Online Gambling in Michigan - Casino & Sports Betting

Michigan is one of the more advanced gambling states in the United States. You can gamble on online casinos and sportsbooks. They also allow you to gamble on horse racing and the lottery. Charitable gambling is allowed, although social gambling is illegal in the states. Our Online Gambling MI’s Guide is designed to help you find the best online gambling sites for your needs. We’ll look at what gaming options are available, the legal aspects of gambling in Michigan, how to select the best site and stay safe while doing so, and answer many more questions. We’ll offer a list of our favorite gambling sites in Michigan, as well.

Michigan has developed a complete legal and operational structure for gambling, with all major categories—online casinos, sports betting, land-based casinos, horse racing, lottery, and charitable gaming—formally legalized under specific acts. The Michigan Gaming Control Board oversees licensing and enforcement across the state.

Online Casinos

Online casino gaming was legalized on December 20, 2019, when Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed House Bill 4311 into law. The Lawful Internet Gaming Act allows commercial casinos to offer online slots, table games, and poker to players aged 21 and over. The Michigan Gaming Control Board regulates all operators and platform providers.

• Status: Legal
• Date of Authorization: December 20, 2019
• Law: Act 152 of 2019 (Lawful Internet Gaming Act)
• Official Link:
  https://www.michigan.gov/-/media/Project/Websites/mgcb/Internet-Gaming-and-Fantasy-Contests/ActsandRules/Lawful_Internet_Gaming_Act_PA_152_of_2019.pdf
  

Online Sports Betting

Online sports betting was legalized on December 20, 2019, when the Lawful Sports Betting Act (Act 149 of 2019) was signed into law. It allows licensed casinos and tribal gaming operators to offer online and mobile sports wagering to players across Michigan. The legislation was part of a broader package that expanded online gaming access.

• Status: Legal
• Date of Authorization: December 20, 2019
• Law: Act 149 of 2019 (Lawful Sports Betting Act)
• Official Link:
  https://www.michigan.gov/-/media/Project/Websites/mgcb/Internet-Gaming-and-Fantasy-Contests/ActsandRules/Lawful_Sports_Betting_Act_PA_149_of_2019.pdf
  

Physical Casinos

Casino gambling in Michigan was legalized through Proposal E, passed by voters in 1996, and implemented through the Michigan Gaming Control and Revenue Act. This law established three commercial casinos in Detroit and provided a framework for licensing, taxation, and regulation.

• Status: Legal
• Date of Authorization: November 5, 1996
• Law: Public Act 69 of 1997 (Michigan Gaming Control and Revenue Act)
• Official Link:
  https://www.legislature.mi.gov/documents/mcl/pdf/mcl-Act-69-of-1997.pdf
  

Horse Racing

Horse racing and pari-mutuel betting were formally regulated under the Horse Racing Law of 1995. The legislation outlines the licensing and operational requirements for live and simulcast horse racing events. The law is overseen by the Michigan Gaming Control Board.

• Status: Legal
• Date of Authorization: July 25, 1995
• Law: Act 279 of 1995 (Horse Racing Law)
• Official Link:
  https://www.legislature.mi.gov/documents/mcl/pdf/mcl-Act-279-of-1995.pdf
  

Lottery

The Michigan Lottery was established in 1972 through the McCauley-Traxler-Law-Bowman-McNeely Lottery Act. It allows the operation of instant tickets, draw games, and participation in multi-state lotteries. The Michigan Bureau of State Lottery operates under this statutory authority.

• Status: Legal
• Date of Authorization: August 1, 1972
• Law: Public Act 239 of 1972
• Official Link:
  https://www.legislature.mi.gov/documents/mcl/pdf/mcl-Act-239-of-1972.pdf
  

Charitable Gaming

Charitable gaming was legalized under the Traxler-McCauley-Law-Bowman-Bowman Act in 1972. The law permits eligible nonprofit organizations to conduct bingo, raffles, charity poker, and other small games of chance. Oversight is provided by the Charitable Gaming Division of the MGCB.

• Status: Legal
• Date of Authorization: December 27, 1972
• Law: Public Act 382 of 1972
• Official Link:
  https://www.legislature.mi.gov/documents/mcl/pdf/mcl-Act-382-of-1972.pdf
  

Overall Comment

Michigan has fully legalized and professionally regulated all major forms of gambling through clear, modern legislation. It is considered one of the most advanced U.S. states in terms of legal gaming infrastructure and digital access.