Michigan licenses online casino, poker and sports betting via the MGCB; only Detroit casinos and tribes can be operators, and suppliers need a licence.
Licensing model
Limited Licences
Online regulated since
22 Jan 2021
Minimum age
21
Currency
USD
Official language
English
Licence types
5
On this page
Key points for operators and suppliers
1
B2B suppliers (platforms, game studios, geolocation, rev-share affiliates) need an MGCB supplier licence before supplying
2
Only Detroit casino licensees and Michigan tribes can hold operator licences; max 2 iGaming brands and 1 sports betting platform each
3
iGaming tax 20-28% graduated on AGR; online sports betting 8.4% of adjusted gross sports betting receipts
4
21+ players, geofenced to Michigan, servers located in Michigan unless the Board approves otherwise
5
Vendors supplying over USD 100000 a year, payment processors and flat-fee affiliates must register as vendors
What Michigan asks of a licensee
The four questions that decide whether a market is worth entering.
Michigan regulates online casino games, poker and sports betting under the Lawful Internet Gaming Act and Lawful Sports Betting Act (both 2019), supervised by the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB); both went live on 22 January 2021. Operator licences are limited to the three Detroit commercial casino licensees and Michigan tribes with class III casinos, each eligible for one licence per act, and they typically go to market through licensed platform providers. Every B2B supplier whose goods or services directly affect wagering, play or results, including platform providers, geolocation, game content and revenue-share affiliates, must hold an MGCB supplier licence, and other vendors must register. Internet gaming pays a graduated 20-28% tax on adjusted gross receipts and online sports betting 8.4%; 2026 PA 93 and 94 (effective 2026-09-21) changed only how the funds are allocated, not the rates.
Which verticals are legal in Michigan
Status is the position for a licensed operator, not for offshore supply.
Daily Fantasy Sports
Licensed
Paid fantasy contests need an MGCB fantasy contest operator licence (18+); 8.4% tax on adjusted revenues.
Esports Betting
Not stated
The Lawful Sports Betting Act covers wagering on athletic events; no official statement on esports found.
Horse Racing / Pool Betting
Not stated
Pari-mutuel racing is licensed under the Horse Racing Law of 1995; the MGCB ordered advance deposit wagering to stop from 2025-01-01 because no track was licensed.
Land-based Casino
Licensed
Three Detroit commercial casinos are licensed by the MGCB; tribal casinos operate under tribal-state compacts.
Online Bingo
Not stated
No specific online bingo authorisation found; MGCB cease-and-desist list includes unlicensed bingo sites.
Online Casino
Licensed
Offered by Detroit casino licensees and tribes holding an internet gaming operator licence, usually via licensed platform providers.
Online Lottery
Not stated
Lottery games offered by the state Bureau of Lottery are outside the Lawful Internet Gaming Act.
Online Poker
Licensed
Covered by the internet gaming licence; Michigan shares poker liquidity with other states under the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement.
Online Sports Betting
Licensed
Offered by Detroit casino licensees and tribes holding a sports betting operator licence; 21+ only.
Retail Betting
Licensed
Retail sports betting takes place in the three Detroit commercial casinos.
Skill Games
Not stated
Social / Sweepstakes Casino
Not stated
No licensing route; the MGCB has issued cease-and-desist letters to sweepstakes casino operators such as Stake.us.
Michigan licence types and what they cost5
Fees are the published headline figures. Tiered and revenue-banded amounts
are set out in the notes under each licence.
Internet Gaming Supplier License
B2B Supplier
Anyone supplying goods, software or services that directly affect wagering, play or results of internet games, including platform providers, geofence providers, game/software providers, live game data hosts and revenue-share affiliate marketers.
Application
—
Annual
USD 2,500
Term
5 years
Processing
—
Nonrefundable application fee set by the Board, capped at USD 5000, plus investigation costs; USD 5000 licence fee on issue, then USD 2500 each year. Provisional licence available on request.
Conditions to satisfy
Licence before supplying any operator
Business and personal disclosure forms
Fingerprinting of qualifiers
Board approval of platforms and games
Online CasinoOnline Poker
Sports Betting Supplier License
B2B Supplier
Anyone supplying goods, software or services as a sports betting supplier to a sports betting operator, including internet sports betting platform providers.
Application
—
Annual
USD 2,500
Term
5 years
Processing
—
Nonrefundable application fee set by the Board, capped at USD 5000, plus investigation costs; USD 5000 licence fee on issue, then USD 2500 each year. Provisional licence available.
Conditions to satisfy
Licence before supplying any operator
Business and personal disclosure forms
Board approval of platform and wagering catalog
Online Sports Betting
Internet Gaming Operator License
B2C Operator
Any person offering internet casino games or poker in Michigan; only available to a Detroit casino licensee or a Michigan tribe lawfully conducting class III gaming, one licence each.
Application
USD 50,000
Annual
USD 50,000
Term
5 years
Processing
—
USD 50000 application fee plus investigation costs; USD 100000 licence fee on issue, then USD 50000 each year.
Conditions to satisfy
Detroit casino licence or tribal class III casino
Suitability shown by clear and convincing evidence
Max 2 brands (1 poker, 1 casino)
Board-approved platform and internal controls
Online CasinoOnline Poker
Sports Betting Operator License
B2C Operator
Any person offering internet sports betting in Michigan; only available to a Detroit casino licensee or a Michigan tribe with a class III casino, one licence each.
Application
USD 50,000
Annual
USD 50,000
Term
5 years
Processing
—
USD 50000 application fee plus investigation costs; USD 100000 licence fee on issue, then USD 50000 each year.
Conditions to satisfy
Detroit casino licence or tribal class III casino
No more than 1 internet sports betting platform
Operator brand displayed on platform
Online Sports Betting
Vendor Registration
Ancillary / Other
Unlicensed vendors to operators or platform providers, including non-revenue-share affiliate marketers, integrity monitoring providers, payment processors, data centres and anyone supplying more than USD 100000 a year.
Application
USD 200
Annual
—
Term
5 years
Processing
—
USD 200 nonrefundable application fee; renewal every 5 years, filed at least 30 days before expiry.
Conditions to satisfy
Affiliates certify they do not promote illegal online gaming sites
Registration before supplying
Cooperate with Board investigations
Online CasinoOnline PokerOnline Sports Betting
Internet Gaming Supplier License
B2B Supplier
Anyone supplying goods, software or services that directly affect wagering, play or results of internet games, including platform providers, geofence providers, game/software providers, live game data hosts and revenue-share affiliate marketers.
Application
—
Annual
USD 2,500
Term
5 years
Processing
—
Nonrefundable application fee set by the Board, capped at USD 5000, plus investigation costs; USD 5000 licence fee on issue, then USD 2500 each year. Provisional licence available on request.
Conditions to satisfy
Licence before supplying any operator
Business and personal disclosure forms
Fingerprinting of qualifiers
Board approval of platforms and games
Online CasinoOnline Poker
Sports Betting Supplier License
B2B Supplier
Anyone supplying goods, software or services as a sports betting supplier to a sports betting operator, including internet sports betting platform providers.
Application
—
Annual
USD 2,500
Term
5 years
Processing
—
Nonrefundable application fee set by the Board, capped at USD 5000, plus investigation costs; USD 5000 licence fee on issue, then USD 2500 each year. Provisional licence available.
Conditions to satisfy
Licence before supplying any operator
Business and personal disclosure forms
Board approval of platform and wagering catalog
Online Sports Betting
Internet Gaming Operator License
B2C Operator
Any person offering internet casino games or poker in Michigan; only available to a Detroit casino licensee or a Michigan tribe lawfully conducting class III gaming, one licence each.
Application
USD 50,000
Annual
USD 50,000
Term
5 years
Processing
—
USD 50000 application fee plus investigation costs; USD 100000 licence fee on issue, then USD 50000 each year.
Conditions to satisfy
Detroit casino licence or tribal class III casino
Suitability shown by clear and convincing evidence
Max 2 brands (1 poker, 1 casino)
Board-approved platform and internal controls
Online CasinoOnline Poker
Sports Betting Operator License
B2C Operator
Any person offering internet sports betting in Michigan; only available to a Detroit casino licensee or a Michigan tribe with a class III casino, one licence each.
Application
USD 50,000
Annual
USD 50,000
Term
5 years
Processing
—
USD 50000 application fee plus investigation costs; USD 100000 licence fee on issue, then USD 50000 each year.
Conditions to satisfy
Detroit casino licence or tribal class III casino
No more than 1 internet sports betting platform
Operator brand displayed on platform
Online Sports Betting
Vendor Registration
Ancillary / Other
Unlicensed vendors to operators or platform providers, including non-revenue-share affiliate marketers, integrity monitoring providers, payment processors, data centres and anyone supplying more than USD 100000 a year.
Application
USD 200
Annual
—
Term
5 years
Processing
—
USD 200 nonrefundable application fee; renewal every 5 years, filed at least 30 days before expiry.
Conditions to satisfy
Affiliates certify they do not promote illegal online gaming sites
Registration before supplying
Cooperate with Board investigations
Online CasinoOnline PokerOnline Sports Betting
Gaming tax and regulatory charges
Everything a licensee pays in Michigan on top of the licence fee.
Charge
Rate
Charged on
Paid by
Fantasy contest taxGGR TaxDaily Fantasy Sports
8.4%8.4% of monthly fantasy contest adjusted revenues
Operators and platform providers must comply with the federal Bank Secrecy Act, keep CTRs, SARs and supporting records for at least 5 years, and notify the Board of any IRS BSA compliance review.5-year record retentionSource
Fraud, money laundering and collusion controlsB2C Operator
Platforms must include mechanisms to detect and prevent unauthorized account use, fraud, money laundering and collusion.Source
Identity verification and strong authenticationB2C Operator
Identity must be verified, not merely data-matched, before an account is created or linked and before any deposit or wager; the Board memo sets minimum IDV and strong authentication requirements.Source
Responsible Gambling requirements
Minimum age 21B2C Operator
Operators and their platform providers must verify that account holders are 21 or older and must not knowingly let anyone under 21 open an account or wager.21+Source
Responsible Gaming Database exclusionB2C Operator
Operators must block individuals listed in the MGCB statewide Responsible Gaming Database, which includes the voluntary online self-exclusion list, from opening accounts or wagering.Source
Responsible gaming page and helplineB2C Operator
Each platform must show a responsible gaming logo linking to an RG page with a toll-free helpline message, a link to MGCB problem gambling resources and the operator RG policy; the MGCB directs use of 1-800-GAMBLER in RG messages.1-800-GAMBLERSource
Self-exclusion and player limitsB2C Operator
Platforms must offer temporary and permanent self-exclusion and let players set their own deposit, wager and maximum play-time limits; loosening a self-imposed limit may only take effect after 24 hours.24-hour cooling period to relax limitsSource
Technical & Certification requirements
GeofencingB2B Supplier
Operators and platform providers must use a Board-approved geofencing system that confirms players are in Michigan (or a multi-state agreement jurisdiction for poker) and monitors location throughout the session.Source
Platform and game approvalB2B Supplier
Platform providers and suppliers may not distribute a platform or internet game to an operator until the Board approves it; submissions go to the Board or a Board-approved independent testing laboratory.Source
Data & Hosting requirements
Servers located in MichiganB2B Supplier
Unless the Board approves otherwise in writing, the operator and its platform provider must place a server or equipment capable of receiving wagers in Michigan; cloud storage may be approved for duplicate data only.GLI-19 (iGaming) / GLI-33 (sports) security controlsSource
Player Funds requirements
Player funds reserveB2C Operator
Operators or platform providers must keep a reserve at least equal to cashable player balances, pending withdrawals and pending wagers/wins, held as segregated US bank cash, an irrevocable letter of credit, a bond or another approved form, and file a monthly attestation.Source
Payments requirements
Permitted account funding methodsB2C Operator
Accounts may be funded by the player's own credit or debit card, verified non-transferable reloadable prepaid card, ACH (with anti-fraud controls), wire transfer, cash at a Board-approved cashiering location, or other Board-approved means; player-to-player transfers are prohibited.Source
Advertising & Marketing requirements
Bonus and promotional offer termsB2C Operator
Bonus and promotional wagering offers must be in clear terms (active dates, eligibility, withdrawal restrictions, wagering requirements, eligible games), logged for the Board, cancellable by the player, and winnings may not be capped once terms are met.Source
Helpline number in advertisingB2C Operator
The MGCB asked operators and platform providers to use 1-800-GAMBLER on all advertising (TV, digital, radio, billboard, print), replacing the previous Michigan helpline number, by 8 August 2024.Source
Affiliates requirements
Affiliate licensing and registrationAffiliate
Affiliate marketers paid on a revenue-share basis must hold a supplier licence; other affiliates must register as vendors and certify they do not promote illegal online gaming sites to people in Michigan.Source
Other requirements
Brand and platform limitsB2C Operator
An internet gaming operator may use at most 2 brands (one for poker, one for other casino games); a sports betting operator may use no more than 1 internet sports betting platform, and operators are responsible for their platform providers.2 iGaming brands; 1 sports betting platformSource
Supplier licence required before supplyingB2B Supplier
No person may provide goods, software or services as an internet gaming or sports betting supplier to an operator without an MGCB supplier licence; a provisional licence may be issued pending the full licence.Source
Vendor registrationAll Licensees
Vendors providing more than USD 100000 of goods or services a year to an operator or platform provider, plus payment processors, integrity monitors and data centres, must be registered with the MGCB before supplying.USD 100000 per calendar year threshold; USD 200 feeSource
Recent regulatory changes
Newest first. Each entry links to the notice it came from.
Amendment
2026 PA 93 and 94 change how online gaming and sports betting funds are spent
The Governor approved HB 6127 (PA 93) and HB 6126 (PA 94), amending the internet gaming and sports betting fund provisions with immediate effect. The acts raise each fund's annual contribution to the First Responder Presumed Coverage Fund to up to USD 7 million and add USD 1 million a year for tribal governments; tax rates are unchanged.
Robinhood agrees to halt sports event contracts in Michigan
Under a court-approved agreement, Robinhood Derivatives, LLC agreed to stop offering new sports-related event contracts to Michigan customers and to close remaining positions by 9 October. It follows a preliminary injunction the Attorney General obtained against KalshiEX; the arrangement lasts until the Sixth Circuit appeals are decided.
Court bars KalshiEX from offering sports contracts in Michigan
The Ingham County Circuit Court granted a temporary restraining order, obtained for the MGCB by the Attorney General, barring KalshiEX, LLC from offering unlicensed internet sports betting to people in Michigan. The order requires state-compliant geolocation and sets a fine of USD 120000 per day for noncompliance.
MGCB issues cease-and-desist orders to 45 offshore operators
The MGCB said it had issued cease-and-desist orders over four months to 45 offshore operators offering online casino games and sports betting to Michigan residents without a licence. The regulator keeps a public list of cease-and-desist recipients.
Amended rules add vendor registration regime and update RG messaging
Amendments to the internet gaming and internet sports betting rules (2025 MR 9) took effect, rewriting vendor requirements and adding a vendor registration rule with a USD 200 fee and 5-year renewal. The responsible gaming page rule was also amended.
MGCB tightens identity verification and strong authentication
An MGCB memo told operators and platform providers that data-matching alone is not identity verification and set minimum IDV and strong authentication requirements for account creation and account integration. Full compliance was required by 4 March 2025.
Published decisions against licensees — the clearest signal of what
the regulator actually polices.
Date
Licensee
Action
Amount
Reason
04 Aug 2026
BetMGM, LLC d/b/a Roar Digital
Regulatory Settlement
—
Board approved an Acknowledgement of Violation by this supplier licensee (Board File SDA-2026-7); the published minutes do not state the facts or any fine.Source
04 Aug 2026
BetMGM, LLC d/b/a Roar Digital
Regulatory Settlement
—
Board approved a second Acknowledgement of Violation by this supplier licensee (Board File SDA-2026-10); facts and any fine not published in the minutes.Source
04 Aug 2026
Penn Sports Interactive, LLC
Regulatory Settlement
—
Board approved an Acknowledgement of Violation by this supplier licensee (Board File SDA-2026-9); facts and any fine not published in the minutes.Source
04 Aug 2026
American Wagering, Inc. d/b/a William Hill Sports Book
Regulatory Settlement
—
Board approved an Acknowledgement of Violation by this supplier licensee (Board File SDA-2026-11); facts and any fine not published in the minutes.Source
09 Jan 2025
Churchill Downs Technology Initiatives Company d/b/a TwinSpires
Licence Suspension
—
Summary suspension order after the licensed advance deposit wagering provider kept taking Michigan account wagers despite an order to stop from 2025-01-01, as no track was licensed for live racing.Source
Suppliers licensed by the MGCB
Companies on Gamitas holding a licence from this regulator.
Do B2B game and platform suppliers need a licence in Michigan?
Yes. Anyone supplying goods, software or services that directly affect wagering, play or results to a Michigan internet gaming or sports betting operator must hold an MGCB supplier licence first. This covers platform providers, geofencing providers, game and software providers, live game data hosts and revenue-share affiliates. The licence lasts 5 years, costs USD 5000 on issue plus USD 2500 a year, and a provisional licence can be requested.
Who can hold an online casino or sports betting operator licence in Michigan?
Only a holder of a Detroit commercial casino licence or a Michigan tribe running a class III casino can get an operator licence, and each can hold one per act. Most operators launch through licensed platform providers, and the operator is responsible for its provider's conduct.
What are the online gambling tax rates in Michigan?
Internet casino and poker revenue is taxed on a graduated scale of 20% to 28% of annual adjusted gross receipts, rising in steps from under USD 4 million up to USD 12 million or more. Online sports betting is taxed at 8.4% of adjusted gross sports betting receipts. Tribal operators pay the same rates as payments to the state, and Detroit casino operators can also owe a 1.25% city municipal services fee.
What is the minimum age for online gambling in Michigan?
Players must be 21 or older for internet casino games, poker and online sports betting, and operators must verify age and identity before an account is opened. Paid fantasy contests have a lower minimum age of 18.
Do servers have to be located in Michigan?
Yes, unless the Board approves otherwise in writing. The operator and its platform provider must place a server or equipment capable of receiving wagers in Michigan with security controls based on GLI-19 or GLI-33, and the Board may approve cloud storage for duplicate data only.
Do affiliates and service vendors need approval in Michigan?
Revenue-share affiliates need a supplier licence. Other affiliates, payment processors, integrity monitors, data centres and any vendor supplying more than USD 100000 a year must register with the MGCB as vendors (USD 200 fee, renewed every 5 years), and affiliates must certify they do not promote illegal gambling sites.
How does self-exclusion work for online gambling in Michigan?
Players can join the MGCB Internet Gaming and Sports Betting Responsible Gaming Database to exclude themselves from all regulated online casino and sports betting in Michigan. Operators must block listed people and must also offer their own temporary and permanent self-exclusion and deposit, wager and time limits.
Did Michigan change its online gambling taxes in 2025 or 2026?
No. The 2026 laws PA 93 and PA 94, in force since 21 September 2026, only changed how the internet gaming and sports betting funds are spent. The graduated 20-28% internet gaming tax and 8.4% sports betting tax stay the same.
Primary legislation and instruments
The statutes, regulations and technical standards this page is built from.
Legalises and licenses internet casino gaming and online poker through Detroit casino licensees and Michigan tribes; creates internet gaming operator and supplier licences, player protections and the graduated tax.
Licenses internet sports betting (including mobile) through Detroit casino licensees and tribes; creates sports betting operator and supplier licences, player protections and the 8.4% tax.
MGCB rules under LSBA mirroring the internet gaming rules for sports betting operators, platform providers, suppliers and vendors, including wagering, accounts, promotions and internal controls.
Board-issued technical bulletins and memos on server and equipment location, geofencing, software approval, data logging, communications, identity verification and responsible gaming messaging, adopting GLI-19 and GLI-33 among other standards.
Compiled from official regulator and government sources, most recently on 26 Sept 2026. It is a starting point for commercial research, not legal advice — confirm the current position with the MGCB or local counsel before you act on it.
