Michigan used to have some of the most unusual online gambling laws in the country. Things are beginning to come together, yet many still have questions about online poker gambling in Michigan. On this page, our team of gambling experts will explain how everyone can find the best Michigan poker sites.

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. Offshore poker sites are often licensed and regulated in other countries such as Panama, Costa Rica, Antigua and Barbuda, Kahnawake, and other foreign countries, and they offer their services to citizens of Michigan legally via World Trade Organization rulings (The United States is the biggest partner and participator in WTO). The Stars Group officially launched its award-winning poker software on Jan.

Some readers may want to skip all this and get straight to the betting. No problem! Directly below are some of the top online poker sites in Michigan operating right now.

Rank	Gambling Site	Deposit Bonus	Get Started
#1	100% Up To €400	Visit Site

Laws towards this state’s gambling industry are changing fast. We’ll go over these laws and discuss how they’ve changed over the years. Our team will also explain exactly what’s allowed here and what isn’t.

Before getting into the legality of this industry, we’ll be looking at some of the most important things to look for in a poker site. Most of the Michigan poker websites operating here are great. It’s important, however, to be able to tell a good site from a bad one.

2020 seemed to be the year when Michigan’s gambling regulations would change dramatically. This page should provide you with all of the information you need about the real money online poker gambling in Michigan.

Four Important Features to Look for in Michigan Poker Sites

Just about every poker website in the country is currently operating in the United States. Most of them are fantastic. Some, unfortunately, are known to be a little shady. The good thing is that it’s fairly easy to tell a good poker site from a bad one.

There are a few features that all good Michigan poker sites will offer to their members. As long as you find one that offers these features, it’s probably fantastic! You can read about them below.

Safe and Easy Banking

The first feature you should always look for in a poker website is its payment system. Nothing is more important than knowing the money you are gambling with is safe! We highly recommend that you spend a little time checking out some of the different payment options being offered through different sites.

It’s a good idea to join a site that allows deposits to be made using debit and credit cards. We also recommend that you look for one that doesn’t charge unusually high fees to collect your money. Never forget to look for safe, reliable payment options before joining an internet poker website.

Helpful and Responsive Customer Service

Every Michigan online poker site should have a fantastic customer support system at this point. Essentially, this is the feature that helps to answer your questions. Make sure that any real money online poker sites in Michigan you’re interested in actually offer this tool.

Michigan is in the process of regulating online gambling. For now, all Michigan online poker sites are unregulated. That means it’s extremely important to play through sites that will help you when you need it. We tend to recommend the ones that offer direct support options.

Huge List of Poker Games Available

Most people know that there are many different poker variations now available. This is especially true with online poker sites in Michigan. Many MI online poker sites now offer more games than the biggest land-based casinos in Las Vegas.

Some individuals who are new to online poker gambling make the mistake of joining a site before checking out which games are available. Don’t make this mistake! Always make sure the games you want to play are actually offered through the sites you’re interested in joining.

Great Promotions for New and Existing Members

Promotions are one of the coolest things about online gambling sites. In case you’re unaware, these are bonus offers that sites offer to their members. The most common one is a welcome bonus that adds money onto whatever you first deposit into your account.

Before joining any gambling sites, check to make sure it offers great promotions for new and existing members. You’ll want to know that great bonuses are still being offered even after signing up to a site. It’s also a good idea to look at the terms and conditions of these offers.

These are the four most important features of poker sites. As long as you find one that offers these, it’s probably fantastic!

Why Are Online Poker Sites in Michigan Becoming More Popular?

Poker is one of the most popular casino games in the world. It’s available inside almost every single casino around the country. It’s become one of the most popular real money online forms of gambling!

The popularity of this industry has been growing steadily for the past few years. For this reason, lawmakers are becoming more and more interested in its regulation. According to most reports, this will happen in 2021.

There seem to be two main reasons why this industry is growing so quickly in Michigan. One reason that most experts agree on is the convenience of this form of gambling. Online poker allows you to play from the comfort of home. In fact, it allows you to play all of your favorite poker games from anywhere in the state with an internet connection!

Mobile poker gambling is growing quickly as well. Most Michigan poker sites offer fantastic mobile gambling platforms. In some cases, these mobile poker options are better than the desktop versions! The ability to make bets from anywhere has helped this industry grow tremendously.

The fact that so many different forms of poker are now available online is another reason for its growth. Many who are new to playing poker online in Michigan are astounded to see all of the options available.

Some of these Michigan poker websites are known for offering more games than others. Spend a little time checking out different Michigan online poker sites. You’ll be astounded to see all of the options available!

As time goes on, online poker gambling in Michigan will continue to grow more popular. Soon, MI will begin earning revenue from this industry.

List of Land-Based Poker Rooms in Michigan

Michigan, like many states, is home to a huge number of individuals that love to gamble. Fortunately, a huge number of great poker venues are now spread around the entire state. More poker halls are likely to open here over the next few years.

Below are the names and locations of the best land-based poker rooms in the state of Michigan.

• Greektown Casino: Detroit
• Bay Mills Resort and Casino: Brimley
• MGM Grand Detroit: Detroit
• Ojibwa Casino Baraga: Baraga
• Rounders Poker Room Saginaw: Saginaw
• Shark Club Waterford: Waterford
• Gun Lake Casino: Wayland
• Momo’s Poker Room: Taylor
• Owosso Poker Room: Owosso
• Soaring Eagle Casino: Mt. Pleasant

There’s something special about playing poker inside of a land-based venue with real people. If you’re in any of the cities above, make sure to check out the local poker halls!

Legality of Poker Sites in Michigan

Michigan was once known for having very tough laws on the gambling industry. Horse race betting was the only real form of gambling allowed here until the ‘70s. At that time, lawmakers in the state decided to approve a lottery.

It wasn’t until 1996 that things really began to take off. That year, a key piece of legislation was approved to allow Class III casinos to start operating in the state. By 1999, several major casinos had begun operating in the state.

That same year, another piece of legislation was introduced to ban all forms of online gambling. It was struck down after just a few months.

Today, there are no laws that claim it’s illegal to play at Michigan online poker sites. Most analysts agree that it’s perfectly legal.

Section 750.314 is what mentions illegal gambling. Of course, this set of laws is old and does not apply to internet poker gambling.

“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…”

It’s easy to see this law does not apply anymore. There are now legal casinos in the state after all.

Michigan is a great state to be a poker fan in. There are many land-based and online poker gambling options here. Soon, all of the Michigan poker sites will be regulated by the state.

Will I Get in Trouble for Playing at Poker Sites in MI?

It’s very unlikely. Lawmakers in Michigan have begun to embrace the online poker industry. Soon, online gambling will become regulated by the state. Officials here have shown no desire to target gamblers. We have not come across a single case of anyone facing legal trouble for playing poker online in Michigan.

*We are not lawyers. Reach out to a law professional for more information about the specific online casino laws in Michigan.*

Tips to Stay Safe Playing at Michigan Online Poker Sites

It’s clear that online poker gambling in Michigan is very safe. It’s always possible to come across issues, though. There are a few basic steps that everyone can take to significantly lower their chances of getting into trouble while playing at MI poker websites.

Here are five easy tips to keep in mind when first getting into this form of gambling.

Choose Reputable Online Michigan Poker Sites

This is definitely the easiest way to protect yourself. Those that join a safe poker site are very unlikely to come across any issues. Head over to our gambling site reviews page to learn more about some of the best poker websites now operating in the state.

Never Bet Too Much Real Money

One of the most common issues that people come across is betting more money than they have to lose. This is an easy mistake to avoid. Simply keep track of how much you’re betting every day. If you realize that your poker habit is getting out of hand, take a break for a little while.

Stay Updated on Changes to Michigan’s Poker Laws

For now, Michigan is very lenient towards the online poker industry. Things can change quickly, though. Take a look at our gambling news page from time to time for constant updates on the legal situation here. It’s always possible for this industry to become banned.

Understand How Different Promotions Work

As we said earlier, promotions are fantastic tools that almost all Michigan poker sites online now offer. Sometimes, however, these offers make it difficult to collect your money. Always read the terms and conditions of every promotional offer you come across and don’t use the ones with major rollover requirements.

Keep Your Online Poker Account Information Private

It’s extremely important to always keep your internet poker account information private. Those with access to your account can take your money! Never give your username or password to anyone. It’s also a good idea to change your account password from time to time.

FAQ About Online Poker Gambling in Michigan

What Are the Best Online Poker Sites in Michigan Right Now?

This one is subjective. Our team always recommends Bovada and BetOnline. These sites have grown extremely popular throughout the United States over the years. They’re both known for offering safe payment options and many different poker gaming options.

How Much Money Can I Win Playing Poker Games Online?

This depends on you and your poker skill. Some individuals are able to win a huge amount of money every single month. Your chances of winning major jackpots will increase when playing games that you understand. It’s also smart to play with others around your experience level.

Do Michigan Poker Sites Offer Other Casino Games?

Some do and some do not. Every site is different. The larger ones tend to offer more casino gambling options. Some offer sports betting odds, too! Take a look at a few different ones to see what’s being offered.

What’s the Easiest Poker Game to Win Money?

Most Michigan poker sites offer a wide variety of different poker games. Many claim that Texas Hold’em is the easiest to win money at. This game is extremely popular around the world and skilled players are able to win serious jackpots on a regular basis.

Why Should I Play Poker Online for Real Money?

That decision is always yours! If you love poker gambling but don’t want to make the drive to a local gambling venue, then online poker sites in Michigan are probably for you.

Conclusion on Michigan Online Poker Sites

There are many great online poker options available in Michigan right now. According to new reports in 2021, online gambling will become state-regulated here in 2021. Even now, there are a huge number of poker websites that are allowed.

Feel free to reach out with any more questions you have. Good luck placing your bets!

On paper, it seems as if Michigan would be a prime candidate to regulate online poker and legal real money Internet poker. Boasting one of the most active gambling and betting communities in the Unites States, Michigan is one of only a handful of states that permits all forms of real-money wagering, including real cash poker betting. Furthermore, the Motor City of Detroit is one of the largest metropolises to inhabit multiple casinos and legit poker gambling card rooms. And before long, Michigan’s lottery will go online bringing Internet gambling to the people of MI for the first time.

With that said, Michigan’s lawful poker and real money gambling legislators have yet to seriously address the issue of regulated gambling and Internet poker. Instead, it appears that MI, the Wolverine State, is waiting for other states to take the lead on legal poker website betting, and then re-evaluating its stance based on their legit betting performance.

Given that three states have already rolled out their iGaming Internet poker and real cash gambling website operations, it may not be long before Michigan makes its position clear on poker website real money betting. At the very least, 2021 should prove to be an active year in the MI Internet poker field.

Home of the Great Lakes, Michigan gamblers will be happy to know that signing up for an account at any of our real money US poker sites is very easy.

Michigan Gives Mixed Signals Regarding Online Gambling

Quick Jump

• 5 The Facts

In 2013, Michigan’s gambling and betting industry experienced two major shakeups: one that might pave the way for regulated iGaming Internet poker lawful poker websites, and another that stunted the growth of MI State’s real money poker industry.

In October, the Michigan Gaming Control Board proposed a series of changes that would all but put an end to charity real cash poker rooms ^[1]. A nearly $200 million a year industry, Michigan’s charitable poker gambling facilities have raised over $100 million in real money poker betting revenues for various charities over the past decade. But due to the high rate of crime associated with the Texas Hold’em poker and general poker gambling industry, including fraud, robberies and weapon offenses, the state feels compelled to take action on legal poker betting.

However, there are some that believe that the Great Lakes State’s officials are cracking under the pressure imposed by the state’s brick and mortar casinos and live real money poker rooms, which are losing poker betting business to the charitable legit poker rooms. Gaming control Executive Director Rick Kalm denied these allegations, claiming that casinos hardly make any real money from real cash poker compared with other betting and forms of gambling.

Advocates of Michigan’s philanthropic lawful poker gambling facilities, such as MI State Rep. Jeff Farrington, are calling for more moderate measures. Instead of imposing strict regulations on all real money poker betting, Farrington suggests the need for an improved framework. In fact, most proponents of MI State’s charitable gambling and poker betting endeavors believe that closing the real cash poker rooms will have a devastating effect on both the charities that rely on them for funding and the state’s unemployment rate.

In more promising news, Michigan recently confirmed that as of Q4 2014, its real money lottery gambling games will be available online ^[2]. Pollard Banknote and NeoGames will provide the state’s iLottery Internet gambling services, which are projected to generate nearly half-a-billion dollars in real cash betting revenue for the state of Michigan in its first eight years.

Online lotto services will only be available to inhabitants of the state of MI, and subject to a myriad of responsible gambling and betting guidelines – similar to those already in place in jurisdictions that have legalized online gambling and poker websites where gambling enthusiast can play legal Internet poker for real money.

Latest Michigan Poker News

Can Players from Michigan Play Online Poker?

Given MI’s reputation as a relatively liberal state, it comes as little surprise that Michigan’s residents can register for a real cash poker account at all US poker websites in 2021. And although Michigan hasn’t officially regulated iGaming Internet poker for real money yet, there’s no reason why you can’t grind out real cash poker games, SNGs and MTTs from the comfort of your own bedroom or home office on top poker websites with Texas Hold’em games and other poker variants.

Is Online Poker Legal in Michigan?

Most states’ gambling and betting statues make no mention of online poker and playing at real money Internet poker websites, and Michigan’s legit Internet gambling laws prove no exception. Dense and at times contradictory, Michigan’s gambling and betting bylaws will likely confound the average reader. Which is why we’ve thoroughly dissected them; so you don’t have to before you play at online poker websites..

With that said, any serious Internet poker online grinder should talk to a legal authority versed in gambling and lawful poker website betting law before making a deposit on a US-facing poker website.

Listed below are several excerpts and explanations of Michigan’s gambling and betting law:

• Surprisingly, the penalties for running an illegal gambling or betting operation in Michigan are much more severe than in most states. According to Section 432.218: Conducting a gambling operation where wagering is used or to be used without a license issued by the board, is a felony punishable by up to 10 years in an MI prison or a fine of not more than $100,000, or both.
• Offering anything of value to a casino employee, including real cash, or anyone affiliated with a licensed gambling operator, in exchange for a preferred gambling outcome in any game including real money poker is also considered a felony.
• Gambling, as defined by Michigan law, is any game played with cards, dice, equipment or a machine, including any mechanical, electromechanical or electronic device which shall include computers and cashless wagering systems, for money, credit, or any representative of value. Section 432.202(v).
• One could easily interpret this definition to include online poker and Internet poker betting for real money. However, in 2000 the state repealed a Senate Bill that made it specifically unlawful to use the Internet to violate certain provisions of Michigan’s anti-gambling and anti-poker websites laws. Contradictory, it seems.
• Winning gamblers suffer greater penalties than losing ones. According to Section 750.314, Any person who by playing at cards, dice, or any other game…wins or obtains any sum of real money or any goods, is subject to a misdemeanor if the real money, goods, or articles so won or obtained are of the value of not more than $50.00. If casino gambling or poker betting winnings exceed $50.00, the winner could serve one year in a MI jail.
• Social gambling is generally accepted, in so long as a rake is not taken in games like Texas Hold’em poker.

Considering the severity of Michigan’s gambling and betting laws, players are encouraged to never play live real money poker at an unlicensed facility and only at fully legal real cash poker gambling establishments.

To read more about the state’s gambling and poker betting statutes ^[3], please visit the “References” section.

• U. S. Poker Site
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The Facts

The History of Gambling in Michigan

Michigan’s gambling and real cash poker story is significantly shorter than most. It first made its presence felt when MI Governor William Comstock passed a bill legalizing pari-mutuel real money betting. This measure was likely taken to counter the ill-effects of the Great Depression and bring the people of MI some enjoyment through light hearted gambling. However, at the present time no horse racing betting venues currently operate out of Michigan.

Gambling and betting was readdressed in 1972, when MI state voters elected to institute a statewide real cash lottery. Since that time, the lottery has become an enormous source of legal gambling revenue for the state of Michigan.

Real Money Poker Michigan

By the 1980s, largely due to the passage of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act of 1988, the state’s multiple tribes began opening gambling facilities and real money poker betting card rooms within Michigan’s borders. Their ventures have proven widely successful, resulting in nearly two dozen casinos and lawful poker gambling rooms as of 2014.

In 1994, a Canadian casino and real cash poker room located on the border of Michigan opened its doors to the gambling public. This compelled Michigan legislators to open commercial casinos and poker betting rooms of their own, and by 1996 MI voters facilitated the passage of the Michigan Gaming Control & Revenue Act. The new bill allowed Michigan’s regulatory committee to oversee the construction of three Detroit-based casinos and legal poker destinations, the first of which opened in 1999. Also in the 1990s, charitable gaming – including real money poker gambling nights – was legalized.

In 1999, a law designed to disallow residents from gambling on Internet poker and other real money gambling websites was put into action. However, one year later it was amended to not include the term gambling. But by 2012, the state’s law enforcement authorities began cracking down on Internet cafes sponsoring online poker website sweepstakes and letting gambling citizens of MI log on to Internet poker websites. Attorney General Bill Schuette would go on record stating that MI citizens should steer clear of Internet sweepstakes cafes that are nothing more than unregistered, illegal casinos and Internet poker rooms ^[4]. By June 2012, nearly 60 of these alleged real cash poker sweepstakes cafes were shut down.

Regulated Gambling Options in Michigan

There is no shortage of regulated gambling and betting options in Michigan, including plenty of real money poker action. Along with Iowa, Michigan is the only state that permits all five major types of real-money wagering: pari-mutuel, charitable, lottery, commercial casinos, and tribal casinos. And whereas most major cities discourage the construction of casinos and real money poker betting rooms, Detroit is a Mecca of legit gambling activity. But no matter where in Michigan you live, a legal real cash poker room or casino is bound to be located somewhere nearby on the streets of MI.

There may be no regulation of online poker in Michigan, but a lot of residents play online at the poker room of their choice.

The Future of Regulated Online Gambling in Michigan

Whether or not Michigan will toss its hat into the iGaming Internet poker arena is anyone’s guess. And even the best real money poker gambling fans probably wouldn’t want to be betting on that!

On the plus side, the state of Michigan relies on gambling and betting revenues from land-based real money poker games more than most, and has shown a willingness to bring certain facets of its gambling landscape – not real cash poker but namely the lottery – online and give it a legal Internet gambling website.

With that said, no iGaming Internet poker bill has been penned by Michigan’s state legislators. The status of a real money poker websites bill could very well change in 2021, as states like New Jersey continue to prove the viability of the regulated iGaming legal real cash Internet poker market. But it’s more likely that Michigan will wait and see what neighboring states Iowa and Illinois do before enacting Internet gambling legislation of its own.

Fun Fact

Two of the past five WSOP Main Event champions have hailed from Michigan. Joe Cada, the youngest real money poker champion ever, would defeat logger Darvin Moon for the title in 2009, while Ryan “the Beast” Riess would capture glory in 2013 at the real cash poker tables. Riess also earned his undergraduate degree from Michigan State University ^[5].

The Bottom Line

There will likely come a time when citizens of Michigan will be able to enjoy regulated online poker and sign up at legal MI real money poker websites. But like most good things, it may require patience.

In the most probable scenario, the success of iGaming and real cash Internet poker in a select few states will set off a domino effect, compelling upwards of a dozen more states, Michigan included, to pass Internet gaming and lawful poker website legislation of its own.

Michigan’s nearly 10 million residents could certainly sustain a healthy legal real money Internet poker community, similar to New Jersey’s. Here’s hoping that 2021 is the year the Wolverine State takes the plunge into the world of real cash poker website gambling!

References

[1] ↑The end of charity poker rooms in Michigan? State regulators eye even stricter rules

[2] ↑Michigan Confirms 2014 Online Lottery Launch

[3] ↑MCL Chapter Index

Poker Sites For Michigan

[4] ↑Bedford Internet Café Closed; Charges Filed Against Pair

[5] ↑Ryan Riess – Wikipedia

Online Poker Michigan Pokerstars

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