The Great Lake State and the Real McCoy, Michigan is a giant of the Midwest. It’s also a haven for those who like to have a flutter – from the horses to gaming online.
One of the lengthy love affairs citizens of the state have with gambling is due to horse racing. The Racing Act of 1933 was originally established to regulate the industry in Michigan.
In contrast to many other parts of the US, the gambling laws in Michigan seem relaxed. However, if you’re caught cheating while gambling, the penalties are harsh. If you do something that is considering cheating, you can:
- Be charged with a felony
- Get up to 10 years in prison
- Have to pay up to $100,000 fine
Thankfully, most people simply want to play their games and cheating is not all that common.
Most popular form of gambling in Michigan
While gambling was historically at racetracks, now it has predominantly moved to online casinos. This is because there is wide access to the internet, with over 79% of households, and more on their phones.
Those looking for the top sites to play can check out an MI Online Casino List to figure out which sites would suit their specific needs the most. This means people who live in Michigan and the bordering states can open accounts and get the best deals for playing.
How to select the best online casino?
If you’re a resident of Michigan, or eligible to register at one of its online casinos, the choice is large. While the state only has three licensed bricks and mortar casinos, there are many more to choose from online.
So, what do you look for?
- Check their reputation
You don’t want to fall foul of the law, so you need an online casino with a solid reputation. That’s where sites like OLBG can help, as it’s a community which helps you to pick the correct site.
- Look for licensing and registration
Every reputable online casino operator must be suitably licensed and registered in Michigan to legally run. The commissions that govern gambling platforms are reliable and trustworthy, ensuring that they are compliant. Each online casino has to go through a tough process to get a permit.
- What bonuses are available?
Online casinos are competing for customers and one of the ways to lure them in is by offering bonuses. Some of these can be very lucrative, up to 100% of your deposit.
Depending on the games you like to play, you should choose a bonus that benefits you best. All of these will increase your chances of getting cash back.
- Loyalty rewards – best if you intend to play often
- Free rolls – great for beginners to learn
- Deposit bonus – this is always good, aim for the highest
- Cashback offers
- Welcome bonus
- Payment options
When you’re choosing an online casino, most should have a variety of payment options. Consider the safety of your money before choosing one.
Options such as:
- PayPal
- Bank transfer
- Skrill
- Payoneer
All offer some sort of protection for your money, so it’s best to use these.
- Demo games
Some sites offer demo games, which is great when you want to try something new. When you demo a game, you get it for free without spending any of your deposit. This is ideal for beginners.
How sports betting works in Michigan
Since the bill was passed in December 2019 to legalize sports betting in the state, it has become common. The first apps went live in 2020.
Now, all you need to do is download an app, register and you can place your bets on:
- NCAA Basketball
- NFL
- NBA
- CFC
And all other professional sports. As long as you’re over 21, it is legal to gamble.
How this benefits Michigan
One of the reasons that Michigan changed its rules on gambling is to improve the economy. To license a casino in the state, they must pay:
- $50,000 application fee
- $100,000 license fee
- $50,000 annual renewal fee
Each operation must also pay 8.4% tax on any sports betting revenue, and casinos that offer sports betting pay another 1.25% to the city. In 2021, online casinos brought in $209 million in taxes to the state.
In conclusion
Michigan’s long association with sports betting and the recent relaxing of laws are beneficial to all. It allows players to place their bets safely in reputable casinos, and the state to collect taxes that can go to schools, roads and healthcare in the state. It’s a win-win scenario for everyone.
