Unlike New Jersey, where legalized online casino gambling has existed since Nov. 26, 2013, Michigan online casinos first appeared on the scene much more recently. Both online casino gambling and online sports betting launched simultaneously in Michigan on Jan. 22, 2021.
Michigan players had to wait a long time for the opportunity to play their favorite casino games online, but when the opening day finally arrived, eight online casinos were ready. The initial eight online casinos included BetMGM, BetRivers, Caesars, DraftKings, FanDuel, Golden Nugget, TwinSpires, and WynnBET. A ninth operator, Barstool, also opened on Jan. 22, 2021, but for sports bets only; its online casino debuted on Feb. 2. Other Michigan online casinos that launched very soon after opening day were Stars Casino (on Jan. 29) and Four Winds (on Feb. 15).
According to data released by the Michigan Gaming Control Board, even though the initial month of operation only included 10 days, the total gaming revenue generated by all of the existing Michigan online casinos combined during that brief period amounted to $27,538,672. It was the most successful launch by far for legal online casino gambling by any US state.
As of this writing, the number of online casinos in Michigan has grown to 15, second only to New Jersey, which has 30 online casinos. But considering that the online casino option has only been available in Michigan for a little over a year, the presence of 15 sites is most impressive.
Moreover, according to a Jan. 18, 2022 article on DetroitNews.com, Michigan is only the third state so far to generate more than $1 billion in revenue from online casino games and poker since its launch. It is also the only state to accomplish that feat in its first year.
Live dealer games first appeared in Michigan online casinos on July 22, 2021. At that time, 10 of the then 14 online casinos in Michigan offered them. As of May 2022, Michigan live casino games continue to be as popular as ever. All but two of the 15 Michigan online casinos now include this option.
Michigan Legal Online Casinos
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed the legislation permitting online casino gambling and sports betting in Michigan in December 2019. However, state regulators needed all of the following year to develop and finalize the rules and monitoring procedure so that online gambling could be implemented.
Currently operating Michigan online casinos
The following is a complete list of the 15 online casinos in Michigan, along with each casino’s launch date and land-based partner.
Barstool Casino
Launch date: Jan. 22, 2021 for the online sportsbook; Feb. 2, 2021 for the online casino
Land-based partner: Hollywood Casino at Greektown
(a rebranding of Greektown Casino as of 5/1/22)
BetMGM
Launch date: Jan. 22, 2021
Land-based partner MGM Grand Detroit
BetRivers
Launch date: Jan. 22, 2021
Land-based partner Little River Casino Resort
Caesars Casino (formerly William Hill)
Launch date: Jan. 22, 2021
Land-based partners: Turtle Creek Casino, Leelanau Sands Casino
Owned and operated by the Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians
DraftKings
Launch date Jan. 22, 2021
Land-based partner: Bay Mills Resort & Casino
Owned and operated by the Bay Mills Indian Community
FanDuel
Launch date: Jan. 22, 2021
Land-based partner: Motor City Casino Hotel
Golden Nugget
Launch date: Jan. 22, 2021
Land-based partner: Ojibwa Casino
Owned and operated by the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community
WynnBET
Launch date: Jan. 22, 2021
Land-based partner: Kewadin Casinos
Owned and operated by the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippawa Indians
Stars Casino
Launch date: Jan. 29, 2021
Land-based partner: Odawa Casinos
Owned and operated by the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians
Four Winds Online Casino
Launch date: Feb. 15, 2021
Land-based partner: Four Winds Casinos
Owned and operated by the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians
PlayGunLake/Parx
Launch date: April 23, 2021
Land-based partner Gun Lake Casino
PointsBet
Launch date: May 4, 2021
Land-based partner: Northern Wasters Casino
Owned and operated by the Lac Vieux Desert Band of Lake Chippewa Indians
FireKeepers Online Casino
Launch date: July 12, 2021
Land-based partner: FireKeepers Casino Hotel
Owned and operated by the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of Potawatomi Indians
Eagle Casino & Sports
Launch date: April 14, 2022
Land-based partner: Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort
Owned and operated by the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe
How Online Casino Gambling in Michigan Works
On Dec. 20, 2019, Gov. Whitmer signed the Lawful Internet Gaming Act (LIGA) into law. This law opened the door for licensed Michigan operators to start offering online casino games and poker. Another bill, which Gov. Whitmer also signed into law on Dec. 20, 2019, the Lawful Sports Betting Act, permitted licensed Michigan operators to offer online sports betting as well.
However, before any of these sites could open, the Michigan Gaming Control Board, the agency that is responsible for licensing and regulating virtually all of the state’s legal online gambling, had to do the following:
- Establish and finalize all of the applicable rules and regulations.
- Take applications from interested parties, conduct appropriate background checks, and grant licenses to those it approved.
The extensive preliminary work that was necessary explains why it took more than a year thereafter for Michigan online casino gambling to actually launch.
Who can apply for an online casino license in Michigan?
As per the terms of the LIGA, all applicants for a Michigan online casino license must be affiliated with an existing approved Michigan land-based casino, of which there are two categories:
Businesses already operating commercial retail casinos in Michigan – Presently, there are only three, all located in the Detroit area: MGM Grand, Motor City, and Hollywood Casino at Greektown.
Tribal casinos conducting Class III gaming – 12 of the 15 currently operating online casinos in Michigan are affiliated with a tribal casino. Unlike commercial casinos, which are licensed and regulated by the MGCB, tribal casinos are licensed and regulated by the National Indian Gaming Commission, the MGCB only becomes involved when one of these tribal casinos is chosen by an applicant for an online casino license as its Michigan land-based casino partner.
Unlike in New Jersey, where there is no apparent limit on the number of online casinos with which a given land-based casino can partner, in Michigan, each land-based casino is limited to just one affiliate. Since the partnerships with three commercial casinos in the state were already locked up, all remaining online casino applicants have had to partner with a tribal casino.
Any approved applicant for a Michigan online casino license is also approved for a Michigan online sportsbook license. In fact, all 15 Michigan authorized gambling sites now offer both casino play and sports betting. However, unless the rules are changed, the total number of internet gambling sites and online casino and mobile apps remains capped at 15.
What other forms of online gambling besides casino games, poker, and sports betting are available to Michigan players?
Along with online casino gambling and sports betting, other legalized forms of online gambling in Michigan include Daily Fantasy Sports, horse racing, sweepstakes, and the lottery. The minimum age for gambling online in Michigan is 21, except for Daily Fantasy Sports, sweepstakes, and buying lottery tickets, where the minimum age is 18.
Who is allowed to place wagers at Michigan online casinos?
You don’t necessarily have to be a Michigan resident to bet real money at a Michigan online casino or sportsbook, but you do need to be a registered account holder there and be physically located inside the state at the time of your play. You cannot bet anonymously. You must also be 21 years of age or older.
Michigan sportsbooks do not restrict players from placing bets on Michigan college teams or college games being played in Michigan, as New Jersey online sportsbooks do with their customers for New Jersey college games.
How to Start Playing Michigan Live Casino Games
Many casino players who are new or fairly new to online gambling probably have had no previous encounter with live dealer games and might not even know what they are. Five years before any Michigan online casinos offered live dealer games, Golden Nugget Online Casino in New Jersey was credited as being the first legal US online casino to offer this gaming platform. Yet the option had already been making big waves at overseas online casinos for some time.
The reason for their slow start in the US and the fact that even now, the option is rarely available until after a casino has launched other games, is the advanced technology and considerable expense involved in getting this platform to work. However, from the casinos’ standpoint, the time, effort, and expense have paid off handsomely, as live dealer games are among the most popular online and mobile table game options.
Those who already play the most popular table games at both brick and mortar and online casinos–i.e., blackjack, roulette, and baccarat–like the fact that they can play versions of the same games at live dealer tables.
But their familiarity is only one of the reasons why live dealer games have become so popular. Just like the name suggests, the prime attraction is a live dealer who deals the cards or spins the wheel and pays the winners. There is even a live chat window, which players can use to carry on light conversations with the other players at the table and the dealer. These special features eliminate the feeling of isolation that online and mobile casino players typically experience and allow them to enjoy the same type of social interaction they get when they are in a real casino.
If you have access to Michigan online casinos and you would like to sample the fun and excitement of the live dealer experience, keep reading to learn how to get started. If traveling to a land-based casino isn’t convenient, no problem. Michigan live casino games also let you enjoy your favorite table games with other players and a real dealer in real-time. But instead of your having to travel long distances, they bring the thrills and excitement to you.
Pick the online casino you prefer and complete the registration form.
Following this procedure is standard practice at all Michigan online casinos. Before you can start playing for real money, you need to complete the sign-up form with all of the basic information requested (full name, mailing address, email address, phone number, date of birth, Social Security number, user name, and password). The casino needs this information to verify your identity and eligibility.
For your convenience, you can complete the registration process either online or by downloading the casino mobile app. Apple iOS device users will find the app they need at the App Store, while Android device users can generally find it at the Google Play Store. The only exception would be if there are specific instructions to download the app directly from the casino.
Alternatively, simply enter the URL of the casino on the web browser of your computer or mobile device.
Either way, simply click on the tab on the home page marked “Register” or “Sign-up” and fill out and submit the form.
As soon as you are approved, if the casino offers a sign-up bonus, claim it –Some Michigan online casinos offer a small bonus (about $20) even before you make your first deposit, just for signing up. Accept any such offer, but be sure to read the applicable terms and conditions.
Make your first deposit – Regardless of whether or not the casino offers the aforementioned small sign-up bonus, most Michigan online casinos offer first-time players a potentially much more generous welcome bonus when they make their first deposit. Some of these offers are actually designed with high rollers in mind due to their very large upper limits. For example, Caesars Online Casino and DraftKings Online Casino both offer a 100% first deposit match of up to $2,000. Naturally, big bonuses like these come with hefty playthrough requirements. On the other hand, FanDuel Casino offers first-time depositors their first day of play risk-free for up to $1,000.
Since the specific offers and terms and conditions vary from one casino to another, the final decision on where to play should take into consideration the suitability of the welcome offer for your budget and playing style.
Another important decision you need to make concerns the method you choose for funding your account. Most Michigan online casinos give you the following options:
- MasterCard and Visa credit or debit cards: Though convenient to use, this method has two big drawbacks. First, many banks decline credit and debit card transactions for gambling purposes. Secondly, the cards cannot be used for withdrawals.
- VIP Preferred eCheck (ACH)
- PayPal (personal accounts only)
- Online Banking Transfer
- Play+ card obtained from the casino
- PayNearMe cash deposit at 7-Eleven or other participating retailers; cannot be used for withdrawal
- Cash deposit at the casher’s cage of the affiliated Michigan land-based casino
While the last two methods might appeal to players who want to bypass the need to involve their bank, the downside is that deposits made in this manner might not be valid for getting a bonus.
First-time depositors who receive a welcome bonus need to read carefully the casino’s terms and conditions for clearing it. While you may be eager to play live dealer games right off the bat, at most online casinos, they count minimally, if at all, toward meeting the wagering requirements for the bonus. So, your best bet might be to clear the bonus with slots and then switch to live dealer games.
Withdraw your winnings
Hopefully, you will have great luck from the get-go, in which case, you need to know how to withdraw your winnings. These are the six options that most Michigan online casinos offer.
- Play+ Prepared Card: Funds are available instantly at ATMs or anywhere Discover is accepted.
- eCheck (ACH): 48-72 hours for processing plus a couple of additional days for funds to post in your bank account
- PayPal: Same as for ACH Available at ATMs as soon as the withdrawal is approved, but allow another 48 hours if funds are being transferred. PayPal can only be used for withdrawals it was also used for the deposit.
- Online Banking: Varies- 3-7 business days
- Cash at the casino cage of the affiliated Michigan land-based casino: As soon as it is approved
- Check by Mail: 2-3 weeks
What live dealer games can you play at Michigan online casinos?
Live casino games debuted in Michigan on July 22, 2021, exactly six months after the launch of online casinos in Michigan. At that time, 10 of the state’s then 14 operating online casinos had them. Now with the exception of Four Winds and FireKeepers, all of the Michigan online casinos offer live dealer games.
That should come as no surprise at all. But what is surprising is that most of these casinos haven’t expanded their live game offerings at all beyond the basic blackjack, roulette, and baccarat they have been offering all along. But in their defense, those three–in that order–are the most heavily played live dealer games. Players looking for a more diverse collection of live dealer games should consider PlayGunLake, which uses software from Playtech or Eagle Casino & Sports, which uses software from both Evolution and GAN.
Here is a brief description of your various live casino options.
Blackjack
Let’s start with blackjack because it is by far the most popular live dealer game. It is so popular that even when casinos add more tables, it never seems to be enough. For example, Golden Nugget Online Casino offers only two live roulette tables and one live baccarat table but seven live blackjack tables.
One of the reasons why blackjack attracts so many players is that of all of the games in the casino, when played correctly, it has the lowest house edge. While there are better blackjack games you can play online without a live dealer with more favorable rules, even the live version is a relatively good game for the player.
In November 2021, BetMGM, BetRivers, Caesars, DraftKings, FanDuel, and Golden Nugget started offering Michigan players the added option of branded blackjack, This guarantees that everyone at the table is at the same casino.
The main drawback to the Michigan live dealer blackjack games is that all of the table minimums are at least $30. However, players who seek a less expensive game have another option, Infinite Blackjack, or at PlayGunLake, All Bets Blackjack, with a minimum bet of only $1 and never any waiting for seats. Because everyone starts with the same two cards, an unlimited number of people can play at once.
Roulette
Typically, live dealer roulette is in the form of the less favorable American Roulette with both a single and double zero on the wheel. However, most Michigan online casinos offer European Roulette, with a single zero only and a lower 2.7% house edge. Some Michigan casinos also offer a very fast-paced version of roulette called Auto Roulette Live.
Alternatively, roulette players who want to try something different have these options but only at the casino mentioned below.
Quantum Roulette Arcade: American Roulette with a win multiplier. A player can win up to 1,000x their bet. This game is exclusively at PlayGunLake.
Lightning Roulette: This game, which an unlimited number of people can play at once, also offers big prizes. 1-5 lucky numbers are “struck by lightning” on every spin. Lightning Roulette is only available at Eagle Casino & Sports.
Michigan Online Casinos FAQs
What is the minimum age to be to play online casino games for real money in Michigan?
The minimum age to make real money bets at any Michigan online casino or on any Michigan online casino app is 21.
Which Michigan online casinos offer live dealer games?
As of this writing, 13 of the 15 Michigan online casinos offer live dealer games. The only holdouts so far are FireKeepers and Four Winds. However, all of the online casinos listed below do include this option.
- Barstool
- BetMGM
- BetRivers
- Caesars
- DraftKings
- Eagle Casino & Sports
- FanDuel
- Golden Nugget
- PlayGunLake
- PointsBet
- Stars
- TwinSpires
- WynnBET
Is the BetMGM app available for use in Michigan?
Yes, BetMGM was one of the eight Michigan online casinos to launch on day 1. The site is affiliated with the MGM Grand in Detroit. Therefore, players who live in or plan to visit the Detroit area can make online deposits and withdrawals at that casino.
BetMGM also participates in the MGM Rewards program. This highly acclaimed nationwide program allows players to combine the rewards points and tier credits earned on the Michigan gambling site with those earned at other participating online and retail casinos and sportsbooks.
Is Caesars Online Casino available in Michigan?
Yes, Caesars Online Casino and Sportsbook for Michigan players also launched on Jan.22, 2021
Michigan players are assured of the same trusted Caesars name, wide variety of casino games and sports betting options, and special offers found on other Caesars betting sites, including the nationwide Caesars Rewards program. All reward credits and tier credits earned by Michigan players online or with the Caesars mobile app can be combined with those earned at other participating Caesars-affiliated online and retail casinos and sportsbooks.
Who licenses and regulates legal online casinos in Michigan?
The agency that is entrusted with the responsibility for licensing and regulating all legal MI online casinos and sportsbooks and their affiliates is the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB). After being given the green light in December 2019 by the Governor of Michigan to start taking applications for licenses, the MGCB spent nearly a year putting the final set of regulations in place to ensure that Michigan online gambling would run smoothly, safely, and fairly.