Online Casinos In Michigan Are Now Legal: How To Get Started

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Written By Matt Schoch on January 22, 2021
michigan online casinos
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Online casino apps are live in Michigan! The first wave of operators will soon be joined by others, but the initial batch is still a formidable set with plenty of options.

You can access these operators on desktop computers and also mobile devices. There are obviously big differences from playing at home or playing at a casino.

So here’s what you need to know to get started.

1. Best Michigan online casinos 2021

Several online casinos have mobile apps and websites for use in Michigan right now. These include:

More apps will come soon once approved by the Michigan Gaming Control Board.

You can register for multiple online casinos in Michigan. This is a good idea if you want to see all the slots available on each casino, including exclusive games, before you pick your preferred platform.

2. Choose the best welcome bonus

Up next is the fun part. Since Michigan is a new (and crucial) market, there are nice welcome bonuses and free cash out there. Below are a few of the best bonuses available in Michigan so far:

As long as you click the links above, you will have access to the welcome bonus mentioned.

3. Download the app, register, and log in

Once you’ve selected an online casino (or online casinos) you want to try, you can download the app and register for an account. Most Michigan online gambling apps have iOS and Android versions available. Some use one app for both their sportsbook and casino.

At this point, you will be asked to download and install something called geolocation software. If you are registering on a desktop browser, the geolocation software is a must in order for you to play casino games in Michigan. It helps verify where you are. If you downloaded the app to your phone or tablet, just be sure to let the online casino have access to your location services in settings.

After the app installs, you can now register. If you’ve already signed up at the sportsbook, the same credentials can be used to log into the online casino. Note: New users will be limited to 1 offer (sports or casino) on account creation. If the app needs more information to verify your eligibility for online casino, you will be advised.

If you’re new to the app, you’ll need a few pieces of ID. This is not only for tax purposes, but so both you and the casino are in compliance with all appropriate laws and regulations in Michigan. Plus, they need to verify who you are. The data includes:

  • Date of birth
  • Email address
  • Last 4 digits of your social security number
  • Legal name
  • Mailing address

Keep in mind that if you’re on the gambling self-exclusion list in MI or under 21 years old, Michigan online casinos won’t accept your registration. Do you have to live in Michigan to register for online casinos? No, but you must be inside state lines to play. You can sign up from anywhere.

4. Deposit and make your bets

We’ve got the apps and bonuses ready, and you’ve got your account. Now it’s time to make a deposit. The operators have a variety of payment forms, which could be different for each app. Those include:

  • ACH payments from a checking or savings account
  • Credit/debit cards
  • eChecks
  • PayPal

There are cash options as well. For instance, most online casinos allow you to make a deposit visiting casinos connected to the online platforms. In the case of Golden Nugget online casino, you can deposit at Ojibwa Casinos in Marquette and Baraga.

Watch your email and Playinmichigan for one-time promotions, too. Most often, they take the form of leaderboards, bonus cash, and deposit matches.

Now, you’re ready to gamble online.

What casino games are available in Michigan?

Many of the same games that are available at retail casinos in the state are also found on online casinos. In the beginning, the slate of games available on each app will be small, but it will improve over time. Keep in mind Michigan online casinos are required to base their servers inside the state so they had to start from scratch.

In addition, a handful of operators will soon have live dealer games.

At launch, games may include the following:

  • Baccarat
  • Blackjack
  • Roulette
  • Online slots
  • Video poker

Do I have to pay taxes on my online casino winnings?

That comes down to how much you win. The IRS considers all winnings over $600 in a calendar year to be taxable income. Michigan considers anything over $300 taxable.

Online casinos will give you an annual statement of your activity to make this process easy, depending on how much you gamble.

Playing online casinos is simple when you understand how they work and how to get started. Now that they’re available in Michigan, it’s time to spin a few slots and try a few hands of video poker.

Just remember to always gamble responsibly.

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Matt Schoch Avatar
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Matt Schoch

A Michigan native, Matt has worked at newspapers in Michigan, Missouri and the Virgin Islands. A versatile sports reporter, Matt has covered sailing on the Great Lakes, cricket in the Caribbean, high school and pro playoffs, and the Olympics in Rio. He’s also the former host of the Locked On Pistons Podcast and producer of a documentary on Emoni Bates. A former blackjack dealer, Matt has studied the industry from all sides.

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