Michigan Gambling & Gaming Laws (2026)
A comprehensive legal reference for gambling & gaming in the state of Michigan. This guide covers current statutes, penalties, and restrictions for 6 different categories.
Daily Fantasy Sports
LEGALDaily Fantasy Sports are legal in Michigan under the Lawful Internet Gaming Act, which requires operators to be licensed by the state.
DFS Rules
Legal
Licensed Operators
Legal with licensed operators only
Penalties
Felony charges for unlicensed operators
Minimum Age
18+
Gambling Age
RESTRICTEDThe minimum gambling age in Michigan is 21 for casino gambling and sports betting. State law sets the minimum gambling age at 21 for casino gambling.
Casino Minimum Age
21+ for casinos/sports betting; 18+ for lottery
Lottery/Other Gambling Age
Legal
Penalties
Underage gambling is a misdemeanor; venues face license revocation.
Minimum Gambling Age
18-21 depending on type
Online Casinos & Poker
LEGALMichigan legalized online casino gambling and poker in December 2019 under the Michigan Gaming Control and Revenue Act (MGCRA). Licensed operators may offer online casino games and poker to players physically located within the state.
Online Casino Rules
Possession of online gambling software for personal use is legal if licensed by the state.
Licensed Platforms
Sale or operation of online casino or poker platforms requires a license from the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB).
Penalties
Unlicensed operation or participation can result in civil fines and criminal penalties under MCL 432.201 et seq.
Minimum Age
21+ for online casino and poker gambling.
Michigan legalized online sports betting and online casino gambling under the Michigan Gaming Control and Revenue Act (Public Act 329 of 1996) and the Michigan Regulation and Taxation of Marihuana Act amendments. Online sports betting launched in January 2021 regulated by the Michigan Gaming Control Board.
Online Gambling Rules
Possession of online gambling software or devices is legal if provided by licensed operators.
Licensed Operators
Sale or operation of online gambling platforms requires licensing by the Michigan Gaming Control Board.
Penalties
Unlicensed gambling operations can lead to felony charges with fines up to $10,000 and imprisonment up to 4 years.
Minimum Age
21 years old
Poker Home Games
LEGALSocial poker home games are legal in Michigan as long as no one takes a rake or house cut from the pot. No significant changes to the laws regarding social gambling.
Home Game Rules
Legal for social games without a rake
Rake/House Cut Rules
N/A
Penalties
Taking a rake converts it to illegal gambling.
Age Requirements
Varies, typically 18+
Sports Betting
RESTRICTEDSports betting is legal with restrictions in Michigan. Online sports betting and casinos launched in January 2021.
In-Person Betting
Legal for 21+. Michigan launched retail sports betting in March 2020 and mobile in January 2021 under the Lawful Sports Betting Act (PA 149 of 2019). Online/mobile and retail available. Competitive market with FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, Caesars, BetRivers, and others. Michigan is one of the largest sports betting markets in the Midwest.
Online/Mobile Betting
Online/mobile betting available statewide. Retail sportsbooks at commercial and tribal casinos. Operator tax rate: 8.4% of adjusted gross sports betting receipts.
Penalties
Unlicensed gambling operations face felony charges. Individual bettors using licensed platforms face no penalties.
Minimum Betting Age
21+