Michigan Online Casinos
Michigan online casinos became legal in December 2019 with the passage of the Lawful Internet Gaming Act, signed by Governor Gretchen Whitmer. While the Great Lake State also passed the Lawful Sports Betting Act in late 2019, lawmakers took 2020 to deliberate on how to launch its online gambling sector.
With licensing and oversight from the Michigan Gaming Control Board, the simultaneous launching of online casinos, online poker, and sports betting in 2021 created a unique trifecta. By 2023, in its third year of operation, iGaming in Michigan generated a record $1.92 in revenue, beating New Jersey by $115,500 to become the nation’s top market for online gambling.
Let’s look at which online casinos Michigan has to offer.
How to Find the Right MI Online Casino
There are over a dozen online casinos in Michigan, with thousands of casino games from the industry’s top software providers. To find the best online casino for your bankroll and gaming preferences, we recommend trying multiple sites to get a feel for what suits you best.
Before you play online casino games, here are a few things to consider.
Game Variation
Michigan online casino players make up one of the industry’s hottest markets. The increasing demand for online gambling in the Great Lake State attracts the best online casinos and gaming suppliers.
Online casinos in Michigan deliver the most popular casino games and innovative software from well-known brands like Evolution Gaming, IGT, and NetEnt.
With thousands of online slots to choose from, along with table games like baccarat, blackjack, and roulette—the Michigan online casino industry provides plenty of choices for entertaining casino games to eligible players.
Safety & Security
Firm leadership from the Michigan Gaming Control Board (in partnership with relevant in-state legal authorities) has enhanced safety and security measures for regulated online casino gaming. Players must feel that online casinos in Michigan rigorously protect their financial data and personal information.
When you play real money casino games within the state, choose online gambling sites licensed by the Michigan Gaming Control Board. Playing at a safe online casino should be a priority for all Michigan casino enthusiasts.
Device Options
Michigan online casinos optimize their games for desktop and mobile browsers and iOS and Android mobile apps. Depending on the online casino you choose, you can also access sports betting and poker from the same platform on any eligible device.
Online casino games from mobile apps might be integrated with sportsbooks, too.
The top online casinos in Michigan allow users to play various games across multiple verticals (Casino, Poker, Sports) from any computer, laptop, or mobile device.
Digital Customer Support
Game selection, data security, and mobile accessibility are all essential for providing the best possible user experience at Michigan online casinos. When things go wrong or you have any questions, you should be able to contact customer support immediately.
Online casinos in Michigan provide valuable how-to-play guides and tutorials for beginners. Help centers offer FAQs with relevant articles on bonuses, deposits, withdrawals, and more. Live chat should also be available 24/7 or during regular business hours.
Michigan Online Casinos: The Best MI Casino Apps and Bonuses in 2024
The best online casinos in Michigan offer tons of great gaming options from slots, table games, fish arcade games, live dealer games, and more! Read below to find out about the top online casinos in Michigan.
Fanatics Casino: Best New Online Casino
- Read our Fanatics Casino Promo Code & Review
- Bonus Offer: Deposit $10, Get $50 in Casino Credit! No promo code required!
Fanatics Casino is one of the newest online casinos in Michigan after launching their gaming brand in late 2023.
The Fanatics brand has been around for quite a while as the leader of sports merchandising. They've recently grown into the sports betting and online casino worlds, and we're excited to add this online casino to our Michigan online casino portfolio.
Stay tuned for more information on the exciting new online gaming product from Fanatics Betting & Gaming!
Pros & Cons of Fanatics Casino
 Exclusive games |
 Mobile app only; no desktop version |
| Great selection of live dealer games |
Welcome bonus spins must be used on only one game |
| FanCash bonus credits |
BetMGM Online Casino: Best for Live Dealer Experience
- Read our BetMGM Casino Bonus Code & Review
- Bonus Offer 1: Use promo code ACTIONCASINO and you can claim this promo: Get a 100% Deposit Match up to $1,000 in Casino Credits + $25 on The House!
In partnership with MGM Grand Detroit, BetMGM went live in early 2021, among various online casinos in Michigan. To play online casino games, you can sign up online to become eligible for a welcome bonus with a relevant promo code for a 100% deposit match up to $1,000. First-time players also receive $25 in Casino Play as a no-deposit bonus.
Most Michigan online casinos offer hundreds of casino games. However, BetMGM reigns as one of the top online casinos in the state, with thousands of the most popular slots and table games. We counted 16 live dealer games, including baccarat, live dealer blackjack, craps, roulette, and poker. There were nearly 50 new games and 150 table games, with a handful of sports-themed options and video poker.
In addition to thousands of slots organized by nearly a dozen software providers, the BetMGM online casino provides almost 400 exclusive jackpots in several US States like West Virginia and New York along with Michigan. Options include six-figure MegaJackpots and MGM Grand Millions Megaways. Online poker is also available via a separate vertical and downloadable software for ring games and multi-table tournaments.
Pros & Cons of BetMGM Online Casino
| Progressive jackpot slots |
Occasionally slow withdrawal times |
| BetMGM Rewards loyalty program |
Limited customer support options |
| User-friendly app design |
Must meet wagering requirements within 2 weeks |
Caesars Palace Online Casino: Best for a Great Gaming Experience
- Read our Caesars Palace Online Casino Promo Code & Review
- Bonus Offer: Use promo code ACTION22500 to claim this promo offer: Get a 100% Deposit Match up to $2,500 + 2,500 Rewards Points! Alternatively, new users can enter bonus code ACTIONLAUNCH to take advantage of this pffer: Get $10 on Registration + 100% Deposit Match up to $1000!
New users can only redeem one bonus.
Caesars Entertainment launched a Caesars Sportsbook amidst Michigan online casinos in August 2021, a few months after its massive $4 billion purchase of William Hill. Two years later, in 2023, Caesars Entertainment rebranded a standalone casino—the Caesars Palace Online Casino.
As one of the newest MI online casinos, new Caesars Palace Online Casino players may receive a great deposit match. Also new among Michigan online casino apps, Android and iOS users can access live dealer games, jackpot slots, and video poker.
Among dozens of table games, betting limits at 18 blackjack titles range from $0.10 to $10,000 per hand. Smaller bankrolls may appreciate the ‘Steppers’ category, which includes nearly 100 titles, including Almighty Buffalo Megaways, Big Prize Bubble Gum Deluxe, and Ultimate Fire Link China Street. Caesars brands also recently launched a new online casino in Michigan and you can learn more by checking out the Horseshoe Online Casino Promo Code.
Pros & Cons of Caesars Palace Online Casino
| Great selection of slots games |
No desktop version |
| Popular trusted brand and exclusive games |
High wagering requirements |
| Ongoing promos for existing users, plus a VIP program |
Players need to download a separate app for sports betting |
DraftKings Online Casino: Best for Casino Library
- See our DraftKings Casino Bonus Code and Review
- Bonus Offer: Play $5 Get $50 Casino Credits Instantly + $35 Extra on Deposit! No promo code required!
DraftKings launched among the first online casinos in Michigan in January 2021 and is partnered with the Bay Mills Resort & Casino.
Rare among Michigan online casinos, DraftKings also provides casino guides for games like online slots, baccarat, blackjack, craps, and roulette. These tutorials help introduce first-time players to one of the best online casino sites in the U.S.-regulated iGaming industry.
Nearly 75 exclusive titles, including sports-themed casino games, are available at the DraftKings Casino. A running promotion turns standard titles into progressive jackpots, including live casino games like Infinite Blackjack, Lightning Roulette, and Live Dealer Baccarat.
Must be 21+. Physically present in CT/MI/NJ/PA/WV only. Void in ONT. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (MI/NJ/PA/WV) or visit www.1800gambler.net (WV). Help is available for problem gambling, call (888) 789-7777 or visit ccpg.org(CT).
Pros & Cons of DraftKings Online Casino
| Exclusive DraftKings slots and live dealer games |
High minimum bets/wagering requirements |
| Dynasty Rewards program |
No 24/7 live chat support |
| Lots of table games to choose from |
Slow withdrawal time |
Golden Nugget Online Casino: Best for High Return-to-Player (RTP)
- Read our Golden Nugget Casino Bonus Code & Review
- Bonus Offer: Deposit $5, Get $50 INSTANTLY in Casino Site Credits! No bonus code required!
Partnered with Ojibwa Casinos, Golden Nugget launched as one of the first online casinos in Michigan in January 2021. DraftKings’ purchase of Golden Nugget Online Gaming in 2022 eventually changed the way Golden Nugget delivered online casino games in the Wolverine State.
With hundreds of titles at the Golden Nugget Casino, popular options include live dealer casino games like blackjack and roulette. There are also hundreds of new slots, such as Amazon Kingdom, Big Money Frenzy, and Diamond Inferno. (Like at the DraftKings Casino, online games at Golden Nugget include progressive jackpots across slots, table games, and more.)
21+. Physically present in MI/NJ/PA/WV only. Eligibility restrictions apply. Void in ONT. 1 per new customer. Min. $5 deposit req. Max. $50 issued in Casino Credits for select games that are non-withdrawable and expire in 7 days (168 hours). Terms: goldennuggetcasino.com/welcome. Ends 12/01/24 at 11:59PM ET. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (MI/NJ/PA/WV) or visit www.1800gambler.net (WV).
Pros & Cons of Golden Nugget Online Casino
| Frequent tournaments and promotions |
Limited payment methods |
| Low welcome bonus wagering requirements |
Limited selection of games |
| Frequently adds new games |
Some games have lower RTPs |
BetRivers Casino MI
- See our BetRivers Casino Bonus Code and Review
- Bonus Offer: Get 24 Hours of Casino Losses Back Up To $500! No promo code required!
BetRivers launched among the first Michigan online casinos in January 2021. As a unique welcome bonus, first-time players get reimbursed for any net losses within their first 24 hours of playing online casino games.
Partnered with the Little River Casino & Resort, the Michigan online casino version of BetRivers offers hundreds of titles. The casino’s homepage shows ‘Top New Played Games,’ with exclusives like Mo Mo Moolah, HotShot TwinFire, and Quick Hit Blitz Gold. The Jackpot Royale Drawing lists 32 jackpot slots.
Live dealer games at the BetRivers Casino include baccarat, blackjack, craps, and roulette. Players may also choose virtual table games like 3 Card Stud, American Roulette, and Casino Hold’em Poker. There are also three dozen Quick Play games with a few progressive jackpots.
Pros & Cons of BetRivers Casino
| Wide range of slots games with multiple progressive jackpots |
Limited selection of table games |
| Instant withdrawals available |
Limited bonuses |
| Secure and trusted brand |
Outdated interface design |
Hollywood Casino Online Casino: Best New Online Casino App
- Stay tuned for our Hollywood Casino Review!
- Bonus Offer: Use the Hollywood Casino promo code TANBONUS for this generous offer: Get up to $500 Cash Back Over the First 24h!
New players only. Must be 21+ and present in MI, NJ, PA, WV. Full T&C Apply. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
Hollywood Online Casino Michigan has officially relaunched under ESPN BET! The platform closed its doors in 2023 and came back with a new logo in Summer 2024. Check out the new and improved Hollywood Casino through the ESPN BET app and use the promo code above.
Pros & Cons of Hollywood Casino
| No-deposit bonus |
Limited selection of games and no dedicated live dealer section |
| Tier points can be used at land-based casinos as well as online |
Desktop site and Hollywood Casino standalone app have been discontinued |
| Boosts and low wagering requirements |
FanDuel Online Casino: Best for 24/7 Live Dealer Studios
- Read our FanDuel Casino Bonus Code & Review
- Bonus Offer: No promo code is required to claim the this promo offer: Deposit $10, Get $20 In Site Credit & Play It Again up to $1000!
In partnership with the MotorCity Casino Hotel, FanDuel went live among the first Michigan online casinos in January 2021. Initially integrated with a sportsbook, live dealer games came in July 2022, a year after FanDuel launched its standalone casino option.
Michigan online casino players making their first deposits get access to a Play It Again offer at FanDuel. First-time users get reimbursed up to $1,000 in net losses within their first 24 hours. Players may also receive $20 in Site Credit with a $10 deposit.
Online casino games at FanDuel include baccarat, blackjack, craps, roulette, and video poker. There are also hundreds of online slots and a ‘Rewards Machine’ as a daily promotion offering up to $2,000 in prizes.
Pros & Cons of FanDuel Online Casino
| User-friendly app design |
Limited selection of games |
| Fast withdrawals |
Welcome bonus is only available on your first day |
| Exclusive live dealer blackjack tables |
betPARX Casino: Best for New Games
- Read our betPARX Casino Promo Code & Review
- Bonus Offer: No casino promo offer at this time
betPARX may be a smaller online casino, but it devotes a considerable amount of its resources to blackjack. The online casino offers hundreds of games including 20 live dealer blackjack tables and five virtual games. (Roulette and poker can be viewed separately from other games, but blackjack can’t. Instead, it’s mixed in with games including baccarat and video poker.)
Pros & Cons of betPARX Online Casino
| The majority of tables pay 3:2 |
Virtual blackjack games use continuous shuffle machines (CMSs) |
| New games including betPARX Steelers American Blackjack |
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| Players have the chance to win prizes through the betPARX App |
Michigan Bonus Codes
As usual, bonus codes, bonus bets, and welcome offers for new players will vary from casino to casino. Players are likely to find no-deposit bonuses anywhere from $0-85, bonus bets up to $100 and first deposit matching bonuses from $100-1,500.
| Apple & Android Store Scores | Registration Bonuses |
|---|---|
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Use promo code ACTIONCASINO and you can claim this bonus: Get a 100% Deposit Match up to $1,000 in Casino Credits + $25 on The House! |
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ACTION22500 to claim this promo: Get a 100% Deposit Match up to $2,500 + 2,500 Rewards Points! OR ACTIONLAUNCH to take advantage of this bonus instead: Get $10 on Registration + 100% Deposit Match up to $1000! |
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Unlock the DraftKings Casino promo here: Play $5 Get $50 Casino Credits Instantly + $35 Extra on Deposit! No promo code required! |
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No bonus code is required to redeem the following offer: Deposit $5, Get $50 INSTANTLY in Casino Site Credits! |
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Hollywood Casino in ESPN BET
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Unlock the Hollywood Casino promo: Use the promo code TANBONUS for this generous offer: Get up to $500 Cash Back Over the First 24h! |
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No promo code required to unlock this promo offer: Deposit $10, Get $20 In Site Credit & Play It Again up to $1000! |
BetMGM Casino
4.7 Stars / 91.3K Ratings 
4.4 Stars / 24K Reviews 
Caesars Palace Online Casino 
DraftKings Casino
Golden Nugget Casino
4.6 Stars / 21.9K Ratings 
4.3 Stars / 7.9K Reviews 
FanDuel CasinoOnline Casinos to Avoid in Michigan
The Michigan Gaming Control Board regulates online casino gaming within the state’s borders. While other jurisdictions may not apply strict regulatory oversight of out-of-state and offshore operators, the Greatadheres to stringent legal requirements for any online casino.
With approval and licensing from the state government, casino games at Michigan online casinos get routinely tested for accuracy and fairness. If you play casino games at offshore online gambling sites, you generally won’t get access to the Michigan or U.S. legal system if there’s an issue or concern.
That’s why we recommend avoiding the following online casino sites and offshore sports betting operators:
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Balzac Casino
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BetUS
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Bovada
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Ignition
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Las Atlantis
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MyBookie
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Planet 7
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Red Dog
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Slots.lv
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Wild Casino
If real money casinos aren't the best fit for you, try playing at sweepstakes casinos, such as WOW Vegas Casino, for fun gameplay without the financial risk.
Online Casino Games Available in Michigan
When you play online casino games in Michigan, you’ll get access to over a dozen options for desktop platforms and mobile apps. There are thousands of casino games, including slot games, online blackjack, live dealer games, and more.
Here’s a look at the most popular games at the best Michigan online casinos.
Online Slots/Jackpots
Michigan players have access to a significant variety of online slot games. Depending on the online casino you choose, you’ll typically find hundreds, if not thousands, of options from software providers like High 5, Light & Wonder, Everi, IGT, and NetEnt.
The BetMGM online casino offers thousands of slot games, while DraftKings Casino (and Golden Nugget Casino) offer popular slots with progressive jackpots as a bonus feature.
Cash Machine is a straightforward three-reel option popular for Michigan online casino apps. Bet levels determine active reels and max rewards (1 credit for the first reel gets capped at ten credits; 5 credits for reels 1 and 2 pay up to 105 credits; max bets activate all three reels with payouts capped at 10,500 credits). Respins enhance this simple yet fun game's entertainment value and payout potential.
Remember to check out jackpot slots—like 88 Fortunes Jackpot Festival, Divine Fortune, and MegaJackpots Cleopatra—some of the most popular online casino games!
See our Best New Slots to Play.
Live Casino Games
Live dealer games are relatively new to the online casino space. However, the popularity of blackjack and roulette at MI online casinos recently expanded to new live casino games like Crazy Time, Dream Catcher, and Football Studio.
With most live casino games Evolution Gaming provides, players can check table limits upon entering. You’ll need a balance above the table’s minimum bet and to wait for the hand or round to end to place your wager(s).
For smaller bankrolls at live casino games, we recommend French Roulette. Via the a la partage rule, players get their bets returned at even-money wagers (red/black, odd/even, high/low) if the ball lands on the green-colored slot labeled zero (0). Compared to American Roulette, which has two green-colored slots for zero and double zero (00), French Roulette provides a low house advantage of 1.35% at even-money bets.
See our Online Roulette Glossary and our How to Play Online Roulette guide.
Virtual Table Games
There are hundreds of virtual table games at online casinos in Michigan. Options include baccarat, blackjack, craps, roulette, and poker.
Other than slots, online blackjack remains one of the most popular casino games in the industry. DraftKings Casino and Golden Nugget Casino each provide exclusive blackjack games within a dedicated gaming category. (We recommend players use the free demo versions at those online casino sites to understand how virtual blackjack works.)
Via a player-versus-dealer setup, you’ll get the best value at online blackjack by choosing classic variants that pay 3 to 2 for a natural blackjack.
See our Blackjack Glossary, our best Online Blackjack Tips, and How to Play Online Blackjack.
Video Poker
Video poker might not be a top option at MI online casinos. However, IGT’s Game King provides nine variants, some with the highest return-to-player (RTP) averages at any online casino.
The Caesars Palace Online Casino offers Game King Video Poker, with bet limits ranging from $0.25 to $100 per hand. Players must choose a wager amount and click ‘Deal’ to start. Choose your preferred card(s) to keep for the best possible five-card hand and click ‘Draw.’
Triple, Five, and Ten-Play Draw Poker allow you to play up to ten hands simultaneously. We recommend Deuces Wild Poker as a top option for beginners and those with smaller bankrolls. Video poker is widely available at Michigan online casinos.
Real Money Casinos vs. Free Casinos
Gaming companies call their Android and iOS apps ‘real money’ online casinos. However, some Michigan online casinos offer free demo play options for their games.
Michigan has no “free casinos” other than demo versions of online casino games. Players can try games for free by clicking ‘Demo’ and confirming they’re 21 or older. Online casino gaming through demos helps players prepare for real-money gambling at Michigan casinos.
Players can also experience casino games at social casinos that have set up shop in Michigan. These sweepstakes casinos, like Pulsz Casino and Zula Casino, offer casino gameplay with in-house currency that players can use to redeem real cash prizes. If social casino gaming is something you would like to test out, we recommend giving it a try!
Mobile App Gambling in MI
Mobile gambling is available at Michigan online casinos through web browsers or apps. Depending on your setup or Android/iOS device, you’ll get a unique mobile gambling experience like having a casino in your hand.
Michigan casino apps are available on Google Play and the App Store. Download the app and open it to register a new account with a relevant promo code if necessary.
Some players may prefer mobile versions of online casinos for a convenient and fun user experience. While mobile apps might offer fewer games, hundreds of popular options remain available 24/7.
Online casinos in Michigan are each equipped with a random number generator to ensure the fairness of all games.
BetMGM, FanDuel, bet365, and DraftKings rank highly for their mobile apps, including standalone casino options. For example, the FanDuel Casino continually receives high ratings on par with its sports betting-online casino combo app.
Popular Promos & Bonuses at Casinos in Michigan
Online casinos use welcome bonuses to attract new players and existing promos to retain loyal customers. At the newest Michigan online casinos, promotional offers like deposit matches or free spins are plentiful.
Here’s a brief overview of the promos and bonuses available to MI online casino players.
Welcome Bonuses
Welcome bonuses are available in several forms at the best Michigan online casinos. New players at BetMGM are eligible for a 100% deposit match up to $1,000, while first-time players at Caesars Palace Online Casino may receive up to $2,500.
Upon registering a new account, players can enter a promo code and then make a qualifying deposit to get their deposit match.
With a 15x wagering requirement, the deposit match at BetMGM Casino Michigan remains only eligible at specific slots. That means a $1,000 Casino Bonus requires a player to wager $15,000 to “unlock” their bonus, while a $100 Casino Bonus with a $1,500 wagering requirement is much more manageable.
The DraftKings Casino Michigan/Golden Nugget combo offers unique welcome bonuses for casino credits and a Mystery Spins Bonus.
Check the online casino terms & conditions associated with your welcome bonus to learn about contribution tables/playthrough amounts.
No-Deposit Bonuses
An online casino may offer a no-deposit bonus for first-time players registering a new account. BetMGM provides $25 in Casino Play for new players in Michigan.
The no-deposit bonus at BetMGM Casino Michigan remains available for three days after creating a new account. Once a player ‘opts in’ to the promo, they’ll get seven days to complete a 1x wagering requirement at slots (including jackpots).
Reload Bonuses
Reload bonuses are rare, even at the best Michigan online casinos. However, they may be available as a promo for existing players—like a seasonal offer that provides a casino bonus attached to a later deposit.
First-time players may consider cash-back offers at the BetRivers Casino and FanDuel Casino instead. These options reimburse new users between $500 and $1,000 for any net losses within their first 24 hours at Michigan online casino games.
Common Michigan Casino Programs
The top Michigan online casinos offer generous loyalty/rewards programs for VIP players. We’ll examine how these programs work and their benefits and rewards.
Loyalty Programs
Generally, the best online casinos consider their loyalty programs ‘Rewards.’ As an alternate example, FanDuel provides a loyalty program called Players Club, which offers unique rewards based on monthly loyalty points or FanDuel Points (FDP).
However, online casino players may benefit more from the VIP program. The FanDuel Casino’s loyalty program delivers special bonuses and promos directly to players. Plus, high-rollers get access to a personal account manager.
Rewards Programs
Our recommended Michigan online casino brands offer robust rewards programs. Options include Caesars Rewards, Dynasty Rewards (DraftKings/Golden Nugget), iRush Rewards (BetRivers Casino), and MGM Rewards.
Most online casinos in America provide detailed explanations for their rewards programs. Players can visit the ‘Promotions’ section to learn how each program works, as casinos cater to loyal VIPs.
For example, the Caesars Rewards loyalty program includes a standalone mobile app. Members can view their unique offers (including mobile exclusives), book a hotel stay, buy tickets for a show, and track their ‘Tier Score.’
Earning tier credits has six levels (Gold, Platinum, Diamond, Diamond Plus, Diamond Elite), including an invite-only level called Seven Stars.
The Caesars Rewards program offers various benefits, including redeemable Reward Credits, entertainment, dining, hotels, shopping, and more. Online players earn 1 Reward Credit for wagering $5 on slots and up to 10 Reward Credits for wagering $25 on table games.
Popular Casino Payment Options in MI
Each Michigan online casino is required to provide players with safe and secure payment methods. We’ll briefly cover the payment options at online brands and retail casinos in the Great Lake State.
Casino Deposit Options
Deposit options for MI casino players include:
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Bank transfers
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Debit/credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express)
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Online banking
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Cash (Casino Cage or via in-person live dealer games)
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Check
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eWallets (Apple Pay, PayPal, Venmo)
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PayNearMe
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Play+ card
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VIP Preferred
Casino Withdrawal Options
Online withdrawals at Michigan casinos usually require a previous deposit method. For example, if you deposited with PayPal, that might be the only withdrawal method available.
Here are the standard withdrawal options at retail and online casinos in Michigan:
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Bank transfer
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Cash (Casino Cage)
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Check
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Debit card (Visa, MasterCard)
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eWallet (PayPal, Venmo)
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Online banking
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Play+ card
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Skrill
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VIP Preferred
While retail casinos in Michigan usually offer instant withdrawals, online casinos often require an interview review process. That process may take up to five business days, plus the processing time for the chosen withdrawal method. Besides Cash at Cage, debit cards, e-wallets, and Play+ offer the fastest withdrawal times (within 24 hours) at MI online casinos.
Legalization of Retail & Online Gambling in Michigan
Pari-mutuel horse racing became legal in Michigan in 1933, while voters approved a state lottery nearly four decades later in 1972. Now, there are numerous options for online gambling in Michigan. We’ll examine the modern legalization processes of retail and online casinos in the Wolverine State.
Retail Casinos
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1993: The Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe signed a state compact with Michigan to open a tribal casino. Six other tribes signed state compacts for tribal casinos.
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1996: Michigan voters approved Proposal E (Casino Gambling Initiative). The proposal established the Gaming Control Board to oversee casino gambling at three licensed casinos in Detroit.
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1997: An amended Michigan Gaming Control and Revenue Act became law.
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1998: The state signed four more compacts with native tribes for tribal casinos.
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1999: MGM Grand Detroit first opened on July 29. MotorCity Casino opened on December 14.
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2000: Greektown Casino opened in Detroit.
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2006: The state signed a compact with the Gun Lake Tribe for a tribal casino.
Online Casinos
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December 2019: Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed the Lawful Sports Betting Act and Lawful Internet Gaming Act, making online poker, online casinos, and sports betting (retail and online) legal.
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January 2021: Online casinos and sportsbooks went live, including BetMGM, BetRivers, DraftKings, FanDuel, and Golden Nugget.
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Mid-2021 to present: With up to 15 licensed and regulated online casinos in Michigan, iGaming generated nearly $2 billion by 2023—for the industry’s top spot ahead of New Jersey.
Online Casino Regulations in Michigan
Online casinos in Michigan must adhere to strict legal guidelines established by state lawmakers. The Michigan Gaming Control Board retains authority to award licensing of online casino gaming to three commercial casinos and 12 native tribes for a maximum total of 15 Michigan online casinos.
Legal Status
Players must not be on an in-state self-exclusion list to gamble online at Michigan casinos. They must also provide a physical address, email, mobile phone number, and other personal information to create an online casino account.
Minimum Age
Players must be at least 21 to gamble at any Michigan online casino.
Location
Michigan casinos require online players to confirm their locations within the state to place real money wagers. Mobile apps use the location settings on a player’s phone, while desktop versions require first-time users to download geolocation software.
Retail Casino Regulations in Michigan
Michigan casinos require players to follow proper etiquette on-premises. Here are some retail casino regulations to consider to ensure a safe gaming experience for players and staff.
Legal Status
Gambling at retail casino locations in Michigan requires players to follow proper etiquette. If a player is on a self-exclusive list in the state, casino managers may escort the player out of the casino or away from the gaming floor.
Minimum Age
The minimum gambling age in Michigan ranges from 18 to 21. While Detroit casinos require players to be 21, there’s a lesser requirement of 18 at some tribal casinos.
Taxes on Winnings
Residents and non-residents are liable for taxes on winnings when gambling at Michigan casinos. There’s a 4.25% tax rate on winnings above $300. As of 2020, eligible players may deduct gambling losses from their winnings for a final tax rate.
How to Pick the Right Retail Casino in Michigan
While players may choose from up to 15 Michigan online casinos, there are also as many retail locations to consider. We’ll look at how to choose the best retail casino for you.
Game Selection
Players can check retail casino websites before visiting. Table games may include blackjack, craps, roulette, and carnival games, along with poker rooms. Retail casino brands also advertise some of their newest slots directly on their websites.
Some players may enjoy a large gaming floor with hundreds of table games and thousands of slots. Others may prefer a low-key gambling environment at a tribal casino, which might be more inviting for new players or those with smaller bankrolls.
Read more: Horseshoe Casino
Safe & Secure Gambling
Safe and secure gambling at retail casino locations often centers around etiquette, such as proper dress and polite behavior. Players should adhere to specific protocols on gaming floors.
Licensed casinos in Michigan must follow legal guidelines to ensure players and staff enjoy a safe gaming experience.
Hospitality
Players at Michigan online casinos don’t get to enjoy hospitality services like dining and entertainment at brick-and-mortar locations. Hotels and spas also enhance gambling experiences away from the gaming floors.
Make the most of your in-person gambling experience by selecting a retail casino that suits your budget and offers hospitality catered to your needs.
In-Person Support
A high-roller at a Michigan online casino may only get access to a host as a rewards member. In-person support might come from a chatbot or a live chat window.
In comparison, retail casino locations provide in-person support from dealers, managers, and front desks. You can even chat with other gamblers at the table and learn from more experienced players to improve your skills.
Retail Casino Game Types in Michigan
Retail casino locations in Michigan offer thousands of gaming options for slots, blackjack, craps, roulette, and more. We’ll briefly highlight some of the most popular casino games.
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Slots - Most brick-and-mortar casinos offer hundreds (if not thousands) of slots, such as Buffalo Gold, Monopoly Lunar New Year, and Ultimate Fire Link China Street. Players can choose a game and insert cash for an in-game balance. You can change the bet amounts per spin to suit your bankroll.
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Table games - There are often hundreds of table games at retail Michigan casino locations, including blackjack, craps, and roulette. Players can usually “buy in” from the dealer in between hands or rounds in exchange for relevant chip denominations. Unique games include Dragon Bonus Baccarat, Four-Card Poker, Perfect Pairs Blackjack, and Single Zero Roulette.
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Video poker - Some retail locations may offer video poker terminals with bets ranging from $0.01 to $100. Place your wager, tap the buttons to keep your preferred card(s), and draw your five-card hand.
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Poker rooms - Players who prefer poker may find games with time limits (i.e., last hand dealt at 1:45 AM to 4:45 AM, depending on the day) or 24/7. Find a seat at a cash game for No Limit Texas Hold’em or Pot Limit Omaha, and see if you can join with cash or buy chips from the cashier window beforehand.
Local Casinos to Consider
While some tribal casinos were regulated first, Detroit’s three casinos remain the most popular options. Here are a few standout features of casinos in the Motor City.
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Hollywood Casino at Greek Town: Formerly known as the Greek Town Casino Hotel, the casino opened in 2000 under the ownership of the Sault Tribe of Chippewa Indians. Penn Entertainment became the casino’s operator in 2019 (in partnership with Vici Properties) and rebranded as the Hollywood Casino in 2022. With hundreds of rooms and 100,000 square feet of gaming space, ESPN BET operates an on-site sportsbook.
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MGM Grand Detroit - Also owned by Vici Properties, the MGM Grand Detroit first in 1999 and became a luxury resort in 2007. With a gaming space similar to Greek Town, the casino-hotel offers a 1,200-seat theater, a nightclub, and a BetMGM Sports Lounge.
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MotorCity Casino Hotel - The second casino in Detroit, MotorCity Casino Hotel provides just as many rooms and gaming space as the Hollywood Casino and MGM Grand. Club Metro offers a unique loyalty program alongside slots and table games, including “progressive” Pai Gow, Three-Card Poker, Mississippi Stud, and Ultimate Texas Hold’em. Besides Revel Steak, there’s a spa, food court, and FanDuel Sportsbook with nearly 70 HD TVs and 45 self-service kiosks from IGT.
Responsible Gambling in Michigan
Responsible Gaming (RG) is essential for enjoying your retail and online casino experience. Each online casino in Michigan offers an RG section for players to learn about gambling responsibly.
Tools for responsible gambling include setting limits on deposits, sessions, and losses. From an account dashboard, players can activate a time out or “cool off” period ranging from 72 hours to a year. (Extended self-exclusions are also available for longer periods or permanent bans.)
The following resources are available for those who feel they or someone else they know might have a gambling problem:
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Gamblers Anonymous: Grand Rapids Hotline Number - (616) 776-0666 // Michigan Hotline Number - 855-2CALLGA (855-222-5542)
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Mayo Clinic: Request an appointment (https://www.mayoclinic.org/appointments)
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Michigan Health and Human Services: Problem Gambling Helpline - 1-800-GAMBLER // Problem gambling quiz, get help, and learn about problem gambling
(https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/keep-mi-healthy/mentalhealth/drugcontrol/probgamb/gambleresponsibly)
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National Council for Problem Gambling: 1-800-GAMBLER (https://www.ncpgambling.org/)
