Michigan Online Gambling

Are you interested in learning more about the online gambling culture in Michigan? You’ve come to the right place to discover the best MI gambling apps and everything going on in the state surrounding gambling laws, history and much more.. These Michigan gambling apps allow residents to place bets on all of your favorite teams and sports, as well as play the most popular online casino games.

Michigan online gambling has been a true game-changer for the Wolverine State, which already had a well-rounded land casino infrastructure, state lottery, and charitable gambling program. Online sportsbooks and casinos opened up a world of gambling possibilities to customers who don’t want to drive to a land casino or retail sportsbook.

We’ll go over all the gambling avenues available in Michigan in 2024, reveal the history of everything, and show how you can get involved in the action. If you’re a Michigander, you’re truly blessed with some of the most robust gambling options anywhere in the country.

Best Michigan Gambling Apps in 2024

Online gambling in Michigan is among the best you’ll find anywhere in the United States. Below are our favorite Michigan gambling apps which include both sports betting options as well as casino and poker games. To get in on the gambling action, become a new member in as little as five minutes and start winning real money from the convenience of your smartphone or computer.

MI Gambling App	Key Details	Get Started
Caesars Sportsbook	Welcome Bonus: Bet $50 and get $250 back in Bonus Bets Gambling Offered: Sports, casino games, and poker Banking Options: Debit/credit, PayPal, Play+, PayNearMe, ACH, etc. Compatible Devices: iOS and Android Sign-Up Time: 5-10 minutes	Sign Up Here!
BetRivers	Welcome Bonus: Up to $500 Bonus Money on your first deposit (casino) +Up to $250 Bonus Bet (sports) Gambling Offered: Sports and casino games Banking Options: Debit/credit, PayPal, Play+, PayNearMe, ACH, etc. Compatible Devices: iOS and Android Sign-Up Time: 5-10 minutes	Sign Up Here!
BetMGM Sports	Welcome Bonus: Up to $1,500 in Bonus Bets if your first bet loses Gambling Offered: Sports, casino games, and poker Banking Options: Debit/credit, PayPal, Play+, PayNearMe, ACH, etc. Compatible Devices: iOS and Android Sign-Up Time: 5-10 minutes	Sign Up Here!
Golden Nugget Casino	Welcome Bonus: 100% match up to $1,000 on first deposit + $50 in casino credits Gambling Offered: casino games only Banking Options: Debit/credit, PayPal, Play+, PayNearMe, ACH, etc. Compatible Devices: iOS and Android Sign-Up Time: 5-10 minutes	Sign Up Here!
DraftKings	Welcome Bonus: Bet $5 and get $200 in Bonus Bets Gambling Offered: Sports, casino games, and daily fantasy sports Banking Options: Debit/credit, PayPal, Play+, PayNearMe, ACH, etc. Compatible Devices: iOS and Android Sign-Up Time: 5-10 minutes	Sign Up Here!
FanDuel	Welcome Bonus: Bet $5 and get $200 in Bonus Bets +$100 off NFL Sunday Ticket Gambling Offered: Sports, casino games, and daily fantasy sports Banking Options: Debit/credit, PayPal, Play+, PayNearMe, ACH, etc. Compatible Devices: iOS and Android Sign-Up Time: 5-10 minutes	Sign Up Here!

Our team of experts diligently research and review all of the products and services we recommend. If you sign up through our links, we may receive a commission.

Contents of Page

A Closer Look at the Best MI Gambling Apps

Let’s take a closer look at the best Michigan gambling apps. This might help you better understand which sportsbook or online casino will work best for the kind of gambling you enjoy. Learn about the welcome promos for new customers, which banking options are available, and how long it takes to sign up for a new account.

Caesars Sportsbook is a common recommendation because they have the broadest reach of any online sportsbook/casino in the United States. They cater well to customers in various regions of the country, including tucked-away Michigan. Wolverine Staters can get a hefty $250 in Bonus Bets on their first sports wager of at least $50. 

Caesars offers betting lines on all major sports leagues, including the NFL, college football, the NBA, college basketball, the NHL, and the MLB. Caesars has a full-service casino side to their app, too, perfect for Michiganders who want to play their favorite casino games from the comfort and convenience of their computer or mobile device. Other key features that MI bettors and punters enjoy at Caesars are live betting lines, odds boost, same-game parlays, and early cash-out. 

Caesars Review

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BetRivers is a full-service online casino and sportsbook, but no DFS contests or leagues are offered, so this might not be a good option for punters looking for fantasy betting. However, what BetRivers lacks in DFS options for Michigan gamblers and bettors, they make up for low rollover on Bonus Bets and lower juice on their sports betting lines.

While many sportsbooks offer the standard odds of -110, Bet Rivers has -105 odds on many of its betting lines. The lower juice and sharper odds can help MI bettors find an edge and make much more money with every line they take on. The Second Chance Bet is a terrific way for newcomers to start strong with an extra $500 in tow. Because of the low rollover on these bonus funds, Michiganders can collect their payouts faster than ever before.

BetRivers Review

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One of the best reasons to join BetMGM Sportsbook is the welcome bonus of $1,500 in Bonus Bets, the biggest promo of the six sportsbooks/casinos we recommend to Michigan gamblers. And that’s $1,500 in additional funds even if your first bet doesn’t win! Any Michigander snooping around for extra funds to beef up their bankroll, we highly recommend BetMGM as your sportsbook of choice.

Another of BetMGM’s strengths is its high ceiling for payouts that go all the way up to $25,000. The sportsbook allows its members to cash out early before the game ends and win more real money with their exciting live betting lines. Punters can place multiple wagers and participate in exciting prop bets throughout one game or event. And remember BetMGM’s casino side, where first-time depositors can get a 100% match up to $1,000 on their first deposit.

BetMGM Review

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The Golden Nugget is our top pick for Michiganders who are solely interested in online casino games. While several of our favorite MI sportsbooks have online casino sides on their mobile app, the Golden Nugget specializes in casino games only; they have a more extensive array of games to offer their customers. They have over 500 games, a mix of slots, blackjack, poker, roulette, baccarat, craps, and live dealer.

On top of the excellent game selection, the Golden Nugget has a generous welcome bonus reminiscent of BetMGM Casino’s but with an added perk. Here, new MI gamblers at Golden Nugget can earn 100% up to $1,000 on their first deposit and get $50 in casino credits. Michiganders can earn Golden Reward Club points while they enjoy online casino gameplay. The points go toward hotel accommodations, meals, shows, and other special events held at Golden Nugget locations.

Golden Nugget Review

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Michiganders who want to bet on fantasy sports and get in on fantasy contests daily better check out DraftKings for their fix. They offer a wide selection of player props, same-game parlays, and a rewards program for their committed members. New sports bettors can earn $200 in Bonus Bets after they deposit at least $5. DraftKings even has a casino side where newcomers can have their initial deposit matched 100% up to $200.

DraftKings has brand new fantasy contests available daily for customers, a true win for Michigan bettors and punters who want to win real money through fantasy leagues. Regarding sports betting, the app offers some of the most competitive betting lines and sharpest odds in the market. DraftKings is well known for its low juice and variety of betting options like spreads, moneylines, futures, and totals.

DraftKings Review

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If you’re looking for a good option for daily fantasy contests and leagues, FanDuel is a good way to go if you’re a Michigan resident. One of the main differences between FanDuel and its main rival, DraftKings, is its welcome bonus, which tacks on $100 off NFL Sunday Ticket for new users. However, FanDuel offers fewer promos for long-standing members and has no rewards program, ultimately making DraftKings the best pick for DFS and sports betting overall.

But there are some small blessings with choosing FanDuel over DraftKings as a Michigan resident. These include five to ten daily odds boosts, access to live betting and same-game parlays, and higher max payout on sports like hockey and golf. FanDuel also has higher win limits, quicker payouts, and a better live betting selection than DraftKings. Another big reason to join FanDuel is that it’s less likely to crash during peak hours than DraftKings, which is prone to this quite a bit.

FanDuel Review

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Is Online Gambling Legal in MI?

Until recently, legal gambling apps were not something Michiganders had access to daily. Sure, offshore apps took Michigan residents, but it wasn’t until around 2019/2020 when MI-facing sportsbooks, online casinos, and online FDS contests took over the Wolverine State. But Michigan has always had a strong history of land-based gambling outlets, including charitable gambling and the state lottery.

*Although online and retail sports betting were legalized in 2019, the first online sports betting apps weren’t available until January 2021, and the first retail sports bets placed in the Detroit-area casinos didn’t happen until March 2020. 

Just about any gambling you could think of is legal in Michigan, except businesses that operate casino machines, sports betting pools, bingos, raffles, or lotteries without a Michigan Gaming Control Board license.  

Legal Gambling Options

• Land-Based Casinos: Michigan is home to 25 land casinos. Three are commercial establishments in Greater Detroit, while the remaining 22 are tribally owned and operated. They are scattered all over the state, making MI among the best in the lower 48 for finding casino games near home. 
• Online Casinos: Legalized in 2019, MI-facing casino apps have taken the Wolverine State by storm, allowing residents to play casino games online for real money. There are also offshore online casinos that accept Michigan customers too.
• Online Sportsbooks: The same year online casinos were legalized, online sportsbooks opened in Michigan. Now, Michiganders can place bets on major sports leagues and win real money, all from their phone or PC convenience.
• Horse Racing/Off-Track Betting: Horse races and betting on horses have been legal in MI since the 30s, making it the oldest form of legal gambling in the state. There’s only one horse track in the state, near Detroit.
• Land-Based Betting: Retail sportsbooks were legalized the same year as online sportsbooks. You’ll find these betting locations in multiple land casinos scattered across Michigan. Place sports bets in person, watch live games, and enjoy drinks with friends.
• Daily Fantasy Sports: DFS betting came out the same year online sportsbooks entered the Wolverine State. This opened the door for FanDuel and DraftKings to thrive in Michigan. MI residents can now place wagers on fantasy leagues and enjoy online contests.
• Online Poker: Poker arrived in MI the same year that online casinos were legalized. Many of our favorite Michigan gambling apps have poker games, including WSOP, and the well-known PokerStars Michigan app specializes in real money poker.
• Charitable Gambling: Another long-standing form of gambling in MI, charitable gaming was launched in 1972 when the Michigan Bingo Act was passed. Non-profits can run bingo and raffles legally all around the state, but businesses and other for-profit entities can apply for annual or one-time licenses.
• Lottery: The Michigan State Lottery was established in the early 80s. MI has interstate games as well as multistate games like Mega Millions. 

MI Gambling Laws

For a long time, only a few legal forms of gambling existed in MI. Still, the late 2010s saw significant changes that ushered online gambling into the Wolverine State and land-based sports betting locations inside commercial and tribal casinos. The primary Michigan gambling laws apply to the nine major gambling avenues.

History of Online Gambling in MI

Now that you’re aware of the legal gambling options in Michigan, we’ll lay out an official timeline of how the gambling culture of Michigan came together throughout some 80 odds years to form what we see today in 2023.   

MI Gambling Timeline

The Future of Gambling Online in MI

The gambling market in Michigan is already well-established as of 2023. Because they have most of the gambling options that other states envy, there aren’t too many other areas where they could expand their growth. 

The one limited area is horse racing as they only have one track (Northville Downs), but it’s expected to be torn down in 2024, following a 2018 purchase by a housing developer. Greyhound racing has been illegal in Michigan since the beginning of time, so this is an area that we’ll keep an eye on for any new developments. 

How to Get Started Gambling Online in MI

Most require a simple five-to-ten-minute sign-up for those wanting to join Michigan’s online gambling platforms. We won’t go into the specifics of every registration for all six MI gambling apps, but we’ll give you a brief overview of what you can expect from each platform. 

Best Bonuses Available at MI Gambling Sites

As you begin your journey with one of our favorite Michigan gambling apps, one of your primary concerns will be having enough funds on hand to actively sports bet each week or enjoy winning real money at slot machines or gaming tables. New members to these platforms get some of the heftiest welcome bonuses, so watch out for these crazy welcome deals offered at our favorite Michigan gambling sites and mobile apps.

Are There Land-Based Casinos or Sportsbooks in MI?

Michigan has plenty of land-based sports betting and casino gaming options for residents who live and breathe betting and gambling. If you’re not interested in gambling online and prefer it in person, you can rest easy knowing that casino games and sports betting aren’t too far from home.  

Land Casinos

Michigan is home to a whopping 25 land-based casinos, a mix of commercial and tribal establishments. They are well spread out over the Wolverine State, so Michiganders are never too far from a brick-and-mortar gambling location. Even the Upper Peninsula is well-serviced by thriving land-casino culture, letting Yoopers get in on the action.

Retail Sportsbooks 

Unlike land-based casino games, retail sports betting is less available to Michiganders. Many retail sports books across MI exist, but they’re only in about half of the Wolverine State’s 25 brick-and-mortar casinos.

Racetracks

Although Michigan has a thriving land-casino and retail sportsbook presence, residents’ horse racing options could be much better. The Northville Downs in the Great Detroit region of the state are the only place in Michigan where horse bettors can go to watch the races and place wagers.

Legal MI Online Gambling vs. Offshore Sites

While there are several Michigan-facing sportsbooks and online casinos, these platforms aren’t available in every US state, which means that those traveling across the country could be severely limited in terms of accessibility. 

Just to give you an idea, these are the number of states/territories each gambling app is available: 

• Caesars Sportsbook: 18 states and Washington DC.
• BetRivers: 12 states 
• BetMGM Sports: 21 states and Washington DC.
• Golden Nugget Casino: 4 states
• DraftKings: 17 states
• FanDuel: 37 states

Your best-case scenario is using FanDuel, but you’re still limited in the United States, where you can legally bet on sports or fantasy to enjoy their casino games. 

In contrast to US-facing sportsbooks and online casinos, which are held to US laws and regulations, offshore sportsbooks and casinos are owned and operated in foreign nations and are held to the laws of those lands. But they can take members from the United States. No regulations on the US books deem these offshore apps and sites legal or illegal, so US residents can join these platforms without getting in legal trouble. 

Offshore gambling apps not only let US users enjoy access to their services in all areas of the US and countries abroad, but they also let members win real money betting on their favorite sports or playing online casino games from the privacy of their home computer or mobile device. 

Banking Options for MI Online Gambling

Our favorite Michigan online gambling apps offer excellent banking options to give customers flexibility and comfort with depositing funds and withdrawing their wins. Though not every online sportsbook and casino carries the same banking methods, the following are some of the constant options at our favorite Michigan gambling apps.

Gambling Responsibly in MI

Michigan provides its residents with resources for dealing with gambling problems and addictions at www.michigan.gove/mcb/resources/responsible-gaming. This information is put out by the Michigan Gaming Control Board, the official regulators of Michigan’s commercial casinos, horse racing, online gaming and sports betting, and fantasy sports. 

The following tools can be found on the site for residents who feel they need help with a gambling problem:

• Online Responsible Gaming Tools: This brief form outlines some helpful tips for dealing with gambling addiction, like setting time or spending limits and taking a “cool-off” period.
• 20-Question Self-Assessment Screening Form: Another free form for residents, Michiganders can go through twenty questions to establish if they have a gambling addiction or problem.
• Brochures: Two brochures are available to MI residents that discuss the responsible gaming database and the disassociated persons list.
• Rack Cards:These are a few more resource materials about responsible gambling, self-assessment, and signs of problem gambling in teens or seniors.
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone:(888) 223-3044
• Michigan Department of Health and Human Services:1-800-270-7117
• Gamblers Anonymous of MI: This group of men and women seek support for gambling addictions together.
• GAM-ANON: A resource for family and friends of those with gambling addictions.
• Michigan Problem Gambling Help Line:1-800-270-7117

Self-Exclusion List

The Michigan Gaming Control Board has a link to a self-exclusion list on www.michigan.gov. Residents can fill out this form voluntarily requesting to be barred access to the three Detroit-area casinos. A separate form is available to bettors who want to be denied access to online sports betting apps or online casinos. 

As far as we can tell, no forms are available for self-exclusion at the state’s 22 tribal casinos, but many offer self-exclusion programs on their private websites. Because these establishments are tribally owned, they are not obligated to the Michigan Gaming Control Board’s self-exclusion requirements. 

Self-exclusion forms on the website include:

• Disassociated Persons Application Form- Detroit Casinos
• Disassociated Persons List Request for Removal Form
• Disassociated Persons List Information Update Form
• Internet Gaming and Sports Betting Self-Exclusion- Responsible Gaming Database Form

Online Gambling MI FAQ

Michigan is an exciting state to learn about in terms of its gambling culture and history of gambling legalization, and there’s a lot of information to share on the subject. We hope this FAQ section can provide some quick answers to common questions on online gambling in Michigan, so you don’t have to read the entire review.