Best Online Gambling Sites In Michigan 2023

Michigan has made massive strides in the past couple of years regarding online gambling. It wasn’t that long ago when you couldn’t bet on your favorite sports team, let alone play online casino games. With new laws in place, players can now be part of the gambling market; Our experts at Profitsquad have listed the very best options available, researched all the legalities and technicalities you need to consider as you decide where to play next so keep reading.

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Best MI Gambling Sites 2023

1
Caesars Online Casino
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Caesars NJ online casino is perhaps one of the best out there. In fact, no Caesars online casino review would be complete without mentioning the great selection of games, great customer service contact options, and the excellent level of security. This online casino is well worth spending time on thanks to its great graphics and overall enjoyable atmosphere. Caesars NJ online casino really is here to stay.

2
BetMGM Casino
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9.4
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BetMGM online casino is without a doubt one of the best online casinos around. With a very impressive selection of games and a wide range of bonuses and promotions, it’s no wonder this casino is very popular. The customer service options are very good, as is the level of security. BetMGM NJ online casino is well worth visiting.

3
DraftKings Casino
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9.4
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Conducting research for this DraftKings Casino online casino review has been a pleasure. This is an online casino that seems to be a cut above the rest. The casino has more than 650 games, great graphics, and a good reputation. With many different bonuses and promotions open to all players, it’s no wonder that this online casino attracts many players. DraftKings Casino really is here to stay.

Table of Contents

Overview Of Online Gambling In Michigan

Check out the types of gambling that have been legalized along with the minimum age for participation: 

 

Type of Online Gambling

Permitted

Legal age

Casinos

Yes

21

Spots Betting

Yes

21

Horse Racing

Yes

18

Daily Fantasy Sports

Yes

21

Lotteries

Yes

18

Online poker

Yes

21

Is Gambling Legal In Michigan?

The first signs of gambling in MI can be traced back to the 1970s, with horse racing becoming incredibly popular. Then, land-based casinos began appearing in the 1990s – as smaller venues partnered with some Native American tribes to provide entertainment. This was due to the Michigan Gaming and Control Act of 1996, which legalized operators to open casinos on non-tribal land.
Online gambling wasn’t regulated until 2019. Today, residents can legally enjoy visiting casinos, making sports bets, placing wagers on horse racing, and buying lottery tickets on the Internet.

Online Casinos – Legal Overview

In December 2019, the Lawful Internet Gaming Act was signed into law, allowing the Michigan Gaming Control Board to issue licenses to operators.
Players could then access poker, slots, and other table games on different platforms. 

This Act allows the MGCB to issue two types of licenses. 

  • The first is for operators holding a license issued by the Michigan Gaming Control and Revenue Act. 
  • The second type can be issued to tribal casinos with a Class III Gaming License given by the National Indian Gaming Commission.

Every new operator that wants to set up a new online casino in Michigan must get a five-year license from the Michigan Gaming Control Board.
This requires paying a $50,000 application fee, a $100,000 licensing fee, and a $50,000 annual operating fee.

Sports Betting – Legal Overview

The same day that the Lawful Internet Gaming Act was signed, they also passed the Lawful Sports Betting Act.
This gave the Michigan Gaming Control Board the power to provide legal licenses and enforce sports betting laws.

The MGCB also has the right to set agreements with other jurisdictions to create multijurisdictional sports betting.

The MGCB can issue two types of licenses, just like casino sites. Both permits are valid for five years before being subjected to renewal.
Also, operators must pay an initial fee of $100,000 and an additional $50,000 per year.

Players can place bets at all licensed platforms within the state.

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Note

Under the Lawful Sports Betting Act, all operators that provide sports betting without a license will face criminal penalties.

Horse Racing – Legal Overview

In 2019, the state amended the Horse Racing Law of 1995, allowing third-party operators to receive bets for live or simulcast races.
All terms, rules, and regulations are directed by the MGCB. 

In May 2020, the MBCG issued an order allowing advance deposit wagering.

Operators that want to receive a valid license must go through a background check and cover fees that come with the license. Plus, they must have a contract with horseman organizations and race licenses for them to be allowed to apply. As far as players are concerned, online horse betting in MI is legal.

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Note

Advance Deposit Wagering simply means that you must have money in your account before placing a wager and is a term only used within the US.

Lottery – Legal Overview

Since the 1970s, Michigan has had its own lottery. A Lottery Act was passed back in 1972 and has remained strong ever since. Today, not only can residents buy lottery tickets at the shops, but they can do it on the Internet. A governing body called the Michigan Bureau of State Lottery regulates all operations associated with the state lottery.

Online Poker - Legal Overview

Online poker was first legalized in Michigan back in December 2019 after Michigan Governor, Gretchen Whitmer, passed several different bills which would legalize online poker and gambling in the state. It became the sixth state to do so. However, it wasn’t until January 2021 that the first official online poker site was launched.
To legally play online poker in Michigan, you will need to be aged 21 years or older and will need to provide ID such as a passport or driver’s license before you can register and play.

Daily Fantasy Sports – Legal Overview

In 2019, the state passed the Fantasy Contest Consumer Protection Act. The MGCB provides licenses for any operator that wants to provide residents with fantasy contests.

Once a site receives a license, they will need to follow multiple conditions, including requirements for cash reserves, preventing employees or family members of employees from manipulating contests, and identifying experienced fantasy players. 

Moreover, all operators must perform an annual independent audit conducted by a licensed CPA. The results of the performed audit need to be sent to the MGCB.

Michigan Online Gambling Bonuses & Promotions

Michigan online gambling sites provide beneficial and generous bonuses and promotions to bring new members to their platforms and maintain relevance as well as a competitive edge in the betting market.

Depending on which platform you choose to play, the perks may be different, however, usually the same operator across every state will usually offer the same deals. Here are some of the popular bonuses available:

 

  • Welcome Bonus – A welcome bonus is an incentive where the operator gives you a helping hand when you first start playing at its site.

     

  • No Deposit Bonus – If you ask any player what sort of offer they like to receive, most will prefer a no-deposit bonus because they aren’t required to deposit funds and can play real money games or place bets. Free spins and free bets are the most popular of the no-deposit offers.

     

  • VIP & Loyalty Program – VIP and Loyalty programs are incorporated by sites to award the most consistent and loyal members of their platform
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Expert Tip

Remember that you can usually enjoy more generous bonuses , promotions and offers when playing online rather than heading over to play at a land-based establishment!

Most Popular Gambling Sites in Michigan

Caesars, BetMGM, and Golden Nugget, seem to be among the favorite choices for casino games in the state. However, bettors don’t only join casinos with DraftKings Sportsbook and FanDuel being two of the most popular choices for sports betting. 

If you’re looking forward to finding the best gambling hub for you, make sure you’re looking at a properly licensed operator that has legal operations in MI.

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Note

Many of the best platforms provide both a casino and sportsbook, which means that you can use the same account to gamble on both sectors.

Online Gambling Taxes In Michigan

Both operators and players will be required to pay taxes on money that has been made from gambling.

Operators

Every type of iGaming in MI is taxed. For example, the Lawful Internet Gaming Act has instituted a graduated tax.
With casino gaming, the graduated tax ranges from
20% for sites with revenues up to $4 million and 28% for operators with revenues over $12 million.

For sports and fantasy betting, the Lawful Sports Betting Act and the Fantasy Contests Consumer Protection Act have issued an 8.4% tax on adjusted gross revenues. All those taxes are either stored or relocated toward different governing bodies.

The Lawful Internet Gaming Act provides solutions on how taxes will be used:

 

  • The city where the licensed operator is situated gets 30%
  • The next 65% will be given to the state, which will later deposit the money to the internet gaming fund,
  • The last 5% will be allocated towards the Michigan agricultural and equine industry development fund.

     

All the betting tax funds will be deposited to the Sports betting fund with the state treasury.

After that, the Lawful Sports Betting Act decides how the treasury would use those funds:

 

  • Per year, $500,000 is deposited to the Compulsive Gambling Prevention Fund, 
  • $2 million is given to the First Responder Presumed Coverage Fund, 
  • The rest is allocated towards the School Aid Fund.

Players

Michigan also taxes the player’s winnings. Every player must declare all their online gambling wins in their tax return. The state levies a tax of 4.25% on all income.

 

Type

Tax Rates

Note

Online Casinos

25% withholding for federal tax
4.25% state tax

Any wins lower than $1200, don’t need to be reported in your tax report

Sports Betting Sites

25% withholding for federal tax
4.25% state tax

Any wins lower than $5000, don’t need to be reported in your tax report

Daily Fantasy Sports

25% withholding for federal tax
4.25% state tax

Any wins lower than $600, don’t need to be reported in your tax report

Horse Racing

25% withholding for federal tax
4.25% state tax

Any wins lower than $600, don’t need to be reported in your tax report

Poker

25% withholding for federal tax
4.25% state tax

Only for wins of $5,000 or more.


As such:

  • For each taxable win, the operator has a legal obligation to report this win to the IRS – and you will need to declare this on your tax return.
  • The operator will withhold 25% of the win for federal taxes.
  • There is a standard state tax of 4.25%
  • Ultimately, the amount of tax you pay on your win depends on your annual taxable income bracket after the win.

Conclusion

As a Michigan resident, you can entertain yourself on online casinos, bookies, or horse race betting completely legally. With multiple laws and acts, the state has provided various ways for players to join any iGaming market.

All you need to do to get started is choose one of the recommended legal sites, claim your bonus, make your deposit, and enjoy. Just keep in mind the details on age restrictions and remember to keep it fun – oh… and if you do get lucky, don’t forget to declare your winnings! 

FAQ

The minimum age to join or play at an iGaming site is 18. However, depending on what type of wagering you are planning to do, remember that certain types require you to be 21. Casino and betting sites require players to be 21 or over. However, 18-year-olds can place DFS bets.

The promotions range from one operator to another – from welcome bonuses, no deposit perks, and free spins to reload bonuses, free bets, and cashback rewards. Read the T&Cs carefully before you claim any deal.

Yes, you can place bets from mobile devices. While some operators have native apps for mobile devices, others have mobile-optimized platforms. Check whether there’s an app available or use your browser to play games or place bets.

Betting sites first showed in Michigan in January 2021, allowing you to wager on multiple markets, international and country based. 

Yes, under the Lawful Sports Betting Act in Michigan, you can place wagers on college sports too. However, you can only do so in land-based bookies, tribal casinos, and state-licensed betting sites. 

Any amateur or professional sporting event or any other event not prohibited by state or federal law is available when it comes to betting. However, you won’t be able to place bets on youth and high school athletic sporting events.

Operators provide many different banking opportunities to players. In most cases, you can choose from credit/debit cards, various e-wallets, and bank transfers. Keep in mind that wagering with crypto is not legal in the US.