Quick Legal Status
| Field | Status |
|---|---|
| State | Michigan |
| Online Casino Games | Legal — launched January 22, 2021 |
| Online Sports Betting | Legal — launched January 22, 2021 |
| Online Poker | Legal — launched late January 2021; MSIGA joined May 2022 |
| Daily Fantasy Sports | Legal — 18+ (Fantasy Contests Consumer Protection Act, 2019) |
| State Lottery | Yes — Michigan Lottery; michiganlottery.com |
| Minimum Gambling Age | 21 casino / iGaming / sports betting · 18 DFS / Lottery |
| Regulatory Body | Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) — michigan.gov/mgcb |
| Last Legal Update | November 2024 — BetMGM Poker authorized for MSIGA shared pool |
Legal Overview
Michigan offers one of the most comprehensive — and largest — legal online gambling markets in the United States. Online casino games, online sports betting, and online poker are all fully legal and regulated by the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB). Michigan surpassed New Jersey and Pennsylvania as the nation’s top iGaming market by gross gaming revenue in 2025, generating $3.8 billion in combined iGaming and sports betting GGR for the year.
The legal framework traces to December 20, 2019, when Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed three major gambling laws simultaneously: the Lawful Internet Gaming Act (Act 152 of 2019), the Lawful Sports Betting Act (Act 149 of 2019), and the Fantasy Contests Consumer Protection Act. After a 13-month regulatory buildout, the MGCB launched both online casino gaming and sports betting on January 22, 2021. Online poker launched approximately one week later.
Michigan’s model is unique: online operator licenses are limited exclusively to the three Detroit commercial casinos and the twelve federally recognized Michigan tribes — 15 authorized entities in total. This tethering requirement means no independent commercial online-only brands can enter Michigan without a commercial casino or tribal anchor partner.
What’s Legal
- Online casino games (iGaming): Slots, table games, and live dealer games are legal and offered by all 15 MGCB-licensed operators. Launched January 22, 2021. Minimum age: 21. Must be physically located in Michigan.
- Online sports betting: Legal and available from 12 of the 15 licensed operators. Launched January 22, 2021. Minimum age: 21.
- Online poker: Legal since late January 2021. Michigan joined the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA) on May 23, 2022, connecting Michigan players to a shared pool with Nevada, Delaware, New Jersey, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania.
- Daily fantasy sports (DFS): Legal at age 18 under the Fantasy Contests Consumer Protection Act (MCL 432.501–432.516). DraftKings and FanDuel are fully licensed. Administrative rules took full effect October 2023.
- State lottery: The Michigan Lottery offers draw games (Powerball, Mega Millions, Lotto 47, Fantasy 5, Club Keno, Daily 3/4), scratch-offs, and online iLottery play at michiganlottery.com. Minimum age: 18.
What’s Not Legal
- Online casino or sportsbook platforms not licensed by the MGCB. Michigan actively enforces against unlicensed operators — the MGCB issued a formal cease and desist against Bovada in May 2024, its most aggressive enforcement action of this type on record.
- No person may operate an internet gaming platform in Michigan without an MGCB-issued operator license.
- Michigan does not permit standalone commercial online-only operators; all licensees must be tethered to one of the 15 authorized commercial or tribal gaming entities.
Key Legislation
| Year | Law / Event | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| December 20, 2019 | Act 152 of 2019 — Lawful Internet Gaming Act (HB 4311) | Legalized online casino games and online poker; signed by Gov. Whitmer |
| December 20, 2019 | Act 149 of 2019 — Lawful Sports Betting Act | Legalized online and retail sports betting |
| December 20, 2019 | Fantasy Contests Consumer Protection Act (MCL 432.501–432.516) | Legalized DFS at age 18 |
| January 22, 2021 | iGaming and sports betting market launch | Michigan online market goes live with multiple licensed operators |
| Late January 2021 | Online poker launch | Online poker available approximately one week after casino/sports launch |
| May 23, 2022 | Michigan joins MSIGA | Shared online poker pool with NV, DE, NJ, WV, PA (6 states) |
| October 2023 | DFS administrative rules finalized | Full regulatory framework for fantasy contests takes effect |
| May 2024 | MGCB cease and desist against Bovada | Highest-profile enforcement action; Bovada exits Michigan |
| November 6, 2024 | BetMGM Poker authorized for MSIGA shared liquidity | Third operator joins multi-state poker pool alongside WSOP.com |
| December 2024 | SB 1193/1194 fail in legislature | Proposed iGaming tax rate increase to 30–31% does not pass |
Regulatory Structure
The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) is the primary regulator for Detroit commercial casinos, all online iGaming, online sports betting, and daily fantasy sports. MGCB is a seven-member board appointed by the Governor with Senate confirmation. It is self-funded from gaming revenues.
Tribal casinos are a distinct regulatory matter. Michigan’s 12 federally recognized tribes operate gaming facilities under federal IGRA authority, overseen by the National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC) and individual tribal gaming commissions. Tribal-state compacts govern their gaming terms. The MGCB does not have general regulatory authority over tribal casino operations.
The Michigan Lottery is overseen separately by the Michigan Bureau of State Lottery under the Department of State.
| Authority | Jurisdiction | Website |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) | Detroit commercial casinos, iGaming, sports betting, DFS | michigan.gov/mgcb |
| National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC) | Tribal casino gaming (Class II and Class III) | nigc.gov |
| Michigan Bureau of State Lottery | State lottery | michigan.gov/lottery |
Licensed Online Platforms
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Michigan statute limits MGCB to issue iGaming and sports betting operator licenses exclusively to: (1) the three Detroit commercial casinos, and (2) the twelve federally recognized Michigan tribes. There are no independent commercial online-only operators — every licensed platform is affiliated with one of these 15 entities. As of early 2026, all 15 authorized entities are licensed for iGaming; 12 of 15 offer online sports betting.
Licensed Online Casino Operators
Major consumer-facing brands include BetMGM Casino MI, DraftKings Casino MI, FanDuel Casino MI, Golden Nugget Online Casino MI, BetRivers MI, Caesars Casino MI, Hard Rock Bet MI, WynnBET MI, Fanatics Casino MI, and others. Each brand operates under an MGCB-issued operator license tied to one of the 15 authorized entities.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Number of licensed operators | 15 (all authorized entities) |
| Licensed since | January 22, 2021 |
| Minimum age | 21 |
| Geolocation required | Yes — Michigan only |
| iGaming tax rate | Sliding scale: 20%–28% of GGR |
| Regulator | MGCB (michigan.gov/mgcb) |
Online Sports Betting
Major licensed sportsbook brands include BetMGM MI, DraftKings MI, FanDuel MI, BetRivers MI, Caesars Sportsbook MI, Hard Rock Bet MI, and others.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Legal status | Legal — since January 22, 2021 |
| Number of licensed operators | 12 of 15 authorized entities |
| Minimum age | 21 |
| Commercial operator tax rate | 8.4% (3.78% state + 4.62% City of Detroit) — Detroit commercial casinos only |
| Tribal operator tax rate | Governed by individual tribal-state compact terms |
| Regulator | MGCB |
Online Poker
Online poker is legal and available through MSIGA-participating platforms. Michigan joined the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA) on May 23, 2022 — the first new MSIGA member since 2017 — connecting Michigan players to the six-state shared pool. WSOP.com is the long-standing participant; BetMGM Poker was authorized for MSIGA shared liquidity on November 6, 2024.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Legal status | Legal — since late January 2021 |
| MSIGA membership | Yes — joined May 23, 2022 |
| Shared pool states | NV, DE, NJ, MI, WV, PA (6 states) |
| Confirmed MSIGA operators in MI | WSOP.com; BetMGM Poker (authorized November 2024) |
| Minimum age | 21 |
Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS)
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Legal status | Legal — Fantasy Contests Consumer Protection Act (2019) |
| Minimum age | 18 |
| Active operators | DraftKings, FanDuel |
| Administrative rules | In full effect October 2023 |
| Regulator | MGCB |
Offshore Online Casinos
Michigan has a fully licensed iGaming market and an active regulatory enforcement posture. The MGCB actively pursues unlicensed operators — in May 2024, it issued a formal cease and desist letter to Bovada, prompting Bovada to exit Michigan and add Michigan to its restricted states list. Bovada does not accept Michigan players as of May 2024.
The four remaining offshore casinos reviewed by MobileCasinoParty do not list Michigan in their restricted states. Because Michigan has a fully legal licensed iGaming market, the correct choice for Michigan residents seeking online casino gaming is an MGCB-licensed platform. Licensed platforms offer state-backed consumer protections, certified game fairness, access to Michigan’s self-exclusion programs, and legal recourse in the event of a dispute — none of which are available on offshore sites.
| Operator | MI Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bovada | Does NOT accept MI players | MGCB C&D issued May 2024; Bovada exited Michigan |
| Wild Casino | Accepts MI players | Not MGCB-licensed; MI not in Wild Casino restricted states |
| Ignition Casino | Accepts MI players | Not MGCB-licensed; MI not in restricted states (DE, MD, NV, NJ, NY) |
| Cafe Casino | Accepts MI players | Not MGCB-licensed; MI not in restricted states (DE, MD, NV, NJ, NY) |
| Slots.LV | Accepts MI players | Not MGCB-licensed; MI not in restricted states (DE, MD, NV, NJ, NY) |
Land-Based Casinos
Michigan has two distinct categories of land-based gaming: Detroit commercial casinos (regulated by MGCB) and tribal casinos (regulated by NIGC and tribal gaming commissions).
Detroit Commercial Casinos
Three commercial casinos operate in Detroit under MGCB regulation. All three also hold online iGaming and sports betting licenses.
| Casino | Location | Online Licensed |
|---|---|---|
| MGM Grand Detroit | Detroit, MI | Yes |
| MotorCity Casino Hotel | Detroit, MI | Yes |
| Hollywood Casino at Greektown (Penn Entertainment) | Detroit, MI | Yes |
Tribal Casinos
Michigan is home to 12 federally recognized tribes that operate gaming facilities across both peninsulas. Approximately 23 Class III casino properties operate statewide. The largest tribal gaming operator is the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians, which operates five casino locations. Other major operators include the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians, the Gun Lake Tribe, the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe, and the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Number of recognized tribes | 12 federally recognized |
| Approximate casino properties | ~23 Class III casinos |
| Regulator | NIGC (federal) + tribal gaming commissions |
| Oversight framework | IGRA + tribal-state compacts |
| Geographic reach | Upper and Lower Peninsulas |
Recent Legal Changes
SB 1193/1194 Failed (December 2024): The legislature considered bills that would have raised the top iGaming tax rate from 28% to approximately 30–31%. Both bills failed.
MGCB Enforcement (2024): The MGCB conducted its highest documented volume of enforcement actions against unlicensed operators in 2024, including the Bovada cease and desist (May 2024). This reflects an ongoing policy of active enforcement of Michigan’s licensing requirement.
BetMGM Poker MSIGA Authorization (November 6, 2024): MGCB authorized BetMGM Poker for shared player-pool liquidity under MSIGA, making BetMGM the third online poker operator to participate in multi-state play alongside WSOP.com.
1-800-GAMBLER Transition (February 2024): Michigan officially adopted 1-800-GAMBLER as the state’s primary problem gambling helpline, replacing 1-800-270-7117. Operators were required to display the new number by August 8, 2024. The old number remains operational.
DFS Rules in Full Effect (October 2023): Michigan’s DFS administrative rules under the Fantasy Contests Consumer Protection Act took full effect, completing the regulatory framework for daily fantasy sports.
Responsible Gambling Resources
Michigan-Specific Resources
| Resource | Contact | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan Problem Gambling Helpline | 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) | Adopted February 2024; 24/7/365; replaces 1-800-270-7117 |
| 1-800-GAMBLER Text | Text 800GAM | 24/7/365 |
| 1-800-GAMBLER Chat | 1800gamblerchat.org | 24/7/365 |
| MGCB Responsible Gaming | 1-888-223-3044 | Self-exclusion inquiries and responsible gambling information |
| MGCB Responsible Gambling Portal | michigan.gov/mgcb/resources/responsible-gaming | Official MGCB RG portal |
Self-Exclusion Programs
Michigan operates two separate self-exclusion programs administered by the MGCB. Enrollment in one does not automatically enroll you in the other.
Program 1: Disassociated Persons List (DPL) — Detroit Commercial Casinos
Covers Detroit’s three commercial casinos. Enrollment is a lifetime exclusion prohibiting entry to all three Detroit commercial properties.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Coverage | MGM Grand Detroit, MotorCity Casino Hotel, Hollywood Casino at Greektown |
| Duration | Lifetime |
| How to enroll | In-person at MGCB; forms at michigan.gov/mgcb/panel-forms/disassociated-persons-forms |
| Contact | MGCB Responsible Gaming: 1-888-223-3044 |
Program 2: Internet Gaming and Sports Betting Responsible Gaming Database (RGD) — Online Play
Covers all MGCB-licensed online iGaming and sports betting operators. Requires a notarized form. Allow up to 45 days for activation.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Coverage | All MGCB-licensed online iGaming and sports betting operators |
| Duration | 1 year or 5 years |
| How to enroll | In-person at MGCB, or notarized form by mail or email to MGCB-RGD@Michigan.gov |
| Forms | michigan.gov/mgcb/resources/responsible-gaming/self-exclusion-forms |
| Processing time | Up to 45 days to activate |
| Contact | MGCB Responsible Gaming: 1-888-223-3044 |
National Resources
| Organization | Phone | Website | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| NCPG | 1-800-MY-RESET (1-800-697-3738) | ncpgambling.org | 24/7/365 |
| NCPG Text/Chat | Text 800GAM / ncpgambling.org/chat | — | 24/7/365 |
| Gamblers Anonymous | (909) 931-9056 (office) | gamblersanonymous.org | Meetings vary |
| 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline | 988 (call or text) | 988lifeline.org | 24/7/365 |
| SAMHSA | 1-800-662-4357 (HELP) | samhsa.gov | 24/7/365 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is online gambling legal in Michigan?
Yes. Online casino games, online sports betting, and online poker are all legal in Michigan. The Lawful Internet Gaming Act (Act 152 of 2019) and Lawful Sports Betting Act (Act 149 of 2019) were signed December 20, 2019. The market launched January 22, 2021. All operators are licensed by the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB).
How many online casinos are licensed in Michigan?
Michigan licenses operators exclusively through its three Detroit commercial casinos and twelve federally recognized tribes — 15 licensed entities in total. All 15 offer iGaming. Major brands include BetMGM Casino MI, DraftKings Casino MI, FanDuel Casino MI, Golden Nugget Online Casino MI, BetRivers MI, and others.
Is online poker legal in Michigan?
Yes, since late January 2021. Michigan joined the MSIGA on May 23, 2022, linking Michigan players to a six-state shared pool (NV, DE, NJ, MI, WV, PA). Active MSIGA operators in Michigan include WSOP.com and BetMGM Poker (authorized November 2024).
What is the minimum gambling age in Michigan?
21 for online casino games, online sports betting, and land-based casino play. 18 for daily fantasy sports and the state lottery.
Does Michigan have a self-exclusion program?
Two programs. The Disassociated Persons List (DPL) covers Detroit’s three commercial casinos (lifetime exclusion). The Internet Gaming and Sports Betting RGD covers all licensed online platforms (1-year or 5-year terms). The RGD requires a notarized form — not a one-click portal. Allow up to 45 days for activation. Contact MGCB at 1-888-223-3044.
Can I use Bovada in Michigan?
No. The MGCB issued a cease and desist letter to Bovada in May 2024. Bovada does not accept Michigan players. Use a licensed MGCB operator instead. Wild Casino, Ignition Casino, Cafe Casino, and Slots.LV do not list Michigan in their restricted states.
Does Michigan have tribal casinos?
Yes. Michigan’s 12 federally recognized tribes operate approximately 23 Class III casino properties across both peninsulas. Tribal casinos are regulated by the NIGC under IGRA — not by the MGCB. The largest tribal operator is the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians with five casino locations.
Is Michigan the largest online gambling market in the US?
Yes, by 2025 GGR. Michigan generated $3.8 billion in combined iGaming and sports betting gross gaming revenue in 2025, surpassing New Jersey and Pennsylvania to become the nation’s top iGaming market.
Related Guides
- Responsible Gambling Policy — Support resources and helplines
- Casino Review Process — How we evaluate and rate casinos
- USA Online Casinos — Full state-by-state guide hub
- Nevada Gambling Guide — MSIGA member; legal online poker
- New Jersey Gambling Guide — MSIGA member; legal iGaming since 2013
- Delaware Gambling Guide — MSIGA member; legal iGaming since 2013
- West Virginia Gambling Guide — MSIGA member; legal iGaming
- Pennsylvania Gambling Guide — MSIGA member; legal iGaming since 2019
- Ohio Gambling Guide — Neighboring state; sports betting legal, online casino not yet legal
- Illinois Gambling Guide — Neighboring state; sports betting legal
- Bovada Casino Review — Does NOT accept Michigan players
- Wild Casino Review — Accepts Michigan players; not MGCB-licensed
