John Ford | January 16, 2020 | Updated on: April 26th, 2021
Casinos in Michigan are a mixture of tribal and commercial casinos. There are over 20 gambling establishments in the state. This places Michigan as one of ten American states with the most casinos. The multi-billion industry is based on the state’s commercial casinos, which bring in billions of dollars in revenue yearly. Apart from all casinos in Michigan, the state also has horse racing tracks. There are 12 different tribes who own several casinos with each tribe owning one or more casinos.
The entertainment centers offer the best casino games and have a number of sought-after amenities. From reward games and live entertainment, to luxury resorts, restaurants and hotels, Michigan is a great gambling destination. As a liberal gambling state, Michigan permits a few gambling options. The casinos in Michigan are spread across 22 counties with Wayne County having the most casinos. All the casinos in the Great Lake State are located near local must-see sites, only making the casino all the more attractive.
While Michigan may be a liberal gambling state, there are penalties in place for those who do not adhere to the state’s gambling laws. Games of skill are considered gambling when played for money, which is prohibited in the state. The gambling options permitted in the state include horse racing regardless of it being at racebook, on mobile apps, or licensed race tracks. It doesn’t end there. Players take part in the state lottery, electronic table games, video poker, slots, as well as card games deemed legal by the Michigan gaming control board. The regulatory board also ensures that all games are fair and that there is honest gaming in the state. The tribal casinos in the state does not fall under Michigan gaming control. However, they are regulated by the National Indian Gaming Commission. Between the 21 gambling crimes, which are considered misdemeanors, as well as the eight felonies, no players are looking to get on the wrong side of the casinos in Michigan.
Online Gambling in Michigan
There are currently no laws that prohibit players from making wagers on their favorite online casino games. There is no set framework that has been regulated that deals with online casinos or gambling. Players are free to join offshore casinos and place wagers. Michigan does not have its own regulated web-based casino sites. However, there has not been a story of a player getting into trouble for gambling at internet casinos in the state.
In 2014, Michigan launched its range of internet gaming, which was a first for the state. As it currently stands, the legalization of web-based poker is still in limbo since its introduction in 2016. Two bills are on offer from both legislative houses. The laws could possibly see internet poker, casino games and sports betting get legalized. In the interim, players can enjoy Draw games, keno, pull tabs, and instants all available from the Michigan lottery websites.
List of Casinos in Michigan
Casino
Games
Features
Address
MGM Grand Detroit
3,500 Slots
160 table games
Restaurants
Fitness center
Pool
1777 Third Street, Detroit
Gun Lake Casino
2,000 slots
61 Table Games
Hotel
Restaurants
Bar
1123 129th Avenue, Wayland
Soaring Eagle Casino
350 slots
78 Table games
Hotel
Waterpark
Spa and Salon
Restaurants
Lounge
Kids Quest
6800 Soaring Eagle Boulevard, Mount Pleasant
MotorCity Casino & Hotel
2,700 Slots
76 Table Games
Hotel
Spat
Fitness center
Theatre
Bars
MotorCity Casino, 2901 Grand River Avenue, Detroit
Firekeepers Casino
2,900 slots
96 Table Games
Restaurants
Hotel
Bar
Fitness center
Pool
11177 East Michigan Avenue, Battle Creek
Greektown Casino Hotel
3,000 Slots
97 Table Games
Hotel
Poker Room
Bar
Lounge
Restaurants
555 East Lafayette Boulevard, Detroit
Four Winds Casino Michigan
2,600 Slots
49 Table games
Resort
Fitness center
Live entertainment
Bars
Restaurants
11111 Wilson Road, New Buffalo
Odawa Casino Resort
1,000 Slots
23 Table Games
Resort
Restaurants
Lounge
Poker Room
1760 Lears Road, Petoskey
Lakeshore Casino and Resort
1,700 Slot Machines
35 Table Games
Hotel
4800 Harvey Street, Muskegon
Kewadin Casino – Ste. Marie
800 slots
Table games
Hotel
Spa
Pool
Fitness Center
Restaurants
2186 Shunk Road, Sault Ste. Marie, MI
Michigan Gaming History
Pari-mutuel racing was used to boost the state revenue in the 19th century during the Great Depression. Then, lottery was approved in 1972 by voters and the first ticket was sold three years later. Commercial casinos where legalized three years after the first casino was opened in 1988.
The first tribal casino was opened in 1993, and the gambling industry extended and spread over to a dozen more tribes. A smoking ban was enacted in 2004 but exempted Detroit’s casinos.
The legal gambling age in Michigan ranges between 18 and 21. There are casinos that are open to 18 year old, as well as the lottery. Apart from seven casinos in the state, players have to be 19 and over.
Unfortunately, not. There are no regulated daily fantasy sports in Michigan. However, players can take part in daily fantasy sports at legitimate offshore sites.
The seven Indian casinos in Michigan that accepts 18-year-olds include: Soaring Eagle, Turtle Creek, Lac Vieux, Leelanau Sands, Island Resort, as well as both Ojibwa casinos.