Michigan has a large and lucrative casino industry. In recent years, a huge number of individuals here have begun playing their favorite casino games over the internet. Today, we’re going to explain how you can find the best Michigan casino sites.
Many of the top online casinos in the country are available in Michigan. For some, choosing which one of these websites to join can seem a little daunting. We’re going to help make things a little easier by explaining exactly what features to look for in these sites.
Casinos & Gambling in Michigan. Firekeeper's Casino. Four Winds Casino. Island Resort & Casino. Soaring Eagle Casino. Kewadin Casinos St. Ignace is located at the Gateway to the Upper Peninsula and is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Kewadin Casinos in Manistique is open 365 days a year. Here you will find Vegas style gaming which includes slots, 15 minutes W of Escanaba on US-2 & 41. Open 24 hours/365 days.
Later on, we’ll get into the legal landscape of online gambling here. Laws within this industry can change fast and it’s important to understand what’s allowed and what isn’t.
Some of you might want to skip over this information and get straight to the betting. No problem! Below are a few of the best casino sites in Michigan operating right now. Feel free to check them out!
Rank | Gambling Site | Deposit Bonus | Get Started | |
#1 | 280% Up To $14,000 | Visit Site | ||
#2 | Super Slots | 300% Up To $6,000 | Visit Site | |
#3 | 225% Up To $12,250 | Visit Site | ||
#4 | Vegas Casino Online | 100% Up To $11,000 | Visit Site | |
#5 | 250% Up To $5,000 | Visit Site |
This state’s gambling market continues to improve. If you’re a gambling fan here, you have a lot to be happy about! Here’s how you can find a fantastic online casino right now.
Here’s What to Look for in Michigan Casino Sites
Joining a casino website for the first time shouldn’t be difficult. In fact, it’s extremely easy. You just need to know exactly what to look for. There are some features that all reputable Michigan online casino sites offer to their members.
These are four of the most important features to keep an eye out for when looking to join any Michigan casino sites.
Safe and Transparent Payment Options
The first and most important thing to look for in a gambling website is its payment system. Before you decide to wager money through a casino site, you’ll want to know that your money will be secure. Fortunately, this is a very easy thing to look into.
One way to learn more about a site’s payment options is to head over to our gambling site reviews page. Here, we provide cashier information on many of the best casino sites in Michigan. You can also check these websites out for yourself and head to their cashier pages. Most will list exactly what’s available.
You’ll want to join a casino website that allows deposits to be made using all major debit cards including Visa and Mastercard. Withdrawal options tend to be a little more limited. Oftentimes, the only option to collect your winnings is via Bitcoin. Make sure fees for these deposits and withdrawals are reasonable.
Helpful Customer Support System
When first getting into online casino gambling, many completely overlook how important customer service really is. It’s a shame, as this is one of the most important tools available to online gamblers in Michigan. Before you join any casino websites, make sure that they are always available to help you out when you need it.
Today, the best option is a live chat feature. It allows you to speak to a customer representative through instant message. Some sites also provide a direct phone line option, which is great. It’s usually best to avoid the websites offering only email support.
Finding more information on these site’s support options is easy, too! You can find out everything you need to know using the same methods that we listed above.
Great Design and Overall Functionality
A casino website’s design is another commonly-overlooked feature. Don’t make the mistake of thinking it’s not important. The way that these Michigan online casino sites are designed will impact your entire gambling experience.
Website functionality is also extremely important. You will want to be able to navigate through these sites without the fear of them crashing. Of all the features listed here, this is the easiest to learn more about.
You can simply check out a few different Michigan casino sites for yourself. Eventually, you will begin to realize which styles you enjoy. We recommend that you check out the different pages and make sure that the wagering process with each one is simple.
Casino Games That You Want to Play
Unfortunately, some individuals who are still new to casino gambling join a website without even checking to make sure the games they want to play are available. This is one of the more frustrating mistakes that can be made. It’s also another easy one to avoid!
All reputable Michigan online casino sites clearly feature the games that are available. If they don’t, then the website is not worth joining. Spend some time ensuring that the exact games you want to play are provided before you join any online casino.
Everyone has a different gambling preference. Some love to play blackjack. Others want to relax and hit the slots. As long as you find a site that offers the games you enjoy, it’s probably okay.
Why Are Online Casino Sites in Michigan Growing so Popular Right Now?
Every year, more individuals in Michigan begin playing at online casino websites. This is the case throughout the entire country as well! It seems Michigan, in particular, is developing a massive online casino fan base.
We wanted to know why. Our team reached out to a number of individuals here and asked why online casino gambling is growing so popular. There are two responses that we continued to hear back.
It’s the Most Convenient Option Available Right Now
Michigan is home to many popular land-based casinos. Interestingly, many people are now skipping the trip to their local casino in order to make bets online. Why drive miles when all of your favorite gambling options can be done from the comfort of home?
Most casino sites in Michigan are also available to play using your smartphone. Mobile gambling is also extremely popular right now and is growing bigger each month. If you want to be able to make bets from anywhere with an internet connection, Michigan casino sites are probably for you.
There Are More Gambling Options Available
It’s incredible to see how many great gambling options are now available over the internet. Not long ago, online casinos only offered a few limited games such as slots and blackjack. Today, it’s not uncommon to see online casinos in MI offering hundreds of different games every single day.
In fact, some of these websites offer more gambling options than the top land-based casinos in the country. Fun, unique forms of gambling such as live dealer games are also available. These make it feel as if you’re gambling inside of a real casino.
There are many reasons why online gambling is growing so popular. Check out the best Michigan casino sites that we listed at the top of this page to see for yourself why they are attracting so many new players.
Do Casino Sites in MI Offer Online Poker?
Generally speaking, yes! Online poker has been extremely popular in the US for years. Today, most reputable Michigan casino sites offer at least some poker gambling options.
Some sites are known to offer better poker options than others. The best ones will put on major tournaments for their members. Sometimes, these tournaments can offer huge paydays for the winners.
If you’re a poker fan, make sure you find a site that offers the games you’re looking for. Fortunately, this is very easy to do nowadays.
List of Land-Based Casinos in Michigan
- Odawa Casino: Petoskey
- MGM Grand Detroit Casino: Detroit
- Soaring Eagle Casino: Mount Pleasant
- Four Winds Casino: New Buffalo
- Firekeepers Casino: Battle Creek
- Bay Mills Resort and Casinos: Brimley
- Island Resort and Casino: Harris
- Kewadin Shores Casino: Saint Ignace
- Ojibwa Casino Marquette: Marquette
As we mentioned earlier, Michigan is home to many great land-based casinos. In fact, this state has a storied history of casino gambling that dates back to the 1800s. In 1996, the state approved a referendum that allows for Class III gambling venues to start opening in the state.
Brian christopher death. Before long, many tribes here began opening casinos. Today, there are a huge number of gambling venues spread around the state. Some of them are known to be a little better than others.
Listed above are the names and locations of the best land-based casinos in Michigan.
Many people still prefer to make their bets the old-fashioned way inside a real establishment. There’s nothing wrong with that! If you’re near any of the cities above, make sure to check out the local casino.
Is Online Casino Gambling in MI Legal Right Now?
Since the 1990s, Michigan has been thought of as a gambling-friendly state. Most traditional forms of gambling here are perfectly legal including casino gambling. Here, the specific legality of online casino gambling lies in somewhat of a gray area. This is actually the case in many states that have not yet regulated this industry.
In 1999, a law was passed that outright banned online gambling. It was struck down just a year later. Now, there are no clear laws here that state whether or not it’s allowed to play casino games online in this state. Many take that as a sign that it’s legal!
Section 750.314 of the State Statutes gives at least some description of the legality of casino gambling in this state. “Any person who by playing at cards, dice, or any other game, or by betting or putting up money on cards, or by any other means or device in the nature of betting on cards, or betting of any kind, wins or obtains any sum of money or any goods, or any article of value whatever, is guilty of a misdemeanor…”
As you can see, the laws give a pretty broad description of gambling. Some detractors of online gambling claim this means it’s illegal to play at casino sites in Michigan. There’s no real evidence of that.
Will I Be Prosecuted for Playing at Michigan Online Casino Sites?
It’s highly unlikely. Lawmakers in this state don’t seem too concerned with the online gambling industry. Law enforcement also seems unwilling to go after anyone making wagers online. Our team has not come across a single case of anyone facing legal action for playing at casino sites in MI.
*We are not lawyers, and always recommend that you abide by your state’s laws. For a more in-depth description on online casino legality, feel free to contact a law professional with experience in gambling.*
How Can I Stay Safe Playing Casino Games Online Here?
It’s perfectly reasonable to be concerned with safety when first getting into online gambling. This industry is new, and many are still somewhat unaware of how exactly it works. Fortunately, online gambling has become much easier over the years and today, it’s extremely easy to protect yourself while making bets online.
Here are a couple of tips to keep in mind when getting into online casino gambling in MI.
Stick to Reputable Sites
This is the easiest way to ensure that your online gambling experience is nothing but fun. As long as you play through a reputable site, the odds of you encountering any issues is small. These Michigan online casino sites should offer great customer support options and a safe payment system.
Reach out to Customer Support When You Need It
Speaking of customer support, it’s important that you utilize this tool when you need it! Michigan does not regulate its online casino market. If you encounter an issue while gambling online, you’ll need to rely on the site that you play at to help you out. Make sure to always ask for assistance for any issues you come across.
Bet on Games You Know and Understand
The top casino sites in Michigan offer hundreds of different games every single day. It can be tempting to throw money on a game that you’ve never played before in hopes of winning big. Generally speaking, this isn’t a good idea. Your odds of winning will increase significantly when placing wagers on games you’re familiar with.
Keep Track of How Much You Are Betting
Most agree that casino gambling is fun. Unfortunately, some individuals wager a little more than they probably should. It can sometimes be easy to lose track of how much money you are losing. Make sure to track your betting habits and understand when to take a break.
Keep Your Betting Account Information Private
Never release the information of your betting account information! Think of it as a bank account. Anyone with access to this information can collect your money without you knowing about it. It’s also smart to change your account password from time to time.
FAQ on Online Casino Gambling in Michigan
Will Online Casino Sites in Michigan Ever Become Regulated by the State?
In the future, it’s very likely. As of now, however, lawmakers here seem to be turning an eye toward this industry. There haven’t been any real attempts to regulate online casinos but, in time, this will almost certainly change.
What Are the Best Michigan Casino Sites Currently Available?
Many will have their own opinion on this. Some online gambling sites are known to offer different options than others. From what we can see, the most popular Michigan online casino sites currently operating are Bovada and MyBookie.ag. Both are safe and offer a wide range of gambling options for their players.
Is Online Gambling Easier Than Land-Based Gambling?
Not necessarily! The actual betting process is actually very similar. You find the games you want to play and place your wagers. When it comes to convenience, however, it’s significantly easier. These websites allow you to play all of your favorite games from the comfort of home. You can even bet wagers on-the-go using a smartphone!
How Much Money Can I Win Playing at MI Casino Sites?
Real deal bet. That all depends on how you bet! Generally speaking, the more that you play, the better your chances will be to win big. It certainly helps to play games that you are familiar with. Start slow with your bets and learn a game before you start placing huge wagers!
Why Should I Play Online Casino Games in Michigan?
The choice to play at online casino sites in Michigan is always yours. There seem to be no laws against it here, and it’s the most convenient gambling options available at the moment. If you’re a fan of casinos, you will probably love the Michigan online casino sites available right now.
Conclusion
Now is a fantastic time to be a gambling fan in Michigan. There are a huge number of both online and land-based casinos available in this state. It should never be difficult to sit down and place some bets.
Laws toward online casino gambling are changing around the country. Make sure to follow our industry news page for updates on the legal situation in Michigan. Don’t forget to check out the websites that we’re recommending at the top of this page, too!
Good luck with your bets.
Bryce Derouin@B_DEROUINSeptember 22nd, 2020 - 11:11am@B_DEROUINAndrew Rains describes himself as a regular casino visitor near Detroit, going at least once a month before the onset of the coronavirus pandemic. But Rains, like the rest of the people around the state, was shut out from the gaming floors for nearly five months after the casinos closed in mid-March.
When Rains and others were able to revisit in early August after Detroit’s three casinos reopened their doors at 15% capacity, it was an entirely different atmosphere than the one they had known. Masks were required, temperatures were checked, social distancing guidelines and regular disinfecting were in place. The optics of the gaming and patrons looked different, but for Rains’ visit with his girlfriend in late August, the mood and relative normalcy had a familiar vibe.
RELATED: More about Michigan gaming and sports betting
“It was a fun night,” said Rains, who went to the casino to celebrate his girlfriend’s birthday. “Everyone was doing what they should be doing. It wasn’t like walking into Wal-Mart where every other person didn’t have a mask on and all that stuff. Everybody was aware of the issue at hand, and I think for the overall part, everybody just wanted to go out and do something, but still follow Michigan guidelines.”
The process for patrons getting to their favorite games has changed. Just half of the tables are open and are limited to three people per table, and the number of slots available have been reconfigured to promote social distancing. Despite the guidelines, giving visitors like Rains a sense of safety and normalcy has been a focal point for David Tsai, MGM Grand Detroit president and COO.
“The core gaming experience I think we can still deliver on,” Tsai said. “We can keep people socially distant and offer the games people are looking for.
“We know this is a different time right now. We opened with some of the most restrictive protocols of any state in the nation, and we wanted to make sure we took it at an appropriate pace. We didn’t want to rush into things.”
There will soon be more options for Michigan bettors and casino players. Online casino gambling is being played in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware and West Virginia. Michigan has legalized online casinos with a target launch date of later this year. The state is holding a public hearing on online gaming regulations on Wednesday.
Online casino games have produced revenue for those four states during the coronvirus pandemic and have provided gamblers with a safe way to play while brick-and-mortar casinos were closed or reopened with limited capacity like those in Michigan.
Casinos Restricted
Rains’ affinity for gaming can be traced to his mom introducing him to casinos. She loved penny slots, and it’s the reason he prefers those to table games. Now, he’s graduated on to the 25-cent machines because he believes, “there’s no bang for your buck,” in penny slots and it’s on the bigger games where he makes his money. But even as a slot lover, Rains understood the necessary safety steps that needed to be taken, even if that means some of his favorite games are inactive.
“One thing I found nice was that not only did they shut slot machines down at every other terminal, but they also removed the chairs,” Rains said. “You didn’t have a bunch of people sitting next to each other even though the machine was down, which I thought was a really good idea.”
The casual gaming element has been the one area casinos have been able to closely mimic since reopening. Gone are the events, tournaments, drawings, concerts and live entertainment in the bars. Poker rooms remain closed, and other amenities such as valet service, fitness centers and spas also have yet to reopen.
“We certainly don’t want to do anything that draws a crowd, so that broader level of entertainment is something that we can’t right now deliver on,” Tsai said. “For folks who are looking for a broader entertainment experience, you’re going to have to wait a little longer. But for the folks who like to gamble, have a good time and have great service where you’re in an environment you can feel clean and safe, you’re certainly able to do that right now.”
Even with the restrictions in place and the lack of traditional amenities, Tsai has noticed a positive reception from visitors adhering to the guidelines. That includes enforcing the rule that visitors must wear their masks at all times, except when they sip their drinks. He notes it can be one of the more difficult restrictions to enforce, but MGM Grand Detroit has rarely had to kick anyone out for refusing to wear a mask.
“I think we’re fortunate in that because we’re in Michigan, folks have been used to some of the protocols for a while,” Tsai said. “By and large, almost in every instance, people are really understanding.
“The difficult part is mask enforcement, right? We’re constantly staying on top of guests and reminding them every single time. Sometimes, you know, we probably get a little annoying about it. But generally, most people are understanding and know it’s what we have to do right now.”
First Month of Reopening
As expected, revenue for Detroit’s three casinos in August fell compared to the same month as last year. Compared to 2019, MGM Grand Detroit saw a revenue drop of 46% to $28.6 million, while MotorCity dropped 37.5% to $25 million and Greektown fell 41.5% to $15.7 million. GreekTown declined to comment for this story, while MotorCity could not be reached for comment.
Over the past two decades, Detroit casinos have paid more than $2.2 billion to Michigan, designated for public schools. During August, the three Detroit casinos paid $5.6 million in taxes to the state.
Despite the revenue drop, Tsai said there is a positive outlook for the future of casinos. The weekend of Sept. 12-13 saw MGM Grand Detroit reach its full 15% occupancy for the first time, forcing the casino to shut down access to the floor. Less restrictive measures, such as allowing 25% occupancy compared to the current 15%, would also assist casinos in getting closer to generating revenues they’re accustomed to making.
“We’ve seen the volume grow steadily,” Tsai said. “We’re making some arguments about why we can still (go to 25%) and still do it safely. Even at 25%, we would be the lowest in the country of any state that’s open right now.
“In other states where we have folks who have been more comfortable coming out and have had fewer restrictions, we’ve seen casinos do just as well, if not better, than prior years. What we’re hoping to continue to do is demonstrate that we still have a lot of capacity, still have a lot of space to keep people socially distanced and we have staff to clean and sanitize. And if we just relax the restrictions even a little bit, feel we can get back to previous year levels.
According to Tsai, the younger demographic has been the one seeking dining outside their homes and entertainment options across the country. Thus far, it has been a diverse crowd returning to MGM Grand Detroit, and Tsai believes more people may be willing to return once they see how serious businesses are taking the new safety protocols put in place.
“I don’t think you’re going to see a significant shift overnight,” Tsai said of the outlook of casinos for the rest of 2020 and beyond. “I think as long as this virus is still around, and I expect the virus to remain around for a while longer, that you’ll have slow but steady growth. Lets vegas casino. I think you’ll see more people come out and understand where they can go and still feel safe, knowing the places or businesses that are taking protocols seriously.”
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sharetweetcopy linkLink copied!WRITTEN BY@B_DEROUINBryce joined TopUSCasinos.com after spending the last nine years covering high school and college sports throughout Michigan. He’s served as the primary Division II beat writer for Grand Valley State and Michigan Tech. Along with his newspaper background, he's worked in marketing and recently co-founded Upbeat — the Upper Peninsula of Michigan’s first subscription-based prep sports website. His favorite sports to gamble on are football, basketball, baseball and Formula 1.. Read MoreBryce joined TopUSCasinos.com after spending the last nine years covering high school and college sports throughout Michigan. He’s served as the primary Division II beat writer for Grand Valley State and Michigan Tech. Along with his newspaper background, he's worked in marketing and recently co-founded Upbeat — the Upper Peninsula of Michigan’s first subscription-based prep sports website. His favorite sports to gamble on are football, basketball, baseball and Formula 1.. Read MoreARTICLES YOU MAY LIKE
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