Over the past few years, Michigan’s gambling laws have changed drastically, and in 2025, the state’s gaming scene is more thrilling than ever. The big shift came in 2020 when online gambling and sports betting were legalized.

With that, Michigan has inserted itself as one of the Midwest’s most progressive states for gaming. If you have a taste for slot machines, a love of poker, or a passion for sports betting, you can find your fix inside the state’s various land-based casinos or through their many online platforms. And while the state only has a handful of commercial casinos, the places you can bet in Michigan have an electrifying atmosphere.

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A New Era of Online Gambling in Michigan

In 2025, Michigan’s online gambling industry is flourishing. Following the passage of a bill in 2020 that allowed for not just legal online casinos but also for online poker and sports betting, the Michigan gaming market has seen a rapid expansion. Its residents now enjoy a broad array of licensed virtual gaming opportunities, where you can try your luck at various online table games or indeed any other type of digital casino experience—all from the comfort of either your handheld device or your laptop.

Michigan stands out from the pack of other states for its dedication to providing a secure and safe online gambling experience. The Michigan Gaming Control Board supervises the online casinos, making certain that the operators meet exacting standards for fairness and security. Because of that, you can play the games you love with complete confidence that your personal information is kept private and that your payouts are handled in a fair and timely manner.

Online sports betting continues to grow in leaps and bounds in Michigan. Countless betting apps now offer some of the most competitive odds across a wide range of markets. Whether your heart beats for the big leagues like the NFL or NBA or you prefer to wager on the less mainstream sports, you can find a way to place a bet and watch your wager play out with the multitude of online sportsbooks.

Land-Based Casinos in Michigan: A Diverse Gaming Experience

The advent of online gambling has not dimmed the appeal of Michigan’s brick-and-mortar casinos, which are as vibrant and electrifying as ever. Whether in the state’s 13 tribal casinos or in its major commercial gaming venues like MGM Detroit, Greektown Casino, and MotorCity Casino, players seeking the traditional Las Vegas-style social atmosphere can find plenty of options in Michigan to tempt Lady Luck.

Michigan’s casinos entertain all kinds of gamers, from those who enjoy traditional table games to poker enthusiasts vying for top dollar in daily tournaments. Not only do these facilities renew the state’s reputation for having some of the nation’s finest casinos, but they also completely revamp what a casino experience can and should be. Michigan’s casinos are destinations now—places to go for high-quality entertainment, dining, and even luxury hotels.

The tribal casinos in Michigan provide a distinctive experience, being managed by their respective Native American tribes in accordance with the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. While these gaming establishments often feel more personal, they nearly all present a robust variety of games and amenities. When talking about our state’s tribal gaming, popular establishments like FireKeepers Casino, Soaring Eagle Casino, and Four Winds Casino come to mind. However, even our lesser-known tribal casinos offer Michigan residents and visitors diverse, amusing, and all-around satisfying gaming experiences.

  • 1972: Michigan Legalizes Lottery Betting

    Michigan Lottery Vote

    In a statewide referendum, Michigan voters passed an amendment to create the state lottery. The Michigan Lottery has raised over $24 billion for the state’s school system in the 49 years since.

  • November 13, 1972: Michigan Lottery Goes Live

    Colorado State Lottery

    The Michigan Lottery began on November 13, 1972 with the Green Ticket lottery game. The first million dollar prize drawing took place on February 22, 1973, when Hermus Millsaps of Taylor, Michigan won the drawings.

  • July 4, 1984: Bay Mills Blackjack Casino Opens

    European Blackjack

    The Bay Mills Blackjack Casino launched in July 1984 as the United States’ first tribal casino. The state of California challenged tribal casinos, leading to the landmark US Supreme Court case: California vs Cabazon Tribe.

    The SCOTUS ruling opened the door for widespread tribal gaming, codified by the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act of 1988. Since then, hundreds of tribal casinos opened across the USA — including 26 tribal casinos in Michigan.

    The Bay Mills Blackjack Casino is now known as the Kings Club Casino.

  • September 6, 1996: Michigan Joins Mega Millions Lottery

    Mega Millions Lottery

    Michigan joined the Mega Millions multi-state lottery association. Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Georgia, and Virginia all joined Mega Millions on the same day as Michigan.

  • July 29, 1999: Michigan Commercial Casinos Open

    MGM Resorts China Starboard Value 1

    The first of Michigan’s commercial casinos opened on July 29, 1988. Three now exist in Detroit: Greektown Casino, Motor City Casino, and MGM Detroit.

  • January 20, 2010: Grand Rapids Police Raid Poker Tournament

    Michigan Police Raids

    At a hotel outside Grand Rapids, police raid an illegal poker tournament. 20 people were arrested on illegal gambling charges. This served notice that Michigan law enforcement was active against illegal gambling.

  • January 31, 2010: Michigan Joins Powerball Lottery

    Powerball Lottery

    Michigan joined the Powerball multi-state lottery association. Georgia, New York, Texas, Virginia, and Washington all joined the Powerball drawings on the same day as Michigan.

  • December 20, 2019: Lawful Internet Gaming Act Signed into Law

    Lawful Internet Gambling Act - Gretchen Whitmer

    Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) signed the Lawful Internet Gaming Act into law. The new Michigan online gambling bill legalized online gambling, online poker sites, and online sportsbooks. Land-based gaming venues could open online gaming portals.

    The law had bipartisan support. Rep. Brandt Iden (R-Kalamazoo), who had championed Michigan online gambling for years, drafted the Lawful Internet Gaming Act (HB 4311).

  • December 20, 2019: Lawful Sports Betting Act Signed into Law

    Michigan Sports Betting Bill

    The same day, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer also signed the Lawful Sports Betting Act into law. Land-based casinos could open sportsbooks in their gaming space, while also launching online and mobile sports betting apps.

    Rep. Brandt Iden also sponsored the Lawful Sports Betting Act (HB 4916).

  • December 29, 2019: Multistate Online Gambling Act

    Online Poker Bill 2016

    Later in December, Gov. Whitmer signed a bill showing Michigan’s intent to join a poker liquidity sharing association with Nevada, New Jersey, and Delaware. The Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement originally was signed by Nevada and Delaware. New Jersey signed years later.

    The US Justice Department declared in January 2019 that interstate poker was illegal, under the terms of the 1961 Federal Wire Act and the 2006 UIGEA law. Thus, Michigan joins a number of US states challenging the DOJ’s current stance on online gambling. If the states succeed, then multiple US states could share poker liquidity — thus increasing prize pools (and interest) in poker tournaments.

  • 2019: Michigan Officials Active in Gambling Enforcement

    Michigan Police Illegal Gambling Raids

    Michigan law enforcement officials are active in prosecuting illegal land-based gambling. Throughout 2019, the Michigan Gaming Control Board and local officials shut down 14 different illegal gambling operators — mostly those who housed illegal gaming machines.

  • January 22, 2021: Online Gambling and Sports Betting Goes Live in Michigan

    Arkansas Sports Betting

    The official launch of online gambling sites, poker sites, and sportsbooks happened on January 22, 2021. As the year continues, more and more online gambling sites will launch in Michigan.

The Future of Gambling in Michigan

In the years to come, Michigan’s gambling scene is poised to continue its evolution as the state fully embraces new technologies and gaming possibilities. Its online gambling and sports betting economy is already a substantial and growing part of the state’s revenue stream. Much of the focus in this very alive scene is currently on sports betting.

That said, Michiganders and visitors to Michigan are also fully able to enjoy the still-legal pastime of betting on the big cards. And with the potential of in-stadium betting being thrown into the mix, the sports betting scene here is only going to get more lively.

Moreover, the emergence of live dealer casinos—where players can engage with actual dealers through video streams—has just started in Michigan. This appearance is expected to grow, with many online casinos offering live dealer versions of popular table games like blackjack, baccarat, and roulette. This engagement of players with live dealers is anticipated to continue to expand in its appeal.

Best Michigan Online Casinos: Where to Play

For gamblers who want to fully experience Michigan’s approved online gambling environment, there are multiple excellent choices available. These online platforms give the appearance of being fine brick-and-mortar establishments.

Their offerings can seem dazzling, but they all provide that essential ingredient: being licensed and regulated by the Michigan Gaming Control Board.

Best Casinos in Michigan

Whether you’re more of a blackjack, poker, or slots player, you’re bound to find something that makes you weak in the knees and willing to part with your green.

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Conclusion

In recent years, Michigan has taken great strides in updating its gambling laws. As a result, the atmosphere in the state has become one that is quite cordial to players—exciting even. Whether you’re a fan of the land-based, brick-and-mortar casino experience; you enjoy the remote, yet intimate, setting of an online casino; or you partake in the betting that goes on before, during, and after an event in a sports book, Michigan has become a go-to destination. One look at the burgeoning online gambling industry, the considerably broad new sports book offerings, and our vibrant casino scene, and it’s clear that the state is now pretty much at the top of the list of U.S. destinations for experiencing one’s “gambling fix.

Disclaimer:

The guidance that follows is for your general information. It is not, and should not be taken as, legal advice. No one is better qualified to give you that advice than a gaming law professional or the Michigan Gaming Control Board, the two entities most knowledgeable about gambling law in Michigan. Consult either or both of them if you want the latest, most accurate information about what the law says you can and can’t do—and what happens if you do or don’t do it.