Michigan Online Casinos

Michigan already has the legal and regulatory framework for real money online casinos. The first online casinos launched January 22, 2021, with many of the biggest and best casino brands launching apps. This gives you access to thousands of slots, casino table games and live dealer casinos for real money from anywhere within state lines.

There are legal real money casino options right now. Brands including FunzPoints and Luckyland Slots operate nationally. They use laws designed for sweepstakes contests to give you opportunities to win big.

This page has you covered for both sweepstakes casinos and the new regulated Michigan online casinos. You will find out how online casinos compare to the retail venues below. Bonuses, and the wide variety of casino games available are also explored.

Why play real money games at Michigan casinos?

The flexibility to enjoy casino games from anywhere is a big plus – though this is not the only benefit of real money online casinos. You have access to thousands of games, many of which are only available online. There are giant (potentially life-changing) progressive jackpots, entertaining themed games based on TV shows or music – and novelty games not available anywhere else.

Here are five solid reasons to check out the online casinos in Michigan:

  • Variety of games: Many classic slots you find at live casinos are online, along with excellent games from leading online slot studios. You can play classic table games, or choose variations with jackpot side bets or novel game play. Add video poker, keno, slingo and live dealer games and there is plenty to keep you entertained.
  • Bonuses and promotions: Online casinos compete with each other to attract and retain players. This allows you to take advantage of multiple bonuses. They include no deposit bonus offers, matched deposit bonuses, no-lose first deposits, free spins, comp programs and special promotions.
  • Real money casino apps: Whether you use an iPhone or Android smartphone, you are able to enjoy casino games on the move. These apps include the geo-location technology that proves you are inside state lines. Slots and many table games are ideally suited for quick sessions on your phone.
  • Learning new casino games: If you have ever wanted to learn the complex betting rules of craps, or fine-tune your blackjack strategy, then online casinos are ideal. Many brands give you the option to try the games in demo (free play) mode. Trying out new games online can uncover games you enjoy playing that you might not otherwise have tried.
  • Win huge progressive jackpots: Up until now, you would need to play the lottery or win a progressive at a retail casino to win life-changing jackpots in Michigan. Online casinos will give you extra chances of winning progressive prize pools. Even slots without progressives often have top prizes (via bonus games for example) which are potentially huge.

How do sweepstakes casinos work?

You can legally play online casino games – and win real money – at sweepstakes casinos. These brands operate nationally. They stay legal by turning their casino games into sweepstakes contests, which are nominally free to enter.

Their model works by selling you play-chips, which are for entertainment only. When you buy these chips, you are given a gift of premium chips (Sweeps Cash, Premium FunzPoints and so on, depending on where you play). Those can be used to spin slots, play table games or keno. You can win prizes, then swap them for dollars and withdraw them to your bank.

Sweepstakes casinos also give you free entries to their contests. You can send a letter to a registered address, take part in social media contests or spin bonus wheels to get extra points. One brand – Chumba Casino – gives you $2 worth of its Sweeps Cash for signing up.

These casinos have colorful slots, many of which have entertaining bonus games. They are popular around the country. The risk of any individual state changing the laws concerning sweepstakes contests (which are used for marketing by many businesses) are considered small.

Free casino games vs real money casino games

You do not need to deposit cash to enjoy the online casinos in Michigan. There are two ways to play with no money down.

First, you can take advantage of no-deposit bonus deals. Casinos offer between $10 and $30 in free play to new customers. There are some terms and conditions attached including play-through – though these deals give you a legitimate shot at winning real money.

Alternatively, you can enjoy the games in demo mode. This can be to find out which games you like so you can play them for real money later. It could also give you the opportunity to learn the rules of a new table game or video poker title. For most demo games, your play-money chip balance will not be retained when you exit the game. Many colorful slots and table games are entertaining to play in demo mode. Keep in mind that you might regret not switching over to real money if you do hit a huge win.

How to take advantage of free cash offers at Michigan casinos

Free cash offers are available from many of the popular online casino brands. Here are some examples from other states which could appear in Michigan:

This type of deal is restricted to one per person and per household. It gives you a good way to compare the different casino apps and win some real money prizes without risk. From the casino brand’s side, they get the opportunity to demo their platform to many players with these deals.

There are terms and conditions to watch for. All no-deposit casino bonuses in Michigan come with a play-through requirement. This is how many times you need to bet with your bonus funds, before your wins are moved to your real cash balance. These requirements vary between 5 times and 25 times the bonus amount. If you choose to play table games, weightings will apply to your play-through contributions.

You should also look out for no-deposit bonuses which have a cap on your winnings. Some will specify that you can only win $100 at most. This means progressive jackpots are excluded.

First deposit bonuses at Michigan online casinos

First deposit bonuses are the biggest bonus deals offered at online casinos in Michigan. The typical deal matches your first deposit with an equal amount in bonus funds. You then need to wager the bonus credits a fixed number of times, before it is considered “cleared.” It is then moved to your cash account, where it can be withdrawn, or simply used for future gaming.

When you dig into the terms and conditions, there are more differences between the first deposit bonuses at different casinos than you might expect. Here are some things to look out for that can vary at each casino:

  • The minimum and maximum deposit amount
  • The percentage matched
  • How many times you need to wager your bonus before it is cleared
  • Weightings/contribution levels for different games
  • How long you have to complete your play-through
  • Whether your bonus will expire if you make a withdrawal while clearing it
  • Whether any games are excluded from play-through or not allowed at all while clearing your bonus
  • Is your bonus released in increments, or all at once?

Weightings for casino bonuses favor slots. These usually contribute 100% of the money you bet towards clearing your bonus. Table games have lower ratings. These are based on a combination of the house edge, and the volatility of the outcomes. You will not be able to speed up clearing your bonus by betting on multiple outcomes (like red + black on roulette or player + banker on baccarat). This is considered “bonus abuse” and will lead to your bonus being withdrawn.

This is an example of casino game weightings:

  • Slots, keno and scratch cards: 100%
  • Table games (blackjack variants, casino poker games, roulette): 10% to 25%
  • Video poker: 5% to 10%
  • Lower edge table games (baccarat, war): 0% to 5%

Here are two examples of welcome bonuses from casino brands which are arriving in Michigan:

#1 – Hollywood Casino

Hollywood Casino is run by Penn National Gaming, which manages the iconic Greektown Casino in Detroit. The offer is a 100% match, with a minimum of $10 and maximum of $500. The bonus code “WELCOME” is needed to claim it. This offer comes with a higher than average 20x wagering (play-through) requirement. Unlike many casinos, all games can be used to clear this bonus. You have 60 days from your first deposit to clear this bonus before it expires. If you withdraw funds before completing your bonus, it will be canceled.

#2 – BetMGM Casino

MGM Grand Detroit launched the BetMGM online casino, and two welcome bonuses are available. First, a $25 no-deposit bonus allows you to check out the games without risking any of your own money. There is also a generous 100% up to $1,000 first deposit bonus. The minimum is just $10. This bonus comes with a 20x play-through requirement.

Real money casino apps

You can play at online casinos using the web browser of your computer, or downloading the Michigan casino apps.

Apps are needed to enjoy the games on iPhones and Android phones. They have geo-location capability. Since any doubt about your location will prevent you from playing, this is mandatory for enjoying casino games on the move. You are able to gamble for real money only inside Michigan state lines.

The best way to get casino apps installed is to follow our links to the casino websites using your phone. This will ensure you get the best available bonus. The casinos will detect whether you have an Apple or Android phone – and provide you with the right app to download.

You are able to register, deposit and withdraw, manage your account and bonuses – and of course, enjoy the many different games via apps. Newer slots are created with mobile play in mind. If you are playing older slots or table games via your phone, you can check them out in demo mode to make sure they work on smaller screens.

How to deposit at an online casino in Michigan

You can deposit and withdraw with confidence from the regulated online casinos in Michigan. Many mainstream payment options are used. Many online casinos offer long lists of ways to deposit – making sure that every player has a choice of security and convenience that suits them.

Bank cards are the go-to option for most players. You will be able to use Visa, MasterCard and Discover credit or debit cards at most casinos. Some will also accept American Express. Many big brands have their own debit cards. You will need to apply for these, and can then use them for deposits, withdrawals and to spend at stores.

Electronic wallets are widely accepted at Michigan casinos. The best-known brand is PayPal – though there are many others which work in similar ways. They provide a secure bridge between your bank and the online casinos. Skrill and Neteller are used by most casinos.

Bank transfer options include eChecks (also called ACH transfers), wires, bill pay or even money orders.

You can use cash to deposit at casinos via the casino cage. Each online casino will have a land-based partner where these transactions are possible. You can also use PayNearMe (or another similar program), which involves taking cash to your local convenience store.

Withdrawals work with many of the methods covered above. Money you win will be returned to the same method you deposited with. If this is not possible, an alternative will be found. Paper checks can be sent to your home address if no other methods are available.

Casino software and games

Within the broad categories of slots, table games and video poker are multiple variations of games. These range from close replicas of what you would find at the huge retail casinos in Detroit, to innovative, quirky games unlike anything you’ve seen before.

New technology means live dealer casino games are also possible. These can be found along with software-based table games. Casino games can be watched via a real-time video stream. You can bet on the outcome using your mouse. The sections below give you an overview of what to expect from the thousands of online casino games now available in Michigan.

Slot games

Most online casino games are slots. There are thousands available. Many are the same games you will find in live casinos. Those include IGT titles like Wheel of Fortune or Cleopatra, and games like Dragon Spin from WMS. Even more slots are created by software studios that specialize in online gaming. You will find slot titles which are every bit as good as live casino slots. Many have big progressive jackpots. Novelty games like the Slingo (slot/bingo mix) games sit alongside traditional 3-reel slots with bars and 7’s.

Video poker

You will find the standard video poker games like Jacks or Better and Deuces Wilds. There are also innovative games with bonus features, win multipliers or multi-hand games. Look out for the bonus poker variants, which switch the pay table to give you more chances to win big with 4-of-a-kind hands.

Online craps

Live craps tables can be lively and often a little intimidating to new players. Online craps games let you learn the rules and complex bets at home before you join the casino games. With a low house edge on the main (pass line/point) bets, online craps games are great value for money too.

Online blackjack

Software-based games have allowed the online casinos to offer hundreds of different blackjack games over the years. Many are standard Atlantic City-style games. Add to this multi-hand blackjack, many different side bets and different numbers of decks and the range expands. It is the novel variations based on blackjack where the variety really expands. There are blackjack switch games, Spanish 21, bonus bet blackjack, pontoon and more to try out.

Online roulette

When you have a choice of roulette wheels online, it always pays to look for the “French Roulette” option. This game uses the single-zero European wheel, which has a lower house edge than the US version. In addition, bets on 50-50 outcomes get a 50% rebate if the ball lands on zero. Roulette games often have impressive 3D graphics. This is a great way to try out different betting patterns and strategies.

Casino table games

There are many casino table games based loosely on poker hands. These include well-known games from live casinos including 3-Card Poker, Caribbean Stud, Let it Ride and Casino Hold’em. Many of these games have side bets which can pay jackpots if you hit a royal flush. Other table games include Mississippi Stud, baccarat, Casino War and Pai Gow Poker.

Live dealer casino game options

Online table games with real dealers can be found at selected online casinos in Michigan. Games available include blackjack, roulette, baccarat, casino poker games and game show or wheel-style novelty games. You will bet online on games as they happen in a studio. You can interact with the other players and dealers while you play. These games have proven popular in other states.

Understanding how progressive jackpots work

You will find progressive jackpots on slots and via side bets on table games at online casinos. These prizes can be for specific games, or shared (for example, between all the poker variations at a casino). The biggest online slot jackpots are shared between multiple casinos. This type is administered by slot creators. An example is the MegaJackpots prize from IGT. This is shared between several IGT slots and can be won at any casino hosting them.

Keep in mind that these games need to balance the jackpot prize by having somewhat smaller returns on regular play.

Are Michigan casinos safe and fair?

You can be sure that you are getting a fair deal or spin at online casinos in Michigan. Regulation and licensing are under the jurisdiction of the Michigan Gaming Control Board. Regular testing of the RNG (random number generator) software that controls the spin of slots and shuffle of cards is part of the licensing requirements. Online casinos also employ accredited third parties to audit their software. Look out for links to certificates from iGaming Labs or eCogra.

Other factors to check include the Michigan license and partnership with a live casino. You can also check for a responsible gaming policy. At reputable casinos this will include the ability to self-exclude, set deposit or play limits, and take a time out from gambling.

KYC: How “Know Your Customer” rules work online

Without protection from fraud and money laundering, online casinos would not be able to offer games to regular players. This is where “Know Your Customer” or KYC rules come in. You may be asked for a security check by the online casinos. This will require identification documents including proof of your address. Proof that you own a credit card (for example) may also be requested.

While this can be frustrating and potentially delay your cash-out request, keep in mind that KYC checks protect players as well as the casinos. This makes it possible to offer safe, reliable real money online casinos that abide by Michigan laws.

Try a real money casino online

Michigan has many partnerships between retail casinos and the best online casino brands around. This means a lot of choice, both in terms of the slots and games available, and for bonus and promotional deals. Sweepstakes casinos, which are legal nationwide, provide an alternative way to win real money playing slots.

Whichever type of real money casino you play, make sure you take maximum advantage of those bonus offers to get your casino bankroll off to a flying start.