Guide to Online Casinos in Michigan
Gambling online isn’t a new thing; in fact, it’s been available since the late 90s. However, the online gambling industry has gone through many ups and downs since then. Online gambling was finally legalized again in 2011. New Jersey and Pennsylvania typically receive all the fanfare for their multi-tiered online gambling options, but many states, including Michigan, have legalized and launched online casinos and sportsbooks to stay hip with the in-crowd.
Online Gambling in Michigan
Since January 22, 2021, when the Michigan Gaming Control Board fully legalized online casinos, Michiganders have been able to satisfy their craving for gambling on a dozen casino apps that offer online slots, blackjack, and sports betting.
When a state has made online casinos fully legal, this simply means that the three tiers of online gambling are available for anyone living, working, or visiting the state to participate in. The three tiers of online casinos include online slots, poker, and sports betting.
Top Five Online Casinos in Michigan
As of April 2021, there are now 12 mobile online casino apps to try your luck on, but how do you know which one will be best for you? We took the liberty of weighing the pros and cons of each and have put together a list of the Top Five Online Casinos that we are sure you’re going to enjoy!
Golden Nugget
Best For: Online Slots and No Deposit
Available On: Web, iOS, and Android
Free Play: $30
Deposit Match Bonus: $1,000 (100% deposit match)
PROMO Code: SHARP30
Minimum Age: 21
The Golden Nugget Casino App is the Rolls-Royce of online gambling. As the second state to offer Golden Nugget Casino as an online option, they provide an unparalleled deposit match bonus of up to $1,000, and if that’s not enough to sell you, they also offer their players $30 of FREE play! Other bonus offers include 200 free spins for newcomers a $50 refer a friend bonus for up to ten friends (that’s an extra $500 in your pocket for simply inviting your friends to partake in the fun).
The slot selection is unlike no other online casino--with over 700 different slots to choose from, Golden Nugget Casino has something for everyone. Starting at just $0.25 per spin, you will be on your way to spinning the day away!
FanDuel
Best For: Sports Fans
Available On: Web, iOS, and Android
Free Play: Up to $200 Risk-free for 24 hours (new players)
Deposit Match Bonus: None
PROMO Code: None needed
Minimum Age: 21
The Sportsbook and Casino App available with FanDuel is one of the top-rated apps due to its ease of use, internet stability, and smartness. Betting on sports has never been easier than it is on the FanDuel app, and the fact that they offer a risk-free day bonus for new users makes it an easy choice if you’re feeling uneasy about online gambling. If you’re looking for an app that also offers online poker or slots, this may not be the app for you, but through the month of April, FanDuel is offering all players a chance at winning with its Blackjack Warrior promo, giving you a bonus when you play midweek blackjack.
WynnBet
Best For: FREE Spins
Available On: Web, iOS, and Android
Free Play: 200 FREE Spins (Divine Fortune Slots)
Deposit Match Bonus: $1,000 (100% deposit match)
PROMO Code: SHARP
Minimum Age: 21
Wynn is one of the most well-known names in the gambling industry, and WynnBet is from the same company that operates the Las Vegas casinos Wynn and Encore, making it a reliable choice when deciding which app to use. WynnBet Casino offers a large arsenal of real-money online slots, table games, and blackjack games. WynnBet is also the only online casino that offers FREE spins; 200 to be exact! Similar to the Golden Nugget, this online casino also offers a significant deposit match of up to $1000 for players to have an added sense of security.
WynnBet not only has an extensive list of slots and table games but they’re also fully integrated with the WynnBet Sportsbook for players interested in spreading the love across gaming and sports betting.
BetRivers Casino
Best For: Deposit Bonuses and Casual Players
Available On: Web, iOS, and Android
Free Play: None
Deposit Match Bonus: $250 (100% deposit match)
PROMO Code: None
Minimum Age: 21
BetRivers Casino app is ideal for new or casual bettors as it offers its players a wide variety of online slots, table games, and sports betting. The app and web-based platform are visually appealing and easy to use, making BetRivers Online Casino a no-brainer choice for anyone looking to try their luck in the gambling world. BetRivers offers its new players a $250 deposit match with only a 1x playthrough, making this online casino one of the most competitive bonus offers in the Great Lake State. One of the things that all BetRivers casino reviewers love is that a FREE round of bingo will randomly appear. And if you win, you’ll receive a bonus prize!
BetMGM
Best For: Current MGM Players
Available On: Web, iOS, and Android
Free Play: $25 FREE Credit
Deposit Match Bonus: $1000 (100% deposit match)
PROMO Code: SHARP
Minimum Age: 21
Like Wynn, the MGM is one of the top and most memorable names in casinos. When you think of casinos or gambling, it’s hard not to think about MGM and the iconic lion. Since MGM is so well-known, the BetMGM app is one of the most robust casino apps that offers the widest variety of online slots (3,500 to choose from), table games, and live dealer rooms. Not only does BetMGM offer a $1000 deposit match, but they automatically give you a $25 credit just for signing up to use the app (on the house). If FREE money isn’t enough to convince you to join other players on BetMGM, you will also want to check out their featured game each day as well as their online sportsbook where you can place bets against your favorite team. BetMGM is said to be an excellent choice for all Detroit Lions fans!
Other Online Casinos in Michigan
Along with the Top Five you’ve just read about, Michigan also offers bettors the chance to use the following casino apps:
William Hill
DraftKings Casino
Twinspires Casino
Stars Casino
Barstool Casino
Four Winds Casino
Online Casinos Recently Announced in Michigan
In addition to the 12 online casino apps available in Michigan we’ve talked about, it is said that more will be following suit in the near future. It isn’t quite clear when these apps will be available, however, we always want to keep you up to date with the most recent news. These brands include:
PointsBet
Firekeepers Casino
Casinos that could be coming to Michigan, but nothing is set in stone at this point are Unibet and Caesars Online Casino. Both companies have successful apps in New Jersey and Pennslyvania and are rumored to be exploring the option of expansion.
History of Online Casinos in Michigan
The history of online casinos in Michigan may not run deep, but the road to legalizing online gambling was riddled with hiccups, and due to COVID-19, the timeline was extended even more so. The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) officially legalized online gambling at the end of 2019, but when Detroit’s commercial casinos closed their doors in March 2020, the MGCB was more concerned about how they were going to fill the huge financial impact. They did their best to speed along the process of opening up online casinos, but sadly, they were unable to do so until January 2021. Luckily, on January 22, eight online casino apps were ready to greet new players with eager anticipation.
Online Casino Explained
So that we’re all on the same page and have similar levels of knowledge, we wanted to take a quick moment to go over the basics of online casinos. Here is an easy cheat sheet that you can reference if you’re ever curious or want to know more.
What are Online Casinos?
Online casinos are websites and apps that offer traditional casino games to players in the comfort of their own homes in states where online gambling is legal. Depending on the state, online casinos offer bettors online poker, spots, and sports betting. Like a retail casino, online casinos generally offer new players bonuses as an included incentive.
What is an Online Casino Bonus?
There are typically two types of casino bonuses offered by online casinos; the first being a welcome bonus and the second being a risk-free bet.
Welcome Bonus
A welcome bonus is what it sounds like, a bonus you receive when you initially sign-up and start using your account. These are sometimes referred to as no-deposit bets, so try not to be confused if you see one over the other--they’re essentially the same. Welcome bonuses are typically smaller amounts, but whoever said no to free money?
Risk-free Bets
Risk-free bets are a great way for casinos to ease the minds of their players. If you’ve ever gambled, you might have felt a bit of anxiety, because no one wants to lose their money. With a risk-free bet, you can wager any amount with the confidence that you will get back a certain amount, even if you lose.
How are Online Casinos Regulated?
Online casinos must be licensed by their state gaming boards. Michigan’s retail and online casinos are regulated by the Michigan Gaming Control Board. This differs for casinos located on Native Tribe land. Those casinos as regulated by the National Indian Gaming Commission.
Michigan Online Casinos Explained
Because the laws and regulations of each state differ, below you will find some frequently asked questions when it comes to Michigan specifically.
Who Can Gamble Online in Michigan?
Anyone over the age of 21 that resides, works, or is visiting the state of Michigan is eligible to participate in online gaming.
If you are in the self-exclusion database, you may not participate. The self-exclusion database is a way for problem gamblers to protect themselves from, well, themselves. If you or someone you know has a problem with gambling or is addicted to gambling, it is recommended that you add your name to this list or seek help from a medical professional.
What is the Tax Rate for Online Casinos in Michigan?
The tax rate in MI is 20-28% depending on the casino’s annual revenue. This information can be found on the bill that legalized internet gambling in Michigan.
Are Sportsbooks and Online Casinos the Same Thing?
Simply put, no, they are not. Sportsbooks are exclusively for betting on sports games and online casinos offer games that you would traditionally see in a retail casino, including online poker and slots.
