Who oversees online gambling in MI?
Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) is the regulatory agency that oversees online gambling in MI, which includes its sports betting, horse racing, and online casino business.
Backed by the State of Michigan, the MGCB ensures that all online gambling companies in MI act in a fair and equitable manner, and operate within Michigan state laws around online gambling.
What taxes do gamblers pay on winnings in Michigan?
The state of Michigan imposes a 4.25% tax on gambling winnings, which is in addition to the 24% federal tax rate withholding. The same Michigan gambling taxes apply to everything from lottery, sports betting, horse racing, and online casino winnings.
When it comes to paying taxes on your winnings, it's always best to check with a local tax expert for your specific scenario and financial situation.
Michigan State Lottery
First introduced in 1972, the Michigan State Lottery has a storied history and has evolved over the years to become one of the best in the country. Today, they offer several popular games including, terminal-based games, scratch-off tickets, pull-tabs, and more.
In recent years, the Michigan State Lottery has brought all of its traditional offerings online, offering online versions of scratch-off tickets, digital tickets for terminal-based games, and even traditional lottery tickets that are purchased online.
When it comes to traditional lottery tickets, also known as draw games, the Michigan State Lottery has a handful that keeps the state’s gamblers coming back for more. Some of the most popular include Daily 3 and 4, Fantasy 5 + ezMatch, Lotto 47 + ezMatch, and Double Play.
The Michigan State Lottery operates with more than 10,000 Michigan Lottery retailers, as well as does an increasing majority of its business through its Michigan Lottery website.
Gambling on horses online in Michigan
First becoming legal nearly 100 years ago in 1933, gambling on horses online in Michigan became legal in 2019, going live online in 2020. Overseen by the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB), which oversees all online gambling in the state, gambling on horses online in Michigan continues to grow in popularity.
Some of the biggest players in online horse racing gambling have set up operations within the state, including DRF Bets, TVG, Xpressbet, NYRA, and more. Despite its recent popularity surge due to online gambling on horses, the state of Michigan only has one active track; Northville Downs in Northville, MI.
Gambling responsibly in Michigan
When it comes to gambling responsibly, there are a few tips and tricks that every gambler should know. For starters, take breaks from playing if you’ve been playing for hours, or give yourself a set amount of time for each session.
Additionally, you should not consider gambling a source of income, or rely on the money you could potentially win to pay your bills or provide for yourself or your family.
Another good piece of advice is to only gamble with money that you can comfortably afford to lose, establishing what that amount is before you start gambling. Lastly, set limits on yourself to walk away if you lose a certain amount.
If you do find yourself in a bad situation where your gambling has become a problem, there is help available. Reach out to the Michigan Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-270-7117.
