Is casino gambling legal in Michigan?

Yes, it is legal to gamble at casinos. In fact, Michigan has both tribal casinos as well as commercially owned casinos and both types are fully legal to game at.

How old do you have to be to gamble at casinos in Michigan?

You must be at least 21 years or older to legally gamble at the commercial casinos located near Detroit, Michigan. However, tribal casinos have their own age limits. Depending on which tribal casino the age requirements range from a minimum age of 18 to 21.

Is online gambling legal in Michigan?

Yes, online gambling is legal in Michigan. In 2019, Michigan’s governor approved a law that fully legalized online gambling and sports betting. However, rules and regulations will not be fully written until 2021. Residents can expect to be able to gamble online by the spring of 2021.

Is sports betting legal in Michigan?

Yes, as part of the 2019 legislation passed in Michigan online sports betting is now legal throughout the state. Residents of the state won’t be able to access online sportsbooks until 2021 as state legislators are still working on finalizing regulations.

Does Michigan have a lottery?

Yes, Michigan has a state run lottery available to anyone 18 years or older. In May of 1972, voters approved lottery games in Michigan and later that year the first lottery draw was held. Today, lottery games remain legal in Michigan.

Can I play the lottery online in Michigan?

Yes, you can play select lottery games online. Michigan offers its residents the ability to purchase online versions of scratch-off lottery games online. For all other lottery games not available online there are over 10,000 licensed retailers throughout the state. You must be 18 years of age to play scratch-offs online.

Is it safe to gamble in Michigan?

Yes, casinos in Michigan are safe. Despite several of Michigan’s casinos being located near its largest city of Detroit it is still safe to gamble at casinos. Casinos are equipped with security, dealers and floor personnel as well as cameras.

Do I have to pay taxes if I win?

Yes and no. Yes, you have to pay taxes if you win $5,000 or more. Casinos will withhold the federally mandated amount of 25% if you provide them with your social security number and if you refuse they will withhold 28%. This withholding is for federal income tax. For Michigan’s state tax, you are obligated to report it and it is subjected to a 4.25% state tax. If you win less than $5,000 then no, you will not have to pay taxes.

Should I join a Michigan casino's loyalty program?

Yes, especially since loyalty programs are free to join. Casinos have created loyalty programs in order to keep you at their casino. They do this by providing you with free bets, discounted or free hotel rooms, food and beverage credits, and more. You should definitely sign up if you intend to consistently game. If you would rather not be marketed to then we would suggest not signing up as the direct email, email, and marketing efforts may be bothersome to you.

Who owns the casinos in Michigan?

The MGM in Detroit is owned and operated by MGM Resorts, the MotorCity Casino Hotel is owned by IH Gaming, and Vici Properties owns the Greektown Casino Hotel. In addition to the casinos located near Detroit, the state has 23 casinos located on tribal land. Those casinos are owned by various native tribes that effectively operate autonomously.

Is there poker in Michigan?

Yes, the state has several physical poker rooms, including FireKeepers Casino’s poker room which is the largest in the state. Also, once online gaming is up and running in 2021, Michigan players will be able to play online poker.

Is there a legal sportsbook in Michigan?

Yes, come 2021 you will be able to place onsite sports bets at casinos in Michigan.

Can I bet on sports using my phone in Michigan?

Yes, mobile and online sports betting is allowed in Michigan but it will not be widely available until early 2021.

Are there Michigan sportsbook apps for iPhone?

Yes, virtually all online sportsbooks have developed an iOS app. We fully expect that Michigan sports bettors will be able to access these apps in 2021 once the final sports betting regulations are finalized by state officials.

Are there Android apps for Michigan sports betting?

Yes, but due to Google Play Store policies you will need to side-load any sports betting apps on your Android device.

Florida Sports Betting: When Will Florida Launch Sports Betting?

When Will Florida Launch Online Sports Betting?

For many Americans, Florida is the place to go for a great vacation, and it’s home to millions more. But while it has a lot to offer in the area of beach views or theme parks, Florida is somewhat limited when it comes to gambling variety. But, there’s hope. On April 23, 2021, Florida Governor Ron De Santis announced an agreement between the state and the Seminole Tribe that would finally bring sports betting to Florida. Sports betting apps could launch before the end of 2021.

Let’s break down everything you need to know about Florida sports betting so you’re prepared if and when sports wagering is legalized in this state.

Florida Online Sports Betting – Updates

Apr. 23, 2021: Gov. DeSantis announced an agreement between the state and the Seminole Tribe giving them sole access to a legal sports betting market, including mobile betting apps. A special session of the Florida Senate will be held in May 2021 to approve and finalize the agreement.
Mar. 2021: Movement on State Senator Jeff Brandes’ Senate Bill 392, listing a potential effective date of October 1, 2021
Feb. 2021: Bipartisan bills introduced to Florida State Legislature, including House Bill 1317. House Bill 1321, and House Bill 1319 to legalize sports betting in Florida.

Florida Sports Betting: What To Watch

The gambling situation in Florida is complex, and any sports betting legislation that leads to legalization will have to include a compromise between the government and the Seminole Tribe: the Native American tribe that controls most casino gaming in Florida.

In a nutshell, the Seminole Tribe claims that Florida did not enforce the sovereignty of Native Americans by letting “racinos” (race track/casino combinations) conduct a few types of gaming activities. The tribe also believes that, if sports betting was to be legalized, the tribe ought to have exclusive rights to it.

Throughout the spring of 2021, Gov. DeSantis hinted that progress was being made with the Seminole Tribe and that a negotiation was pending. On April 23, 2021, DeSantis announced a draft Florida Gaming Compact, which expanded the Seminole Tribe’s ability to offer gambling in the state. This includes retail and mobile sports betting.

While Sen. Jeff Brandes filed SB 392, which is a bill outlining a plan for sports betting to be regulated by the Florida Lottery, it has not been taken seriously. It’s a shame as well, as the bill suggests a reasonable 15% tax for revenue, plus a suggestion for a relatively low licensure fee of $100,000 per operator.

Ultimately, those interested in Florida legalizing sports betting would do well to pay attention to Sen. Brandes and the Seminole Tribe’s announcements. Now that an agreement has been reached, the issue will be taken up by state lawmakers in a special session of the Florida Senate during May 2021.

History Of Gambling And Sports Betting In Florida

Gambling first came to Florida in the early 1930s, but its development halted largely as a result of the Seminole Native American tribe obtaining almost a full monopoly on gambling activities in the state.

Pari-mutuel dog and horse race betting is legal in Florida at a variety of racetrack locations. Furthermore, Florida residents can find slot machines and other video machines at racinos and racetracks.

However, most gambling can only be found at the Seminole tribe’s reservation casinos. Sports betting is totally illegal at the time of this writing, even on these casinos’ grounds. Florida does provide a state-run lottery and allows for certain charitable activities, such as bingo, under particular rules.

Timeline Of Florida’s Gambling History

1931 – Florida approves both horse and dog racing
1935 – Jai-alai and slot machine activities are legalized, although slot machines are made illegal in 1937 once again
1970 – Bingo comes to Florida
1986 – Florida voters approve a state-run lottery, and the lottery begins operations in 1988
1988 – The Florida government allows the Seminole tribe to install video lottery machines on any tribal casino facilities
1996 – Limited poker is legalized at pari-mutuel racing facilities so long as the pot limit is set to $10
2010 – The Seminole tribe receives the exclusive rights to any slot machines outside pari-mutuel racing facilities
2020 – Sen. Jeff Brandes files a sports betting legalization bill, but it doesn’t produce any meaningful change or discussion in the legislature
2021 – State Reps. Chip LaMarca and Anika Omphroy introduce sports betting legislation including licensing rules
April 23, 2021 – DeSantis and Seminole Tribe announce an agreement giving the Tribe sole authority to offer sports betting to Florida sports fants.

Florida Sportsbooks – Coming Soon

Although the near future for legal Florida sports betting seems grim, there’s also a chance that it could come sooner rather than later. In the meantime, it’s a good idea for sports betting enthusiasts to check out the best sportsbooks in the industry and know which one they should download if and when sports betting is finally legalized.

DraftKings

DraftKings is arguably the most well-known sportsbook operator in the US, and it’ll likely pursue licensure in Florida when possible. It has a fantastic mobile app and betting platform, which also allows for live streaming and in-play or live betting for your favorite sports matches.

The mobile app is very easy to navigate and the app overall comes with very deep betting pools for most major US sports leagues, as well as collegiate sports (should any future Florida sports betting legislation allow for this wagering). It even includes betting markets for activities like eSports, which sets it apart from many competitors.

A generous opening bonus worth up to $1,000 or more is included to sweeten the deal for new players.

FanDuel

FanDuel is also a great choice if you want a well-designed sportsbook platform to wager on your favorite sports matches or teams. It offers a streamlined mobile app that includes live streaming and in-play betting, plus varied and deep betting markets for most major sports activities.

The opening bonus is easy to take advantage of and is worth up to $1000 as a bonus bet. FanDuel regularly provides new promotional opportunities and special wagers revolving around distinct seasons or game days.

BetRivers

BetRivers is younger than many other major operators in the industry, but this just means it’s more modern and well-suited to the mobile platform. Indeed, this specialized app was designed for use with mobile phones and tablets instead of desktop computers, so it runs smoothly on practically any mobile device.

BetRivers also has live streaming and in-play betting, player-friendly odds, and excellent promotions. Just keep in mind that it doesn’t have the best betting markets for international or foreign leagues.

BetMGM

BetMGM is a well-rounded and thoroughly developed mobile sportsbook. It includes good betting markets for American and international sports leagues, as well as a decent live streaming service that only occasionally suffers from minor lag.

The mobile app overall lets you place live or in-play wagers and it has a fantastic rewards program. This will be especially valuable if Florida ever legalizes online casino wagering since the rewards program is used for the entire BetMGM gaming company.

Florida Sports Betting FAQs

Is it legal to gamble at any casinos in Florida?

Yes. The Seminole Native American tribe operates a handful of casinos throughout the state. These are the only legal gambling locations aside from pari-mutuel racetracks.

How old do I have to be to gamble at casinos in Florida?

You must be 21 years of age or older to place any wagers at the Native American casinos.

Is gambling online legal in Florida?

You can only place online horse or dog racing bets in Florida. You can do this using horseracing apps like TVG.

Does Florida have a lottery?

Yes. The Florida state lottery has been running for several decades and is one of the state’s most popular gaming activities for its residents. However, you can’t play the lottery online and must visit a physical ticketing location to participate.

Who owns the casinos in Florida?

All Florida casinos are owned by the Seminole Native American tribe, with the sole exception of a few cruises that depart from the Florida coastline and head into international waters to avoid legal issues.

Best Bonus Offers

Sports Betting In Florida