Michigan Gaming Laws and Regulations
Michigan’s Lawful Internet Gaming Act (Act 152) became law in 2019. The intent was to legalize internet gaming and make it clear what taxes and fees would be required by online gaming sites that opened online casinos.
With the new law, 15 online casino licenses were snatched up. WynnBet considered leaving the state, but Caesars Place purchased the online casino, keeping it within the state. All 15 licenses have been claimed with casinos operated by:
BetMGM
BetRivers
Caesars Palace
DraftKings
Eagle Casino
FanDuel
FireKeepers Casino
Four Winds
Golden Nugget Casino
Hollywood Casino
Play Gun Lake
PointsBet
PokerStars
Sports Illustrated Casino
WynnBET
In addition to online casinos, there are land-based casinos you can visit. The Michigan Economic Development Corporation says there are 27 land-based casinos and casino resorts in Michigan. Most of them are located in the upper peninsula, which means there’s much more to do and see than the casinos.
If you are there for the games, these are the things you should know about Michigan gaming laws and regulations. You need to bring a valid government-issued photo ID when entering the casino. Admission isn’t allowed if you can’t prove you’re old enough.
Casino Operators Pay Fees Based on Their Gross Receipts
Online casino games are designed to bring revenue to the state. For that reason, casino operators have to pay a percentage of their gross receipts. They also must apply for an operator license.
To become a casino operator, companies must apply for an Internet gaming operator license. The application fee is $50,000. The license fee is $100,000 and $50,000 per year for renewals each year.
Once the casino opens, a percentage of the revenues is collected by the state. The amount collected depends on the gross receipts.
Less than $4 million – 20%
$4 million to less than $8 million – 22%
$8 million to less than $10 million – 24%
$10 million to less than $12 million – 26%
$12 million or greater – 28%
If you choose to play in an online Michigan casino, know that a percentage of your wagers are helping fund the Michigan School Aid Fund. Gross receipts in 2023 almost hit $182 million, and sports betting receipts topped $61 million. That brought in $31.3 million in taxes and payments.
Both Tribal and Detroit Operators Provide Land-Based Casinos
There are several tribal casinos in Michigan, but Detroit also has three casinos. Players need to be 21 or older to play in a Detroit casino. Tribal casinos are allowed to set their own age restriction as long as it is 18 or older. Kewadin Casinos use 18 as the minimum age as of 2022.
Only Players in Michigan Can Play in Michigan’s Online Casinos
Anyone can sign up to play games online, but you’re not allowed to play games for real money without physically being located in the state. Geolocation tracking is required if you’re playing on your mobile device or computer. In addition to being physically located within the state, you must be 21 years of age or older.