Top Michigan Casino Guide 2025
Michigan is a very welcoming state when it comes to casinos and gambling. Most forms of gambling are permitted within Michigan, with horse racing dating back to the Great Depression. In the 1970s, Michigan also legalized a state lottery and gaming events held by charities. Most states only permit charities to offer games like Bingo; however, Michigan permits other games as well, like poker nights.
As for casinos, tribal casinos initially opened in the 1990s, with state voters agreeing to legalize commercial casinos in 1997. The main motivation was to stop money from being gambled in tribal casinos, as well as outside Michigan’s borders. Now, there are over 20 casinos throughout the state of Michigan, with an estimated $4 billion in revenue.
Accepts players from: United States
Updated: 25th April, 2025
Top Michigan Casino Guide 2025
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Online Gambling Laws in Michigan
Several forms of online gambling are fully licensed and regulated in Michigan. The first is off-track betting on horse racing. State residents can place wagers on horse racing through TVG and XpressBet.
The other form of regulated online gambling is the state lottery. Lotto tickets can be bought from the state’s website, which also offers instant games similar to slot games and video keno. One thing to keep in mind is that the Michigan Gaming Control Board has declared daily fantasy sports illegal.
As for casino sites, the state has no laws that permit or forbid online gambling sites. This means that players are free to sign up at offshore casino sites, provided they are safe and reputable. If you’re looking for a safe casino site to gamble on, be sure to check out our list of recommended casino websites.
Live Gambling Permitted in Michigan
Many forms of live gambling are permitted in Michigan. Horse racing is the oldest form of regulated gambling. It was legalized during the Great Depression, and Michigan is currently home to two racetracks. Charities can also provide several forms of gambling games to raise money.
These games include bingo, raffles, casino and poker nights, and the state lottery. Tickets can be bought online or at retail stores throughout Michigan.
As for live casinos, there are plenty of tribal casinos throughout the state. There are also three commercial casinos located in Detroit. Casinos can offer plenty of games to visitors, including slots, video poker, roulette, blackjack, baccarat, live poker, and other house-banked games.
Gambling Laws
As mentioned, Michigan laws are very friendly towards gambling. However, there are also strict penalties for those who break the law. There are over 20 gambling-related crimes that are considered to be misdemeanors, while there are eight felonies for illegal gambling.
The state still considers games of skill gambling if played for real money, and state law does not expressly allow them at this stage. Horse racing is permitted, but greyhound racing is not. Racebooks are also allowed to accept wagers on events happening outside of Michigan.
As for the laws governing casinos, they are only allowed to be on Native American reservations or within the city limits of Detroit. Commercial casinos pay 24% of their net win to the state, while tribal casinos do not pay any taxes. Casinos are permitted to offer all top casino games, including slots, blackjack, roulette, poker, baccarat, craps, and more.
Players must be 18 years old to bet on horse racing, buy lottery tickets, and participate in charitable gambling events. The minimum age at casinos is also 18, provided no alcohol is served. If alcohol is available, players will need to be 21 to gamble at the casinos.
History of Gambling in the State
Regulated gambling in Michigan dates back to 1933, when the Racing Act legalized horse racing. Horse racing peaked in the mid-20th century and only began to decline once tribal casinos started opening.
In 1972, the state voted to legalize the state lottery, with the first scratch-off ticket being sold in October 1975. The first lottery ticket was sold in 1977, with Michigan joining the interstate lottery in 1996. 1972 also saw Act 382 pass, which allowed charities to use gambling games to aid with fundraising. Casino games were added to the charity laws in 2007.
The first tribal casino opened in 1993, and close to 20 tribal casinos opened in various other locations. In late 1996, voters agreed to allow the expansion of gambling by permitting casinos within Detroit.
Michigan Casino FAQs
Yes, Michigan has numerous forms of legal gambling available to all residents.
Yes, betting on horse racing has been legal since the 1930s. Michigan racebooks can also accept bets on horse racing events from outside Michigan.
Unfortunately, these are illegal in the state. However, despite the law stating they are unlawful, many fantasy sports sites will still accept players from Michigan. We recommend adhering to the law.
There are several ways to play poker legally in Michigan. Charities can offer poker nights, and there are several legal poker rooms throughout the state. Finally, poker is available at the state’s tribal and commercial casinos.
Michigan residents and visitors have a vast range of casino games available to them. These include the likes of slots, roulette, baccarat, craps, blackjack, and poker.
Do Michigan casinos permit smoking?
Yes, they do. Despite a statewide ban on smoking in public places, commercial casinos are exempt from this. The reason is that the state ban does not bind tribal casinos, so it was determined that banning it in Detroit’s commercial casinos would be a significant disadvantage.
The minimum age to gamble is 18. Casinos may accept 18-year-old players, provided they do not serve alcohol. However, if the casino does sell alcohol, players need to be 21.
