Online Gambling in Michigan

When you picture Michigan, chances are pretty good that gambling doesn’t immediately come to mind. I know that I think of car manufacturing, aka Motor City, and Lake Michigan (up until this very moment, I thought that lake was only in Chicago, whoops). 

My point is that it’s not exactly known as a gambling hub. But my point is wrong! And although it wasn’t the first state to go digital with gambling, it definitely got a lot right when it did finally get there! 

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Is Online Gambling Legal in Michigan?

Michigan didn’t waste any time once it got the go-ahead to make gambling legal! Why would they? Legal online gambling officially launched on January 22, 2021, after lawmakers passed a bunch of bills in 2019 that laid the groundwork for digital casinos, sportsbooks, and poker sites. Since then, the state has only gotten better and has built one of the most accessible and player-friendly gambling environments in the entire country.

Online gambling in Michigan is fully legal, and that includes all of the below:

• Online casinos (slots, table games, live dealer)
• Online sports betting (college and pro)
• Online poker rooms (PokerStars, BetMGM Poker, WSOP MI)
• Daily Fantasy Sports
• iLottery games

All of the above is overseen by the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB), which reviews and licenses every site, enforces important compliance rules, and protects players. If a site isn’t approved by the MGCB, it’s not legal to use it in the state. Offshore or unlicensed apps? Nope! Not legal, so don’t even think about it.

There are new operators entering the market and gaining momentum around multi-state poker agreements, and Michigan keeps expanding its legal gambling footprint—all while keeping it fair and secure for players.

Best Online Gambling Sites in MI (2025)

With Michigan’s gambling scene now in full swing, the market is absolutely stacked with legit platforms where players can win real money and play across casino games, poker, and sports betting. The top operators are all licensed with the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB), have quick-loading dedicated mobile apps, and welcome bonuses that are worth snagging.

Below is a head-to-head comparison of the seven best legal gambling sites in Michigan for 2025. And after the table, you can read quick snapshot reviews for each platform so that you can get a sense of which one could be for you!

Without further adieu, here are the 7 best MI gambling sites where you can win real money!

MI Gambling Site	Key Details	Get Started
DraftKings	Bonus Offer: $35 Casino Credits + Up to $1,000 Back on First Day Game Available: Slots, Table Games, Live Dealer, Sportsbook Mobile App? Yes MGCB Licensed? Yes	Read Review
BetMGM	Bonus Offer: $25 Free + 100% Match Up to $1,000 Game Available: Slots, Poker, Table Games, Sportsbook Mobile App? Yes MGCB Licensed? Yes	Read Review
FanDuel	Bonus Offer: $1,000 Play It Again Game Available: Table Games, Slots, Live Mobile App? Yes MGCB Licensed? Yes	Read Review
Caesars	Bonus Offer: 100% Match Up to $2,500 + 2,500 Caesars Reward Credits Game Available: Slots, Live Dealer, Blackjack, Sportsbook Mobile App? Yes MGCB Licensed? Yes	Read Review
BetRivers	Bonus Offer: 100% Match Up to $250 Game Available: Slots, Blackjack, Roulette, Sportsbook Mobile App? Yes MGCB Licensed? Yes	Read Review
PointsBet	Bonus Offer: 100% Match Up to $1,000 (2-Part Bonus) Game Available: Casino Games, Sportsbook Mobile App? Yes MGCB Licensed? Yes	Read Review
PokerStars	Bonus Offer: $150 in Free Play + Up to $600 Deposit Bonus Game Available: Poker, Table Games, Slots Mobile App? Yes MGCB Licensed? Yes	Read Review

Our team of experts carefully researches and reviews the gambling sites and services we feature. We aim to provide honest and unbiased opinions. We may receive a commission if you sign up for a service through links on our site. This commission helps support our work, but it does not influence our recommendations.

• DraftKings Casino MI – DraftKings brings the same clean design and fast loading times that it’s always been known for in sports betting over to its Michigan online casino. There you can find a nice mix of slots, live dealer games, and custom DK-exclusive titles. Their first-day “loss back” promo is one of the best value offers for all of you cautious new players.
• BetMGM Michigan – One of the biggest names in the industry, BetMGM, gives Michigan players access to an enormous library of games! They include progressive jackpot slots, poker, and a sweet integrated sportsbook. And its rewards program ties into MGM properties like MGM Grand Detroit, so it’s a great choice if you hit up the physical casino.
• FanDuel Casino MI – FanDuel’s casino was built with speed and simplicity in mind. It’s one of the best-rated gambling apps in the state, and that’s due to quick deposits, a really strong mobile interface, and easy toggling between the casino and sportsbook features. And it’s “Play It Again” promo? That’s a perfect way to ease any new/nervous players into playing, as it gives them a safety net.
• Caesars Casino MI – If you’re a fan of loyalty rewards, Caesars is the place to post up. Michigan players are able to earn and redeem points both online and at retail properties with Caesars Rewards. The game library has tons of popular slots and live dealer options, plus it connects super smoothly with their sportsbook app.
• BetRivers MI – In the case of the lesser-known (but still solid) BetRivers, it’s the most casual of the bunch. The layout is really beginner-friendly, and the lower minimums make it the best choice if you are just trying it out for the first time. The welcome bonus is smaller, but it comes with a lower wagering requirement, and that’s nice for those players who don’t want to overcommit.
• PointsBet Casino MI – It first got its start in sports, but PointsBet’s casino side is steadily growing and meeting the moment! It’s got a sharp interface, a really slick design, and a two-part bonus that splits your rewards between casino and sports. So if you like doing both, this one’s def worth a second look.
• PokerStars Michigan – PokerStars has always been and still is the gold standard for online poker. Michigan players are able to join cash games, daily tourneys, and larger regional events with big prize pools. Plus, now that PokerStars MI shares traffic with NJ, the tables are busy and booked day or night.

Michigan Gambling Apps for iPhone & Android

You don’t have to be parked in front of a desktop to gamble in Michigan, and most players aren’t. The best gambling brands in the state have all rolled out fully functioning dedicated mobile apps that make it just as easy (and in a lot of cases, even easier) to play on your phone or tablet. Waiting in line at Meijer? Watching the Pistons blow a fourth-quarter lead (oof)? No matter where you are, you can play the games you love to play! Just open the app and you’re on your way.

The best part? You’re not losing any features just because you’re playing on mobile. All of the apps come with full game libraries, live dealer streaming, real-time sports betting, and built-in banking tools. And they’re all wrapped up in a bow (a clean, touch-friendly interface).

Top-rated Gambling Apps in Michigan

Want a quick look at some of the best-performing gambling apps that are currently available in MI? Your wish is our command!

Mobile App vs. Browser-Based Play

You can always play from your mobile browser, but why would you want to? Some people don’t want to download anything or have another app clogging up their Home Screen, and we get that. But honestly? The dedicated mobile apps are just better. Why? Because of the following reasons:

• Speed: Apps load faster and keep you logged in for longer periods of time.
• Touch Optimization: Game buttons, betting menus, and tables are all perfectly sized for your fingers, and you don’t need a mouse.
• Notifications: You’ll get all the alerts about bonuses, tournaments, or risk-free bet promos right there on your Lock Screen!
• App-Only Features: Most gambling brands give out mobile-exclusive bonuses or early access to certain events.

But if your phone is low on storage or you just want to check your account without downloading anything, all of the best sites have mobile-optimized web versions that do get the job done—we just like the apps better!

How to Download & Install

Here’s how you can get all set up and playing, depending on the device that you have!

The Pros of Using Mobile Apps

We all love to play games on our phones, and Michiganders are no different!  Why do mobile gambling apps get all of the love? It’s not hard to figure out, but we’ll spell it out for you below:

• Convenience Anywhere: If you’re at home, out with friends, or just on the go, the app is always there and waiting for you to play.
• Short Sessions Fit Easily: You don’t need to carve out a big block of time for a full gaming sesh! You can have a quick spin, bet, or poker hand whenever you’ve got a minute to spare.
• No Setup Needed: No extra logins, no switching between browsers. You open the app and you’re exactly where you left off.
• Better Game Navigation: Mobile menus are always so much cleaner and more focused, and that makes it so much easier to browse games and categories.
• Quick App Updates: Apps push out fixes and improvements way faster than their desktop site counterparts, so you get new features and promos first.

In-app Features

These aren’t watered-down versions of desktop sites! Michigan’s gambling apps all come fully loaded with everything that you’d expect, and it’s all custom-built for mobile.

Below is everything that you can do while you’re using it:

• Banking: You can deposit and withdraw without ever leaving the app. Choose from credit/debit cards, PayPal, Play+, online banking, or ACH transfers. Your full cashier dashboard is right there—no need to use a browser or get in touch with support.
• Live Dealer Games: Mobile doesn’t mean that you are limited to playing slots and video blackjack. You can launch live streams of real dealers dealing cards or spinning the roulette wheel as it’s happening. Everything runs smoothly, and the game controls have been optimized for smaller screens.
• Sportsbook Integration: If the brand has a sportsbook, you’ll find that it is built into the same app. DraftKings, BetMGM, FanDuel, and Caesars all let you flip between casino games and sports betting. You can bet on the Lions while you’re playing a hand of blackjack, and you don’t have to log in twice or use separate apps to do it!
• Loyalty & Rewards: Track your points, see what level you’re at, and redeem rewards—all inside the app. Most platforms will show how far you are from your next cash bonus or tier upgrade in a loyalty program.
• Promotions & Bonuses: You’ll get access to exclusive mobile-only bonuses, notifications for limited-time deals, and quick opt-ins to slot races or leaderboard challenges.
• Account Management: Everything from setting deposit limits to self-exclusion to changing your password can be done right inside the app. Need to upload your ID for verification? No problem! You can do it with your phone’s camera.

Types of Legal Online Gambling in Michigan

Michigan didn’t half a** it when online gambling was finally legal. Once the state gave the okay, they went all in with casinos, sports betting, poker, daily fantasy sports, and yes, the lottery. That means the players in Michigan have one of the most comprehensive and flexible legal gambling menus in the whole country.

All categories are regulated by the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB), and everything we have listed below is totally legal, accessible online, and available to anyone who is 21 or older and who is physically located in the state. Let’s see what’s available and who is active!

Online Casinos in Michigan

Online casinos are where most players head to when they play. Why? Because you can find all of the things that you’ve come to expect from a full-service casino floor, and it’s custom-built for your mobile or desktop!

Licensed Online Casino Operators in MI

The following is a list of online gambling sites that are licensed and legal in the Wolverine State:

All of the above casinos are licensed by the MGCB and tied to either a commercial or tribal casino in the state.

Sports Betting in Michigan

Sports betting is legal and fully integrated into all of the online gambling sites! And if you already use DraftKings, FanDuel, or BetMGM, you’re probably really familiar with the sportsbook side of their platforms. But for the uninitiated, look below for what you can do on sportsbooks!

And here are all of the types of bets that you can place:

Top Michigan Sportsbook Operators

Most of the above sportsbooks are integrated with their casino apps, so you can switch between betting and gaming without having to exit the app.

Online Poker in Michigan

Michigan is one of only a few states that legalized and launched online poker successfully. And even better? It now shares traffic with other states, so the poker player pool is way bigger!

Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS)

DFS sites have been running legally in Michigan since before full online gambling was launched. How? Because they happen to fall under a different part of the law, but they’re still allowed and regulated.

Online Lottery & iGaming

Michigan was well ahead of the times with its online lottery system. Way before casinos went digital, players were already buying tickets and playing instant-win games via the state-run platform.

Gambling Laws & Regulations in MI

Online gambling didn’t appear out of nowhere in Michigan. It took a lot of legislative finagling, bipartisan support, and detailed regulations to bring the current system to life. Presently, Michigan has one of the most organized and clearly defined frameworks for online gambling in the U.S., and it encompasses casinos, poker, and sports betting.

Next, we’ll review the laws that made it possible, who’s in charge of enforcement, how taxes work, and what’s required for operators to stay in compliance.

How to Start Gambling Online in Michigan

If you’re new to the whole online gambling thing in Michigan, it can feel like you don’t know where even to start! But it’s actually easy! If you’re signing up to play blackjack, lay down a sports bet, or register for an online poker tournament, the steps are the same across all MGCB-licensed platforms.

Step-by-Step Guide

Look below for a walkthrough on how to get going!

Geolocation Verification

Before you’re permitted to place your first bet, the app will check your location using GPS or Wi-Fi data. This happens automatically in the background, and it’s required by law.

• You must be physically located inside Michigan state lines
• You do not need to be a Michigan resident—you just have to be within state borders to play
• If you’re near a state line or using a VPN, you will probably run into verification issues, and customer support will walk you through a quick fix if that happens.

Tips for New Users

• Start with low-stakes games to get familiar with the layout and controls.
• Claim your welcome bonus early—some expire after 7 days if you don’t activate them.
• Use demo or practice modes if you’re trying a new slot or table game for the first time.
• Set limits in your account settings—daily deposit caps, time reminders, and more.
• Don’t skip ID verification—it’s required before you can cash out your winnings!

Michigan Gambling Age & Responsible Gaming

Michigan has some of the most accessible online gambling options in the U.S., but there are still clear rules about who can play and protections in place to keep it all safe and above board. 

If you’re brand new to online gambling in Michigan or already active, it’s always good to know where the guardrails are and how you can access them!

Legal Gambling Age in Michigan

To gamble online in Michigan, you must be at least 21 years old. That applies across the board—real-money online casinos, poker sites, and sportsbooks.

But here’s where it gets a little more nuanced:

• Commercial casinos (like MGM Grand Detroit) require players to be 21+
• Tribal casinos may allow in-person gambling at 18+, depending on the tribe’s rules and compacts
• Online gambling (casino, poker, sportsbook) is always 21+, no matter the operator

Even if a tribal casino allows 18-year-olds to gamble in person, their online platforms—like FireKeepers Casino Online or Four Winds—are still restricted to players 21 and up, which is in compliance with the state licensing agreements.

Responsible Gambling Tools in Michigan

Every licensed gambling site and app in Michigan is required to offer responsible gaming tools. They aren’t buried in fine print, either—they have to have prominent placement in your account settings or in the cashier section.

Support Resources

If gambling ever stops feeling like it’s entertainment (which is the only thing it should be), Michigan has confidential support options that are available 24/7:

• Michigan Problem Gambling Helpline: Call 1-800-270-7117 anytime. It’s free, confidential, and it’s available statewide.
• MGCB Responsible Gaming Resources: The Michigan Gaming Control Board offers links to counseling programs, voluntary exclusion forms, and educational materials on its official website.
• National Council on Problem Gambling: Also available at 1-800-GAMBLER, with a live chat option at ncpgambling.org.

Support is always available for players and their families.

History of Online Gambling in Michigan

Michigan took its time getting to the online gambling table, but once it got there, it didn’t waste a second. The story of legal gambling in the state isn’t just about passing a law and flipping a switch. It took some legislative fights, a lot of political back-and-forth, and a carefully planned rollout to get things off the ground.

How did it all finally come together? Keep reading to find out!

Land-Based vs. Online Gambling in MI

Michigan gives you the full range with iconic land-based casinos, plus fully legal online gambling. But the two experiences aren’t interchangeable. Some players stick to in-person action, others swear by the apps, and a lot of them bounce between the two depending on how they’re feeling.

Here’s how the two compare, what each has going for it, and why so many Michigan gamblers now mix online and retail play.

Big Names on the Ground

Michigan has over two dozen land-based casinos, and they are split between commercial and tribal operators. If you’ve spent any time in or around Detroit or near tribal land, you’ve probably seen (or been to) a few of these:

All of these properties have either launched or partnered with an online brand, which creates a conduit between the traditional casino floor and real-money play at home.

How the Online Experience Compares

What does online gambling add for Michigan players? So many perks!

• Access: You don’t need to make a trip. Just pull out your phone and launch an app, anytime, anywhere (as long as you’re in the state).
• No Waits or Crowds: You’ll never have to wait for a seat at the table or stand in line for a kiosk during March Madness.
• More Game Variations: Online casinos rotate slot libraries regularly and carry dozens of blackjack or roulette versions, which is more than you’ll find in person.
• Live Dealer Games: Get the feel of a real table with a dealer streamed to your screen without having to tip or hear the guy next to you complain about bad beats.
• Quick Banking: Deposit and withdraw directly from your phone or laptop. No chips, no ATMs, no carrying cash.

That being said, the live casino atmosphere and its energy, social side, and the comped drinks still hold an undeniable appeal. You can’t really replace that with a screen.

Why Players Use Both

A lot of Michiganders treat online and in-person gambling as complementary entities. Maybe they’ll stop by MGM Grand Detroit on a Saturday, then play some slots on the BetMGM app during the week. Or they’ll enter a PokerStars MI tournament online, then head to FireKeepers for a live event later in the month.

The bottom line is this: You don’t have to choose one or the other! Michigan gives you the flexibility to play where and how you want, and you don’t have to sacrifice legitimacy, rewards, or variety when you do.

FAQs

There is so much packed into Michigan’s online gambling world, and you could still have some lingering doubts. Below are the most common and frequently asked questions that new players (and some regulars) tend to ask us on this topic!

Final Thoughts

Online gambling in Michigan has come a really long way since it launched in 2021, and in 2025, it’s one of the most reliable and accessible markets in the country. They’ve got sportsbook apps, poker rooms, and massive casino libraries—Michiganders have it good and are spoiled for options.

Look below for a quick summary of everything we covered:

• Real-money online gambling is fully legal in Michigan, and that includes casino games, sports betting, and poker
• All platforms are licensed and monitored by the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB)
• Mobile apps are fast, secure, and custom-built for iOS and Android
• You must be 21 or older to gamble online in Michigan
• Responsible gaming tools are available on every licensed app and MI gambling site
• Offshore and unregulated sites aren’t legal and definitely aren’t worth the risk

Michigan is overflowing with choices for players, but you need to be sure that you’re playing on a good one! Never stray from MGCB-approved apps and sites so that you are beyond sure that your money, info, and gameplay are all safe and secure.

Pick a site that’s backed by the state, has a solid rep, and that you like! The best Michigan gambling sites make it easy to play and cash out when you’re ready. Don’t forget always to gamble responsibly!

If you are itching to play, you can check out one (or two or three) of the best legal MI sites and see what’s what!