Online Gambling in
Michigan
Michigan is making moves to be a prevalent online gambling hub in the United States. Recent changes and expansion to gambling laws mean legal online gambling has been given the green light in the Wolverine State. Due to these changes, residents and visitors to Michigan will soon be able to play for real money at online casinos.
Players will be able to play at regulated online casino sites, poker sites, and sportsbooks. Websites are expected to launch soon, offering all of these legal betting options and more. Online gambling in Michigan is about to take off in a big way. Players will be able to choose from top operators offering sports betting opportunities and classic casino games.
The state of Michigan placed itself in a position to capitalize early on licensing deals before online gambling was even approved. Online casinos and mobile sports betting apps are set to go live in 2021, which will give bettors plenty of exciting options to choose from. These will be far safer than illegal offshore gambling websites, which are dangerous. It is worth the wait to ensure your online casino or sports betting experience is a safe one.
Legalization is just the first step on the journey. Operators and state regulators have a lot of work ahead of them to ensure a smooth transition of online gambling sites going live. However, we can judge from the recent bill that there is a desire for online betting to be legal in Michigan, so there is cause for optimism things will be done quickly.
Is it legal in Michigan?
Yes, we are pleased to say online gambling is now legal in Michigan. This was confirmed when Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed House Bill 4311, the Lawful Internet Gaming act, to enshrine it in law. The approval of this bill means that Michigan can now be one of the most prominent states in offering online casinos and mobile sports betting. Michigan online gambling options will include daily fantasy sports, online poker, and online casino games. Residents will have plenty of choices once the state agrees on all of the regulations and starts to grant licenses.
Land-based casinos in Michigan, which include 23 tribal casinos and three commercial casinos, can now apply for a license to offer online casino websites. The tax generated from the burgeoning gambling industry in Michigan will go to support educational needs. Moreover, in Michigan, online casinos will aid in the medical effort to support the first responders in the state.
Possible Launch Dates for Legal Online Gambling in Michigan
Even though online gambling has been made legal in Michigan, launching online gambling sites is a different matter. There has been no clear timeline given for when the first online gaming sites in Michigan will go live, as operators and regulators still need to work out the final details on how the rules and infrastructure will look.
With Gov. Gretchen Whitmer approving the bill, it opens up a plethora of gambling options in Michigan, including retail sports betting at physical casinos, gambling at online casinos, mobile sports betting and online poker. Many states have decided to provide retail-only options with very restrictive online choices, but Michigan is going all guns blazing and offering the full complement. This will, however, take time. While it is hard to give exact dates, going from what lawmakers have said, we can make estimates when online gambling websites roll out across the state of Michigan.
Michigan Online Casinos Launch Dates
Michigan will be hoping to follow New Jersey and Pennsylvania’s success in offering fully regulated online casinos. Players will be able to play online slot machines, table games, blackjack, roulette, and video poker all from their own homes. It is hard to predict when these sites will be up and running. States that have launched online casino sites have not all followed the same path. At the moment, a safe bet would be for online casinos in Michigan to launch sometime in 2021.
Michigan Online Poker Launch Dates
It is tricky to predict when online poker will launch in Michigan. First, Michigan will need to join in the multi-state compact for online poker to be viable in the state. Furthermore, poker is a game of skill, so novice players may be more unwilling to enter tournaments than other forms of gambling such as blackjack. If new players are less likely to play, it will be hard to grow online poker in Michigan. Additionally, poker is not as profitable as other forms of gambling, so lawmakers may be more inclined to introduce more slots machines and table games over poker.
Michigan Land-Based Casinos
There are a total of 26 land-based casinos in Michigan. The majority are tribal casinos; however, there are also three commercial casinos. Some of the most significant include:
- Bay Mills Resort & Casino
- Dancing Eagles Resort
- FireKeepers Casino Hotel
- Four Winds Casino
- Four Winds Casino
- Four Winds Casino
- Greektown Casino-Hotel
- Gun Lake Casino
- Wayland
- Island Resort & Casino
- Harris, MI
- Kewadin Casino
Players have the opportunity to play slot machines and table games at these land-based casinos. Moreover, an online casino will be required to enter a partnership with a physical casino before it can launch in the state.
Which Casinos will Operate an Online Casino?
When online casinos are given the go-ahead to launch in Michigan, they will likely become more popular than the land-based casinos in the state. Each physical casino property will have the opportunity to launch its own online casino brand, as long as it obtains the relevant license.
In a different approach from what other states have done with online gambling, the law in Michigan will also apply to tribal casino properties. Up until now, other states have focused primarily on commercial casinos. However, with most of the 26 land-based casinos in Michigan being tribal, it is prudent for the state not to limit online gambling laws to its three commercial locations.
According to the bill, the casino industry in Michigan will be entirely fair. That is to say; no casino can gain an advantage over another. For example, a commercial casino cannot offer an online casino brand if they don’t have a license, and vice versa.
It is unclear which online casinos will be the first to go live in Michigan; however, all will start from the same position so no one will have a head start. This may also mean residents have to wait a little longer for online casinos to become a reality, as one casino will have to wait for the other before they can launch.
For Michigan residents who cannot wait for online casinos to launch, we recommend trying Chumba casino. This is legal as it uses a sweepstakes model. Players can play casino games, including slot machines, classic table games, and more.
Will Michigan Online Casinos launch Apps?
With Michigan legalizing online casinos and sports betting, it is natural that mobile gambling apps will follow. These will likely be launched in 2021 once all final regulations and rules for online casinos are in place. Most casino sites offer mobile a dedicated mobile app to allow players to gamble on the go.
Modern apps are easy to use and offer intuitive features right at your fingertips. Players can access online slot machines, video poker, table games, and more anywhere you have a cell phone reception. It is straightforward to download these apps directly to your iOS, Android, or tablet device. You simply need to sign up for an online casino account, and then you can play casino games on the go.
Bonuses & Promotions at Michigan Casinos
The best online casinos will offer a generous welcome bonus or promotion. As the online casino industry will be competitive in Michigan, make sure you look out for these. The bonuses will be presented in different formats, but these tremendously benefit players and give them a chance to get their bankroll off to a great start. Make sure you browse Michigan online casinos once they are live to have a look at some of these bonuses and promotions. Furthermore, you must read the terms and conditions on the wagering requirements as these can differ on gambling sites.
First Deposit Matched Bonus
A selection of Michigan online casino sites will offer to match a player’s first deposit from as low as $20 ranging up to $1,000. These are fantastic offers as you receive free money which you can use on your favorite casino games. There will be associated wagering requirements that you will need to meet before you receive the funds.
No Deposit Bonus
Another superb bonus offer to look out for when online casinos are live in Michigan is a no deposit bonus. These can be as much as $25, and players qualify by betting a specific amount of money before receiving the winnings from the bonus. However, you don’t need to deposit any real money before you could have some arrive in your casino account.
Free Spins
Some online casinos may decide to offer you free spins on individual slots as part of a welcome bonus. Make sure you meet the playthrough requirements from any winnings on these spins and then collect your money.
Banking
Online casino sites offer players numerous payment methods that ensure making a deposit, and withdrawal is straightforward. If you would rather stick to a debit/credit card on online casino sites, please be aware your bank may reject the payment due to it being a gambling transaction. Once Michigan online casino sites are up and running, new payment methods may appear. The most common payment methods at online casinos include:
- Visa/Mastercard
- PayPal
- Neteller
- Skrill
- ACH/E-check
- Online Bank transfer
- PayNearMe at 7-Eleven
Digital wallets such as PayPal and Skrill, offer instant deposits and withdrawals. Withdrawal times may differ depending on which method you choose; some will state it may take up to five business days to receive your funds. All of the payment methods will be safe and secure once Michigan online casinos are regulated.
Michigan Gambling News
This page will update with all of the latest gambling news from the state of Michigan. We will bring you the latest on when Michigan online casino sites go live, new casino games, the latest legislation news, and more.
