Online casinos in Michigan will soon become a reality as state regulators finalize the rules and regulations for online gambling in the state. If things progress at the current pace, real money MI casino apps could launch as early as November 1, giving Michigan bettors numerous options at their fingertips.
The Wolverine State legalized online gambling at the end of 2019; however, it has taken a significant amount of work from state regulators to complete the final rules and regulations before casino apps can launch. Following Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signing a bill into law to legalize online casinos, online poker, and sports betting, the Michigan Gaming Control Board stated it would take up to a year before the process was complete. This would make November 1 a realistic date for legal online casino apps to launch in Michigan.
The good news for residents and visitors of Michigan is that they will have a plethora of options available to them. On this page, we will cover the best online casino sites set to launch, bonus information, and the most popular casino games available online.
When Will Online Casinos Launch?
Although it seems to be getting closer, everyone is now eagerly awaiting the official launch date of online casinos in Michigan. There has been no confirmation on the exact date, but we can have a sensible estimate from the latest information. The Michigan Gaming Control Board met on September 23 and stated that Michigan casinos would launch in late fall 2020.
The board wants things to move as quickly as possible and has encouraged regulators to move full steam ahead so that November 1 date seems realistic. However, even if November comes and goes and there are no online casinos live in Michigan, it is a distinct possibility they will be available by Christmas. It has been a tough year for the casino industry, so everybody is on the same page to have Michigan online casinos available before the end of 2020.
Michigan Online Casinos
With online casinos now legal in Michigan, it will be interesting to see which operators will be the first to make a move into the Michigan gaming market. No names have yet been revealed on who will be the first to launch their platforms; however, we have a good idea about who we think will debut their casino apps in November 2020.
We have based this on operators who have already developed partnerships in Michigan, which would indicate that they plan to have a presence in the state eventually. Most of these brands have also been quick to launch their casinos in other states where online gambling is legal, so they will likely be looking to do the same in Michigan.
Additionally, some companies have stated that they see Michigan casinos online gambling industry as an exciting and plan to launch their brands there at some point. This is clear evidence that they are eager to get going as soon as possible.
We expect to see the following online casino apps launch in Michigan in November 2020:
- Golden Nugget Casino
- Draftkings Casino
- FanDuel Casino
- BetRivers Casino
- BetMGM Casino
Of course, the above list isn’t set in stone, but from the latest information available, we think it is likely Michigan bettors will these online casinos to choose from.
Michigan Online Casino Partnerships
Michigan is home to three commercial casinos located in Detroit and 23 tribal casinos throughout the state. The online partnerships for the three commercial casinos are below:
Online Casino Commercial Casino
BetMGM Casino MGM Grand Detroit
FanDuel Casino MotorCity Casino Hotel
Hollywood Casino GreekTown Casino
Michigan is unique compared to other states with legal USA online casinos as commercial and tribal casinos can both partner with tech companies to offer online casino games. Michigan Indian casinos that have already agreed to partnerships include:
Online Casino Tribal Casino
DraftKings Casino Bay Mills Indian Community
Golden Nugget Casino Keweenaw Bay Indian Community
FireKeepers Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi Indians
Parx Casino Gun Lake Casino
Four Winds Casino Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians
BetAmerica Casino Hannahville Indian Community
Other major brands such as Caesars are also likely to launch an online casino in Michigan eventually, although they have no agreement in place with a land-based partner yet. Additionally, some operators who did not enter the Pennsylvania online market but enjoyed success in New Jersey, such as 888, Virgin, and Tropicana, could also be looking to get involved in Michigan. This is due to the tax rate being a lot lower in Michigan than PA, where there is a 54% slot tax.
MI Casino Apps
Mobile betting has become one of the most popular types of online gambling. Players have the opportunity to play video poker or classic table games on the go as Michigan online casino sites will develop and release apps for iOS and Android devices.
The apps will have the same features as the browser-based casino sites, and the best casinos will have most of the same games available. All mobile-friendly casinos will feature a smart navigation system with innovative cashier and account management sections. Players in Michigan with an iOS device can download casino apps by clicking on the Apple logo on the casino website. Android users will need to download the app directly from the casino website.
Online Casino Bonuses
One way online casinos attract new players is by offering free plays to get them gambling and keep them playing. Players will receive welcome bonuses, which could consist of several types of offers. Furthermore, casinos will offer bonuses to existing players to reward their loyalty. Michigan online casino sites will provide the following types of bonuses:
First Deposit Bonus
Deposit bonuses appear in two formats. Online casinos will offer to match your first monetary deposit up to a certain amount. Alternatively, the casinos will agree to do the same thing with your next deposit. Whatever way the casinos decide to do it, make sure you read the wagering requirements as you will not just be able to withdraw the money.
No Deposit Bonus
No-deposit bonuses are fantastic for new players, as they receive some cash just for signing up for an account. With that in mind, the amount of money you receive is small, and there are wagering requirements. However, considering you are given free money just for creating an account, you can’t complain too much.
Free Spins
Some online casinos will offer players free spins on selected slot machines as an incentive to sign up. This allows players to turn free spins into big wins.
Online Casino Games in Michigan
The best Michigan online casinos will replicate the feeling of being on a casino floor from your own home. Each gaming platform will be different in terms of the variety of games they offer; some may have an extensive slots selection while others will focus more on table games.
Ultimately, every Michigan online casino site will have some form of slot machines available. So, even if there is a lack of options for other types of games, there should be plenty of slot games on offer. Typically, the most common table games players will find are blackjack and roulette. However, it is essential to note that online casinos will not have loads of games available immediately upon launch, as it will take some time for the site to get games approved. Moreover, there will also be poker tournaments Michigan available as online poker will also be legal in the state. Here is a list of the games you will likely find in Michigan online casinos.
Online Slots in Michigan
Slot games are arguably the most popular among online casinos. Operators tend to offer as many slot titles as they can. These days, with the advance of technology, online casinos feature slot machines with stunning graphics and functions that could rival video games.
The most common types of slots you will find on Michigan online casino sites include three-reel, five-reel, and multimedia. Additionally, most online casinos will have a selection of slots that are progressive jackpot games. The potential winnings from these games are huge and can add to the excitement of playing online.
Video Poker
Video poker is still popular among casino players and will undoubtedly feature at Michigan online casinos when they go live. The most common variant of this game is Jacks or Better; however, several different types of video poker could appear, such as:
- Jacks or Better
- Bonus Poker
- Bonus Poker Deluxe
- Double Bonus Poker
- Double Double Bonus Poker
- Triple Double Bonus Poker
- Deuces Wild Poker
- Deuces Wild Bonus Poker
- Joker Poker
You may discover some new titles from those above; however, they are likely to be similar.
Roulette
One of the classic table games that will be available on Michigan online casino sites is roulette. It is popular in both retail and online casinos, with the potential profits to be made attractive to players. There are numerous variants of roulette available online, with most involving side bets. The two major versions of online roulette include American roulette and European roulette.
Online Blackjack in Michigan
If a Michigan online casino is offering table games, it will definitely have blackjack. This classic is a staple for both retail and online casinos; most think of blackjack when you think of casino gambling. Whatever casino you choose, there will likely be numerous variants of blackjack on offer.
Live Dealer Games
New online casinos are aiming to make playing on your computer or mobile even more like playing at a retail casino through the use of live dealer games. Additionally, it is now possible to play your favorite table games with a real-life dealer on a table. It is almost certain that when casino apps launch in Michigan, they will have a live dealer section.
To confirm this, PointsBet and BetMGM have already committed to creating a studio with live dealer experts Evolution Gaming. The games occur in a studio and are broadcast via a live stream feed, allowing players to play games in real-time as if they were actually on the casino floor.
Who Will Regulate Michigan Online Casinos?
Any online casino must be licensed by their state gaming boards before they can launch in any state. The Michigan Gaming Control Board will regulate online casinos in Michigan. However, all tribal casinos in Michigan fall under their own regulatory body. The National Indian Gaming Commission oversees tribal casinos across the US.
These regulatory bodies ensure players are protected, and all online casinos must pay bettors their winnings. Licensed casinos must follow the rules and pay their players and also have a process in place to settle any disputes. It is for reasons such as these that we recommend always playing at licensed online casinos over offshore sites.
Michigan Online Casinos FAQs
What is the legal gambling age in Michigan?
You must be at least 21 years old to gamble in Michigan legally. If you are located in the state and are above 21, you can legally download casino apps and play games for real money.
Is it legal to play online casinos in Michigan?
Yes, a bill was signed into law in December 2019, which legalized online sports betting, online poker, and online casinos in Michigan. Although no casinos have yet launched, it is expected that players will have options available to them by November 1.
Are there any Michigan casinos where I can gamble online?
Not yet, however, it is expected that some online casinos will launch in Michigan on November 1. This include:
- Golden Nugget Casino
- Draftkings Casino
- FanDuel Casino
- BetRivers Casino
- BetMGM Casino
These will be the initial platforms to go live; however, more will likely follow as the Michigan casino industry matures and develops.
What is the tax rate for online casinos in Michigan?
The tax rate for online casino sites in Michigan is a reasonable 8%. This is much favorable than other states such as Pennsylvania.