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 |
| Minimum Gambling Age | 21 casino / iGaming / sports betting · 18 DFS |
| Regulatory Body | Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) |
| Last Legal Update | October 2023 — DFS administrative rules finalized |
Legal Overview
Michigan offers one of the most comprehensive 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). In 2025, Michigan surpassed New Jersey and Pennsylvania as the nation’s top iGaming market by gross receipts — a milestone that reflects both the breadth of its licensed operator ecosystem and the strength of player demand.
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.
- Online sports betting: Legal and available from 12 of the 15 licensed operators. Launched January 22, 2021.
- Online poker: Legal, launched approximately one week after casino/sports (late January 2021). Michigan joined the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA) in May 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. DraftKings and FanDuel are fully licensed. Administrative rules took effect October 2023.
- State lottery: The Michigan Lottery offers draw games, instant tickets, and online play.
What’s Not Legal
Online gambling platforms that are not licensed by the MGCB. Michigan actively enforces against unlicensed operators — the MGCB issued a formal cease and desist against Bovada in May 2024 and has conducted its highest volume of enforcement actions against unlicensed operators to date.
No person may operate an internet gaming platform without an MGCB-issued operator license.
Key Legislation
| Year | Law / Event | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| December 28, 2018 | HB 4926 vetoed by Gov. Rick Snyder | Predecessor iGaming/sports betting bill blocked |
| 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 launch | Michigan market goes live |
| May 23, 2022 | Michigan joins MSIGA | Shared online poker pool with NV, DE, NJ, WV, PA |
| October 2023 | DFS administrative rules finalized | Regulatory framework for fantasy contests fully in effect |
| November 6, 2024 | BetMGM Poker authorized for MSIGA shared liquidity | Third operator joins multi-state poker pool |
| 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, 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 matter: the MGCB does not have general regulatory authority over tribal gaming facilities. Tribal casinos in Michigan operate under federal IGRA authority and are overseen by the National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC) in conjunction with tribal gaming commissions. Tribal-state compacts govern the terms of gaming 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 February 2026, all 15 authorized entities are licensed for iGaming; 12 of 15 offer online sports betting. The market generated $313 million in combined iGaming and sports betting gross receipts in February 2026 alone.
Online Casino (iGaming)
All 15 licensed entities offer iGaming. Major consumer-facing brands include BetMGM Casino MI, DraftKings Casino MI, FanDuel Casino MI, Golden Nugget Online Casino MI, BetRivers 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 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 (NV, DE, NJ, MI, WV, PA).
As of November 2024, two operators are confirmed active in the Michigan MSIGA pool:
- WSOP.com — long-standing MSIGA participant
- BetMGM Poker — MGCB authorized shared liquidity on November 6, 2024; third operator in multi-state pool
| 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 Nov 2024) |
| Minimum age | 21 |
Online Sports Betting
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Legal status | Legal — since January 22, 2021 |
| Number of licensed operators | 12 of 15 authorized entities offer sports betting |
| 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 (not publicly disclosed; varies by compact) |
| Regulator | MGCB |
Offshore Online Casinos
Offshore Operators and Michigan
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 — the most aggressive enforcement action of its kind documented across any state in this guide series. Bovada subsequently exited Michigan and added Michigan to its restricted states list.
For Michigan residents, we recommend using a licensed Michigan operator. MGCB-licensed platforms provide state-backed consumer protections, verified game fairness certified by independent testing labs, access to Michigan’s self-exclusion programs, and legal recourse in the event of a dispute. These protections do not exist on offshore platforms.
Offshore platforms that continue to accept Michigan players operate outside MGCB authority and in a legal gray area. Michigan law prohibits operating an unlicensed internet gaming platform, and the MGCB’s enforcement record demonstrates a willingness to act. Player-side prosecution is not documented, but enforcement risk for operators is real.
| Operator | MI Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bovada | Does not accept Michigan players | MGCB C&D issued May 2024; confirmed restricted |
| Wild Casino | Status unconfirmed | Not MGCB-licensed; no MI consumer protections |
| Ignition Casino | Accepts MI players | Same ownership group as Bovada; MI not in restricted states (DE, MD, NV, NJ, NY) |
| Cafe Casino | Accepts MI players | Same ownership group; MI not in restricted states (DE, MD, NV, NJ, NY) |
| Slots.LV | Accepts MI players | Same ownership group; MI not in restricted states (DE, MD, NV, NJ, NY) |
Michigan Lottery
The Michigan Lottery offers a wide range of draw games, instant-win tickets, and digital play. Major draw games include Powerball, Mega Millions, Lotto 47, Fantasy 5, Club Keno, and Daily 3 and 4. The Michigan Lottery also offers online instant games and iLottery products at michiganlottery.com.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Website | michigan.gov/lottery or michiganlottery.com |
| Online play | Yes — iLottery at michiganlottery.com |
| Helpline | 1-800-GAMBLER |
| Minimum age | 18 (to be confirmed) |
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. MGCB renewed licenses for all three in September 2025. These same three entities 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 |
Commercial Detroit casinos pay a sports betting tax of 8.4% (3.78% state + 4.62% City of Detroit). This rate applies specifically to the Detroit commercial operators and is distinct from tribal compact rates.
Tribal Casinos
Michigan is home to 12 federally recognized tribes that operate gaming facilities across the state. Approximately 23 Class III casino properties operate statewide (some sources cite up to 26 properties; the MGCB tribal page and NIGC records are the primary references). Tribal casinos span both the Upper and Lower Peninsulas.
The largest tribal gaming operator is the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians, which operates five casino locations. Other major tribal operators include the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians, the Gun Lake Tribe (Match-E-Be-Nash-She-Wish Band), the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe, the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community, and others.
Regulatory note: The MGCB does not have general regulatory authority over tribal casino operations. Tribal gaming is governed under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA), overseen at the federal level by the NIGC, and administered locally by each tribe’s gaming commission under terms set by tribal-state compacts.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Number of 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
2024–2026 Legislative Developments
SB 1193/1194 (Failed — December 2024): The legislature considered bills that would have raised the top iGaming tax rate from the current 28% to approximately 30–31%. Both bills failed.
2025 Budget Proposal (Status unknown): A 2025 executive budget proposal sought a 36% marginal iGaming rate on GGR above $185 million per year. The current status of this proposal in the legislative session is not confirmed.
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 the 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.
DFS Rules (October 2023): Michigan’s DFS administrative rules under the Fantasy Contests Consumer Protection Act took full effect in October 2023, completing the regulatory framework for daily fantasy sports.
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 Michigan Lottery completed its transition in July 2024. The old number remains operational.
MobileCasinoParty does not predict whether or when pending legislation will pass. The information above reflects status as of March 2026.
Responsible Gambling Resources
Michigan-Specific Resources
| Resource | Contact | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan Problem Gambling Helpline | 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) | Adopted Feb 8, 2024; 24/7/365; NCPG-operated, MDHHS-staffed |
| 1-800-GAMBLER Text | Text 800GAM | 24/7/365 |
| 1-800-GAMBLER Chat | 1800gamblerchat.org | 24/7/365 |
| MGCB Responsible Gaming Section | 1-888-223-3044 | Self-exclusion inquiries and RG information |
| MGCB Responsible Gambling | michigan.gov/mgcb/resources/responsible-gaming | Official 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) — Land-Based Detroit Casinos
The DPL covers Detroit’s three commercial casinos. Enrollment is a lifetime exclusion that prohibits entry to all three Detroit commercial properties.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Coverage | Detroit commercial casinos (MGM Grand Detroit, MotorCity Casino Hotel, Hollywood Casino at Greektown (Penn Entertainment)) |
| Duration | Lifetime |
| How to enroll | In-person at MGCB; forms available 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
The RGD covers all MGCB-licensed online iGaming and sports betting operators. Enrollment excludes you from all licensed Michigan online gaming platforms.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Coverage | All MGCB-licensed online iGaming and sports betting operators |
| Duration | 1 year or 5 years |
| How to enroll | In-person at an MGCB office, OR via notarized form mailed or emailed 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 |
Important: The RGD online self-exclusion process requires a notarized form — it is not a one-click or fully digital enrollment like New Jersey’s portal. The notarized form can be mailed or emailed to MGCB; in-person enrollment is also available at MGCB offices. Allow up to 45 days for your exclusion to take effect across all operators.
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. 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 MGCB.
How many online casinos are licensed in Michigan?
Michigan licenses operators exclusively through its 3 Detroit commercial casinos and 12 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, and BetRivers MI.
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 casino games, iGaming, and sports betting. 18 for daily fantasy sports.
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.
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.
Does Michigan have tribal casinos?
Yes. 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.
Is Michigan the largest online gambling market in the US?
By 2025 GGR, yes. MGCB figures released January 2026 show Michigan generated $3.8 billion in combined iGaming and sports betting GGR in 2025, surpassing New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
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 and sports betting
- New Jersey Gambling Guide — MSIGA member; legal iGaming since 2013
- Pennsylvania Gambling Guide — MSIGA member; neighboring state with legal iGaming
- Ohio Gambling Guide — Neighboring state; sports betting legal, online casino not legal
- West Virginia Gambling Guide — MSIGA member; legal iGaming
- Bovada Casino Review — Does not accept Michigan players
Note: Some state guide pages linked above may contain older content that predates the current rebuild cycle. Links are included to establish the cross-reference scaffold.
Last verified: 2026-03-25
