Best MI Online Gambling Sites, Real Money Michigan Online Casinos

What Are the Top Michigan Casinos?

As of May 2021, there are over a dozen Michigan online casinos offering slots and table games. Casinos are run either in partnership with a Michigan tribal community or a commercial brand from Detroit.

BetMGM Casino Online

BetMGM was one of the first Michigan online casinos to launch in January 2021. Naturally, it launched as an official online casino of the MGM Grand Detroit. Software is supplied by the parent company, GVC, so you can expect to find plenty of great PartyGaming slots alongside traditional table games like online roulette. Sports betting is also provided.

DraftKings Online Casino

Daily Fantasy Sports and online sportsbook giant DraftKings have a presence in most legalized US states, and Michigan is no different. They launched their DraftKings online casino in 2021 in partnership with the Bay Mills Indian Community. As well as online casino games, you can bet on sports or play DFS through the DraftKings app.

Golden Nugget Online Casino

Golden Nugget online casino is one of the success stories of New Jersey casinos. And in January 2021, Golden Nugget opened its Michigan casino in a deal with the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community, who own the Ojibwa Casino in Marquette. The makeup of the Golden Nugget Michigan site is virtually identical to the one in NJ. Enjoy hundreds of Michigan online slots, and you can apply for a Golden Nugget Play+ account to easily fund your play.

BetRivers Casino Online

BetRivers is the online brand of choice for the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians. The BetRivers site offers Michigan online betting and online casino games, together with one of the best legal online sportsbooks around. Play over 100 slots or take a seat at the green felt on one of several table games.

TwinSpires Online Casino(BetAmerica)

Owned by Churchill Downs Incorporated, BetAmerica rebranded as TwinSpires when it launched its Michigan online casino. You can now play everything from slots and table games to live dealer games. Plus, of course, there is a full online portsbook and racebook on the site.

Stars Online Casino

The Stars Group is one of the world’s biggest gambling firms and houses the PokerStars brand, as well as Stars Online Casino. Stars Casino operates in partnership with the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians and offers slots and table games alongside Michigan’s first online poker room. The Stars Group also runs the popular FOX Bet brand in the US. For the best in Michigan gambling online, look no further than Stars casino.

Caesars Casino

Caesars casino is one of the most recognizable as well as historic casino brands in the world. They certainly are not getting complacent with a big name though as they are constantly pushing out great features and giving Caesars casino players the bonuses they are looking for.

Are Bonuses Available for Michigan Online Gambling Sites?

You can access a range of exciting deposit bonuses at Michigan online gambling sites. Michigan casinos will spread everything from welcome bonus offers to free spins and even VIP schemes.

You can start off by opening your online account and making a first deposit. You may also have to enter a special promo code during the registration process. You’ll receive bonus funds from the casino that you can use on eligible online casino games like online roulette, blackjack and slots. As long as you wager the funds enough times, the casino will release free cash in your account.

Popular Online Casino Games at MI Casinos

Online gambling in Michigan is all about enjoying the convenience of casino games at home. You’ll be able to play the same great games you enjoy in Detroit or at a tribal casino. In many cases, the top Michigan online casinos will spread variants you just won’t find in a land-based casino.

Online Slots

Every Michigan online casino offers a healthy selection of video slots for demo play or play online casino games for real money. Choose from classic “stepper” slots with 3 reels such as Everi’s Black Diamond or NetEnt’s Grand Spinn, or play Megaways slots with over 110,000 ways to win. You can also legally play progressive slots with a chance of winning a huge jackpot if the reels fall your way. Some sites will let you play free slots, or demo games. Golden Nugget Casino is an example of this. Free slots are a great way to get a feel for how the casino game works while testing the software on your computer or mobile device.

Online slots operate in much the same way as your favorite land-based slots. Choose your stakes and coin size and spin the reels. You must line up matching symbols on a horizontal payline in order to win a cash prize. You can also land special symbols like wilds and scatters to trigger a bonus game.

As in other jurisdictions like New Jersey, slot developers must carry a online casino gaming license from the state gaming board. Slots are audited to ensure they are fair and accurate. The beauty of online slots is that the RTPs (Return to Player percentages) are often higher than those found in brick-and-mortar casinos. For instance, where some slots in Detroit or at tribal casinos may have RTPs in the high 80s, online slots usually guarantee an average return of 94%-97%.

Video Poker

Most legal video poker in Michigan is supplied by IGT with its Game King titles. The games work just like the machines you’ll find in your nearest land-based casino. You’ll be dealt 5 cards and must decide whether to hold your cards or change them to improve your hand. You’ll be able to play a variety of video poker games in Michigan, from straightforward Jacks or Better to Deuces Wild Bonus Poker.

First, choose your stakes and hit the Deal button. You’ll be dealt five cards and must decide whether to hold or discard your cards. The aim is to make the best possible 5-card poker hand. If you bet the maximum number of coins and hit a royal flush, you’ll be looking at an extra special jackpot!

Most of the best Michigan online casinos will offer a selection of video poker games. Go for Jacks or Better where you win a prize with at least a pair of jacks, or hit Deuces Wild with special joker cards.

Table Games

Each Michigan online casino comes equipped with enough table games to keep the most jaded gambler happy. Even better, you can play at minimum stakes that are much lower than you’ll find in a land-based MI casino. Play classic American Roulette from $0.10 a spin, or hit the online blackjack tables and gamble for $1,000 a hand. You’ll also find some interesting online-only table games like Zappit Blackjack and I Luv Suits Poker with side bets galore.

The great thing about MI online casinos is that you’ll find variants you will never see in your local casino. European Roulette offers one green zero pocket and has a lower house edge than American Roulette. French Roulette, meanwhile, has an insurance rule called La Partage. As such, the house edge in French Roulette is even lower at 1.35%.

Live Dealer

Most of the best online casinos Michigan has to offer will spread a selection of live dealer games. With live dealer games, you get to play online casino games like roulette and blackjack against a trained, human croupier. Watch the action via live stream and place bets on your computer. You can even talk to the dealer as the casino game takes place.

Live casino games are normally offered by major online casino operators in their field, such as NetEnt and Evolution Gaming. Dealers are friendly and courteous and will keep the chatter flowing while you play casino games. They will also prompt you when it’s your turn to bet, and even help you out if you request it.

And as well as classic games such as live blackjack and live roulette, you can hit special variants like Lightning Roulette, which mixes live roulette with random number generators, bonus payouts and high-definition graphics for a 21st Century gambling thrill.

Other Online Casino Games

Any good Michigan gaming website will supply a small range of instant win games alongside their regular slots and roulette tables. “Scratchers” let you choose areas of the ticket to scratch off to reveal a cash prize. It’s just like playing your favorite scratchers from the MI Lottery.

Some Michigan casino sites also spread bingo games like keno and Slingo. Pick your numbers and win cash by matching as many as possible. The classic casino bingo game is now available to play on your PC or mobile casino apps.

Are There MI Mobile Casino Apps?

Online gambling in MI isn’t just about playing on your PC. You can also gamble legally on the move through your iPhone or Android smartphone. You’ll need to download the app first and ensure you’re running GPS and Wi-Fi. Most Michigan casino sites will also include geolocation within the Michigan online casino apps, so you can confirm you are gambling within state borders.

iOS Slots

You can download the iOS app direct from the Apple App Store. You’ll also be able to see what version of iOS you’ll need to be running to successfully run the app. If you’re using iOS14, you’ll need to switch on the "Precise Location" setting so that the casino can pinpoint your whereabouts.

Android Slots

The Google Play Store still doesn’t provide download apps for Michigan casino sites. Instead, you’ll simply need to download the .apk file from the casino homepage. Make sure your GPS and Wi-Fi is enabled when you log in. This will make it possible to run all slots and table games.

Why Gamble at a Michigan Online Casino?

You might be wondering to yourself: “Can I gamble online in Michigan?” Well, the good news is that it’s now 100% legal to gamble at a Michigan online casino. So, why should you take the plunge and play slots or table games at home or on the move?

Play Your Favorite Games at Home

It’s not always possible to visit a brick-and-mortar casino in MI. That’s why joining the best Michigan online casinos is such an advantage. Play casino games and win real money at home without leaving your kitchen or front room.

Use Mobile Casino Apps for Great Casino Play

Every good Michigan casino offers a full mobile app, which allows you to gamble on the move. Use your standard log-in details and play slots or live dealer games on your Apple or Android device. You can even make deposits, chat to customer support or opt into a promotion of your choice.

Choose Stakes to Suit Your Budget

Michigan casino sites let you gamble for a few cents or a few bucks. And if your bankroll allows, you can hit the VIP tables in style and play for up to $1,000 a hand. But minimum stakes online are usually far lower than those you’ll find in Detroit or at the tribal casinos. For casual gamblers, online casinos in MI are absolutely ideal.

Discover Exclusive Online Games

Most land-based casinos in Michigan offer slots from just one or two providers. But at the best online casinos, you can try out games from many different developers. Play classic slots and table games from US giants like Bally and WMS, or try the latest European games from trusted manufacturers like NetEnt. You’ll also be able to sit down with video poker or play keno and scratchers for a quick instant win.

Claim Free Spins or a Deposit Match

Every good Michigan casino will offer a welcome bonus to draw in new Michigan online casino players. Enter a promo code or make a first deposit to earn free spins on the big slots. The casino may even match your deposit with bonus funds. Just meet the wagering requirements to release free casino cash in your account.

You Can Join a Rewards Program

You can also join a VIP program at the best Michigan casino sites. Earn player points every time you play games, then redeem your points for cashback and perks. You can even get a personal VIP manager if you maintain your level of gameplay every month!

Registering a MI Casino Online Account

It’s easy to get started at a Michigan casino. Just make sure you’re armed with some valid ID, a home address, and your cellphone number when you get started. You will also need to provide your Social Security Number (SSN) in order to verify your ID. And due to the COVID-19 pandemic, you no longer have to complete your registration in person at a brick-and- mortar casino. Just fill in the form online and start playing right away!

Here’s how to get started:

1. Visit the online MI casino and create a unique username and password
2. Provide your email address
3. Enter your home address, date of birth, and phone number
4. Provide the last four digits of your SSN
5. Click on the email link sent in order to verify your address

When making your first deposit or withdrawal, you may need to upload some personal documents. This is to verify your ID and address. You can do this through the live chat window or use the dedicated document uploader. You may also need to have a recent utility bill to hand.

• US passport
• US driver’s license
• Government-issued photo ID
• A recent utility bill

Banking Options at Real Money Online Casinos in Michigan

Online casinos in Michigan allow you to make real-time deposits direct from your bank account or e-Wallet. The process is easy and the best Michigan casino sites won’t charge you a dime. You can also make fast withdrawals back to the same method you used to deposit with in many cases.

Deposits

You can make instant casino deposits using your debit or credit card. In addition, some Michigan casino websites will issue branded Play+ prepaid cards that you can load up with a Visa or MasterCard. Prepaid card payments are instant, and you can avoid those pain points with US banks declining online gambling payments.

Most MI casinos will also accept e-Wallets like PayPal or an ACH/e-Check service like VIP Preferred. VIP Preferred uses the Automated Clearing House in the same way you make online bank transfers. The process is quick and secure, and you never have to share your card details with the online casino. With PayPal, you can store funds and send them using just your email address. The process is quick and anonymous and you will avoid a lot of fees.

Accepted deposit methods:

• Credit Card/debit card (including VISA, Mastercard, Discover)
• Play+/Prepaid card
• PayPal
• PayNearMe (7-Eleven, CVS, Family Dollar)
• Online bank transfer
• VIP Preferred (ACH/e-Check)
• Cash in person at partner casino

Withdrawals

You’ll also be able to cash out winnings or funds back to your US account, Play+ card or virtual wallet. In general, you won’t be able to withdraw to a debit or credit card. You can also make withdrawals to a US bank account using online banking.

Withdrawals are generally free when betting online. Michigan casinos, however, will apply a processing period to each withdrawal request. Remember to factor in an extra day or two when waiting for your money. Some of the best online casinos in Michigan will also send a paper check by mail if you request it. These take around 2-4 weeks to arrive. You can then deposit your check into your bank account in the usual way.

Are There any Promotions at the Best Michigan Online Casinos?

All the top Michigan online casinos will run some sort of promotion to reward players. A promotion might be as simple as a deposit match offer or free spins. However, the best Michigan online casinos will run weekly prize giveaways, cashback deals and VIP programs.

Welcome Bonus

A welcome bonus is the biggest casino promotion and tends to offer the most money. The bonus will usually be split into two offers: a deposit match and free slot spins. The casino will match your first deposit 100% with bonus money. You’ll then have a time limit within which to roll over the bonus funds. You can play eligible games like video slots and table games. If you meet the rollover terms, the casino will release the bonus cash.

Free Spins

With a free spins bonus, you are awarded a number of free games on a popular slot. Play the spins at the set stakes and try to win as much as you can. You’ll be able to release the winnings if you meet the site’s wagering requirements. Rollover terms vary, but usually, you’ll have to wager your winnings anywhere from 1x to 50x before you can release them.

Reload Bonus

A reload bonus is a smaller version of the welcome bonus. The casino might match your third or fourth deposit 50%. You can release the money if you meet the wagering requirements. Typically, you’ll have to wager your bonus funds 10-25 times before they can be released into your account.

Bonus Spins/Slot of the Week

Free spins aren’t just reserved for new signups. You can also claim free spins on a big new slot release. Play your spins, rack up some wins, then wager your winnings a few times over in order to release them into your account.

Prize Draws

The top online casinos in Michigan will run regular prize draws for their most active players. Build points by playing eligible games and slots, then qualify for a prize draw ticket where you can win cash, free spins or a gift.

Refer a Friend

A Refer-a-Friend deal is usually available at good MI casinos online. All you need to do is get a pal to sign up for an account. When both you and they make a qualifying deposit you’ll both be eligible for online casino bonus cash. The sums are usually small – around $50 maximum – but it’s a great way for two of you to score some free money.

Cashback Deals

Some MI casinos also offer cashback on losing sessions. Restrictions may apply depending on the casino game you play or your level of stake. For instance, you may only earn cashback on losing roulette games for an hour or two on a Friday night. But it’s a great way of playing your favorite games risk-free.

You can also earn cashback on deposits if you sign up for the casino’s Play+ prepaid card. There are no signup or deposit fees, and usually some big deposit limits if you’re a VIP.

Leaderboard Challenge

In a leaderboard challenge, you can earn prize giveaways like a car or holiday. Play qualifying slots and games, and earn points every time you spin. The more points you earn, the higher up the leaderboard you can finish. You might split a sum of cash by finishing in the top 10 or win a grand prize by topping the leaderboard.

Rewards Program

Every online casino in Michigan will run some sort of rewards program. Join the lowest tier and work your way up by playing slots and table games. You can redeem your player points for cash or keep climbing the rewards levels to claim benefits like birthday bonuses and gifts.

How Are Michigan Real Money Online Casinos Regulated?

If you’re asking the question: “Are online casinos legal in Michigan?” the answer is a resounding “yes.” You can legally play online slots, table games and scratchers at home on your PC or out and about through your smartphone.

Michigan online casinos are regulated by the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB). The Detroit-based commission is responsible for overseeing all land-based and legal online casino gaming in the state. However, sportsbooks at tribal casinos are covered by federal law.

The Michigan Gaming Control Board also issues licenses and supplies tax and payment forms for commercial and tribal operators. Plus, you can file a complaint with the Michigan Gaming Control Board if you feel a platform provider has violated its terms of service. The body collects tax revenues as well as providing funding for compulsive gaming prevention groups and the State School Aid Fund. It also:

• Issues lawful internet gaming licenses to casinos, tribes, and online operators
• Regulates online casino gambling and sports betting
• Regulates pari-mutuel betting on horse races in Michigan
• Handles patron disputes

Legal Michigan Online Casinos vs. Offshore Gaming Sites

It’s vital you stay safe when playing online slots or online poker. Michigan residents should only sign up with approved and regulated casinos with MI online casino gaming licenses. Of course, there is also a raft of offshore casinos that will happily accept Michigan customers. But we always advise against this. Offshore sites aren’t licensed or regulated within the US and may not offer the proper security protocols you’d expect from an MI casino. In addition, the games may not have been properly tested for fairness, and there’s no guarantee the bonuses or payouts will be honored.

Ultimately, offshore gaming sites provide zero guarantees to players. If you have the slightest concerns about being paid, playing fair games, or knowing your personal and banking details are safe, you should strictly avoid playing at these sites. Why even do so when you can play at legally regulated online casinos in Michigan?

MI Online Casino Revenue

Michigan gambling sites are fairly new, but they got off to a flying start shortly after launch in 2021. During the second month of operation, Michigan online casinos pulled in over $95 million in receipts. Online Casino New Jersey and Online Casino Pennsylvania have made more within a single calendar month. Michigan online casino sites are on track to make well over $700 million during 2021.

The MGCB also ensures that Michigan casinos pay their fair due back to the state. The commercial casinos in Detroit must pay 20%-28% in tax on online gaming profits. The tax for online sports betting is a lot less at 8.4 percent.

Full List of Land-Based Casinos in Michigan

3 Top Land Based Casinos in MI

MGM Grand Detroit

MGM Grand has a massive gaming area with close to 3,500 slot machines and video poker machines. Opened in 1999, the downtown Detroit venue has almost 40 table games like roulette, craps, slots, blackjack, Let it Ride and much more. It also opened the BetMGM Sports Lounge in March 2020 and is now open for legal sports betting in Michigan. Additional amenities include the pet-friendly 400-room hotel, full spa and a TopGolf Swing Suite with indoor golf simulators. BetMGM online casino is also a player favorite.

FireKeepers Casino

FireKeepers is an example of new-school design meets old-school table gaming with a mix of classic and brand new slot machines. There are nearly 3,000 slots and poker machines in total and 70 table games including blackjack, Let it Ride, craps, baccarat, roulette and more. FireKeepers has keno and bingo and runs a poker room featuring tournaments with buy-ins ranging from $100-$500. The AAA-certified Four Diamond hotel was built in 2012 and includes 243 rooms and suites. And it’s hard to miss the flashy exterior just off Interstate 94.

Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort

This is one of the biggest casino properties in the state, located directly near Central Michigan University. It brings plenty of betting options you won’t find at most Michigan casinos, including bingo Wednesday-Sunday. There are more than 1,000 slots and video poker machines to go with standard casino table games like roulette, online blackjack and craps. Soaring Eagle also has a 24/7 poker room, hotel and entertainment hall.

Responsible Gambling

Under Michigan gaming laws, operators may provide proper provisions for gamblers who might have a gambling problem. Michigan online casinos offer a self-exclusion program and allow gamblers to set deposit and session limits. Casinos also help fund the Compulsive Gambling Prevention Fund. All legit online casinos in Michigan provide links and phone numbers to approved charities and helplines to assist those with a gambling problem.

• Michigan Problem Gambling Helpline (800-270-7117)
• Gamblers Anonymous (855-222-5542)
• Michigan Disassociated Persons List (1-888-223-3044)

MI Online Casino Industry Laws

Under Michigan online casino law, you are now able to play real-money slots and table games on your PC or smartphone as well as in person. You don’t have to be resident in Michigan, but you must be located within the state to play. You’ll also have to be 21 or over in order to register for an online casino account.

Operators are charged a tax for operating online casinos in Michigan, with up to 28% paid on gross gaming revenue profits. As of 2020, casinos brought in over $1 billion for the state. Sports betting is also legal and taxed at a lower rate.

Michigan online casinos must operate in partnership with an existing land-based casino in the state. And by the casino launch in 2021, many of America’s top gambling operators were going live. Detroit’s three commercial casinos - plus many of Michigan’s Native American tribes who run land-based casinos - have already opened online gambling sites.

• Michigan Online casinos legalized in 2019
• First legal online casino apps go live in early 2021
• Online operators must have partnership deals with land-based casinos
• Detroit’s three commercial casinos (MGM Grand, Greektown Casino, MotorCity) among the first to launch Michigan online casino sites
• Most Michigan tribes have casinos open in Michigan too
• Lac Vieux Desert tribe buddies up with PointsBet for 2021 casino launch
• Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe and Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi Indians prepare to open online casinos in Michigan some time in 2021

Internet gambling sites and Michigan online casinos were legalized back in 2019. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed into law two pieces of key legislation. First, the Lawful Internet Gaming Act (HB 4311) allowed the issuing of gambling licenses to online operators. This law covered Michigan online casino apps and poker.
Second, the Lawful Sports Betting Act (HB 4916) made it possible for Michiganders to bet on sports via their PCs or mobile phones. The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) was made responsible for overseeing licensing and compliance.
The first online Michigan gaming sites went live in January 2021. By March, MI operators reported gross internet casino gaming and sports betting receipts worth $127.4 million. All of Detroit’s commercial casinos now offer online casino gamimg, table games, slots and sports betting, with many of the state’s tribes also getting in on the act.
By the end of 2021, the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe and the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi Indians will have joined the Gun Lake Tribe, Lac Vieux Desert Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians, and others by launching their own online gambling sites.

MI Online Casino Laws

Under Michigan online casino law, you are now able to play real mone slots and table games on your PC or smartphone as well as in person. You don’t have to be resident in Michigan, but you must be located within the state to play. You’ll also have to be 21 or over in order to register for an online casino account.
Operators are charged a tax for operating Michigan online casinos, with up to 28% paid on gross gaming revenue profits. As of 2020, Michigan online casinos brought in over $1 billion for the state. Sports betting is also legal and taxed at a lower rate.
Michigan online casinos must operate in partnership with an existing land-based casino in the state. And by the online casino launch in 2021, many of America’s best online casinos were going live. Detroit’s three commercial casinos - plus many of Michigan’s Native American tribes who run land-based casinos - have already opened online gambling sites.

1. Michigan's Online casinos legalized in 2019
2. First Michigan online casino apps go live in early 2021
3. Online operators must have partnership deals with land-based casinos
4. Detroit’s three commercial casinos (MGM Grand, Greektown Casino, MotorCity) among the first to launch online casino sites
5. Most Michigan tribes have casinos open in Michigan too
6. Lac Vieux Desert tribe buddies up with PointsBet for 2021 casino launch
7. Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe and Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi Indians prepare to open Michigan online casinos sometime in 2021

Contributors

Jon Young

Jon Young is a writer and magazine editor with over 12 years' experience in the gaming sector. He has written on everything from poker and slots to casino, sports betting and mobile gambling. When not trying to take down the Mega Moolah jackpot he can be found playing poker tournaments in casinos.