Michigan Online Gambling

The process for registering for an online casino, sportsbook or online poker account is quite easy and takes just a few minutes.

The procedure begins with a simple click or press of a button. Online gambling sites tend to denote these buttons with phrases such as “Register,” “Sign up” or “Play Now.”

The button will lead you to a screen where you’ll be asked to fill out some personal information, including your name, phone number, email address, date of birth and Social Security number. These are intended to verify your identity. Your information is safe and secure on sites approved and regulated by the MGCB.

Once you have an account, you can make a deposit using one of several approved options, and then you’re ready to play your game of choice.

Before you stuff those slot winnings in your mattress or splurge on a new toy, just know the government is entitled to a piece. In the state of Michigan, you are required by the letter of the law to report any and all gambling winnings, even the smallest of wins. The government considers those wins as taxable income, at tax rates of 25% for federal, and another 4.25% for the state.

Depending on the game you’re playing, a win above a certain dollar amount will trigger the casino to automatically file a W-2G tax form with the IRS on your behalf. If you are fortunate to win $5,000 or more, the casino is also required to automatically withhold the fed’s cut of 25%. In both cases, you still need to report the income on your tax return.

For more on IRS reporting thresholds, and how to report gambling winnings or losses on your tax forms, visit our comprehensive tax page.

Michigan has 26 casinos with 10 active card rooms for poker players.

There are three retail sportsbooks at the commercial casinos in Detroit: Hollywood Casino at Greektown, MGM Grand Detroit, and MotorCity Casino. In addition, several tribal casinos opened retail books, including:

• FireKeepers Casino in Battle Creek
• Four Winds Casinos in New Buffalo, Dowagiac and Hartford
• Little River in Manistee
• Island Resort in Harris
• Turtle Creek in Williamsburg
• Leelanau Sands in Peshawbestown
• Gun Lake in Wayland
• Odawa in Petoskey and Mackinaw City
• Kewadin Casinos
• Soaring Eagle in Mount Pleasant

Gambling is designed to be a source of entertainment and fun. Michigan is serious, though, about compulsive and problem gambling.

The Michigan Gaming Control Board keeps a list of problem gambling resources online. The MGCB and Detroit’s commercial casinos have developed a “Disassociated Persons” list, which allows gamblers to voluntarily make a lifetime commitment never to visit a Detroit casino.

You can request a permanent ban from Detroit casinos by calling 1-888-223-3044 or filling out an application online.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) maintains a 24-hour, toll-free helpline for problem gamblers through the Michigan Association on Problem Gambling at 1-800-270-7117.

Some other resources for responsible gambling:

• The MDHHS funds a statewide Health Management Systems of America Gambling Treatment Program for compulsive gambling individuals or groups and their families.
• Gamblers Anonymous offers local support groups, gambling literature and other resources. Use the group’s website to find a meeting in Michigan.
• NFCC.org is the website of the National Foundation for Credit Counseling. This nonprofit organization can be of assistance if gambling has created financial hardship for you or your loved ones.
• The Gam-Anon organization is specifically for family members and friends of compulsive gamblers.
• The National Center for Responsible Gaming helps individuals and families by supporting research and improving prevention, diagnosis, intervention, treatment and public awareness strategies. The National Council on Problem Gambling also offers information on problem and compulsive gambling.