Michigan Online Casinos
Michigan online casinos are here and this means that you have the opportunity to play your favorite casino games online.
There could be as many as 26 online poker and casino sites in Michigan. Now, it’s next to impossible that the state could support so many sites at once, but there’s no doubt that Michiganders have a wealth of opportunities to play their favorite slots or a hand of blackjack at an online casino.
We have the latest updates about which online gambling sites launched in Michigan, and, best of all, what bonuses you will receive.
Best online casinos in Michigan
Are online casinos legal in Michigan?
Yes. After some haggling over the language of the bill, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed House Bill 4311, the Lawful Internet Gaming Act, into law.
The bill opened the door for almost every type of online gambling, regardless of whether you live in the Upper Peninsula or Lower Peninsula. Michigan’s casino properties, which include 23 tribal casinos and three commercial locations, were eligible to apply for licensing. The first online casinos launched on Jan. 22, 2021.
The tax proceeds from the new industry will primarily go to support Michigan education, a common target for gambling in many states. Furthermore, legal online casinos will also provide for medical assistance to first responders in the Great Lakes State.
Which online casinos have the best bonus offers?
Needless to say, there is quite a bit of interest in Michigan for online casino operators. In fact, the names on our list include some of the biggest players in the market, like DraftKings, FanDuel, and BetMGM.
Here are some brief reviews about the online casino apps in Michigan and what you can expect to receive.
1. Golden Nugget Casino MI
Bonus: $30 free + $1,000
Bonus code: PLAYBONUS
Golden Nugget Casino is a gambling juggernaut not just in its primary state of New Jersey but throughout the US. Following a deal in 2020 with the Ojibwa Casino, owned by the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community, Michigan became the focal point of the casino’s business development.
If you enjoy gambling in Michigan, you’ll enjoy hundreds of slot games, baccarat, blackjack, roulette, and online video poker games from the likes of Konami, IGT, NetEnt, Bally. The games are classified according to not only their type and provider but according to themes as well. That said, you can browse the games based on movies and TV shows, Christmas, Egypt, and other exciting themes.
The game catalog is frequently updated with new releases, and you can find all of them under the “New Games” tab right on the homepage. There are even exclusive Golden Nugget slot games developed just for the provider and which you won’t find anywhere else.
2. FanDuel Casino MI
Bonus: $200
Bonus Code: None - Use Links
FanDuel Casino is a nation-wide leader in gambling, but its casino gaming offer is not far behind either. In 2018, the company was acquired by Flutter Entertainment (previously known as Paddy Power Betfair), and its first US online sportsbook in New Jersey that same year. Fast forward to 2020, and FanDuel signed a deal with the MotorCity Casino in Detroit to launch its online casino site in Michigan.
This Michigan online casino is equipped with more than 100 different games from the best software developers, such as Bally, NetEnt, Konami, WMS, and others.
Most of the games on offer are video slots, with even some progressive jackpots, but the choice of table games shouldn’t be overlooked either. You can enjoy spinning the roulette wheel in the in-house built Roulette Royale or playing a couple of blackjack hands in Blackjack Pro — there are plenty of options to choose from.
3. BetMGM Casino MI
Bonus: $25 free + $1,000 welcome offer
Use bonus code: PLAYNJFREE
MGM is a well-known brand in Michigan, thanks to its MGM Grand Detroit Casino owned and operated by Roar Digital. BetMGM is envisaged to be its online counterpart, and that vision has come to life through a diverse assortment of games in the casino lobby.
This MI online casino features over 100 different slot games, online blackjack, roulette, baccarat and casino poker. Video poker is also on the list, along with live dealer games, which are expected in 2021.
The casino games are provided courtesy of Barcrest, Big Time Gaming, IGT, and other leading software developers, meaning you can encounter slot titles such as DaVinci Diamonds, Bonanza, as well as popular table games such as Premium Blackjack Pro, American Roulette, and many others.
4. DraftKings Casino MI
Bonus: $65 free + up to $1,500
Bonus Code: None - Use Links
DraftKings first set sail in the sports betting industry, and soon after expanded into the world of online casino gaming. Based in Boston, DraftKings offers online casino games in Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and soon-to-be Michigan. DraftKings is partnered with the Bay Mills Indian Community, operator of the Bay Mills Resort & Casino in Brimley, to operate the Michigan online casino and sportsbook.
So, what’s great about DraftKings Casino? To start, the casino is powered by the leading software producers in the business, such as IGT, Amaya, Evolution Gaming.
You will find more than 100 slots, table, and eventually, live dealer games. The catalog includes the all-time classics such as Cleopatra, 88 Fortunes, and Bonanza, as well as the proprietary DraftKings table casino games based on sports, such as Football Blackjack.
How real money casinos in Michigan work
It’s important for you to grasp exactly how things work in Michigan when it comes to online casinos.
- The only locations permitted under Michigan law to offer online casinos are the three commercial casinos (MGM Grand, MotorCity, Greektown).
- The 23 tribal casinos in Michigan can apply under their own agreements with the state.
- Licensees must pay $50,000 to apply, $100,000 to receive the initial license and $50,000 annually to renew.
- Remote registration for an online casino account is acceptable anywhere in the state.
- Both state and federal law prohibit any kind of interstate wagering.
- You will have to verify your location with your device each time you play.
- Geolocation technology is quite accurate, and is more likely to reject someone falsely than allow someone to play from across the border.
- You do not have to be a resident of Michigan to play.
- You can access many features of your account from outside of Michigan, such as registration, banking and claiming bonuses.
- You must be 21 or older to play on a Michigan online casino site or app.
Michigan casino apps
One thing you’ll notice about casino apps in Michigan is how similar they are. Though there are significant differences in terms of the execution and features, the basic procedures are nearly identical across the board.
This similarity is not an accident. It is in sites’ best interests to make the transition from a competing site to theirs as smooth as possible, and reducing the learning curve is one way to do so. Because there is something of an orthodoxy in place, we can walk you through the different steps of getting started and answer a few common questions.
Download vs. no download casino in Michigan
The first thing to understand is that you will have to bite the bullet and download the mobile casino app in order to play on it. Although there are several online casinos that offer browser-based play, we cannot reliably tell you that every single operator will have that function.
The good news is that downloading a Michigan online casino app to your mobile device is largely the same procedure as it is for any other type of app. There are just a couple of extra things to do.
- Find a bonus offer: Look for the bonus offer that most appeals to you or for a casino brand name that you like. Make sure that you take note of any bonus codes we have listed.
- Select the casino: Click on the link for your chosen online casino. Make sure that you use our link, as some bonuses are exclusive to our site.
- Choose your device: Click on the logo for your device’s operating system (iOS or Android) to go to the next step in the process.
- iPhone/iPad download: Apple customers will quickly discover that the procedure for downloading a casino app is identical to that of any other app. Click on the button to begin the download, and let your phone install as usual.
- Android download: Android customers will need to set their phones to accept downloads from unknown sources before they will be able to download the .apk file for the app.
After you’ve completed the download and installation, your next step will be to register for an account.
You’ll need to submit various pieces of personal information to establish your account. Expect to input the following personal details:
- Full name
- Date of birth
- Email address
- Mailing address
- Phone number
- Social Security number (or last four digits)
- Choice of username and password
- Choice of security questions and answers — usually mundane personal facts like the street where you grew up or your mother’s maiden name
- Bonus code — a bonus or promo code guarantees that you’ll receive the best possible casino bonus. Check the list below for the top Michigan bonus offers for 2021.
What kind of software do online casinos use?
In most cases, the software that you find on Michigan online casinos will be custom platforms designed for each operator. They commonly enter into partnerships with software developers like Kambi, GAN, and Scientific Games both to build their sites and to provide continuing support to them.
These software platforms are incredibly diverse and sophisticated. They have to be able to handle the hundreds of games on site, securely process transactions, register new accounts, and direct customer support efforts. They are usually repositories of FAQs, help searches, and other relevant information, too.
Most online casinos maintain dedicated app versions of their site for both Apple and Android users. Many of them will also have a browser version to appeal to laptop users or mobile device users who prefer to access the site through their browsers.
You will also notice that these sites are quite slick and fast in their navigation. Their graphics will be crisp and immersive. In many ways, the experience online will exceed that of an actual casino.
You also never have to wait your turn. No matter what your game is, an online casino can offer you a seat at the table.
Michigan online casino bonus codes
Regardless of which MI online casino you choose, you will have the opportunity to claim a casino bonus on each site. The simple truth of any online business is that the competition is always seconds away.
With Michigan sure to be a hotbed of wrestling for market share, there will always be a bonus available at your fingertips. In fact, it might not be necessary to do anything more than sign up for an account to get started.
Latest no deposit bonus codes and bonus offers in Michigan
| Rank | MI Casino | Bonus Code | No Deposit | Deposit Bonus |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Golden Nugget Casino Michigan | PLAYBONUS | $30 | $1,000 |
| 2. | FanDuel Casino Michigan | None - Use Links | N/A | $200 |
| 3. | BetMGM Casino Michigan | PLAYNJFREE | $25 | $1,000 |
| 4. | DraftKings Casino Michigan | None - Use Links | $65 | $1,500 |
However, before we talk about the different kinds of offers, we need to discuss a feature of these bonuses known as the playthrough, or wagering, requirement. Many bonus offers will come with one of these attached, and they can mean the difference between a good offer and a poor one.
In many cases, a casino bonus will be released to the player as site credits or some sort of bet voucher. In order to convert the bonus into withdrawable cash, you must first satisfy the playthrough requirement.
A playthrough requirement is a certain multiple of the bonus amount that you must gamble, or play through, before your bonus dollars become available for withdrawal.
- No deposit casino bonuses: A no deposit bonus is the best kind of offer you can encounter. With a no deposit bonus, the site will literally give you money to play. All you have to do in order to get your hands on the money, in most cases, is register for an account.
- First deposit bonus: A deposit bonus is an offer in which the site commits to matching all or a portion of your deposit amount in your account. Some sites will call these match bonuses, and the terms are interchangeable. In addition, a site might offer a “reload” bonus, but functionally, it is the same type of offer.
- Free spins bonuses: Not every bonus will pay out cash or site credits that you can use like money. Some bonuses will offer to give you free chances on the site’s games. A free spin will usually be confined to a specific slot title or group of titles on the site. In some cases, the site may have a custom-designed slot machine which has the sole purpose of handling free spins.
- Loyalty/rewards programs: For most businesses, it is much less expensive to retain an existing customer than it is to find a new one. So, gambling sites will use loyalty or rewards programs to reward their customers for continued and faithful play onsite.
Additionally, Michigan is consistently adding additional online casinos in 2021. PointsBet launched on May 4, 2021. FireKeepers, which has a physical casino in Battle Creek, plans to launch a FireKeepers online casino product soon and will likely offer promotions and bonuses.
Online casino games in Michigan
So, you’re ready to start playing for real money now. You’ve got the Michigan casino app downloaded and installed, and you want to start winning (hopefully). You’ll need to deposit some funds to get started, but that’s not hard to do. You can use a credit card, electronic check, PayPal or a cash option like PayNearMe. It usually only takes a few seconds to complete the deal.
Here are some of the games you can expect find.
Online slots in Michigan
Wherever there are casinos in Michigan, there are slots. The slot machine is unquestionably the bread and butter of almost every casino in the world, live and online.
The good news is that there is virtually no difference between playing in a retail casino and playing online. Most of the big-name slot machines that you’d find on casino floors across the Wolverine State are also available through the online sites.
In general, all slot titles come in three varieties, and their classification usually boils down to the number of reels (or “reels”) on the machine. A slot will either have three reels, five reels or some other wonky combination that falls into the category of “ways to win.” There’s also no difference between the amounts of money that you can win online vs. live.
There are, however, several distinct advantages to playing a slot online that you need to know.
- Variety: First and foremost, many online casinos feature a far larger variety of titles than retail casinos. Retail casinos are always constrained by the amount of floorspace they have, and they must keep only the most profitable machines on display. Online casinos, on the other hand, don’t suffer if a slot game sits idle most of the time.
- Play anytime: Another advantage that goes hand-in-hand with the variety you’ll find is the fact that, in essence, each online casino has an infinite number of machines. Where you might have to wait for another player to finish using a machine in a retail setting, there’s always an open seat online.
- Play for free or real money: You have more flexibility when it comes to selecting a game and your bankroll online. Many online casinos will allow you to play a demo version of each slot for free, so you can get a sense for how to play a game before you ever spend a dime.
- Low limit: Online slot machines usually have lower limits than the ones you’ll find at MGM Grand or Soaring Eagle. It may be possible to find a true penny slot.
- Bonuses for slot players: Online casinos routinely have bonus offers that specifically target slot players. So make sure that you join any loyalty programs you find and don’t miss out on any extra cash that might come your way as you spin.
Online blackjack in Michigan
Blackjack is the main staple of table games in both retail and online casinos. If a casino has table games at all, it almost certainly has real money blackjack.
In addition to plain blackjack, which will always be present, here are some common variations on blackjack that you may encounter online:
- Single-deck blackjack: Where a typical game of blackjack is played with six to eight decks, single-deck blackjack limits itself to 52 cards only. This option is preferred by players who like to keep track of what cards have been dealt in the game.
- Single-hand blackjack: If you prefer to focus on the outcome of a single hand, this option is for you. There’s no change in the way the game is played; it’s just a table with one play circle, and it belongs to you.
- Multi-hand blackjack: On the other hand, if you’d like to spread your money to multiple hands, you need this option. Again, there’s no difference in the mechanics of the game, but you can extend your outcomes to other circles here.
- Blazing 7s Blackjack: This variant is normal blackjack, but with a side bet. If you choose to bet on both a hand of blackjack and the Blazing 7s option, you are now hoping that the hand you draw contains as many sevens as possible. The side bet has its own paytable and rewards you for the more sevens there are on the table. Three suited sevens will win you a progressive jackpot, so there is the potential for a big score here.
- Blackjack Xchange: You can play Blackjack Xchange as a normal game of blackjack if you like, but you will notice that each of your first two cards will come with an offer either to buy or sell the card for a certain amount. Unfavorable cards can be traded away for new ones to improve your hand, and favorable cards can be sold and replaced to lock in a profit on the hand. Then, you proceed through the game of blackjack as usual. It’s a fun twist, but it can quickly get out of hand with all the buying and selling if you’re not careful.
- Zappit Blackjack: Zappit Blackjack is regular blackjack with one important twist. Nothing is more frustrating than drawing a score of 15 to 18 with your first two cards, so Zappit gives you the ability to switch them out (assuming an ace isn’t involved). The tradeoff for this privilege is that a dealer who draws to 22 will now push your bet instead of paying you off as a dealer bust.
You will be happy to learn that the minimum play amounts are usually quite smaller online than live. To play a table game for 10 cents would be laughable at Turtle Creek or Greektown. However, when you’re online, it’s fairly standard. So you can play your favorite blackjack games, and it doesn’t have to cost you as much when you double down.
Online roulette in Michigan
Most online casinos that choose to offer table games will have at least two different games you can play. One of them is blackjack. The other one, perhaps surprisingly, is roulette.
In fact, it is not uncommon for an online casino to offer more variants of roulette than any other game. Unlike blackjack, the game itself can change radically depending upon where you are playing. Other roulette variants you will find will contain mostly cosmetic changes. There may be side bets or different arrangements of wagers, but the game mechanics will be unchanged. So, if you are a roulette fan, you should have plenty of opportunities online.
Video poker
If a Michigan online casino has chosen to use Game King as its video poker provider, then the Game King version provides nine variations of blackjack in one. You’ll also find that Game King’s Jacks or Better is a full pay game.
Outside of this option, it’s slim pickings for video poker. It’s unfortunate, but many online casinos simply don’t make it a priority. If video poker is your thing, then your casino of choice might be determined by the few that do choose to give the game its due respect.
Live dealer casinos
Although gambling is largely a solitary activity, there is quite a bit of socialization that occurs between fellow “warriors,” and the interactions that you have are one of the best parts about visit a Michigan casino.
Online casinos have attempted to bridge that gap in the past few years through live dealer games. Live dealer games involve patching you into a live feed of an actual flesh-and-blood dealer conducting a physical table game. The online casino records the feed in a special studio that is, in most cases, on-site at the actual land-based partner’s property.
Here are some of the similarities and differences between live dealer games and actually playing live — you know, aside from the fact that you’re playing on your phone and not physically inside a casino:
- The dealer is an actual person and runs the game in real time in both formats.
- Gameplay is mostly the same in both formats.
- It is possible to interact with the dealer in both scenarios. Live dealer games have a live chat function that the dealer can see and respond to.
- Some forms of live dealer games may allow you either to “pan” around the table or interact with other players at the table.
- In a live dealer game, the dealer must scan each card or game piece he or she draws in order to load it into the computer system and display everything correctly.
At least two online casinos have indicated they have plans to offer live dealer games in Michigan at some point. Both BetMGM and PointsBet have signed deals with Evolution Gaming to provide live games in the Great Lake State, with the latter having launched May 4, 2021. So it is a question of when, rather than if, live dealer games will be coming to the Upper or Lower Peninsula.
How can I deposit and cash out?
Look for a large button that says “Deposit” or something similar. This will take you to the cashier.
It’s important to understand that deposits are the lifeblood of Michigan online gambling sites, so they are going to be as flexible and pain-free as they can when it comes to facilitating these transactions. As a result, you’re likely to have several options that would work to deposit and cash out.
Typical deposit methods for an online casino include:
- Credit/debit cards — Visa or Mastercard are most common and should be accepted at all Michigan casinos.
- E-checks — Like paper checks, but faster and without the need for a checkbook.
- E-wallets — PayPal, Skrill, Neteller, etc. Easy to use and minimal fees.
- Online banking — With some banks, it is possible to use online bill pay to make a deposit.
- Prepaid card — Usually branded for the individual casino site; one of the fastest ways to move money around.
- PayNearMe — Barcode generation service that allows you to redeem deposit orders at 7-Eleven and other similar stores. It is possible to deposit into your account with cash in this manner.
- Cash at the casino — We won’t know which casinos will offer this service until they launch. However, you can use cash or other methods to deposit directly into your account at the cage of the online casino’s land-based partner.
What do I do if I win a jackpot?
If you do happen to score a big win playing on a casino app in Michigan, congratulations!
The good news is that you should have several ways to withdraw money from your account. Simply go to the cashier, choose the option for withdrawing, and select the method that best suits your needs. Each casino and each method bear different terms, conditions and timeframes, but that’s all you really need to do.
The better news is that you can rest assured that any legal casino in Michigan is guaranteed to pay out your money. You do not have to worry about a shady site owner holding onto your cash. If you get any sort of pushback, contact the MGCB or the National Indian Gaming Commission.
With that said, you need to make sure that you stay above board yourself. All gambling winnings in Michigan are taxable as income. Please don’t make the mistake of assuming that online gambling doesn’t count. It’s your responsibility to ensure that you report your online casino winnings accurately to the appropriate local, state and federal authorities at tax time.
How does Michigan benefit from legal online gambling?
Though they may indicate otherwise, Michigan’s lawmakers did not vote to legalize online gambling in the state because of their commitment to freedom and desire to make voters happy. Every type of legal gambling exists as a fundraising activity for government entities and helps pay for specific projects.
The good news is that the people of Michigan should (hopefully) be the beneficiaries of programs funded by gambling taxes. Early state projections suggest that online gambling alone should add $25 million in revenue to the state budget annually.
Whether that prediction comes true or not, state law prescribes exactly how the money must be divided. Tax revenues from online gambling will be split in the following ways:
- 65% to the state’s Internet Gaming Fund. This allotment will pay for the cost of regulation, responsible gambling programs, support for first responders and aid to schools.
- 30% to the home city of each online casino. Each city will receive funds to hire and train police officers, and provide job development services, emergency services and programs for young people.
- 5% to the Agriculture Equine Industry Development Fund. Michigan’s horseracing industry continues to wane, and this allotment aims to give the industry a boost.
By law, the host cities for online casinos in the state are due no less than $183 million each year. If the taxes don’t pay enough, the state has to ensure that the cities are made whole. So, online gambling should provide some much-needed relief for some areas of Michigan, no matter how things go.
Online lottery games in Michigan
Michigan is home to a robust selection of online lottery games. There are a whopping 90 games available for purchase at the Michigan online lottery.
The primary type of game available is instant scratchers. These games play like their retail version, only without the need for a coin and the resulting mess.
There are also opportunities to purchase tickets for draw games. These games, which often carry jackpots that extend into the millions of dollars, include Mega Millions, Powerball and the state lottery, Lotto 47.
Michigan’s online lottery games are available both through web browsers and a dedicated mobile app.
Michigan casinos near you
There are 26 casinos in Michigan that offer gaming to visitors and residents. Most of these are tribal properties, although there are three commercial casinos in the Detroit metroplex:
| Name | Address | Hours of operation |
|---|---|---|
| Bay Mills Resort & Casino | 11386 W Lakeshore Dr, Brimley | 24 hours |
| Dancing Eagles Resort | N5384 US-45, Watersmeet | N/A |
| FireKeepers Casino Hotel | 11177 East Michigan Ave, Battle Creek | 24 hours |
| Four Winds Casino | 58700 M-51, Dowagiac | 24 hours |
| Four Winds Casino | 68600 Red Arrow Hwy, Hartford | 24 hours |
| Four Winds Casino | 11111 Wilson Rd, New Buffalo | 24 hours |
| Greektown Casino Hotel | 555 E Lafayette St, Detroit | 24 hours |
| Gun Lake Casino | 1123 129th Ave, Wayland | 24 hours |
| Island Resort & Casino | W399 Hwy US 2- 41, Harris | 24 hours |
| Kewadin Casino | N 3 Mile Rd, Hessel | 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. |
| Kewadin Casino | N7761 Candy Cane Ln, Christmas | 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 a.m. |
| Kewadin Casino | 5630 W, US-2, Manistique | 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 a.m. |
| Kewadin Casino, Hotel and Convention Center | 2186 Shunk Road, Sault Sainte Marie | 24 hours |
| Kewadin Shores Casino & Hotel | 3015 Mackinac Trail, Saint Ignace | 24 hours |
| Kings Club Casino | 12140 W. Lakeshore Drive, Brimley | 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 a.m. |
| Northern Waters Casino Resort | 5384 Highway US 45 North, Watersmeet | 24 hours |
| Leelanau Sands Casino & Lodge | 2521 N West Bayshore Drive, Suttons Bay | 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 a.m. |
| Little River Casino Resort | 2700 Orchard Hwy, U.S. 31 and M-22, Manistee, MI 49660 | 24 hours |
| MGM Grand | 1777 Third Street, Detroit | 24 hours |
| MotorCity Casino Hotel | 2901 Grand River Avenue, Detroit | 24 hours |
| Odawa Casino | 1760 Lears Road, Petoskey | 24 hours |
| Ojibwa Casino | 105 Acre Trail, Marquette | 24 hours |
| Ojibwa Casino | 16449 Michigan Avenue, M-38, Baraga | 24 hours |
| Saganing Eagles Landing Casino | 2690 Worth Road, Standish | 24 hours |
| Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort | 6800 Soaring Eagle Boulevard, Mt. Pleasant | 24 hours |
| Turtle Creek Casino & Hotel | 7741 M-72 E., Williamsburg | 24 hours |
I have a complaint, who do I speak to?
Everyone hopes that things run smoothly. Both players and online casinos want the games to stay on schedule and have no issues. Unfortunately, as with any human endeavor, things can go wrong. In such events, you need to know what to do if you have a complaint with an online casino in Michigan.
The first thing you should always do is attempt to resolve the problem with the site directly. Many casinos offer a live chat method that puts you in contact with a staff member within minutes. However, there are usually ways to call or email customer support, too, if you prefer.
If you cannot get satisfaction that way, then the next step is to file a patron dispute with the appropriate regulator. Because of Michigan’s unique casino situation, where the majority of its casino properties are tribal, you may have to appeal to different agencies than you may expect.
If you have decided that you need to escalate a complaint about an online casino, the first thing that you need to do is determine which Michigan land-based casino is its partner. If you don’t know this information already, you can usually find it in the legal disclosures at the bottom of the lobby or in the FAQ.
If your dispute is with an online casino that is partnered with one of the three commercial casinos in Detroit — MGM Grand Detroit, MotorCity Casino or Greektown Casino — then you will need to file a patron dispute form with the Michigan Gaming Control Board. It is possible to submit complaints electronically or via USPS mail.
If you have an issue with a tribal casino, the first place to go for remedy is to the tribal government agency that oversees gambling on its tribe’s license. Each tribe is a sovereign nation and manages its own affairs, and its government can largely act autonomously to resolve your issue.
If you cannot get your problem answered at the tribal government level, you do have the option of further escalating the concern to the National Indian Gaming Commission. The NIGC is the US government agency that oversees all tribal gambling in the US and has the ultimate authority to mandate a resolution for your issue.
Hopefully, you never have to go through the process with any of these organizations. However, it’s important to bear in mind that you have options if you feel as if you’re being treated improperly or unfairly by a Michigan online casino.
What to do if you need help
Gambling is supposed to be fun and, as often as possible, profitable. However, the unfortunate reality for some players is that gambling is a life-destroying problem.
There are numerous quizzes and questionnaires that you can find to determine whether you are suffering from problem gambling or gambling addiction. For the most part, though, you just have to answer the following question:
Can I stop playing if I want to stop playing?
If your answer is no, then you should consider getting help. Fortunately, Michigan is one of the best states in the country when it comes to responsible gambling resources. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Resources has an entire section dedicated to assisting Michiganders afflicted by gambling addiction.
The first thing to do if you need help is to call the Michigan Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-270-7117. This toll-free and confidential hotline is staffed around the clock by trained counselors who can assess your condition and recommend treatment resources for you.
If you’d prefer to work in a group setting, there are also meetings of both Gamblers Anonymous and Gam-Anon on a weekly basis throughout the state. Go to either group’s website and find a meeting that is convenient for you.
Finally, both the MGCB and each individual tribal government will allow you to place yourself on a self-exclusion list. Your placement on the list means that you can be prosecuted if you set foot in the casino, and the length of the exclusion can potentially be permanent. It’s a drastic step, but it may be the only way to keep you from continuing to hurt yourself and your family.
The most important thing is that you do not wait to get help. With so many resources and counselors standing by, there’s no reason to suffer a minute longer.
Michigan Gambling FAQ
What forms of online gambling are legal in Michigan?
Michigan offers multiple ways to gamble online. Michigan online casinos, sports betting and poker sites all launched Jan. 2021.
Do I need to live in Michigan to gamble online?
No. It is not necessary to live in Michigan if you want to play online. However, you must be physically inside the state to play.
How will gambling sites know if I'm outside Michigan?
As a function of state law and regulations, Michigan’s online sites must maintain geolocation software to verify the locations of every player on-site. These software programs are quite adept at using GPS and other data to pinpoint where a person’s device is.
The technology will usually err on the side of caution in their task, too. In other words, it’s far more likely that they would falsely exclude you from inside the border than to allow you to play from the other side of the line.
You will be required to verify your location before any games will be available. So, there should be no way to cheat the system.
What are the payout rates of Michigan casinos?
If you win, the casinos are guaranteed to pay out 100% of the money that you win. They have strong government regulation and oversight from the MGCB and would suffer from fines, sanctions or license suspension if they attempted to fool with your payout.
For slots, online casinos typically have a 95-98% payout rate.
Do I have to pay taxes on my winnings?
Yes. Winnings are taxable as income even if they are received in cash. Make sure not to skip out on paying — particularly online, since the “paper” trail is extremely easy to follow.
