Online Casinos in Michigan: Laws, Licensing and Rules Explained
Michigan launched legal online casinos in January 2021, making it one of the newer entrants among the seven states with a regulated market — and it’s grown into one of the largest by revenue.
Written and fact-checked by the Gamblingcore editorial team. We keep this content independent of any single operator’s marketing claims — see our disclosure policy for how the site is funded.
Who Regulates Online Casinos in Michigan
The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) licenses and regulates online casino gaming (branded “internet gaming” in Michigan’s statute), online sports betting, and the state’s commercial and tribal casinos. Michigan’s market includes both commercial operators and tribal gaming operations, each licensed under the MGCB’s internet gaming framework.
Legal Age Requirements
The minimum age for Michigan internet gaming is 21, applying equally to online casino games and online sports betting.
Tax Rate: A Tiered Structure
Michigan uses a tiered tax structure under its Lawful Internet Gaming Act, rather than a single flat rate. Tax rates start at 20% for the lowest revenue tier and rise up to 28% for operators generating the highest revenue. This progressive structure means larger operators pay a higher effective rate than smaller ones — a design meant to balance encouraging market entry against maximizing state tax revenue as operators scale.
Self-Exclusion: The Disassociated Persons List
Michigan’s statewide self-exclusion program is called the Disassociated Persons List (DPL). By voluntarily adding yourself to it, you’re banned from every MGCB-licensed casino — both online and in-person — for a period you choose:
- 1 year
- 2 years
- 3 years
- 5 years
This four-option range is broader than New Jersey’s (1 or 5 years) or Pennsylvania’s (1, 5, or lifetime), giving Michigan players more granular control over how long they’re excluded. As with other states’ programs, enrollment is not reversible before the chosen period ends.
What Games Are Available
Michigan’s online casinos offer a full slate of slots, blackjack, roulette, baccarat and live dealer games. Unlike New Jersey and Pennsylvania, Michigan does not currently offer regulated online poker — its Lawful Internet Gaming Act covers casino games and sports betting, but online poker has not launched in the state despite periodic discussion.
How Michigan Compares to New Jersey and Pennsylvania
| Michigan | New Jersey | Pennsylvania | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Launched | 2021 | 2013 | 2019 |
| Regulator | MGCB | DGE | PGCB |
| Tax rate | 20–28% (tiered) | 19.75% | 54% (slots) / 16% (tables) |
| Legal age | 21 | 21 | 21 |
| Online poker | No | Yes | Yes |
| Self-exclusion options | 1/2/3/5 years | 1 or 5 years | 1yr / 5yr / lifetime |
See our full write-ups on online casinos in New Jersey and online casinos in Pennsylvania, or the broader US state-by-state guide.
How to Verify a Michigan License
- Check the operator’s footer for its MGCB license and, where applicable, its tribal or commercial casino partner.
- Cross-check against the Michigan Gaming Control Board list of licensed internet gaming operators.
- Confirm the site enforces Michigan-only geolocation — a legitimate MGCB-licensed platform will not allow play from outside the state.
Where to Get Help
National Problem Gambling Helpline
Free, confidential, 24/7 — call or text 1-800-MY-RESET (1-800-697-3738). You can also enroll in Michigan's Disassociated Persons List directly through the MGCB.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is online poker legal in Michigan?
- No, not currently. Michigan's Lawful Internet Gaming Act covers online casino games and sports betting, but regulated online poker has not launched in the state.
- What is the Disassociated Persons List?
- Michigan's statewide self-exclusion program, covering every MGCB-licensed casino (online and in-person). You can choose a 1, 2, 3 or 5-year exclusion period.
- Why does Michigan use a tiered tax rate?
- The Lawful Internet Gaming Act sets rates from 20% to 28% based on an operator's revenue level, so larger operators pay a higher effective rate than smaller ones.
Need help? UK: National Gambling Helpline 0808 8020 133 · US: 1-800-MY-RESET · More support options →