Michigan online gambling

Michigan online gambling is alive and well, from horse racing to casinos to sports betting, there is no shortage of ways to get in on the action. In the online sports betting and casino realm, which launched officially in January 2021, operators continue to line up at Michigan’s door to offer some of the best online gambling options in the country.

By: Johnny Covers

| Last Updated: February 12, 2024

Table of contents

Best Michigan gambling sites
Other MI gambling sites
Is online gambling legal in Michigan?
How to sign up for an online gambling site in MI
Types of online gambling available in Michigan
Tips when gambling online in Michigan
History of online gambling in Michigan
Who oversees online gambling in MI?
What taxes do gamblers pay on winnings in Michigan?
Michigan State Lottery
Gambling on horses online in Michigan
Gambling responsibly in Michigan
FAQ

Best Michigan gambling sites

There are more than a dozen Michigan online gambling sites for gamblers in the Great Lakes State to choose from, many of which have both online sportsbooks and casinos. Our team of experts has reviewed them all, so let's take a look at the best Michigan gambling sites.

🏈 Caesars Michigan	⭐ Industry titan with a strong rewards program
🏈 DraftKings Michigan	⭐ Pioneer in mobile sports betting & online casino
🏈 BetRivers Michigan	⭐ Big selection of slots & great sportsbook
🏈 FanDuel Michigan	⭐ Ongoing promos for existing players
🏈 BetMGM Michigan	⭐ Streamlined sportsbook & online casino experience

Caesars Michigan

Sign-up promo: Second Chance Bet Up To $1000

A titan in the casino industry long before their online presence, Caesars Entertainment owns Caesars Michigan and a host of other online casinos in 19 states plus DC. In Michigan, Caesars is a partner of the Michigan State Spartans, taking advantage of Michigan sports betting legislation that allows for wagering on the in-state programs.

In addition to their partnership with the Spartans, Caesars Michigan has a local partnership with Turtle Creek Casino, which allows them to offer some of the most competitive sports betting in the state. Similar to BetRivers, Caesars has a strong rewards program that gives its bettors points for placing sports bets as well as playing in their online casino.

DraftKings Michigan

Sign-up promo: Bet $5 Get $200 in Bonus Bets

Originally cutting its teeth in the Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) space, DraftKings Michigan was one of the first online sportsbooks to go live in January 2021. Now known for its intuitive mobile sports betting app, DraftKings is also one of the originators of the Same Game Parlay, which has taken off in recent years.

In Michigan, DraftKings is partnered with Bay Mills Resort and Casino, offering DFS, sports betting, as well as an online casino. They also have local partnerships with Michigan’s Detroit Pistons and Detroit Red Wings.

BetRivers Michigan

Sign-up promo: Second Chance Bet Up To $500

Thanks to partnerships with the Little River Casino Resort and the Detroit Pistons, BetRivers Michigan has turned into one of the very best Michigan online gambling sites. Not only do they offer a robust menu of sports betting, but BetRivers also has an online casino where you can play virtual table games as well as online slots.

Owned and operated by Rush Street Interactive, BetRivers Michigan is live in 14 states and has become known for its popular iRush Rewards program. With the loyalty program, you can earn points for playing in the online casino, as well as making sports bets. You can then use the points to earn access to exclusive events and experiences offered throughout the country.

FanDuel Michigan

Sign-up promo: Bet $5 Get $150 in Bonus Bets

One of the biggest online gambling sites in the Great Lakes State is FanDuel Michigan. Operating in partnership with the MotorCity Casino, FanDuel offers its customers DFS in addition to an online sportsbook and casino.

Founded in 2009 as a DFS company, FanDuel has perfected its mobile betting app and has turned into one of the biggest online sportsbooks in the world. In Michigan, they have formed partnerships with the Detroit Pistons, Detroit Tigers, and Detroit Red Wings. Like their biggest rival DraftKings, FanDuel has leaned into their promo offerings including the popular Same Game Parlays.

BetMGM Michigan

Sign-up promo: Second Chance Bet Up To $1500

Parlaying their success in Las Vegas, BetMGM has built one of the biggest online gambling presences in the country, as they’re now live online in 19 states plus DC. In Michigan, BetMGM has partnerships with the MGM Grand Detroit, as well as the Detroit Tigers and Detroit Lions.

Online at BetMGM Michigan Sportsbook, the company has become known for its odds boosts and intuitive sports betting app, as Michigan betters continue to flock to their site. Since its launch in Michigan in January 2022, BetMGM has continued to grow its online presence in the state.

Other MI gambling sites

Several other websites, though not as well-known, essentially provide similar offerings. Here are some additional legal gambling sites in Michigan that you might want to check out:

Golden Nugget Michigan

Despite having one of the smaller presences in the state, Golden Nugget Sportsbook still provides quality online gambling in Michigan for its more than 10 million residents. Like its competition, Golden Nugget Michigan offers both an online sportsbook and casino, including video poker, keno, and video slots.

Golden Nugget operates in Michigan in partnership with the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community and their Ojibwa Casino, adding the state to their portfolio when sports betting went live in January 2021. While they lack some of the niche sports betting markets of their competition, Golden Nugget Michigan still offers gamblers in the states a fantastic experience.

Barstool Michigan (closed)

Operating in partnership with Hollywood Casino at Greektown, Barstool Michigan was one of the first online casinos and sportsbooks to go live in the state in January 2021. With its gaming license provided by PENN Entertainment, Barstool Michigan offered its sports bettors a wide variety of sports bet types and leans into its odds boost offerings.

PENN Entertainment shifted its sports betting license to ESPN Bet, and Barstool Sportsbook ceased to exist.

WynnBET Michigan

Launched in 2021 in partnership with Kewadin Casino, Hotel, and Convention Center, WynnBET Michigan has built its presence in the state through its online casino and sportsbook. Securing a partnership with the Detroit Lions, WynnBET Michigan offers some of the most competitive NFL odds in the state.

WynnBET is under review by the Michigan Gaming Control Board, as they’ve failed to live up to the financial requirements for online gambling sites in the state. This follows a theme for the company, as they’ve shut down operations in eight states including nearby Indiana.

PointsBet Michigan

PointsBet Michigan was one of the first online gambling sites to go live in the state in January 2021, setting up shop in partnership with the Northern Waters Casino Resort. PointsBet Michigan has also set up retail sportsbooks in the states, located both at the Northern Waters Casino Resort and at the Detroit Red Wings’ Little Caesars Arena.

It's also worth noting that PointsBet Michigan has a partnership with the Detroit Pistons and Detroit Tigers in the state. In 2023, PointsBet was purchased by Fanatics, and we can expect to see the brand transition sometime in 2024.

Play Gun Lake Michigan

Owned and operated by the Gun Lake Casino, Play Gun Lake Michigan has brought its services online with a robust online casino and sportsbook. Their online gambling is provided by betParx Interactive out of Pennsylvania, which provides their gaming services in addition to their payment services.

Operated by the Gun Lake Tribe (Match-E-Be-Nash-She-Wish Band of Pottawatomi Indians), Play Gun Michigan continues to expand its online gambling services and turn into a premier online gambling in Michigan site.

ESPN Bet Michigan

Launched in November 2023, ESPN Bet Michigan is one of the latest online gambling sites in Michigan, as they take over the gaming license in partnership with PENN Entertainment. As a result, Barstool Sportsbook MI has ceased to exist, and was replaced with ESPN Bet Michigan.

ESPN Bet has gone live in 17 different states including Michigan, and has from day one been a hit with sports fans and bettors in the Great Lakes State.

SI Michigan

Launched in August 2022, SI Sportsbook MI was a late player to join the space, but they nonetheless made an immediate impact in the Wolverine State. With their odds provided by the popular Kambi, SI Michigan operates in the state in partnership with Island Resort and Casino.

Despite not having any retail sportsbooks or affiliations with professional sports teams in the state, Sports Illustrated Sportsbook Michigan still offers its bettors a wide variety of sports markets and bet types. Exclusive to just Michigan and Virginia, Sports Illustrated Sportsbook is a great option despite its relatively small footprint.

Four Winds Michigan

Opened in February 2021, Four Winds is a Michigan-based online gambling site that has one of the biggest retail sportsbooks presence in the state. With sportsbooks and casinos at Four Winds Dowagiac, Four Winds Hartford, and Four Winds New Buffalo, the online gambling site is just an added bonus for Michigan gamblers.

On their online sportsbook, Four Winds Michigan has become known for its robust live betting offerings, which continue to drive bettors to their site. Four Winds Michigan also has its odds provided by Kambi, and while they may lack some of the niche sports betting markets, they still offer plenty of offerings for the majority of bettors.

FireKeepers Michigan

Taking its first online action in July 2021, FireKeepers Michigan has been around since 2009, first operating as a brick-and-mortar casino and resort. Their retail sportsbook in Battle Creek, MI opened in June 2020, and it remains operating today as one of the best casino and sportsbook locations in the state.

Managed and operated by the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi Tribe in Michigan, FireKeepers is another option that local gamblers have come to love in the online gambling space in Michigan. One of the most notable features, FireKeepers Michigan has some of the best customer service in the state.

Eagle Casino and Sports Michigan

Eagle Casino and Sports Michigan first came online in April 2022 in partnership with their retail casino location Soaring Eagle Casino. Offering Michigan gamblers a high-quality online casino and sportsbook, Eagle Casino and Sports Michigan has turned into one of the premier local online gambling options in the state.

Operated by the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe, Eagle Casino and Sports Michigan have brought their great retail gambling experience online as players throughout the Wolverine State have come to enjoy.

Is online gambling legal in Michigan?

Yes, online gambling is legal in Michigan and is monitored and regulated by the Michigan Gaming Control Board. Each online casino and sportsbook operates in partnership with a local retail casino, which administers their odds and maintains their gaming license.

When it comes to signing up for an online gambling site in MI, there are just a few simple steps you must follow. Here is how to sign up for an online gambling site in MI.

Use sign-up code: Using one of the sign-up codes noted above, follow the link to be sent directly to the MI gambling site landing page. By using the links above, the sign-up bonuses will automatically be applied to your account for use right away.
Choose login credentials: When you first get to the online gambling site in MI, you’ll be asked to enter your desired username and password, as well as possibly your email address.
Enter legal information: With your login credentials decided, it’s time now to verify your identity. For starters, you’ll be asked to provide your phone number, first and last name, home address, and the last four digits of your social security number.
Agree to terms and conditions: Now that the online gambling site in MI has your information, you’ll have to agree to any privacy policies or terms and conditions the sites put forth.
Deposit funds: With your account now registered and identifying information verified, you’ll be asked to put funds into your account. Choose one of the many safe and secure payment methods, keeping in mind any terms and conditions stated in your sign-up bonus.

Types of online gambling available in Michigan

As you’ve by now gathered, the Great Lakes State is very online gambling friendly, with no shortage of ways to get involved in the action. Let’s take a look at the types of online gambling available in Michigan.

Online casinos: With more than a dozen now available online in the state, Michigan online casinos have become a gambler favorite in terms of total money wagered. Everything from online slots, table games, Keno, poker, and more are offered at online casinos in Michigan, with some of the biggest operators in the country setting up shop in the state.
Sports betting: With the overturning of The Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) in 2018, online sports betting went live in the U.S. outside of Nevada in 2019 and it’s been a gold rush ever since. Michigan sports betting got in on the fun (and funds) in January 2021 and has since launched more than 14 online sportsbooks. Everything from the major leagues like the NFL and NBA, to smaller niche markets like Rugby and Cricket are available for online sports bettors in Michigan.
Horse Racing: Horse racing has been legal in the state since 1933, and Michigan horse race betting went live in the state in 2020, allowing for betting on horse tracks all over the planet. Some of the biggest pari-mutuel operators in the state include BetAmerica, DRF Bets, Xpressbet, TwinSpires, and AmWager.

Tips when gambling online in Michigan

If you are just starting out gambling online in Michigan, or have been doing it for a while but looking for some advice, you’ve come to the right place. Here are a few tips for gambling online in Michigan from our team of experts.

Manage your bankroll: No matter how good of a gambler (or lucky) you are, managing your funds will be key to long-term success. When it comes to sports betting, try to bet around the same amount of money each time, remaining disciplined to not bet more when you are down and vice versa.
Use promotional offers: You can find the best sign-up bonuses in online gambling in Michigan above, so take advantage of them when signing up for new accounts. Oftentimes, they’ll give you bonus bets to use to try and earn real money while you learn the platform.
Know when to walk away: As the expression goes, “Vegas wasn’t built on the back of winners.” More often than not, you’ll go through losing streaks where you can’t hit a bet or win a hand. Know when to step away and take a break.

History of online gambling in Michigan

The history of online gambling in Michigan is one of the most interesting in the country, as supporters and detractors of the industry have each had their successes.

From online casinos, sportsbooks, and horse racing operators, Michigan’s regulatory bodies have overseen the process from start to finish. Let’s take a closer look at how things have played out in the state.

December 2016: Legislation was introduced to legalize online casinos, with partnerships between commercial operators and tribal casinos being a requirement. This bill ultimately failed in the Michigan Senate.
September 2018: After some changes to the aforementioned legislation, at first put forward by Senator Mike Kowall, the Senate approved the bill. This time, the bill was shot down by Governor Rick Synder at the 11th hour as he feared the impact on the state’s School Aid Fund and iLottery proceeds.
October 2019: The Lawful Internet Gaming Act and Lawful Sports Sports Betting Act were both pushed through the House.
December 2019: Based on the Lawful Internet Gaming Act and Lawful Sports Sports Betting Act’s approvals, the Gambling Expansion Bill was passed by the Michigan Senate and signed into law by Governor Gretchen Whitmer.
January 2021: Delayed by the pandemic, gaming providers officially launched their online betting sites, providing both online casinos and sportsbooks to Michigan residents.

Who oversees online gambling in MI?

Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) is the regulatory agency that oversees online gambling in MI, which includes its sports betting, horse racing, and online casino business.

Backed by the State of Michigan, the MGCB ensures that all online gambling companies in MI act in a fair and equitable manner, and operate within Michigan state laws around online gambling.

What taxes do gamblers pay on winnings in Michigan?

The state of Michigan imposes a 4.25% tax on gambling winnings, which is in addition to the 24% federal tax rate withholding. The same taxes apply to everything from lottery, sports betting, horse racing, and online casino winnings.

When it comes to paying taxes on your winnings, it's always best to check with a local tax expert for your specific scenario and financial situation.

Michigan State Lottery

First introduced in 1972, the Michigan State Lottery has a storied history and has evolved over the years to become one of the best in the country. Today, they offer several popular games including, terminal-based games, scratch-off tickets, pull-tabs, and more.

In recent years, the Michigan State Lottery has brought all of its traditional offerings online, offering online versions of scratch-off tickets, digital tickets for terminal-based games, and even traditional lottery tickets that are purchased online.

When it comes to traditional lottery tickets, also known as draw games, the Michigan State Lottery has a handful that keeps the state’s gamblers coming back for more. Some of the most popular include Daily 3 and 4, Fantasy 5 + ezMatch, Lotto 47 + ezMatch, and Double Play.

The Michigan State Lottery operates with more than 10,000 Michigan Lottery retailers, as well as does an increasing majority of its business through its Michigan Lottery website.

Gambling on horses online in Michigan

First becoming legal nearly 100 years ago in 1933, gambling on horses online in Michigan became legal in 2019, going live online in 2020. Overseen by the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB), which oversees all online gambling in the state, gambling on horses online in Michigan continues to grow in popularity.

Some of the biggest players in online horse racing gambling have set up operations within the state, including DRF Bets, TVG, Xpressbet, NYRA, and more. Despite its recent popularity surge due to online gambling on horses, the state of Michigan only has one active track; Northville Downs in Northville, MI.

Gambling responsibly in Michigan

When it comes to gambling responsibly, there are a few tips and tricks that every gambler should know. For starters, take breaks from playing if you’ve been playing for hours, or give yourself a set amount of time for each session.

Additionally, you should not consider gambling a source of income, or rely on the money you could potentially win to pay your bills or provide for yourself or your family.

Another good piece of advice is to only gamble with money that you can comfortably afford to lose, establishing what that amount is before you start gambling. Lastly, set limits on yourself to walk away if you lose a certain amount.

If you do find yourself in a bad situation where your gambling has become a problem, there is help available. Reach out to the Michigan Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-270-7117.

FAQ

What is the legal online gambling age in Michigan?

The legal online gambling age in Michigan is 21 years of age or older.

How to check if an online gambling site in Michigan is legit?

The best way to check if an online gambling site in Michigan is legit is to ensure it’s regulated by the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB). That is the regulating body in the state that all online gambling sites in Michigan are safe and secure.

Do I need to provide an ID when signing up for an online gambling site in MI?

You do not need to provide an ID when signing up for an online gambling site in MI, but you will need to provide the information on it such as home address and first and last name. You’ll also be asked to provide the last four digits of your social security number.

Do I have to be a resident of MI to gamble online?

No, you don’t have to be a resident of MI to gamble online. If you are gambling on an MI-based site, you do have to be physically present within the state.

Can I find mobile online gambling apps in Michigan?

Yes, there are more than a dozen mobile online gambling apps in Michigan available to gamblers.

Author Details

Johnny Covers

Johnny Covers, an author and sports betting expert at MI Betting, brings nearly ten years of industry experience. Known for his handicapping abilities, he has provided valuable analysis to several leading sports and betting platforms. His work has gained recognition in notable publications such as All-In Magazine, Blitz Predict, FantasyPros, Betting Pros, Sportsbook Review, Golf Monthly, and OddsChecker.