🇺🇸 Michigan (USA) · Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB)
Michigan (USA) Online Gambling Licence — 2026
A fast-growing US iGaming market — Michigan launched online casino and sports betting in 2021 and quickly became one of the largest regulated states by revenue.
Tier 2 — Credible domestic / EU regionalMichigan moved fast. It launched regulated online casino and sports betting in January 2021 and became one of the biggest US iGaming markets within two years. For operators rolling out state by state, it's a priority after New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
The structure mirrors the US norm — you partner with a Detroit commercial casino or a tribal casino, and the MGCB runs suitability checks on key persons. The graduated iGaming tax climbs to 28%, so margins depend on volume and product mix.
Quick facts
| Regulator | Michigan Gaming Control Board ↗ |
|---|---|
| Tier | Tier 2 — Credible domestic / EU regional |
| Licence types | Internet gaming operator licence, Internet sports-betting operator licence, Internet gaming supplier licence, Casino licence |
| Application cost | USD 50,000 application + USD 100,000 licensing fee (internet gaming) |
| Annual cost | USD 50,000 annual + scaled fees |
| Gaming tax | 20-28% of internet GGR (graduated); 8.4% sports betting |
| Corporate tax | Michigan corporate income tax applies |
| Substance | Partnership with a Detroit commercial casino or a tribal casino; key-person suitability |
| Timeline | 6-12 months via a casino partner |
Pros
- Full online casino and sports betting since 2021
- Tribal and commercial casino partnership routes
- Among the top US states by iGaming revenue
Cons
- Graduated iGaming tax up to 28%
- Casino or tribal partner required
- Servers and key persons must meet MGCB suitability
Best for
- iGaming operators scaling US state-by-state
- Sportsbooks after New Jersey and Pennsylvania
- Suppliers needing a Midwest licence
Recent developments (2025-2026)
Michigan's iGaming receipts kept climbing through 2025; the MGCB tightened responsible-gaming and advertising rules for licensed operators.
Frequently asked questions
When did Michigan launch online gaming?
January 2021. Online casino, online poker, and online sports betting all went live under the Michigan Gaming Control Board.
How is Michigan iGaming taxed?
On a graduated scale from 20% to 28% of internet gross gaming revenue, depending on revenue band, with sports betting taxed at 8.4%.
Do I need a casino partner in Michigan?
Yes. Online operators must partner with a Detroit commercial casino or a federally recognised tribal casino to access the market.