The Stars Group officially launched its award-winning poker software on Jan. Play Real Money Poker Online in Michigan. Poker joined other forms of legal online gambling in Michigan in the fall 2020. Many of the biggest and best online poker sites have set up Michigan-only platforms. You can play cash games, tournaments, and innovative new forms of poker from your desktop — or by using a mobile poker. There are many advantages to real money online poker, from the games and variants you can play to the stakes you can play for and the promotions you can claim. All you need is an account with one of the. Michigan Online Poker Latest updates on Michigan online poker, bonus offers and best poker sites Online poker is live in Michigan! PokerStars became the first online site to open its doors for Michigan players in January 2021.

• Michigan Online Poker Update
• Real Money Online Poker In Michigan Online
• Real Money Online Poker In Michigan Winning
• Real Money Online Poker In Michigan Casinos

PokerStars has been considered the worldwide online poker industry leader for many years now. Two decades later, after being licensed by the Michigan Gaming Control Board, PokerStars became the first.

Michigan has a large and lucrative casino industry. In recent years, a huge number of individuals here have begun playing their favorite casino games over the internet. Today, we’re going to explain how you can find the best Michigan casino sites.

Many of the top online casinos in the country are available in Michigan. For some, choosing which one of these websites to join can seem a little daunting. We’re going to help make things a little easier by explaining exactly what features to look for in these sites.

Later on, we’ll get into the legal landscape of online gambling here. Laws within this industry can change fast and it’s important to understand what’s allowed and what isn’t.

Some of you might want to skip over this information and get straight to the betting. No problem! Below are a few of the best casino sites in Michigan operating right now. Feel free to check them out!

This state’s gambling market continues to improve. If you’re a gambling fan here, you have a lot to be happy about! Here’s how you can find a fantastic online casino right now.

Here’s What to Look for in Michigan Casino Sites

Joining a casino website for the first time shouldn’t be difficult. In fact, it’s extremely easy. You just need to know exactly what to look for. There are some features that all reputable Michigan online casino sites offer to their members.

These are four of the most important features to keep an eye out for when looking to join any Michigan casino sites.

Safe and Transparent Payment Options

The first and most important thing to look for in a gambling website is its payment system. Before you decide to wager money through a casino site, you’ll want to know that your money will be secure. Fortunately, this is a very easy thing to look into.

One way to learn more about a site’s payment options is to head over to our gambling site reviews page. Here, we provide cashier information on many of the best casino sites in Michigan. You can also check these websites out for yourself and head to their cashier pages. Most will list exactly what’s available.

You’ll want to join a casino website that allows deposits to be made using all major debit cards including Visa and Mastercard. Withdrawal options tend to be a little more limited. Oftentimes, the only option to collect your winnings is via Bitcoin. Make sure fees for these deposits and withdrawals are reasonable.

Helpful Customer Support System

When first getting into online casino gambling, many completely overlook how important customer service really is. It’s a shame, as this is one of the most important tools available to online gamblers in Michigan. Before you join any casino websites, make sure that they are always available to help you out when you need it.

Today, the best option is a live chat feature. It allows you to speak to a customer representative through instant message. Some sites also provide a direct phone line option, which is great. It’s usually best to avoid the websites offering only email support.

Finding more information on these site’s support options is easy, too! You can find out everything you need to know using the same methods that we listed above.

Great Design and Overall Functionality

A casino website’s design is another commonly-overlooked feature. Don’t make the mistake of thinking it’s not important. The way that these Michigan online casino sites are designed will impact your entire gambling experience.

Website functionality is also extremely important. You will want to be able to navigate through these sites without the fear of them crashing. Of all the features listed here, this is the easiest to learn more about.

You can simply check out a few different Michigan casino sites for yourself. Eventually, you will begin to realize which styles you enjoy. We recommend that you check out the different pages and make sure that the wagering process with each one is simple.

Casino Games That You Want to Play

Unfortunately, some individuals who are still new to casino gambling join a website without even checking to make sure the games they want to play are available. This is one of the more frustrating mistakes that can be made. It’s also another easy one to avoid!

All reputable Michigan online casino sites clearly feature the games that are available. If they don’t, then the website is not worth joining. Spend some time ensuring that the exact games you want to play are provided before you join any online casino.

Everyone has a different gambling preference. Some love to play blackjack. Others want to relax and hit the slots. As long as you find a site that offers the games you enjoy, it’s probably okay.

Why Are Online Casino Sites in Michigan Growing so Popular Right Now?

Every year, more individuals in Michigan begin playing at online casino websites. This is the case throughout the entire country as well! It seems Michigan, in particular, is developing a massive online casino fan base.

We wanted to know why. Our team reached out to a number of individuals here and asked why online casino gambling is growing so popular. There are two responses that we continued to hear back.

It’s the Most Convenient Option Available Right Now

Michigan is home to many popular land-based casinos. Interestingly, many people are now skipping the trip to their local casino in order to make bets online. Why drive miles when all of your favorite gambling options can be done from the comfort of home?

Most casino sites in Michigan are also available to play using your smartphone. Mobile gambling is also extremely popular right now and is growing bigger each month. If you want to be able to make bets from anywhere with an internet connection, Michigan casino sites are probably for you.

There Are More Gambling Options Available

It’s incredible to see how many great gambling options are now available over the internet. Not long ago, online casinos only offered a few limited games such as slots and blackjack. Today, it’s not uncommon to see online casinos in MI offering hundreds of different games every single day.

In fact, some of these websites offer more gambling options than the top land-based casinos in the country. Fun, unique forms of gambling such as live dealer games are also available. These make it feel as if you’re gambling inside of a real casino.

Michigan Online Poker Update

There are many reasons why online gambling is growing so popular. Check out the best Michigan casino sites that we listed at the top of this page to see for yourself why they are attracting so many new players.

Do Casino Sites in MI Offer Online Poker?

Generally speaking, yes! Online poker has been extremely popular in the US for years. Today, most reputable Michigan casino sites offer at least some poker gambling options.

Some sites are known to offer better poker options than others. The best ones will put on major tournaments for their members. Sometimes, these tournaments can offer huge paydays for the winners.

If you’re a poker fan, make sure you find a site that offers the games you’re looking for. Fortunately, this is very easy to do nowadays.

List of Land-Based Casinos in Michigan

• Odawa Casino: Petoskey
• MGM Grand Detroit Casino: Detroit
• Soaring Eagle Casino: Mount Pleasant
• Four Winds Casino: New Buffalo
• Firekeepers Casino: Battle Creek
• Bay Mills Resort and Casinos: Brimley
• Island Resort and Casino: Harris
• Kewadin Shores Casino: Saint Ignace
• Ojibwa Casino Marquette: Marquette

As we mentioned earlier, Michigan is home to many great land-based casinos. In fact, this state has a storied history of casino gambling that dates back to the 1800s. In 1996, the state approved a referendum that allows for Class III gambling venues to start opening in the state.

Before long, many tribes here began opening casinos. Today, there are a huge number of gambling venues spread around the state. Some of them are known to be a little better than others.

Listed above are the names and locations of the best land-based casinos in Michigan.

Many people still prefer to make their bets the old-fashioned way inside a real establishment. There’s nothing wrong with that! If you’re near any of the cities above, make sure to check out the local casino.

Is Online Casino Gambling in MI Legal Right Now?

Since the 1990s, Michigan has been thought of as a gambling-friendly state. Most traditional forms of gambling here are perfectly legal including casino gambling. Here, the specific legality of online casino gambling lies in somewhat of a gray area. This is actually the case in many states that have not yet regulated this industry.

In 1999, a law was passed that outright banned online gambling. It was struck down just a year later. Now, there are no clear laws here that state whether or not it’s allowed to play casino games online in this state. Many take that as a sign that it’s legal!

“Any person who by playing at cards, dice, or any other game, or by betting or putting up money on cards, or by any other means or device in the nature of betting on cards, or betting of any kind, wins or obtains any sum of money or any goods, or any article of value whatever, is guilty of a misdemeanor…”

As you can see, the laws give a pretty broad description of gambling. Some detractors of online gambling claim this means it’s illegal to play at casino sites in Michigan. There’s no real evidence of that.

Will I Be Prosecuted for Playing at Michigan Online Casino Sites?

It’s highly unlikely. Lawmakers in this state don’t seem too concerned with the online gambling industry. Law enforcement also seems unwilling to go after anyone making wagers online. Our team has not come across a single case of anyone facing legal action for playing at casino sites in MI.

*We are not lawyers, and always recommend that you abide by your state’s laws. For a more in-depth description on online casino legality, feel free to contact a law professional with experience in gambling.*

How Can I Stay Safe Playing Casino Games Online Here?

It’s perfectly reasonable to be concerned with safety when first getting into online gambling. This industry is new, and many are still somewhat unaware of how exactly it works. Fortunately, online gambling has become much easier over the years and today, it’s extremely easy to protect yourself while making bets online.

Here are a couple of tips to keep in mind when getting into online casino gambling in MI.

Stick to Reputable Sites

This is the easiest way to ensure that your online gambling experience is nothing but fun. As long as you play through a reputable site, the odds of you encountering any issues is small. These Michigan online casino sites should offer great customer support options and a safe payment system.

Reach out to Customer Support When You Need It

Speaking of customer support, it’s important that you utilize this tool when you need it! Michigan does not regulate its online casino market. If you encounter an issue while gambling online, you’ll need to rely on the site that you play at to help you out. Make sure to always ask for assistance for any issues you come across.

Bet on Games You Know and Understand

The top casino sites in Michigan offer hundreds of different games every single day. It can be tempting to throw money on a game that you’ve never played before in hopes of winning big. Generally speaking, this isn’t a good idea. Your odds of winning will increase significantly when placing wagers on games you’re familiar with.

Keep Track of How Much You Are Betting

Most agree that casino gambling is fun. Unfortunately, some individuals wager a little more than they probably should. It can sometimes be easy to lose track of how much money you are losing. Make sure to track your betting habits and understand when to take a break.

Keep Your Betting Account Information Private

Never release the information of your betting account information! Think of it as a bank account. Anyone with access to this information can collect your money without you knowing about it. It’s also smart to change your account password from time to time.

FAQ on Online Casino Gambling in Michigan

Will Online Casino Sites in Michigan Ever Become Regulated by the State?

In the future, it’s very likely. As of now, however, lawmakers here seem to be turning an eye toward this industry. There haven’t been any real attempts to regulate online casinos but, in time, this will almost certainly change.

What Are the Best Michigan Casino Sites Currently Available?

Many will have their own opinion on this. Some online gambling sites are known to offer different options than others. From what we can see, the most popular Michigan online casino sites currently operating are Bovada and MyBookie.ag. Both are safe and offer a wide range of gambling options for their players.

Is Online Gambling Easier Than Land-Based Gambling?

Not necessarily! The actual betting process is actually very similar. You find the games you want to play and place your wagers. When it comes to convenience, however, it’s significantly easier. These websites allow you to play all of your favorite games from the comfort of home. You can even bet wagers on-the-go using a smartphone!

How Much Money Can I Win Playing at MI Casino Sites?

That all depends on how you bet! Generally speaking, the more that you play, the better your chances will be to win big. It certainly helps to play games that you are familiar with. Start slow with your bets and learn a game before you start placing huge wagers!

Why Should I Play Online Casino Games in Michigan?

The choice to play at online casino sites in Michigan is always yours. There seem to be no laws against it here, and it’s the most convenient gambling options available at the moment. If you’re a fan of casinos, you will probably love the Michigan online casino sites available right now.

Conclusion

Now is a fantastic time to be a gambling fan in Michigan. There are a huge number of both online and land-based casinos available in this state. It should never be difficult to sit down and place some bets.

Laws toward online casino gambling are changing around the country. Make sure to follow our industry news page for updates on the legal situation in Michigan. Don’t forget to check out the websites that we’re recommending at the top of this page, too!

Good luck with your bets.

Online poker is live in Michigan! PokerStars became the first online site to open its doors for Michigan players in January 2021. Two more poker sites, BetMGM and partypoker, are expected to launch in the very near future, also.

If you’re a fan of online poker in the Great Lake State, you’ve come to the right place. We have all the latest updates, news, and information about how to play through your mobile device or computer. Best of all, we will have all the latest bonus offers that you can use to score free money and tournament tickets on Michigan online poker apps.

It’s a great time to be a poker player in Michigan.

Top Online Poker Sites in Michigan

Is online poker legal in Michigan?

Yes, online poker is legal in Michigan. PokerStars launched in Michigan in January 2021, and both BetMGM and partypoker are expected to follow shortly thereafter.

In fact, online poker has been completely legal in Michigan for more than a year. The Lawful Internet Gambling Act was signed into law in December 2019.

Since then, the Michigan Gaming Control Board had ample time to get its regulatory Is dotted and Ts crossed. Finally, the wait for online poker in the Great Lake State is over.

Flutter Entertainment, which owns PokerStars, became partners with the Michigan-based Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians Gaming Authority in January 2020. The purpose of the partnership was plain: to secure an online gambling license in the state.

Since PokerStars is not Flutter’s only product, there are no doubt plans in the work to integrate sports betting and online casino play into the app, too. The timing of this integration is unclear, but you can rest assured that it is coming.

Partypoker is owned and operated by gambling conglomerate GVC Holdings. GVC, in turn, has a joint venture agreement with MGM Resorts International under the name ROAR Digital.

Partypoker will almost certainly fall under that umbrella, but the main point is that MGM also owns MGM Grand Detroit, giving both MGM and GVC easy access to the online gambling market in Michigan.

MGM is not going to let its relationship with GVC stand in the way of its own plans for online poker, either. The BetMGM poker site is set to launch in short order, too.

One name that is not at the forefront just yet is WSOP/888. The site, which is owned by Caesars, does not have a clear path into Michigan at this point. However, Caesars’ recent unions with Eldorado Resorts and William Hill might change that, so don’t be surprised if WSOP pops up as an option before long.

Who regulates Michigan online poker?

The Lawful Internet Gambling Act signed into law December 2019 includes “interactive poker” among the varieties of online “casino-style games” that licensed internet gaming operators will be allowed to provide.

The law authorizes the Michigan Gaming Control Board to “administer, regulate and enforce the system of internet gaming” it establishes. That means the state’s regulators are in charge of overseeing online sportsbooks, online casinos, daily fantasy sports and online poker in Michigan.

In other words, when legal Michigan poker sites arrive, it will be fully legal and regulated, which will help ensure the fairness of the games, the security of players’ funds and players’ protection against fraud.

Can I play online poker in Michigan?

Yes. PokerStars launched its Michigan-facing app in January 2021, and both BetMGM and partypoker are expected to follow soon.

You also have another option that you can explore, if you like. Sweepstakes poker sites exist as an alternative to real-money online poker. The most popular sweepstakes poker site is Global Poker, which welcomes players from Michigan and almost every other state in the US.

Rather than using real money, sweepstakes sites employ virtual currencies to be able to serve US players. Global Poker, for instance, uses two types of virtual currencies: Gold Coins and Sweeps Coins.

Players purchase Gold Coins, which, when compared to real money poker sites, might be thought of as “play money.” These can be used in Gold Coins cash games or tournaments, although they have no actual monetary value.

However, when purchasing Gold Coins, players receive Sweeps Coins as a poker bonus. Sweeps Coins can be obtained in other ways as well, such as through Facebook giveaways or even by writing Global Poker and requesting them (as is required of other kinds of sweepstakes).

Sweeps Coins are usable to play cash games or tournaments, enabling players to win more of them. Then after accumulating a minimum amount, players can exchange Sweeps Coins for US dollars and cash out.

Are offshore poker sites safe?

The short answer is no. Ever since April 2011 when the “Black Friday” indictments and civil complaint forced the world’s largest online poker sites out of the US, several other operators of varying sizes and quality have continued to accept US players.

These offshore online poker sites — because they all operate outside of the US — have varying reputations among players.

They also involve considerable obstacles when it comes to banking options since the sites have to work around the Unlawful Internet Gambling EnforcementAct of 2006, which restricts US banks and other financial service providers from allowing transactions with these non-US gambling sites.

These sites are not licensed or regulated in the US. As a result, players are at the mercy of the sites when it comes to the integrity and safety of their funds.

There have been multiple incidents of these “rogue” offshore sites that close and make off with players’ money. Players then have little or no recourse to try to recover their funds. Players on these sites also tend not to have options should they suspect cheating, collusion, ghosting, multi-accounting or other types of fraud.

By contrast, playing on a licensed and regulated Michigan poker site ensures careful monitoring and prohibition of such activities, making them a much safer alternative for online poker players.

Michigan poker laws

Michigan is a poker-friendly state. Besides having passed legislation to introduce online poker, there are many ways players in Michigan can play live poker that is permitted by state law.

The Michigan Gaming Control and Revenue Act, signed into law in 1997, outlines what types of gambling are allowed in the state, including poker.

Among the types of gambling covered by that law are those falling under the heading of “casino gaming,” including “gambling games.”

A “gambling game” involves “any game played with cards, dice, equipment or a machine, including any mechanical, electromechanical or electronic device including computers and cashless wagering systems, for money, credit, or any representative of value.”

Examples subsequently listed include blackjack, roulette, craps, baccarat and a host of other gambling games, including poker.

Are home poker games legal in Michigan?

Yes, home poker games are legal in Michigan, as long as there is no collection of rake or fees.

The Michigan Gaming Control and Revenue Act explicitly allows “games played with cards in private homes or residences in which no person makes money for operating the game, except as a player.”

Michigan cardrooms

Michigan is home to three major commercial casinos and about two dozen tribal casinos, and practically all of which have poker rooms. In fact, there are several dozen brick-and-mortar cardrooms throughout the state, including those in casinos, bars, lodges, standalone poker rooms and charity poker rooms.

Here is a comprehensive list of more than 60 poker rooms in the state, all of which highlight no-limit hold’em primarily, although some cardrooms additionally spread fixed-limit hold’em and other games.

Larger rooms also often run daily or weekly tournaments, with the largest ones such as at the FireKeepers Casino Hotel occasionally hosting midmajor tournament series as well.

Michigan poker history timeline

When it comes to legal gambling in Michigan, the state first legalized pari-mutuel horse racing in 1933 and the state lottery in 1972 — in both cases relatively early compared to other states.

It wasn’t until the 1990s, however, that Michigan introduced other forms of legal gambling, including poker.

In 1993, came the first Native American casino after the state signed a compact with the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe, with several other compacts with different Michigan-based tribes and the opening of more tribal casinos following.

In 1996, voters in the state passed by a narrow margin a proposal to allow three commercial casinos to be built in Detroit, and the Michigan Gaming Control and Revenue Act became law in 1997.

The MGM Grand Detroit was the first to open in July 1999, followed by MotorCity Casino Hotel in December 1999 and Greektown Casino-Hotel in November 2000.

As noted above, poker is among the gambling games allowed in Michigan casinos, with the game also permitted in other licensed brick-and-mortar locations as well as in nonprofit home games.

In 1999, Michigan adopted SB 562, specifically outlawing using the internet to violate provisions of the state’s anti-gambling laws.

Real Money Online Poker In Michigan Online

However, the following year, the state passed Public Act 185, thereby repealing SB 562. That meant from the year 2000 forward, Michigan didn’t have a specific prohibition on the books outlawing online gambling, leaving the state in a kind of a legal gray area on the matter.

By the 2010s, lawmakers in the state took up the idea of explicitly passing online gambling legislation. After about three years’ worth of effort, a bill called the Lawful Internet Gaming Act was introduced in the state’s Senate as SB 889.

The Senate Regulatory Reform Committeevoted in favor of the bill in June 2016, but it stalled after that and was not brought up for a vote by the entire Senate.

Efforts continued, and in September 2017, a new bill was introduced, H 4926, also called the Lawful Internet Gaming Act.

After sitting dormant for several months, that bill was reintroduced during the 2018 session and was passed by the House. The Senate then amended the bill and passed it in December 2018, and after the House passed that version as well, it was sent to Gov. Rick Snyder for his signature.

The bill allowed both commercial and tribal casino operators to obtain online gambling licenses. It also included language permitting Michigan to enter a multi-state online poker agreement with other states with legal, regulated online poker to share player pools.

Alas for the bill’s proponents, Snyder chose to veto the bill along with about 40 others, his final actions before leaving office. It was back to the drawing board for Michigan legislators.

Real Money Online Poker In Michigan Winning

Incoming Gov. Gretchen Whitmer had already signaled her support of legalizing sports betting during her campaign.

As 2019 progressed, it became clear that she was also favorable to expanding other forms of online gambling in the state, including online poker.

As the year came to a close, a package of bills legalizing online casinos, sports betting and online poker were ultimately passed by both legislative chambers. It was under the collective title of the Lawful Internet Gaming Act or H 4311. Whitmer signed the bills into law on Dec. 20, 2019.

There was one important change made to H 4311, namely, the removal of the clause explicitly allowing Michigan to enter a multi-state compact with other states to share player pools.

Such a compact was not forbidden, either. However, it is unclear whether or not the lack of a specific provision might present difficulties down the road should Michigan online poker sites wish to form such alliances.

Nevertheless, online poker giant PokerStars, opened its virtual doors in Michigan in January 2021. The population inside the Great Lake State is a large enough pool to get started.

What does the future hold for legal online poker in Michigan?

As noted above, 2021 should be a banner year for online poker. Along with the already-launched PokerStars, two more sites should debut in the first months of the year.

With a population of just over 10 million, Michigan is the second-most populous state, thus far, to have legalized online poker (behind Pennsylvania).

Real Money Online Poker In Michigan Casinos

Even so, the ability of those sites to join multi-state compacts with others will be a crucial factor affecting the success of Michigan online poker. Time will tell if joining the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA) is in the cards for Michigan.