Michigan Online Casinos

How do online casinos in Michigan compare to live casinos?

Michigan has a thriving live casino scene. There are the giant resorts in downtown Detroit and huge tribal casinos around the state. Many have entertainment, fine dining, and outdoor activities to compliment slots, blackjack, and poker.

Live casinos can apply for licenses to run online sports betting, casinos, and poker rooms. Each of the popular casino brands covered below has partnered with a live venue to legally operate in Michigan.

Online casinos have some big advantages over live venues. You can play from anywhere within state lines via mobile phone apps. Missing out on travel is a big plus, and the ability to have a quick session on slots (for example) without the time commitment of an evening in a live casino makes gambling more flexible than ever.

The choice of games at online casinos is huge. With no dealers needed, there are hundreds of table games to choose from. Slot fans will find games from NetEnt, MicroGaming, and PlayTech – which are not found in live casinos. Many of them have giant progressive jackpots, some with life-changing prizes.

Finally, online casinos compete with each other for your time. They do this by offering bonuses and promotions. Savvy players sign up for multiple brands, making the most of online casino bonuses.

Free play vs real money casino games

You can enjoy the games at Michigan online casinos for free. The best selection of games is accessed by registering an account, then choosing ‘Demo’ or ‘Free Play’ mode (depending on the brand) to start the games. With free online casino games, you will be given play money chips, with a new balance, each time you load a game.

This is the perfect way to try out different casino games before you play them for real money. You can learn the rules and strategy for table games, enjoy some slot bonus features or check out the newer game formats including virtual betting.

Many games are entertaining – though once you add the thrill of real money prizes, they move to a new level. The biggest real money prizes are progressive jackpots. The biggest you will find online are multimillion-dollar pools of life-changing money that you can win on an iPhone or Android casino app. Table games with side bets likewise give you the potential for bankroll boosting windfalls. Finally, when you switch to real money, you get to take advantage of the bonuses, loyalty rewards, and promotions.

Michigan casino bonuses and no deposit offers

All Michigan’s online casinos offer new players bonus deals. What you will find is that the small print has a bigger impact on how good a bonus is – not just the headline amount.

Some casinos offer free real money play without the need to deposit. These no deposit bonuses are small – in the $10 to $35 range. They allow you to check out apps, try some different games, and win money – without any risk. No credit card information is needed to claim no deposit casino bonuses.

The most common type of welcome bonus matches your first deposit. A 100% matched bonus up to $500 to $1,000 can be enjoyed at multiple casino brands. As an alternative, casinos including FanDuel will give you a rebate on any losses for your first 24 hours.

There are many other types of casino bonuses. Most of them are aimed at existing players. They include loyalty schemes, reload bonuses, free spins, and leaderboard style contests. In most cases, you will need to use an online casino bonus code to claim the offer. You can use the codes below to claim the top bonus.

Best Michigan online casino bonus codes 2024

Rank	Online Casinos	Bonus Codes	Bonus Offer
1.	DraftKings Casino	Click to claim promo	$35 Bonus + 100% Up to $50 On Deposit
2.	FanDuel Casino	Click to claim promo	Bonus First Day Up to $100
3.	BetMGM Casino	OGSBONUS	100% Up to $1,000 On Deposit
4.	Golden Nugget	Click to claim promo	100% Up to $50 On Deposit
5.	Stars Casino	Click to claim promo	Bet $1, Get a $150 Instant Casino Bonus

*Terms and conditions apply.

Clearing casino bonuses

You need to play-through casino bonuses to move the bonus money into your cash account – where it can be withdrawn. If you withdraw before your bonus is ‘cleared’ it will disappear.

Play through is listed as a multiple of your deposit and bonus amount. There is a wide range. Some casinos require you to wager the bonus money just once, and others up to 30 times.

Make sure you understand ‘weightings’ that are given to categories of games for your play-through targets. Slots are weighted at 100%. This means all the money you bet on them counts towards clearing your bonus. Table games are lower, with blackjack, roulette, and casino poker table games weighted at as little as a 10% contribution rate. These numbers are usually displayed in the ‘terms and conditions’ – it is always worth checking them out before you play.

Mobile casino apps in Michigan

Smartphones are now the most popular way of accessing online casinos. Game developers create their slots as ‘mobile-first’, with many of the legacy slots now also available on mobile casino apps.

Getting the best bonus and the current app is simple – follow our links to the casino brands and click the download/install button. There is a different process for iPhone and Android smartphone users. This is based on the policies of the app stores.

• iPhone casinos: Follow our links to the casino website – and click download. The app will be installed via the App Store. You can register, claim bonuses, and enjoy 100’s of different games via apps for both iPhones and iPads.
• Android casinos: Again, follow our links to the casinos and initiate the download when prompted. The difference here is that the apps will come directly from the casinos, not from the Google ‘Play’ store. This is down to Google’s no gambling policies. Other than the need to ‘OK’ prompts telling you the download is from outside of the store, the process is fast and secure.

You can access online casino slots, table games, and video poker on your phones and tablets. For live dealer games, bigger screens are recommended.

Online casino brands expected in Michigan

With 26 live casinos eligible to apply for licenses, Michigan residents have a huge choice of online casinos. Some partnerships are national – for example, the MGM Grand Detroit will release their BetMGM Casino. Others are tie-ins between brands better known for sports betting that also have extensive online casinos. You might recognize other brands from live casinos in Las Vegas, or online poker rooms.

You do not need to be a permanent resident of Michigan to play for real money at online casinos. You do need to be at least 18. You also need to be inside state lines. Geolocation technology is used by all the casinos. If there is any doubt about your location, you will not be able to play real money casino games.

All Michigan casinos offer welcome bonuses. Make sure that you compare their play-through requirement and weightings. It is also important to check out the ongoing promotions and rewards. These will be with you for a lot longer than the welcome bonus – potentially topping up your bankroll for years to come.

Here are the Michigan online casinos you can choose from:

• Golden Nugget: This brand has partnered with the Ojibwa Casino for their online casino. In other states, Golden Nugget hosts a huge selection of slots and casino games. They also offer a $50 matched bonus for depositing players. Promotions include loyalty rewards and free slot spins.
• DraftKings: Best known for their sports betting and DFS games, DraftKings also host casino games in regulated states. DraftKings has partnered with the Bay Mills Casino in Michigan. This casino has the biggest no-deposit bonus in Michigan, with $35 for all new players to try out the long list of slots and table games.
• FanDuel: This brand has partnered with Detroit’s MotorCity Casino. Their online casino is powered by Scientific Games – the company behind the most popular live casino slots. Instead of a matched deposit bonus, FanDuel offers casino players a refund bonus. If you lose on your first day, you can claim up to $100 back in bonus credits.
• BetRivers: Rush Street Interactive powers the BetRivers casino. This brand is active in NJ and PA – and has partnered with the Little River Casino to go online in Michigan. With a social casino feel to their real money gambling, the BetRivers casino app stands out in a crowded market. New players get a matched bonus up to $500 with an easy 1x play-through requirement.
• BetMGM: MGM has partnered with gambling giant GVC to create their online casino apps. This is licensed through the MGM Grand in Detroit. You can get $25 free to check out the varied slots and table games, no deposit needed. If you enjoy their casino apps, there is also a 100% deposit bonus, up to $1,000 for new players.
• Caesars: This casino giant does not have a venue of its own in Michigan. They are active in the online casino and sports betting space in other states – and are expected to join the list of big brand casinos setting up in MI. You will find news and reviews of the Caesars online casino here as soon as an announcement is made.
• Stars Casino: Stars Group has expanded from poker into sports betting and online casino games. They have partnered with the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians to set up an online casino in Michigan. The main (poker) bonus is Play 1 Hand, Get $150 in Free Play. The casino bonus is an instant $150 bonus on a $1 bet. You will also get to open treasure chests for extra rewards as part of the ‘Stars Rewards’ loyalty program.
• Party Casino: This casino has exclusive slots – as well as licensed games from the main studios. They offer a $100 bonus in other states, in addition to a matched deposit bonus. Party has not yet announced a specific licensing deal/partnership for Michigan. Their parent company, GVC, is behind the BetMGM casino apps in partnership with MGM Grand Detroit.

Casino software and game options in Michigan

Platforms that run your account and administer bonuses are created independently from the games. Apps and in-browser options mean that all online casinos choose games from different sources. This is why you will see many of the same titles at many different casinos.

Casino brands take the biggest and best slot games from live casino settings. You will find slots from big-name players like Aristocrat, Scientific Games, Barcrest, Bally and IGT online. There are also titles from giant online slot studios available. Games from NetEnt and MicroGaming are hugely popular – and every bit as good as the famous live casino slots.

Live dealer casinos, table games, video poker, and keno also come from a variety of sources. Some casinos pick a few hundred of the best available games. Others give you thousands of games to choose from, letting players decide for themselves which titles they prefer.

Within each broad category of casino games, variations and new concepts are coming up all the time. Graphics and design – along with the creativity of game designers – have exploded in recent years. The list below gives you a high-level explanation of what you will find at online casinos in Michigan.

Casino game types:

• Online slots: There are more online slots than every other type of casino game combined. New games are being released all the time. They range from traditional reel slots to complex video slots with multiple bonus games and progressive jackpots. Favorites from live casinos have been adapted for online casinos – though many of the best titles were created especially for this format.
• Video poker: This game works well at Android and iPhone casino apps. The range of games available starts with the classics found on bar top consoles. You will find variations like multi-hand, bonus poker pay tables, video poker progressive jackpots, and games with bonus features created for online play.
• Craps: The most popular dice-game always creates a lively atmosphere in live casinos. The online craps versions help you to nail your strategy, and (if needed) to understand the different rounds and bets.
• Blackjack: A big advantage of choosing online blackjack are the number of variations. Software-based games start with regular Vegas or Atlantic City rules. You can then add side bets, single deck/double deck, multi-hand games, and entertaining variations. Options include bonus bet blackjack, Spanish 21, blackjack switch, and pontoon.
• Roulette: In a live casino, finding a single-zero roulette wheel with smaller minimum bets is virtually impossible. You can find the ‘European’ wheel, or even French roulette (which has better odds) online. Games with multiple wheels, special effects, and jackpot side bets can also be played.
• Table games: There is a long list of table games that use poker hand rankings to enjoy online. They include ultimate Texas Hold’em, Caribbean Stud, 3-Card Poker, Casino Hold’em, and more. Other popular table games you will find at online casinos in Michigan include Pai Gow Poker, Casino War, Baccarat, and Sic Bo.
• Live dealer table games: Games with real dealers, happening in real-time are hugely popular. They have a social feel, recreating the live casino experience. You can enjoy blackjack, roulette, baccarat, casino poker variations, and wheel spin style games via live dealer online casinos.

There are other games to enjoy too. Scratch cards are offered by many leading casino brands. You will find colorful variations on keno and bingo online. Game-show style novelty games like Deal or No Deal are available. You can also try your hand at virtual sports betting.

How to cash out winnings from online casinos in Michigan

Casinos use the same method you deposited with to pay your winnings as standard. This is not always possible – for example with some credit card brands, payments are allowed, though withdrawals are not.

The process for cashing out your winnings is simple. First, head to the cashier at your casino. Next, choose to withdraw/cash-out (the words used, and the exact layout varies between the brands). You can select your withdrawal method. Choices include cards, ACH transfer, and electronic wallets. After entering the amount to withdraw, you will see a pop-up if you have any outstanding bonuses. Withdrawing will cause those bonuses to be canceled.

Casinos typically take between 24 and 48 hours to process a withdrawal. This gives them time to check your play for ‘bonus abuse’ – and to verify that your account is legitimate. Some casinos will have caps on what you can withdraw each time. There are also minimums in place for some of the more expensive withdrawal methods.

If no other suitable method can be found to process your withdrawal, you can request a paper check.

Are Michigan online casinos fair?

A huge advantage of playing casino games at sites licensed in Michigan is that you can be sure that the deal/spins are fair. If you go offshore to shady Caribbean-based casinos, there is little or no oversight. While those casinos claim fair games – it is difficult to verify this – and there is nobody to escalate any dispute too.

Michigan casinos have a requirement to demonstrate that game fairness has been tested. The outcome of all online casino games is controlled by RNG (random number generator) software. Specialist companies audit casinos by simulating millions of hands or spins. Look for the results of these audits at each casino. Reputable companies include eCogra and iTech Labs.

If you feel you have been treated unfairly by a Michigan casino – you can escalate to the Michigan Gaming Control Board. They have a dispute resolution process with all the casinos. With the reputation of the big brands active in Michigan, it is unlikely this will be needed.

Fairness at casinos also covers responsible gaming. This involves a set of policies to look after people that develop gambling problems. Tools to limit play (deposits, time on site, and bet levels), take a time out/self-exclude plus links to organizations that can help are all components of responsible gaming policy.

Wrapping up: Best online casinos in Michigan

The biggest and best online casino brands are coming to Michigan. Each online casino needs to partner with a local live casino for their license – as set out by the Michigan Gaming Control Board. Casinos including PokerStars, BetMGM, BetRivers, and FanDuel have already penned deals. They are ready to launch a mix of browser-based online casinos and casino apps for iPhone/Android users.

You will find a huge choice of slots, video poker, keno/bingo, and table games at these casinos. To play for real money, you need to be 18+. The casinos will only work within state lines, with geolocation technology blocking play if you step over the border.

Innovations including live dealer table games, slots with linked (huge) progressive jackpots, and new game formats help to keep your gaming experience fresh.

With so many casinos competing for your time, you will be able to take advantage of many different types of casino bonus deals. Online casino no deposit bonuses let you check out the apps without risking your bankroll. If you enjoy the games, then matched deposit bonuses will ensure your bankroll gets off to the best possible start.

Check out the entertaining slots and grab yourself a bonus today at online casinos in Michigan!