{"id":374122,"date":"2016-03-31T21:35:35","date_gmt":"2016-04-01T02:35:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/michigan-law\/michigan-gambling-laws.html"},"modified":"2020-01-13T10:27:26","modified_gmt":"2020-01-13T15:27:26","slug":"michigan-gambling-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/michigan-law\/michigan-gambling-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Michigan Gambling Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\n \n
\n

Michigan Gambling Laws<\/h1>\n
\n
\n

Created by FindLaw’s team<\/a> of legal writers and editors<\/i><\/p>\n\n | Last updated\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

Last updated 1\/13\/2020<\/i><\/p>\r\n

Gambling is regulated at the state level where gambling taxes often are used to help pay for education or other essential state services. For the most part, gambling that fails to benefit the state in some way (i.e., through taxes) usually is not legal. Michigan gambling laws allow betting on horse racing at licensed tracks as well as gambling on Native American land. Bingo, minor bets at league bowling alleys, and other extremely minor types of gambling are also permitted in the state.<\/p>\r\n

Learn more about the basics of Michigan gambling laws in the chart below. You can also see Details on State Gambling Laws<\/a> and the links following this article for additional information and resources.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

Code Section<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

Michigan gambling is regulated by the Michigan Penal Code Chapter 750, sections 301 through 315a and the Michigan Gaming Control and Revenue Act (Michigan Complied Laws Chapter 432).<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

Gambling Defined<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

Gambling is defined as accepting money or a valuable thing contingent upon result of a game, race, contest or happening of uncertain event.<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

Horse Racing\/Off-Track Betting<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

The following type of horse racing is permitted in Michigan:<\/p>\r\n

Native American Casinos <\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

Gaming on Native American land governed by Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. Licensed Native American casinos are allowed in the state.<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

Other Kinds of Gambling-Related Activities Allowed<\/b><\/td>\r\n

The following gambling-related activities are permitted in the state:<\/p>\r\n

    \r\n
  • Recreational card playing at senior citizen housing facilities;<\/li>\r\n
  • Internet sports betting;<\/li>\r\n
  • League bowling at alleys not exceeding $1,000;<\/li>\r\n
  • Redemption games;<\/li>\r\n
  • Bingo; and<\/li>\r\n
  • Millionaire parties.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>
Banned Gambling-Related Activities<\/b><\/td>\r\n

These gambling-related activities are prohibited in Michigan:<\/p>\r\n

    \r\n
  • Pool selling;<\/li>\r\n
  • Registering bets; and<\/li>\r\n
  • Gambling in stocks, bonds, grain or produce.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>
Penalties for Gambling<\/b><\/td>\r\nPenalties for violating Michigan\u2019s gambling laws vary depending on the circumstances of the case, including the defendant\u2019s criminal history and the exact crime charged. Many gambling offenses are misdemeanors punishable by imprisonment for no more than one year and a maximum fine of $1000. Other crimes related to gambling are subject to greater fines and terms of imprisonment.<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>\r\n

Note:<\/b> State laws are always subject to change through the passage of new legislation, rulings in the higher courts (including federal decisions), ballot initiatives, and other means. While we strive to provide the most current information available, please consult a Michigan gaming attorney<\/a> or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching. <\/i><\/p>\r\n

Research the Law<\/h2>\r\n