Online Gambling to Go Live Friday in Michigan

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Online betting will soon be a reality in our state as the Michigan Gaming Control Board has cleared the way for nine casinos to begin taking bets this Friday.

Some of Michigan's 15 operators that have been granted provisional licenses will not be approved to start on Friday. Those casinos, including some in the West Michigan region, will have to undergo further testing of their security and operation systems before they can begin taking online bets.

Nine casinos -- including Detroit's three commercial casinos -- have been cleared to begin online play Friday (1/22) at noon.

The move is expected to generate millions of dollars in tax revenue for the state of Michigan, a welcomed boon after Detroit's three casinos were shuttered for months due to the coronavirus pandemic. Experts predict that revenue from online gaming in Michigan will generate more the $90 million in the first year.

Sites like DraftKings and FanDuel have been advertising extensively in Michigan in order to generate business once online gambling goes live. Residents can download the apps, but bets cannot be made until the licenses become active.

Richard Kalm of the Michigan Gaming Control Board expects the response to be huge.

“Michigan residents love sports and, judging by inquiries we’ve received, eagerly anticipate using mobile devices to place bets through the commercial and tribal casinos,” Kalm said in a release. “Online gaming and sports betting will provide the casinos with new ways to engage with customers while the state and local communities will benefit from taxes and payments on wagering revenue.”