This was confirmed when the Department of Justice contacted the Nevada Gaming Board in 2002. Despite the ruling, the game would thrive in the next few years, especially after online qualifier Chris Moneymaker, won the World Series of Poker main event after qualifying for the event online at PokerStars.
It was not until 2011 that a ruling (by the attorney general in New York) clarified that the Wire Act only applied to sports betting. With poker and casino gaming excluded, the path was opened for state regulated poker sites.
The Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act - In 2006, the passing of the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) was a major blow to online poker players in the US. This bill was introduced by conservative members of the government as an attempt to curb online gambling in general and was tacked onto the Safe Ports Act (a defense bill) to ensure that the ruling would pass.
Although this bill didnt question the legality of gambling online (including of course poker), this ruling would prohibit the movement of money from banks to and from gambling sites. This law put the onus on both the websites and financial institutions, making them both liable for prosecution if continuing to trade in the US. The act did not cover individual players or make it illegal for an individual to enjoy real money online poker games.
The UGIEA had an immediate effect, as many financial institutions did stop any gambling related transactions sites such as Neteller pulled out immediately, this eWallet was popular at the time for poker players in the US. Many of the big-name poker sites pulled out too, the most notable of which was Party Poker, who were the worlds number one site before leaving the US market.
Despite the ruling, a number of large sites continued to trade within the US, including PokerStars and Full Tilt. These sites would grow to assume the number one and two ranking in online poker traffic worldwide post 2006.
Black Friday in 2011 - The status quo would continue until April 15th, 2011, when poker players in the US were met by a nasty surprise. Players visiting the dot-com sites of both PokerStars and Full Tilt would see a screen showing a seizure notice with seals from both the FBI and Department of Justice. By the end of the day, both sites had blocked all their US based players from playing, while announcing that it would be business as usual for players from outside of the US. At the time both Absolute Poker and Ultimate Bet would continue to trade in the US, although this was short lived as just a month later, their parent company announced that they would be filing for bankruptcy.
As well as allegedly violating the current gambling laws in the US, there were also accusations of money laundering and bank fraud and eleven individuals were charged in the indictment. Players at PokerStars would be able to cash out just a few days after the ruling, while players at Full Tilt would face a long wait of up to three years to receive their balances. Sadly, players at both Ultimate Bet and Absolute Poker would never see their funds.
Although 2011 was a bad year for poker in the US, there was a glimmer of light, when the Department of Justice clarified its position regarding the Wire Act and poker. The ruling below made it clear that poker, not being a sporting event, was in the clear:
interstate transmissions of wire communications that do not relate to a sporting event or contest fall outside the reach of the Wire Act. Licensing Jurisdictions for US Poker Today The 3 Regulated States
Fast forward to today and there has been some progress in regard to online poker. The game can be played online in 3 states at regulated state-licensed poker rooms.
Delaware became the first state to legalize online gambling on June 8th, 2012 and by November 2013, real money gambling was live. There are three sites which offer legal online poker in the state of Delaware, each linked to one of the three racetracks in the state (Delaware Park, Dover Downs and Harrington Raceway). These sites are run by 888 Poker and use the same player pool, meaning increased liquidity at the tables, although players in Delaware did suffer due to the overall lack of traffic. This would soon change.
Nevada legalized online poker in February of 2013 and would soon be offering real money games, first from Ultimate Poker and then WSOP.com who would quickly corner the market. The following year would see a deal between Nevada and Delaware to share their respective player pools. This deal especially helped the players from Delaware who would see a 20x increase in traffic levels. Notably, this deal would also lay the framework for further cooperation between states (a co-operation which might not have been possible before the clarification regarding the Wire Act in 2011 from the Department of Justice).
New Jersey became the third state to introduce legal online poker after a ruling in February of 2013. WSOP.com, Party Poker and 888 all entered the marketplace, but the reintroduction of PokerStars into the US saw them become the dominant site in this state. Licensing Jurisdictions for Offshore US Friendly Poker Sites
While residents of Delaware, Nevada and New Jersey can happily play poker online, players from outside of these three states might assume that they have no avenue for online poker. However, this is not strictly true, as a number of offshore sites are more than happy to accept players from the US.
The legality of playing at these sites is something of a grey area. While the Wire Act no longer applies to poker, the UIGEA ruling still stands. As stated earlier, this ruling is aimed at both the gambling sites and the financial institutions - nowhere does it mention the individual players, and it is a fact that no individual from within the US has ever been charged or prosecuted for playing online poker.
It could be assumed therefore, that players are free to play at these offshore sites, however, there is another factor to bear in mind. Individual states each have their own rules regarding gambling, The Offshore Licensing Jurisdictions
Most of the nation states licensing poker sites offshore are based in the Caribbean or Central America. These countries claim their right to allow gambling under international free trade agreements (though the World Trade Organization).
Here are the biggest licensing bodies:
Curacao: Formerly known as the Netherlands Antilles, this licensing body welcomes many of the bigger offshore casino and poker brands.
Antigua: This island nation filed a dispute with the US via the World Trade Organization, threatening retaliation (via relaxing copyright laws). This dispute is still ongoing.
Panama: This central American nation licenses BetOnline, a huge sportsbook which now has a leading US poker room on the Chico Network.
Kahnawake: This is not a Caribbean island, instead it is a tribal reservation based inside Canada, the Morris Mohawk tribe there have shaped a lot of the poker (and gambling in general) landscape in the years since 2006. Poker Licensing Jurisdictions Around the World
When you look at the situation for Gaming licenses outside of the US, things get complex very quickly. There are jurisdictions like Malta and Gibraltar, which offer licenses for global gaming (though not to sites welcoming US players). There are individual country licensing bodies too. Some of these oversee ring-fenced player pools (France, Spain), while others allow players to join the giant global sites (UK, Denmark). Still other countries ban online gambling, including poker, completely though their enforcement efforts vary in quality.
The section below covers the bigger countries and those with notable licensing rules. Below this countries list you will find information on the jurisdictions awarding global licenses.
Online Poker Licenses in the United Kingdom - While online poker has always been legal for players in the UK, the companies and websites offering the games have seen legal changes in recent years. In 2005, The Gambling act was introduced, which gave power to the Gambling Commission to issue licenses to approved online poker sites (as well as casinos and other gambling sites). For a site to be awarded a license, they have to meet a series of standard requirements, ensuring that playing at one of these sites ensures a safe and secure environment.
Until 2014, these laws only applied to sites based in the UK, but now any sites based overseas also have to hold the same license, which has seen a reduction in choice for players, as some sites chose not to pursue a license. Online poker can be played legally by anyone over the age of 18 in the UK.
Online Poker Licenses in France - Up until 2010, poker players in France had been playing online for many years, but the introduction of the French Gambling Act changed the scene completely. No longer were French citizens able to play online outside of France and play within the country saw players with two distinct disadvantages. First, the government tax the gambling sites highly, meaning this is passed onto players in the form of higher rake levels than you would usually find elsewhere. Second, the traffic levels at sites within France are much smaller than at the international sites, making games (especially at higher stakes) harder to come by. Much like in the US, many players within France still play at sites outside of the country, although sites such as PokerStars.fr are popular.
Online Poker Licenses in Germany - There was no regulation regarding online gambling at all until 2008, when the Interstate Treaty on Gambling (ISTG) was signed. This treaty effectively banned all forms of online gambling across the 16 states of Germany and apart from a short lived opt-out from Schlesswig-Holstein in 2012, this ban has remained intact.
This means that players from Germany have to resort to sites outside of the country. Much like in the US, the legality of playing at an offshore site is legally ambiguous, though there seems to be no appetite from the authorities to enforcing a ban. As such, online poker and gambling in general is very popular in Germany.
Online Poker Licenses in Spain - In many ways, the regulations concerning online poker mirror the rules in France. The only main difference between the laws is the fact that regulated sites within Spain only pay a percentage of their profits as tax, rather than part of the rake. This is more player-friendly than the French system, where the taxation is based upon turnover. Spain has strict penalties for international poker sites allowing residents of the country to play, although as a deterrent, this hasnt been a success. It is estimated that nearly half of Spains online poker players play at sites from outside of the country.
Online Poker Licenses in Italy - The Finance Act of 2007 legalized online poker and other games of skill, although there were regulations put in place. Poker itself was subject to the fact that only tournament play should be allowed, something that didnt go down well with the Italian players. This changed in 2011 and today players can enjoy both cash and tournament poker. Today PokerStars Italian site is one of the most popular sites online and sites in the country have been relatively successful. Licensing and Regulation in Smaller European Countries
Many smaller European jurisdictions have bought in their own licensing systems. Some are in the process of fine-tuning the implementation of these. Denmark, the Netherlands and Belgium are 3 recent examples. These countries control advertising via licensing, and allow players at licensed sites to join the bigger international player pools. Other countries in central and eastern Europe have attempted to ban online poker with varying degrees of success.
Australia: New Regulations - The laws regarding online poker in Australia have changed dramatically in recent months. A law dating back to 2001 had attempted to prohibit internet gambling, but this ruling had no effect on poker players at all. A study in 2015 surrounding illegal online gambling recommended that loopholes allowing Australians to play online poker be closed. The Interactive Gambling Amendment Bill of 2016 stated that online companies cant offer poker to Australians unless regulated, but there is no process for gaining that regulation, and this bill was approved in early 2017.
Online Poker Regulations in Canada - Canada does not have any specific licensing for poker sites. The law here allows individuals to enjoy the real money poker games at globally licensed sites. The stipulation being that those sites must not be physically located within Canada. Licensing Bodies for Global Poker Sites
In addition to the many individual country licenses, legitimate poker sites have global operating licenses. The best regarded of these are supplied by island states and dependencies around Europe.
Seeing a site with a license from one of the jurisdictions below is a good sign that this is a reputable operator.
Gibraltar: This UK dependency has been a licensing jurisdiction for gambling sites for many years. In addition to licensing, many big operators have headquarters there. Examples of sites with Gibraltar licenses include 888 and Bwin.Party.
Isle of Man: This offshore tax haven between the UK and Ireland is home to some of the biggest names in online poker. These include PokerStars and Paddy Power.
Malta: Better known for casino licensing, Malta has a long list of brands under its jurisdiction. Notably sports and spread betting operators are not licensed here.
Alderney / Jersey: Two more jurisdictions that offer licenses, though are not as popular or prominent as the others these days. Gaming Licenses and Jurisdictions Overview
The rules surrounding online poker and gambling online in general seem to be in a constant state of flux. While many governments around the world seemed to react to online gaming long after the horse had already bolted, many laws have now been introduced to ensure that if gambling is allowed, the states/countries want a financial piece of the pie. In many countries, the laws can be confusing, especially when concerning the legality of playing at a site from outside of the country. While this confusion is in place, the numbers seem to point to the fact that players do enjoy the opportunity of playing poker at both offshore and international sites.
Looking ahead to the future, there are sure to be further law changes, especially when consider the number of rulings that have been introduced or amended in the last ten years. Lets hope online poker will continue to be accessible to all.
Check out our poker sites page for information on the best legal poker rooms for your location, device and game preferences.
