The Evolving Landscape of Michigan's Casino Industry

As the year comes to an end, it's a good time to take a closer look at the ever-evolving casino industry. In Michigan, from the growth of online gambling to the development of new casino resorts, the Great Lakes State has seen significant changes in its gambling landscape throughout 2023.

While brick-and-mortar casinos are still doing well in the digital age, a look at all Michigan online casinos running today shows you that the future is definitely online gambling. Particularly as virtual reality technology improves.

A Major Success

Online gambling has been a major success story in Michigan, with the state's online casinos generating over $1 billion in revenue in 2021 alone. With 15 online casino operators now available in Michigan, players have a wealth of options to choose from, including popular games like slots, table games, and live dealer games.

Sports betting has also seen significant growth in Michigan, with the state's sportsbooks handling over $393 million in bets in August 2023 alone. The popularity of sports betting in the state has been fueled by the widespread availability of mobile sports betting apps following the end of the federal ban in 2018. Booths set up inside the state’s casinos for sports betting are helping total revenue by encouraging more punters through the door.

As more people turn to online gambling and sports betting as forms of entertainment, the state of Michigan has taken steps to ensure that the industry remains regulated and safe for consumers.

This includes implementing strict rules and regulations to protect players and prevent fraud, as well as promoting responsible gambling through initiatives such as self-exclusion programs and setting gambling limits.

The Future of Michigan's Casino Industry

As we look ahead to 2024, the future of Michigan's casino industry appears to be bright. The ongoing expansion of the state's gambling industry, and the growth of online gambling and sports betting, is expected to create new opportunities for players and operators alike.

If everything is done right, then Michigan can ensure that its casino industry remains a vibrant and thriving part of the state's economy for many years to come.

Brick-and-mortar casinos are still pulling in plenty of revenue with Detroit casinos, MGM Grand Detroit, MotorCity Casino Hotel, and Greektown Casino-Hotel, generating $1.276 billion in aggregate revenue during 2022.

The state’s casinos all pay taxes that are directed towards schools. More than $2.5 billion has been collected since the Michigan Gaming Control and Revenue Act was signed by former Gov. John Engler on July 17, 1997.

Michigan Gaming Control Board executive director Henry Williams said:

“Dollars invested in education are critical to the development of Michigan’s future workforce. My MGCB colleagues and I are proud to play our role in helping Michigan schools by collecting wagering taxes on legal, regulated gaming.

“Legal, regulated gaming has grown in Michigan in ways no one likely imagined in 1997. At that time, the internet had about 130 million users, and many thought it was a passing fad. The focus was on the brick-and-mortar casinos and what they could do for the city of Detroit. Both forms of gaming have proven their worth in raising funding for Michigan’s schools.”

Education tax funding by type of gaming includes: