Michigan iGaming Licence

Michigan iGaming licence types

Michigan’s framework has a few licence types, and most companies need one or two of them.

Internet gaming operator licence

First, this licence authorises internet gaming itself. Because of the statute, only the three Detroit commercial casinos and the twelve Michigan tribes hold it. In addition, each operator may offer up to two brands, one for interactive poker and one for casino-style games, or combine both under a single brand.

Internet gaming supplier licence for platform providers

Next, a company that runs a commercial online casino or poker brand in Michigan is treated as a platform provider and needs a supplier licence. In turn, that provider partners with a licensed casino operator and runs its brand under the casino operator licence. For the full supplier route, from qualifier disclosure to lab testing, see our Michigan iGaming supplier licence guide.

Vendor registration

Finally, any vendor that supplies more than $100,000 in goods or services to the market in a calendar year must hold a vendor registration. Importantly, operators may not use unregistered vendors.

Licensing Requirements

Michigan iGaming licence requirements

To begin, the MGCB reviews the suitability, integrity, and finances of every applicant and the people behind it. In particular, requirements include:

• A completed application to the MGCB in the correct class
• Background and financial checks on the company and its key people
• Disclosure of anyone with more than a 5% ownership interest, or the ability to control the company or elect a director
• Technical standards for geolocation, so play is limited to players inside Michigan
• Age and identity verification, so only players aged 21 and over can register
• Integration with the MGCB responsible gaming database and self-exclusion
• Clear display of the licence on the platform

Notably, institutional investors that hold less than 25% strictly for investment can apply for an exemption from the full qualifier review.

Responsible gaming and player protection

Because player protection is central, operators verify age, apply geolocation, and connect to the state responsible gaming database. Our guide to Michigan iGaming regulations sets out how the responsible gaming database, geolocation standards and reporting duties work after licensing. In addition, they provide responsible gaming tools and honour self-exclusion across the market.

How long licensing takes

In practice, a full supplier licence takes roughly 7 to 9 months. However, an applicant can apply for a provisional licence, which takes roughly 2 to 4 months, to begin operating while the full investigation continues.

Company Requirements

Michigan iGaming licence cost and tax

To start, the direct licensing cost depends on the licence type. The internet gaming operator licence carries the higher fees, while the supplier licence applies to platform providers.

iGaming tax rates

In addition, Michigan taxes internet gaming on a graduated scale, based on each operator’s adjusted gross receipts for the year:

Beyond the tax, budget for the wider cost of entering the market: incorporation, the compliance function, platform and certification work, legal support, and the commercial terms of the casino partnership. Naturally, these vary by operator. For a line-by-line view, see the full Michigan iGaming licence cost breakdown.

Promotional play deductions

One detail catches many operators out. Michigan limits how much promotional or bonus play an operator can deduct from taxable receipts. Specifically, the deduction is capped at 10% for the first three years, then 6% in year four, 4% in year five, and nothing after the fifth year. A proposed state budget would end that deduction early and raise the top rate, as our guide to the proposed Michigan iGaming tax increase explains.

Benefits

Why operators enter Michigan

The Michigan market in numbers

Michigan runs a large, established regulated online casino market in the United States. Specifically, in 2025 the market produced about $3.09 billion in internet gaming revenue, and it generated around $597 million in state and local taxes. Our breakdown of Michigan iGaming revenue sets out the yearly figures, the gross and adjusted receipts, and where the tax lands. In addition, the market has grown steadily since it launched in January 2021.

What a Michigan licence gives you

For a platform provider, a Michigan supplier licence and casino partnership open a large, regulated market. In particular, it offers:

• Legal access to a major regulated player base
• A clear framework set and enforced by the MGCB
• Published standards for responsible gaming and player protection
• Access to mainstream payment providers and banking that support a fully regulated operation

Get started in Michigan

DD Consultus supports operators and platform providers through the full Michigan process, including the supplier licence application, suitability and disclosure preparation, compliance readiness, and the casino partnership. To begin, book a free consultation, or contact contact@licencegaming.com or +356 99408536.