Michigan Online Casinos

Is online gambling 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 opens the door for almost every type of online gambling. Michigan’s casino properties, which include 23 tribal casinos and three commercial locations, are now eligible to apply for licensing to offer online casino sites.

The tax proceeds from the new industry will primarily go to support education, a common target for gambling in many states. Furthermore, Michigan’s online casinos will also provide for medical assistance to the state’s first responders.

Michigan gambling launch dates

Of course, legal online gambling and launched online gambling are two different things. The timeframe for the debut of Michigan’s first online gambling sites remains a question, as both regulators and operators have to work out details surrounding rules and infrastructure.

However, according to statements by public officials, we can make a few guesses about when Michigan residents will finally get to play on their phones.

Potential launch dates for Michigan online casinos

#	Brand	License holder	Tech partner	Projected launch
1.	BetMGM Casino	MGM Grand Detroit	GVC	November 2020
2.	BetRivers Casino	Little River Band of the Ottawa Indians	N/A	When permitted
3.	DraftKings Casino	Bay Mills Indian Community	N/A	Late 2020
4.	FanDuel Casino	MotorCity Casino	Scientific Games	Late 2020
5.	PokerStars Casino	Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians	N/A	Late 2020
6.	Golden Nugget	Keweenaw Bay Indian Community	Scientific Games	Early 2021
7.	Parx Casino	Gun Lake Tribe	N/A	Late 2020
8.	TBD	Hannahville Indian Community	SBTech	Late 2020
9.	TBD	Greektown Casino	Kambi	Late 2020
10.	TBD	Lac Vieux Desert Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians	N/A	Late 2020
11.	TBD/FireKeepers Casino	Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi Indians	Scientific Games	Late 2020
12.	TBD/Four Winds Casino	Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians	Kambi	Late 2020
13.	TBD/Kewadin	Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians	GAN	Late 2020
14.	TBD/Soaring Eagle Casino	Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe	N/A	Late 2020
15.	William Hill	Grand Traverse Bay Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians	N/A	When permitted

Operator summaries

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.

Although our launch estimates are still in pencil, we are confident that all of these companies will launch their products in Michigan sooner or later. So, in order to get you acquainted, here are some brief summaries about the online casino operators soon to debut in Michigan.

BetMGM

BetMGM Online Casino is the online casino arm of one of the world’s largest casino companies, MGM Resorts International. The site will operate in Michigan under the license of MGM Grand Detroit. BetMGM is the result of a joint venture between MGM and tech partner GVC Holdings, and is already active in New Jersey and West Virginia.

BetRivers

BetRivers Casino is owned and operated by Rush Street Interactive and is the online version of the Rivers Casino brand, which has several locations throughout the northeastern US. BetRivers Casino is already up and running in New Jersey (as playsugarhouse.com) and Pennsylvania. The company also maintains sportsbook sites in New Jersey, Indiana, Pennsylvania, Illinois, and Colorado. There is little doubt that both types of sites will be integrated and active in Michigan soon.

DraftKings

DraftKings Casino may sound a bit farcical to those who know DraftKings as a daily fantasy sports company only. However, DraftKings is anything but a joke in the gambling world now, and operates one of the better online casinos that you will find. The DFS pioneer has already cut its online casino teeth in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. When it finally comes to Michigan, it will be one of the only online casinos to allow you to switch between casino games and DFS.

FanDuel

FanDuel is DraftKings’ perennial archrival and is not about to be outdone by its black-and-green adversary. FanDuel maintains one of the smoothest and most aesthetically-pleasing sites that you will find. The casino site is already finding great success in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Michiganders will also be able to take advantage of the site’s sportsbook and DFS functions when the site launches.

PokerStars Casino

With a name like PokerStars, it might come as a bit of a surprise that the company maintains a casino site. However, as it turns out, the world leader in poker play is no slouch for online casino gaming. The site is part of the Stars Group, which is, in turn, part of the larger Flutter Entertainment. With Michigan set to become one of only a few states with online poker, it makes sense that PokerStars would want to release its full suite in the Great Lake State.

Golden Nugget Online

Golden Nugget Online is the online casino for the casino chain of the same name. It is also the pioneer for live dealer games in the US and one of the most successful online casinos to launch in America. In fact, the site’s performance is so stellar in New Jersey that it outearns its land-based counterpart on a regular basis. In many ways, every other online casino is playing catch-up with Golden Nugget, so Michiganders are in for quite a treat when it launches there.

Sports betting launch dates

Retail sports betting kicked off at Greektown Casino and MGM Grand in March 2020, just in time for March Madness. Unfortunately, March Madness never came to pass due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Nevertheless, retail sports betting was underway in Michigan.

As for online sports betting, a communications specialist with the Michigan Gaming Control Board noted that the board expects the first betting apps to go live in 2021 as that is the time it should take for the MGCB to develop rules for online gaming.

So, the launch of online casinos in Michigan is harder to predict. Launches in other states have not followed a typical timeframe, with some states (New Jersey) needing only a few months from legalization to opening day.

In noting that online sports betting might not launch until next year, the MGCB communications specialist also said online casinos would follow the same timeline.

Michigan online poker launch dates

Online poker is a trickier proposition for a couple of reasons. For one thing, online poker is likely going to require Michigan to join in the multi-state compact in order to remain viable.

Because poker relies so much more on skilled players, there is a barrier to entry for casual players unlike other types of gambling. Without the opportunity to introduce new blood into the player pool from multiple locations, poker might not grow very well.

Poker is also not as profitable a proposition for operators or lawmakers as the other types of gambling. Though the game has a devoted following, there is some understandable feeling that the bottom line might be better served by introducing more slot titles or live dealer games.

To be fair, Pennsylvania’s addition to the market has been a shot in the arm for online poker’s popularity. However, online poker is unlikely to be a top priority in Michigan.

The push is likely to get the other types of gambling off the ground first. So, here’s our best guess:

• Online poker expected March 2021

Daily fantasy sports launch dates

Last, but not least, House Bill 4311 made daily fantasy sports (DFS) play completely legal in the state. However, the authorization only legalized what is already occurring on a daily basis in Michigan.

Every top DFS operator, including DraftKings and FanDuel, is already active in the state. So, there’s no launch date to estimate – DFS is already in Michigan.

• DFS is live. Compare DraftKings and Fanduel here. 

Online casinos in Michigan

Online casinos in Michigan are going to be an outgrowth of the state’s land-based casinos. Each property will gain the ability to debut its online casino brand, provided it achieves licensure.

In a wrinkle uncommon throughout the rest of the states with online gambling, Michigan’s law specifically extends to its tribal casino properties.

So far, other states have only seemed to focus on the commercial properties, and have either relied upon their existing compacts or left the tribal issue for later negotiation.

However, the vast majority of Michigan’s 26 casinos are tribal properties. So, it makes sense that the state is not merely legalizing online gambling for the three commercial casinos.

The language of the bill prevents either type of casino explicitly from gaining an advantage over the other. No tribal casino can offer iGaming if there aren’t any licensed commercial casinos and vice versa.

Which casinos are most likely to operate an online casino?

So, although it is uncertain which online casinos in Michigan will debut first, it is unlikely that any Michigan casino will gain a significant head start over the other. It may also delay the launch, since one group may have to wait for the other to begin.

While you wait for the MI online casinos to open, you can give Chumba Casino a try. Chumba Casino operates using a unique sweepstakes model, which allows the site to be available throughout the US.

What kind of software do online casinos use?

In most cases, the software that you will 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 will 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.

How to download Michigan online casino apps

If you have an Apple phone, you should be able to download the iPhone casino app without much change from your standard procedure. Use our links to access the download page and proceed normally.

Take care to choose the app appropriate to Michigan itself. Some states require different versions of the app, so make sure that the app description specifically mentions Michigan.

If you use an Android device, you will have to navigate Google’s continuing ban on gambling apps in the Google Play Store. So, you will have to proceed through their phones’ browsers to the casino’s browser version.

From there, the site should automatically prompt your phone to download and install a file. Make sure to set the phone to accept installations from other sources before proceeding with this step.

Finally, depending on the casino in question, you may be able to access a version of the casino through your internet browser. Whether using Chrome, Safari or some other type of browsing program, the site should recognize the type of interface and automatically optimize to fit your screen best.

Michigan online casino games

Until online casinos launch in Michigan, we won’t know exactly what games will be available for play. However, we have a pretty good idea about some of the possibilities that you might encounter.

• Slots: Naturally, every online casino will have slots as part of its offering. The slots will be both titles that are available in retail casinos and games that are unique to online play. There are also going to be progressive jackpot slots that will offer the promise of hundreds of thousands of dollars to be won on a single spin.
• Table games: The list of table games that you’ll find in Michigan online casinos will vary from site to site. If a site does have table games, it is almost certain that one of them will be blackjack. Roulette is also a popular choice for online casinos, and somewhat surprisingly, baccarat is probably the third-most common. Larger sites will have more diversity in their game choices, however, and it is possible to find most games that you can play in a retail casino online.
• Video poker: Video poker is often grouped together with slot games, but they belong in their own category. Most online sites will have a token representative of video poker for you to play – usually, the game will be Jacks or Better. A few sites that make video poker a priority will have more options available.
• Live dealer: Live dealer games are probably the biggest fad in online casino gambling in the US today. Live dealer allows players to interact and wager with actual flesh-and-blood dealers running actual games. They can even ask questions or chat with other players at their “table.” Live dealer has been wildly popular elsewhere, so you can bet that if a casino site in Michigan is able to produce a live dealer game, it will do so at the first opportunity.
• Other games: Sites that are larger or focus more on creating a diversity of options might have games like bingo, keno, and slingo available for play. One of the great things about online casinos is that they often have demo versions that you can play for free. So, if you see a weird game that you’ve never encountered, try to play it without paying for it. It might be your newest thing.

Michigan sports betting sites

The biggest prize for the people of Michigan may be the ability to place bets on sports. Part of the bill that sits on Gov. Whitmer’s desk would legalize both retail and online sports betting in Michigan.

The language of the bill explicitly grants licensees the opportunity to offer any type of betting in live casinos online. So, necessarily, Michigan casinos will be able to open land-based sportsbooks, too.

As is the case with online casinos and online poker, the casinos will be able to offer a single brand of Michigan online sports betting for players. While this provision limits the expansion a bit (some states allow multiple skins), the sheer number of casinos in the state means that you are likely to have roughly 20 online sportsbooks from which to choose.

Which sportsbooks are most likely to open in Michigan?

Greektown Casino takes wagers at its Sportsbook at Greektown powered by Kambi. Over on the MGM side of things, you can place bets at the MoneyLine Sports Lounge. Motor City Casino has a partnership with FanDuel which will bring a FanDuel Sportsbook to Detroit.

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.

Online poker in Michigan

Until recently, online poker has been something of an afterthought for online gaming in the US. The lack of widespread opportunities to play has left the few operators in the space fighting for precious market share.

However, since Pennsylvania launched its version of online poker, the card game has been on the upswing. The addition of Michigan to the fold will only serve to strengthen the resurgence.

Which online poker sites are most likely to open in Michigan?

Of course, it’s too early to tell which online poker operators will make it into the Wolverine State. The partnerships that are sure to develop in the coming months should be instructive for figuring out what brands are on the way.

Michigan’s population should draw plenty of interest from the big players, however. So, don’t despair that you will go overlooked if you are a Michigan poker fan.

In the meantime, Michiganders can take a look at Global Poker. Like its sister site, Chumba Casino, Global Poker uses a sweepstakes model that allows it to offer players real-money action throughout the US.

What to expect from online poker

Online poker is a bit of a different animal from the live version. There are quirks, both obvious and subtle, that make playing online its variant of the game.

First and foremost, the most common online game is No-Limit Texas Hold’em. Every single online poker room will have numerous options for NLHE at every price level.

Other games that might pop up, depending on the size of the site, include Pot-Limit Omaha and Razz. Some sites, like PokerStars, famously offer a wide selection of variants, including ones the operator designed itself.

The first thing that pops out is that online poker moves at a much faster pace than live poker; the lack of shuffling means that playing more than 100 hands in an hour is quite common.

With that speed comes an increased potential for variation in profit and loss. Things can turn south far more quickly at an online table.

Online poker players tend to be a bit more skilled than the average live player. The level of play at lower levels is much higher than at comparable live levels, so tread cautiously.

However, there is no denying that online poker is far more convenient than its real-world cousin. The ability to play one or two hands during a five-minute break should be a boon to all Michiganders with poker aspirations.

Types of online bonuses in Michigan

Regardless of whether you are playing on a Michigan online sportsbook, online casino, or online poker room, you will have the opportunity to redeem bonuses 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 ways that you can increase your bottom line. In fact, it might not be necessary to do anything more than sign up for an account to get started.

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.

Casino operators are smart, and they know that they can’t just give away money willy-nilly. So, in many cases, a 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. It is critically important that you peruse the terms and conditions of any bonus offer for language about playthrough before you accept the deal. Some requirements can mandate that you wager as much as 50 times your bonus amount, and do so in a short period of time.

So, be aware that there are strings attached to many offers that you see. Below are some of the most common types of bonuses that you’ll encounter.

No deposit

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.

No deposit bonuses are mostly the province of new players. The site wishes to make a good impression on the new accountholder and breed loyalty as quickly as possible. So, the playthrough requirement on no deposit bonuses is rarely excessive. It is common that you’ll only need to wager through the money a single time to release it.

Deposit/match/reload

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.

Deposit bonuses are a double-edged sword. On the one hand, they can put hundreds of extra dollars in your pocket if you’re willing to make a large deposit. On the other hand, they often come with stringent playthrough requirements that can, in some cases, make it more likely that you will lose money in the long run. If you look at the terms and conditions for only one type of offer, make sure that it’s these.

Insurance/cashback

Losses are inevitable in any type of gambling. So, sites will issue bonus offers to help make you whole when things don’t go your way. Thus, an insurance bonus acts exactly like any other type of insurance – it will get you back to even when you’re in the hole.

These bonuses are also called cashback offers, due to the fact that you will receive cash back on your negative balances. However, with few exceptions, insurance bonuses only apply to net losses, not any loss that you take. If you lose but still manage to break even or win overall during the specified time period, you will receive no bonus.

Be aware that these offers usually come with a 1x playthrough requirement. You will have to get back on the horse and bet again if you want your money to return to you in earnest.

Leaderboard

Leaderboard bonuses are a way to pit players against one another. Players are awarded points based upon the amount of play onsite that they have and the stakes at which they play.

These points are constantly tallied on a public display board. At the end of a specified time period – usually a month – the top finishers on the board will win cash prizes, swag, perks, or other rewards.

One positive about leaderboard bonuses is that they are probably least likely to have any playthrough requirement. If you manage to make the top of the board, you’ve certainly put in your time, anyway.

Free bet/spins

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.

If you accomplish a certain task, you could find yourself the recipient of either free bets or free spins. Free bets are vouchers for a wager on the site. They are usually non-transferrable and indivisible, meaning that you have to use the entire value of the bet at one time.

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.

Neither of these types of bonuses are guaranteed to enrich you. However, they do give you the opportunity to cash without risking anything, so if you have the time to play, you should take advantage.

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.

A loyalty program is usually free to join. If you join, you’ll earn points or credits that are redeemable for various perks, rewards, and benefits.

Loyalty programs may also come with multiple status levels. Each advancement in level grants you more benefits, perks, and consideration from the site.

Of course, the only way to advance is to play more often and for more money.

Bet horse races online in Michigan

There once were several horse racetracks in Michigan. Now, it seems like the industry is in a tailspin, with seven tracks closing and only one left open.

Fans of wagering on horse racing have not fared much better on the internet, either. Online horse betting has not been permitted in the Wolverine State.

However, that may be changing in the near future — at least, in part. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is now considering a bill that would allow for wagering on historical horse races.

These bets would occur through third-party licensees. The wagers could occur electronically, thus giving Michigan a window in online horse betting.

While this development would not mean that Michiganders could sign up for accounts at betting sites like TVG, it would mean that handicapping fans might not have to travel to their nearest track to bet on horses.

What can I bet on in Michigan?

The modern sportsbook can offer action on most sports. Nearly every game in every major sports league will have several options for wagering.

So, if you want to bet on the NBA, NFL,  MLB, or NHL, you will have your pick of whichever game or team you like.

In fact, online sportsbooks tend to launch in time to coincide with major events in these sports, like the Super Bowl, March Madness and the beginning of the NFL season.

You will also have opportunities to wager on college athletics.

If you are a fan of the University of Michigan or Michigan State, you won’t have trouble putting money on the line with your team, either. The extra money in your pocket will add extra sweetness every time the Wolverines or Spartans prevail.

Finally, international or more esoteric sporting events will likely show up in Michigan’s online sportsbooks, too.

Placing bets on the Olympics, cricket, soccer, rugby or Australian-rules football will all be possible, even if the game is taking place on a different continent.

How to gamble in Michigan

You are blessed to have a wide selection of options for live gaming in Michigan. No matter where you live in the Great Lake State, you should be near a facility that can offer games of chance.

Casinos

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	Slot Machines	Table Games
Bay Mills Resort & Casino	11386 W Lakeshore Dr, Brimley, MI 49715	24 hours	900	14
Dancing Eagles Resort	N5384 US-45, Watersmeet, MI 49969	N/A	100+	N/A
FireKeepers Casino Hotel	11177 East Michigan Ave, Battle Creek, MI 49014	24 hours	2900	78
Four Winds Casino	58700 M-51, Dowagiac, MI 49047	24 hours	400+	6+
Four Winds Casino	68600 Red Arrow Hwy, Hartford, MI 49057	24 hours	500	8
Four Winds Casino	11111 Wilson Rd, New Buffalo, MI 49117	24 hours	2,600+	49
Greektown Casino Hotel	555 E Lafayette St, Detroit, MI 48226	24 hours	3,000+	85
Gun Lake Casino	1123 129th Ave, Wayland, MI 49348	24 hours	2000	47
Island Resort & Casino	W399 Hwy US 2- 41, Harris, MI 49845	24 hours	1400+	26
Kewadin Casino	N 3 Mile Rd, Hessel, MI 49745	9:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.	131	3
Kewadin Casino	N7761 Candy Cane Ln, Christmas, MI 49862	9:00 a.m. – 1:00 a.m.	245	6
Kewadin Casino	5630 W, US-2, Manistique, MI 49854	9:00 a.m. – 1:00 a.m.	270	N/A
Kewadin Casino, Hotel and Convention Center	2186 Shunk Road, Sault Sainte Marie, MI 49783	24 hours	2000	16
Kewadin Shores Casino & Hotel	3015 Mackinac Trail, Saint Ignace, MI 49781	24 hours	900+	22
Kings Club Casino	12140 W. Lakeshore Drive, Brimley, MI 49715	10:00 a.m. – 2:00 a.m.	280	N/A
Northern Waters Casino Resort	5384 Highway US 45 North, PO Box 129, Watersmeet, MI 49969	24 hours	502	7
Leelanau Sands Casino & Lodge	2521 N West Bayshore Drive, Suttons Bay, MI 49682	8:00 a.m. – 2:00 a.m.	350	7
Little River Casino Resort	2700 Orchard Hwy, U.S. 31 and M-22, Manistee, MI 49660	24 hours	1400	30
MGM Grand	1777 Third Street, Detroit, MI 48226	24 hours	3500	143
MotorCity Casino Hotel	2901 Grand River Avenue, Detroit, MI 48201	24 hours	2700	59
Odawa Casino	1760 Lears Road, Petoskey, MI 49770	24 hours	1000	17
Ojibwa Casino	105 Acre Trail, Marquette, MI 49855	24 hours	500	10
Ojibwa Casino	16449 Michigan Avenue, M-38, Baraga, MI 49908	24 hours	400	7
Saganing Eagles Landing Casino	2690 Worth Road, Standish, MI 48658	24 hours	1200	N/A
Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort	6800 Soaring Eagle Boulevard, Mt. Pleasant, MI 48858	24 hours	3330	60
Turtle Creek Casino & Hotel	7741 M-72 E., Williamsburg, MI 49690	24 hours	1200	40

Cardrooms Near You

Michigan has a unique approach to providing poker action. Along with the poker rooms housed in some of its casinos, the state also allows licensed charitable organizations to hold poker tournaments and cash games throughout the state.

As a result, there are opportunities to play poker daily. First and foremost, the following casinos have full-service poker rooms available:

Name	# of tables	Cash Games	Tournaments	Details
Bay Mills Resort & Casino	14	Yes	Yes	Texas Hold’Em Re Buy Tournament Tuesdays at 6 pm with $20 Buy-In Bounty Tournament Fridays at 7:00 pm with $45 Buy-In.
FireKeepers Casino Hotel	26	Yes	Yes	NLH ($1/$2, $2/$5 and $5/$10) Limit Hold'em ($4/$8, $5/$10 and $10/$20) O8 ($4/$8 and $10/$20) 7-Card Stud & Hi/Lo ($2 – $10 Spread Limit)
Greektown Casino Hotel	12	Yes	Yes	Wednesday $70 Senior NLHE $55 Buy-In + $10 entry Saturday NLH $50 Buy-in + $10 entry w' optional $10 bounty Sunday NLH $50 Buy-In + $10 entry
Gun Lake Casino				47
Kewadin Casino, Hotel and Convention Center				16
MGM Grand				143
MotorCity Casino Hotel				59
Ojibwa Casino				10
Ojibwa Casino				7
Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort				60

In addition to these locations, nearly 30 charity poker rooms are located throughout the state. Some of these are dedicated cardrooms; others are more accurately described as restaurants with poker.

Horse racing in Michigan

Horse tracks in Michigan have suffered terribly in the last few years. Horse racing at its peak, there were eight active tracks in the state. Now, there is but one.

The last remaining holdout is Northville Downs. Though there has been a discussion of this facility closing, the Northville-area track continues to offer live racing to visitors.

Michigan is also not a state that allows inhabitants to bet horse races online. However, there is a chance that a bill on Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s desk could allow wagering on historical races.

It’s not much, but it is a glimmer of hope for those in Michigan who enjoy handicapping and betting the ponies.

Charitable gaming in Michigan

In addition to its charity-based poker rooms, Michigan allows various charitable organizations to apply for licenses to run charitable bingo games.

These organizations tend to be VFWs or other community facilities that have ample seating space and technology. There are hundreds of charity bingo games that take place in Michigan each week.

The Michigan Lottery’s Charitable Gaming section tracks all the locations of licensees in a searchable database, so those who are interested need only visit this site to find the game nearest them. It seems that every Michigan town of any size has at least one place to try and match the numbers.

Responsible gaming in Michigan

Problem gambling affects a portion of the gaming public, regardless of the location. A percentage of the population finds themselves simply unable to stop gambling, even when they wish to do so.

For that reason, Michigan maintains a few resources to aid sufferers of problem gambling. The most notable of these options is a 24-hour, toll-free helpline.

This helpline, at 1-800-270-7117, is staffed around the clock by trained counselors. Problem gamblers or their family members can call this number to begin the treatment process, which includes initial consultations with counselors and details about possible financial assistance.

In addition, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services funds the Health Management Systems of America Gambling Treatment Program, which provides treatment services across the state. The program is available to assist individuals, groups and their families.

Finally, Michigan’s Gaming Control Board maintains a Disassociated Persons List to allow people to self-exclude from the three commercial casinos in Detroit. While this response is limited to these few properties only, it can be a vital step in beginning the journey to a problem gambling-free life.