Michigan Online Gambling

Online gambling is indeed permitted in Michigan, as both online casinos and online sports betting were officially launched on January 22, 2021. Online poker followed suit a week later. Presently, there are 15 online sportsbooks, 15 online casinos, and three online poker sites accessible to individuals in Michigan.

In Michigan, bettors have the opportunity to place wagers on a wide range of sports and sporting events within the state and worldwide. This includes popular sports leagues like the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, and MLS, as well as various college sports such as Michigan and Michigan State football, and even the NCAA Tournament. However, it’s important to note that certain wagers, like those involving high school athletics and novelty prop bets such as predicting the length of the anthem at the Super Bowl, are not available for betting.

Indeed, individuals must be physically present within the borders of Michigan in order to comply with federal and state regulations and place bets on gambling apps within the state.

Geolocation verification software is utilized by online sportsbooks, casinos, and poker rooms to confirm players’ location within the designated area. Failure to confirm your presence within state boundaries using this software will result in denial of access to the site or the inability to place bets.

It is not necessary to reside in Michigan in order to participate in online casino games or sports betting legally. The only requirement is that individuals must be physically present within the state’s boundaries when accessing the site and must be of legal age (21) to place wagers on a Michigan gambling app.

The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) regulates all legitimate betting sites in Michigan. The MGCB thoroughly examines each gambling site to ensure they meet the necessary consumer protections before they can launch and start accepting deposits and bets.

SSL encryption is employed by all regulated MI gambling apps and websites to protect personal information including payment details. Funding methods may differ across sites, but overall, Michigan players have the flexibility to deposit and withdraw funds through credit/debit cards, electronic/paper checks, bank/wire transfers, and prepaid cards.

Residents of Michigan have a wide range of online casino games at their disposal, which includes:

• Slots
• Progressive jackpot slots
• Baccarat
• Blackjack
• Roulette
• Video Poker
• More table games

Live dealer games have gained immense popularity as they provide the most authentic casino experience from the comfort of one’s home. Almost all online casinos in Michigan provide the option of live dealer games.

Registering for an online casino, sportsbook, or online poker account is a quick and effortless process that can be completed in a matter of minutes.

To initiate the process, a straightforward action of clicking or pressing a button is required. Online gambling platforms often label these buttons as “Register,” “Sign up,” or “Play Now.”

Clicking on the button will direct you to a screen where you will be prompted to provide personal details, such as your name, phone number, email address, date of birth, and Social Security number. The purpose of collecting this information is to authenticate your identity. Rest assured that your data is protected and kept secure on websites that have been authorized and monitored by the MGCB.

After creating an account, you have the option to make a deposit through various approved methods, enabling you to commence playing your preferred game.

Prior to stashing away your slot machine winnings or indulging in a new purchase, it is important to note that the government has a claim on a portion of it. In Michigan, it is mandatory to report any and all gambling winnings, regardless of their size, as per the law. These winnings are considered taxable income by the government, with federal tax rates at 25% and an additional 4.25% for state taxes.

If you happen to win a game, the casino will file a W-2G tax form with the IRS on your behalf, but this will only occur if your winnings exceed a specific dollar amount, which varies depending on the game. Additionally, if you are lucky enough to win $5,000 or more, the casino is obligated to withhold 25% of your winnings as the federal tax. However, it is important to note that regardless of these actions taken by the casino, you are still required to report the income on your tax return.

To learn more about IRS reporting thresholds and how to report gambling winnings or losses on your tax forms, please visit our all-inclusive tax page.

In the state of Michigan, there are a total of 26 casinos, out of which 10 offer active card rooms catering to poker players.

The commercial casinos in Detroit, namely Hollywood Casino at Greektown, MGM Grand Detroit, and MotorCity Casino, host three retail sportsbooks. Furthermore, various tribal casinos have also introduced their own retail books.

• Battle Creek is home to the renowned FireKeepers Casino.
• There are Four Winds Casinos located in New Buffalo, Dowagiac, and Hartford.
• Little River in Manistee
• Island Resort in Harris
• Turtle Creek in Williamsburg
• Leelanau Sands in Peshawbestown
• Gun Lake in Wayland
• The Odawa tribe has a presence in both Petoskey and Mackinaw City.
• Kewadin Casinos have recently incorporated WynnBET kiosks into all five of their establishments.
• The majestic eagle soars high above the scenic Mount Pleasant.

While gambling is typically intended to provide entertainment and enjoyment, Michigan takes the issue of compulsive and problem gambling seriously.

Online, the Michigan Gaming Control Board maintains a compilation of problem gambling resources. Collaboratively, the MGCB and Detroit’s commercial casinos have created a registry known as the “Disassociated Persons” list, enabling individuals to willingly pledge a lifelong commitment to refraining from visiting any Detroit casino.

To request a lifelong exclusion from Detroit casinos, you have the option to either dial 1-888-223-3044 or complete an online application.

You can reach out to the Michigan Association on Problem Gambling at 1-800-270-7117 for assistance with gambling-related issues. The helpline, managed by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), is available 24/7 and is toll-free.

Additional resources for responsible gambling include:

• The MDHHS provides funding for a Gambling Treatment Program by Health Management Systems of America, which caters to individuals or groups suffering from compulsive gambling, as well as their families, across the entire state.
• If you are seeking support for gambling addiction, Gamblers Anonymous provides various resources such as local support groups, gambling literature, and more. To locate a meeting in Michigan, you can visit the group’s website.
• If gambling has caused financial difficulties for you or your loved ones, the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC.org) is a nonprofit organization that can provide assistance.
• Gam-Anon is an organization designed exclusively for individuals who have close relationships with compulsive gamblers, providing support and assistance.
• The primary goal of the National Center for Responsible Gaming is to assist individuals and families by enhancing research efforts and implementing effective strategies to prevent, diagnose, intervene, and treat problem gambling. They also strive to raise public awareness on this issue. Additionally, the National Council on Problem Gambling provides valuable information on problem and compulsive gambling.