Last Updated on: 09/11/2023
If you’re looking for the best online casinos in Michigan, you’ve come to the right place. Michigan is one of the top hotspots for online gambling because it's one of the very few states where online casinos, online poker and online sports betting are all legal.
Read on for everything to know about legal casino games in Michigan, from online slots to finding the top welcome bonuses.
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As of early 2023, there are over a dozen Michigan online casinos offering online slots for real money and table games. Casinos are run either in partnership with a Michigan tribal community or a commercial brand from Detroit.
Let’s take a look at this quick alphabetical list before going into a deeper dive on a few stand-outs:
BetMGM was one of the first Michigan online casinos to launch in January 2021. Naturally, it launched as an official online casino of the MGM Grand Detroit property. Software is supplied by the parent company, GVC, so you can expect to find plenty of great PartyGaming slots alongside traditional table games like online roulette. Sports betting is also provided.
The Stars Group is one of the world’s biggest gambling firms and houses the PokerStars brand, as well as Stars Online Casino. Stars Casino operates in partnership with the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians and offers slots and table games alongside Michigan’s first online poker room. The Stars Group also runs the popular FOX Bet brand in the US.
Caesars is one of the most recognizable and historic casino brands in the world, and therefore is considered one of the best slots sites. They are certainly not getting complacent though, as the gaming giant is constantly pushing out great features and giving Caesars Palace Online Casino in MI players the bonuses they’re looking for.
Daily Fantasy Sports and online sportsbook giant DraftKings has a presence in most legalized US states, and Michigan is no different. They launched the DraftKings Michigan Online Casino in 2021 in partnership with the Bay Mills Indian Community. In addition to online casino games, you can bet on sports or play DFS through the DraftKings app.
BetRivers is the online brand of choice for the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians. The BetRivers site offers Michigan online casino games together with one of the best legal online sportsbooks around. Play over 100 slots or take a seat at one of several online table games.
Among New Jersey online casinos, Golden Nugget is one of the big success stories and in January 2021, Golden Nugget opened its Michigan casino in a deal with the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community, who own the Ojibwa Casino in Marquette. The makeup of the Golden Nugget Michigan Casino is virtually identical to the one in NJ. Enjoy hundreds of Michigan online slots, and you can apply for a Golden Nugget Play+ account to easily fund your play.
Casino Name | Deposit Match offer | Minimum Bet | Wagering Multiplier | Visit |
1. DraftKings Casino | 100% match up to $2,000 | $5 | 15x | Play now |
2. Caesars Palace Online Casino | 100% match up to $2,500 | $10 | 20x | Play now |
3. BetMGM Casino | 100% match up to $1,000 plus 100 bonus spins | $10 | 15x | Play now |
4. PokerStars Casino | 100% match up to $600 | $25 | 1x | Play now |
5. BetRivers Casino | 24 hours of casino losses back up to $500 | $10 | 1x | Play now |
Michigan online casino bonuses are readily available, both for new players that sign up as well in other forms for existing players. Michigan casinos have offered everything from welcome deposit bonus offers to free spins and loyalty club incentives.
You can start by opening your online account and making a first deposit. You may also have to enter the special promo code during the registration process. You’ll receive a casino bonus that you can use on eligible games like online roulette, blackjack, and slots. As long as you wager the funds enough times, per the terms and conditions, the casino will convert the winning to withdrawable cash.
All the top Michigan online casinos will run some sort of promotion to reward players. A promotion might be as simple as a deposit match offer or free spins. However, the best Michigan online casinos run weekly prize giveaways, cash back deals and VIP programs.
A welcome bonus is the biggest casino promotion and tends to offer the most money. The bonus can be split across multiple deposits, and can include both a deposit match bonus and free spins. The Michigan casino will match your first deposit with bonus money, up to 100%. You’ll then have a time limit within which to roll over the bonus funds. You can play eligible games like video slots and table games. If you meet the rollover terms, the casino will release the bonus cash.
With free spins offers you are awarded a number of free games on a popular slot. Play the spins at the set stakes and try to win as much as you can. You’ll be able to release the winnings if you meet the site’s wagering requirements. Rollover terms vary, but usually, you’ll have to wager your winnings anywhere from 1x to 50x before you can release them.
A reload bonus is a smaller version of the welcome bonus. As you keep playing, the casino might match one of your deposits at whatever percentage offer they are running. Just meet the wagering requirements to release free casino cash in your account. Typically, you’ll have to wager your bonus funds a certain number of times before they can be released into your account.
Free spins aren’t just reserved for new signups, or to promote the newest online casinos. You can also claim free spins on a big new slot release, or in weekly or monthly casino promotions. Play your spins, rack up some wins, then wager your winnings a few times over in order to release them into your account.
The top online casinos in Michigan will run regular prize draws for their most active players. Build points by playing eligible games and slots, then qualify for a prize draw ticket where you can win cash, free spins or a gift.
A Refer-a-Friend deal is usually available at good MI casinos online. All you need to do is get a pal to sign up for an account. When both you and they make a qualifying deposit you’ll both be eligible for online casino bonus cash. The sums are usually small – around $50 maximum – but it’s a great way for you to score some free money.
Some MI casinos also offer cash back on losing sessions. Restrictions may apply depending on the casino game you play or your level of stake. For instance, you may only earn cash back on losing roulette games for an hour or two on a Friday night but it’s a great way of playing your favorite games risk-free.
In a leaderboard challenge, you can earn prize giveaways like a car or a vacation. Play qualifying slots and games and earn points every time you spin. The more points you earn, the higher up the leaderboard you can finish. You might split a sum of cash by finishing in the top 10 or win a grand prize by topping the leaderboard.
The best online casino operators in Michigan will run some sort of VIP rewards program. Join the lowest tier and work your way up by playing slots and table games. Earn player points every time you play games, then redeem your points for cashback and perks. If you want to keep stacking up your points, keep climbing the rewards levels to claim benefits like birthday bonuses and gifts.
If you haven’t ever played any Michigan online casinos, or you want to take advantage of a bonus offer at one you’ve never played before, it’s easy to find an online casino promo code that entices you and get started right away. Just make sure you’re armed with some valid ID, a home address, and your cell phone number. You will also need to provide your Social Security Number (SSN) in order to verify your ID.
Here’s how to get started:
When making your first deposit or withdrawal, you may need to upload some personal documents.
To verify your age and identity, you may be asked to provide the following:
You can do this through the live chat window or use the dedicated document uploader. Keep in mind there is a chance you may need to provide a recent utility bill to verify your address.
Online casinos in Michigan allow you to make real-time deposits directly from your bank account or e-Wallet. The process is easy and the best Michigan casino sites won’t charge you a dime. If looking for online casino payment methods, make sure to read through the payment options offered in your state for your chosen operator, and choose whichever one has the smallest processing time.
You can make instant casino deposits using your debit or credit card. In addition, some Michigan casino websites will issue branded Play+ prepaid cards that you can load up with a Visa or MasterCard. Prepaid card payments are instant, and you can avoid potential pain points of US banks declining online gambling payments.
Most Michigan casinos will also accept e-Wallets like PayPal or an ACH/e-Check service like VIP Preferred. VIP Preferred uses the Automated Clearing House in the same way you make online bank transfers. The process is quick and secure, and you never have to share your card details with the online casino. With PayPal, you can store funds and send them using just your email address. The process is quick and anonymous and you will avoid a lot of fees.
Accepted deposit methods:
You’ll also be able to cash out winnings or funds back to your US account, Play+ card or virtual wallet. In general, you won’t be able to withdraw to a debit or credit card. You can also make withdrawals to a US bank account using online banking.
Withdrawals are generally free when betting online. Michigan casinos, however, will apply a processing period to each withdrawal request. Remember to factor in an extra day or two when waiting for your money. Some online casinos in Michigan will also send a paper check by mail if you request it, but expect to wait a few weeks for its arrival. You can then deposit your check into your bank account in the usual way.
Online gambling in Michigan is all about enjoying the convenience of casino games at home. You’ll be able to play the same great physical games you enjoy in Detroit or at a state tribal casino. In many cases, the top Michigan online casinos will offer game variants you just won’t find in a land-based casino.
Every Michigan online casino offers a healthy selection of video slot games and online games for real money. Choose from classic “stepper” slots with 3 reels, such as Everi’s Black Diamond or NetEnt’s Grand Spinn, or play Megaways slots with over 110,000 ways to win. You can also legally play progressive slots with a chance of winning a huge jackpot if the reels fall your way. Some sites will let you play free slots online, or demo games. Golden Nugget Casino is a great example of this. Free slots are a great way to get a feel for how the casino game works while testing the software on your computer or mobile device.
Online slots operate in much the same way as your favorite land-based slots. Choose your stakes and coin size and spin the reels. You must line up matching symbols on a horizontal payline in order to win a cash prize. You can also land special symbols like wilds and scatters to trigger a bonus game.
As in other legal gambling jurisdictions, slot developers must carry an online casino gaming license from the state gaming board. Slots are audited to ensure they are fair and accurate. The beauty of online slots is that the RTPs (Return to Player percentages) are often higher than those found in brick-and-mortar casinos. For instance, where some slots in Detroit or tribal casinos may have RTPs in the high 80s, online slots usually guarantee an average return of 94%-97%.
Most legal video poker in Michigan is supplied by IGT with its Game King titles. The games work just like the machines you’ll find in your nearest land-based casino. You’ll be dealt 5 cards and must decide whether to hold your cards or change them to improve your hand. You’ll be able to play a variety of video poker games in Michigan, from straightforward Jacks or Better to Deuces Wild Bonus Poker. First, choose your stakes and hit the Deal button. You’ll be dealt five cards and must decide whether to hold or discard your cards. The aim is to make the best possible 5-card poker hand. If you bet the maximum number of coins and hit a royal flush, you’ll be looking at an extra special jackpot!
Most of the best Michigan online casinos will offer a selection of video poker games. Go for Jacks or Better where you win a prize with at least a pair of jacks, or hit Deuces Wild with special joker cards.
Each Michigan online casino comes equipped with enough table games to keep the most jaded gambler happy. Even better, you can play at minimum stakes that are much lower than you’ll find in a retail MI casino. You can find online roulette sites that offer several roulette variants, like classic American Roulette, from $0.10 a spin. The great thing about MI online casinos is that you’ll find variants you will never see in your local casino. European Roulette offers one green zero pocket and has a lower house edge than American Roulette. French Roulette, meanwhile, has an insurance rule called La Partage. As such, the house edge in French Roulette is even lower at 1.35%.
Alternatively, if you choose one of the best sites for blackjack, you can hit the online blackjack tables and gamble up to $1,000 a hand. You’ll also find some interesting online-only table games like Zappit blackjack and I Luv Suits Poker with side bets galore.
The best live casinos in Michigan will offer a selection of live dealer games. With live dealer games, you get to play online casino games like roulette and blackjack against a human croupier. Watch the action via live stream and place bets on your computer. You can even talk to the dealer as the casino game takes place.
Live casino games are normally offered by major online casino operators in their field, such as Pragmatic Play and Evolution Gaming. Dealers are friendly and courteous and will keep the chatter flowing while you play casino games. They will also prompt you when it’s your turn to bet, and even help you out if you request it.
And as well as classic games such as live casino blackjack and Live Roulette, you can hit special variants like Lightning Roulette, which mixes Live Roulette with random number generators, bonus payouts, and high-definition graphics for a real modern gambling thrill.
Any good Michigan casino gaming website will supply a range of instant win games alongside their regular slots and roulette tables. “Scratchers” let you choose areas of the ticket to scratch off to reveal a cash prize. It’s just like playing your favorite scratchers from the MI Lottery.
Some Michigan casino sites also offer games like Keno and Slingo. Pick your numbers and win cash by matching as many as possible. Online bingo is also available at some MI casinos, just be sure to check if it’s offered once you log in to your favorite operator on PC or mobile US online casino apps.
Online gambling in MI isn’t just about playing on your PC. You can also legally use the real money slots app on the move through your iPhone or Android smartphone. You’ll need to download the app first and ensure you’re running GPS and Wi-Fi. Most Michigan casino sites will also include geolocation within the Michigan online casino apps, so you can confirm you are gambling within state borders.
For iOS, you can download the iOS app directly from the Apple App Store. You’ll be able to see what version of iOS you’ll need to be running to successfully run the app. If you’re using iOS14, you’ll need to switch on the "Precise Location" setting so that the casino can pinpoint your whereabouts.
As far as Android, Google Play Store still doesn’t provide download apps for Michigan casino sites. Instead, you’ll simply need to download the .apk file from the casino homepage. Make sure your GPS and Wi-Fi are enabled when you log in. This will make it possible to run all slots and table games.
So why should you take the plunge and play slots or table games via online methods rather than visiting a retail casino?
You don’t have to leave home to play your favorite casino games
It’s not always possible to visit a brick-and-mortar casino in MI, but this is one of only a few states where you have the option and advantage of online games. Play casino games and win real money at home without leaving your living room.
Use mobile casino apps for casino play on the move
Every good Michigan casino offers a mobile app or fully optimized mobile site, which allows you to gamble on the move. Use your standard log-in details and play slots or live dealer games on your Apple or Android device. The best slot app features include live chatting chat to customer support and the ability to switch back and forth from the same operators online casino to its sportsbook.
It’s easy to play casually with low investment
Michigan casino sites let you gamble for a few cents or a few bucks, but minimum stakes online are usually far lower than those you’ll find in Detroit or at the tribal casinos. For casual gamblers, online casinos in MI are absolutely ideal.
Discover Michigan exclusive online games
Most land-based casinos in Michigan offer slots from just one or two providers. But at the best online casinos, you can try out games from many different developers. Play classic slots and table games from US giants like Bally and WMS, or try the latest European games from trusted manufacturers like NetEnt. You’ll also be able to sit down with video poker or play keno and scratchers for a quick instant win.
Claim free spins or a deposit match
Every good casino will offer a welcome bonus to draw in new Michigan online casino players. Enter a promo code or make a first deposit to earn free spins on the big slots. The casino may even match your deposit with bonus funds - just be sure to meet wagering requirements.
Less of the lively and interactive atmosphere of a physical casino
There’s nothing like playing craps live on a Saturday night in a busy casino, where the landing of the dice could mean huge winnings and a roar of cheers from onlookers. From chatting with fellow players or the dealer, there is more of a chance to feel isolated as a player. Plus, online games can be high tech or complex and you might miss the simplicity of a real felt table game.
It may be more difficult to cut yourself off from casino play
If you are a casual gambler, you may get drawn in to how convenient and easy it is to gamble online, eventually playing (and spending) much more than if you visited a casino. The allure of hundreds or thousands of legal games just a click away means it’s important to gamble responsibly, with set budgets and time allotments. If you were in a physical casino, for example, you would only receive an allotted credit line amount before getting cut off.
Michigan is home to a larger number of land-based casinos and racinos and most of them fall into the tribal casino category. There are more than two dozen casinos throughout the state, but the commercial casinos are concentrated in Detroit.
If you’re looking to play at a retail Michigan casino, let’s look at a few of our favorite standouts.
MGM Grand has a massive gaming area with close to 3,500 slot machines and video poker machines. Opened in 1999, the downtown Detroit venue has almost 40 table games like roulette, craps, slots, blackjack, Let it Ride, and much more. It also opened the BetMGM Sports Lounge in March 2020 for legal online and in-person Michigan sports bets. Additional amenities include the pet-friendly 400-room hotel, full spa, and a TopGolf Swing Suite with indoor golf simulators. BetMGM Online Casino is also a player favorite.
FireKeepers is an example of a new-school design that meets old-school table gaming with a mix of classic and brand-new slot machines. There are nearly 3,000 slots and poker machines in total and 70 table games including blackjack, Let it Ride, craps, baccarat, roulette, and more. Find the best online casinos for baccarat here on Casinos.com. FireKeepers has keno and bingo and runs a poker room featuring tournaments with buy-ins ranging from $100-$500. With its flashy exterior just off Interstate 94, the AAA-certified Four Diamond hotel was built in 2012 and includes 243 rooms and suites.
This is one of the biggest casino properties in the state, as it’s located directly near Central Michigan University and brings plenty of betting options you won’t find at most Michigan casinos. Bingo games are available to play Wednesday-Sunday. There are more than 1,000 slots and video poker machines to go with standard casino table games like roulette, online blackjack and craps. Soaring Eagle also has a 24/7 poker room, hotel and entertainment hall.
It’s vital you stay safe when playing online slots or online poker. Michigan residents should only sign up with approved and regulated US poker sites or casinos with MI online casino gaming licenses.
Of course, there is also a raft of offshore casinos that will attempt to lure in Michigan customers but we always advise against this. Offshore sites aren’t licensed or regulated within the US and may not offer the proper security protocols you’d expect from an MI casino. In addition, the games may not have been properly tested for fairness, and there’s no guarantee the bonuses or payouts will be honored.
Ultimately, offshore gaming sites provide zero guarantees to players. If you have the slightest concerns about being paid, playing fair games, or knowing your personal and banking details are safe, you should strictly avoid playing at these sites.
Internet gambling sites and Michigan online casinos were legalized back in 2019. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed into law two pieces of key legislation. First, the Lawful Internet Gaming Act (HB 4311) allowed the issuing of gambling licenses to online operators. This law covered Michigan online casino apps and poker.
Second, the Lawful Sports Betting Act (HB 4916) made it possible for Michiganders to bet on sports via their PCs or mobile phones. The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) was made responsible for overseeing licensing and compliance.
The first online Michigan gaming sites went live in January 2021. By March, operators reported gross internet casino gaming and sports betting receipts worth $127.4 million. All of Detroit’s commercial casinos now offer online casino gaming, table games, slots and sports betting, with many of the state’s tribes now in on the act.
The Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe, Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi Indians, Gun Lake Tribe, and the Lac Vieux Desert Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians are just a few who launched their own online gambling sites since legalization.
Michigan online gambling revenue has remained impressively strong since its debut, attracting more and more operators applying for licenses.
Under Michigan online casino law, you are able to play real money slots and table games on your PC or smartphone as well as in person. You don’t have to be resident in Michigan, but you must be located within the state to play. You’ll also have to be 21 or over in order to register for an online casino account.
Operators are charged a tax for operating Michigan online casinos, with up to 28% paid on gross gaming revenue profits. In the first year of operation, Michigan online casinos brought in over $1 billion for the state. Sports betting is also legal and taxed at a lower rate.
The rules state that Michigan online casinos must operate in partnership with an existing land-based casino in the state. Detroit’s three commercial casinos - plus many of Michigan’s Native American tribes who run land-based casinos - opened online gambling sites in 2021.
Here is a short timeline of Michigan online casinos:
Since Michigan online casinos are legal, you can safely play online slots, table games and scratchers on your home computer or mobile device.
Michigan online casinos are regulated by the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB). The Detroit-based commission is responsible for overseeing all land-based and legal online casino gaming in the state. However, sportsbooks at tribal casinos are covered by federal law.
The Michigan Gaming Control Board also issues licenses and supplies tax and payment forms for commercial and tribal operators. Plus, you can file a complaint with the Michigan Gaming Control Board if you feel a platform provider has violated its terms of service. The body collects tax revenues as well as providing funding for compulsive gaming prevention groups and the State School Aid Fund. It also:
Under Michigan gaming laws, operators may provide proper provisions for gamblers who might have a gambling problem. Michigan online casinos offer a self-exclusion program and allow gamblers to set deposit and session limits. Casinos also help fund the Compulsive Gambling Prevention Fund. All legit online casinos in Michigan provide links and phone numbers to approved charities and helplines to assist those with a gambling problem.
Yes, Michigan online casinos, online poker and online sports betting are all legal under a raft of laws that were signed in 2019. You can play games for real money as long as you are aged 21 or over and located within MI borders.
Yes, Michigan online poker was legalized at the same time as online casino games in 2019. The first poker sites launched in 2021 and allow Michiganders to enjoy Texas Hold’em or Omaha on their PC or mobile phones.
In order to gamble online in Michigan, you do not need to be a resident. You can register for a Michigan casino account anywhere in the US, however in order to log on and play games for real money you must be physically located in Michigan as a visitor or resident.
There are around 24 land-based casinos in Michigan. Its commercial casino hub is in the city of Detroit where there are three commercial casinos, one of which is MGM Grand Detroit. Outside of that, there are over 20 tribal casinos spread across the state.
Every casino boasts a robust selection of slots and games, complete with a range of Michigan online casino bonuses. Caesars Palace Online Casino is always a standout, given its prestigious and reputable name within the gaming industry. But if you’re really looking for certain features, games, or promotions, it’s best to shop around at what each operator has at the time.
For online betting, Michigan casinos use geolocation tools like GeoComply to ascertain your exact whereabouts. If you can’t verify you are within MI borders, you won’t be able to play Michigan online casino games for real money.
Under Michigan gambling laws, you must be aged 21 or over to play games online. You must provide ID and a Social Security number when you complete your online registration form.
Yes. You will be subject to a 4.25% state income tax on any gambling winnings and 24% for federal income tax. You will have to declare any big gambling wins on your yearly tax return. When you record a big jackpot win, federal and state tax may already be withheld by the casino