| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Legal Status (2026) | Effectively banned statewide |
| Responsible Authority | Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) |
| Affected Platforms | All sweepstakes-style casino websites operating in Michigan |
| Legal Alternatives | - Licensed Michigan online casinos and sports betting - Commercial and tribal land-based casinos - Social casinos* |
| Legal Age | - 21+ for licensed online casinos and sports betting - No state-enforced age for social casinos (operator-enforced, usually 18+) |
Keep in mind that social casinos aren’t licensed or regulated by the MGCB, unlike the other legal alternatives listed. They’re legal because they don’t offer cash prizes and therefore aren’t considered gambling under Michigan law.
If you’re a Michigan player, you’ve probably noticed that sweepstakes casinos are leaving the state. That’s because the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) oversees all gaming statewide and treats these platforms as unlicensed gambling operations.
At the end of 2023, the MGCB issued cease-and-desist letters to dozens of operators, including well-known brands like PredictionStrike Inc., Sweepstakes Limited (Stake.us), and VGW LuckyLand, Inc., for operating without a Michigan license. This clearly signaled that the prior “gray area” for sweepstakes platforms was over, and the consequences of ignoring state law are serious.
Only licensed platforms are safe to use in Michigan. With the MGCB actively enforcing against sweepstakes casinos, players should stick to the safest choice: regulated alternatives.
We know it’s frustrating to worry about legal trouble while trying to enjoy your favorite games. That’s why our team of experts prepared this guide to give you the full picture: it will cover MGCB crackdowns, an enforcement timeline, and legal alternatives where Michigan players can enjoy regulated casino-style games.
Are Sweepstakes Casinos Legal in Michigan?
Michigan has one of the most closely regulated online gambling markets in the country. While What are sweepstakes casinos? are often labeled as “legal” in many U.S. states because they use virtual currencies instead of direct deposits, Michigan treats these platforms differently.
Michigan law doesn’t explicitly ban sweepstakes casinos by name. However, any platform that allows players to redeem prizes for cash or cash-equivalent rewards without holding a valid Michigan license is considered an unlicensed gambling operator.
The deciding factor is whether the operator holds a valid license from the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) and complies with the Lawful Internet Gaming Act of 2019, which sets the rules for regulated internet gaming in the state.
| Requirement | What It Means for Players |
|---|---|
| MGCB License Required | All online gaming operators in Michigan must hold a valid license issued by the MGCB. Players can trust they’re using a legally regulated site, with secure deposits/withdrawals, verified payouts, and accessible customer support. |
| Lawful Internet Gaming Act (2019) | Legalized online gaming in Michigan for licensed operators only. Players get strong safeguards, including responsible gaming tools, account monitoring, and regulatory oversight to prevent fraud or unfair play. |
| Unlicensed Operators | Platforms—including sweepstakes-style sites—that offer cash-equivalent prize redemptions without an MGCB license are considered illegal under Michigan law. unlicensed platforms carries serious risk: funds or prizes may be lost, disputes have no legal recourse, and operators can shut down without notice. |
Sweepstakes casinos aren’t explicitly banned in Michigan, but any site offering cash prize redemptions without a valid MGCB license is effectively operating outside the law. Running an unlicensed gambling operation in the state is a felony, carrying penalties of up to 10 years in prison, a fine of $100,000, or both.
Michigan’s Crackdown on Sweepstakes Casinos
Michigan’s enforcement against sweepstakes casinos has been swift and decisive. What began with a single action against Golden Hearts Games in October 2023 quickly escalated into a statewide crackdown, targeting major operators and offshore platforms.
Timeline of Key Enforcement Actions
| Date | Enforcement Action |
|---|---|
| October 2023 | Attorney General Dana Nessel orders Golden Hearts Games to cease all operations in Michigan, triggering broader enforcement efforts. |
| October 19, 2023 | PredictionStrike Inc. receives a cease-and-desist from the MGCB for operating unlicensed online sweepstakes. |
| November 2, 2023 | Sweepstakes Limited/Stake.us issued a cease-and-desist letter by MGCB. |
| December 5, 2023 | MGCB targets VGW LuckyLand Inc., parent company behind Chumba Casino and LuckyLand Slots. |
| January 18, 2024 | MGCB publicly announces enforcement actions. Executive Director Henry Williams states: “Gambling regulations are in place for a reason, and illegal gambling operations are not welcome in Michigan.” |
| Mid-2024 | Major sweepstakes brands Chumba Casino, LuckyLand Slots, and Global Poker voluntarily exit Michigan under mounting regulatory pressure. |
| August 27, 2024 | MGCB issues cease-and-desist to OC Media Holdings LLC (One Country) for operating unlicensed online lotteries disguised as sweepstakes. |
| April 2025 | VGW Holdings formally withdraws all platforms from Michigan. |
| February 12, 2025 | MGCB sends cease-and-desist letters to nine more unlicensed online casinos. |
| May 12, 2025 | You Wager, Bet Pop Casino, Wager 7, and Discount Wager receive cease-and-desist orders. |
| June 2025 | Court action ends operations of six unlicensed sweepstakes casinos; additional cease-and-desist letters issued. |
| July 2, 2025 | MGCB’s largest single enforcement action: 19 cease-and-desist letters in one day; total letters for the month reach 28. |
| November 12, 2025 | Cease-and-desist letters issued to Cryptowins Casino, Slotland Casino, and Winaday Casino. |
| December 3, 2025 | MGCB issues 12 more cease-and-desist letters to offshore gambling operators. |
Over the past year, the MGCB has issued more than 59 cease-and-desist letters, demonstrating Michigan’s persistent enforcement stance. This crackdown has reshaped the sweepstakes market, protected consumers, and reinforced state authority.
Why Michigan Banned Sweepstakes Casinos
Michigan’s regulated online gaming market is one of the most successful in the U.S., generating billions in gross receipts and hundreds of millions in tax revenue each year. In fact, Michigan’s commercial and tribal operators reported $2.9 billion in total iGaming and internet sports betting revenue in 2024, with iGaming alone accounting for a substantial share of that figure.
Sweepstakes casinos — often marketed using “virtual coins” — operate entirely outside this regulated system. The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) has made clear that these unlicensed platforms are a direct threat because they:
Undermine licensed operators and tax revenue – By offering real-money redemptions without oversight, sweepstakes casinos siphon funds away from licensed operators and divert tax revenue that supports state programs.
Lack consumer protections – Unregulated platforms do not provide fair-play audits, secure payments, or responsible gaming tools like deposit limits and self-exclusion. Players risk unfair games, withheld winnings, and no recourse if problems arise.
Sweepstakes casinos may look fun and harmless with their virtual coins and bright interfaces, but any platform in Michigan that allows cash prize redemptions is effectively unlicensed gambling. By keeping such platforms out of the regulated market, Michigan ensures its iGaming market remains fair, accountable, and that revenue comes from legal, licensed alternatives.
Legal Alternatives for Michigan Players
Now that you know why sweepstakes casinos in Michigan should be avoided, let’s explore safe, legal alternatives that offer casino-style games and fully comply with state law.
Licensed Real-Money Online Casinos
Michigan currently allows 17 fully licensed real-money online casinos to operate under the oversight of the MGCB. These platforms are fully regulated to ensure fair play, secure transactions, and responsible gaming.
| Licensed Brand | Status in Michigan |
|---|---|
| BetMGM Casino | Fully licensed and regulated |
| FanDuel Casino | Fully licensed and regulated |
| DraftKings Casino | Fully licensed and regulated |
| Caesars Palace Online Casino | Fully licensed and regulated |
| BetRivers Casino | Fully licensed and regulated |
| Golden Nugget Casino | Fully licensed and regulated |
| PokerStars Casino | Fully licensed and regulated |
Key points: Players must be 21+ and physically located in Michigan. Geolocation verification ensures compliance, while licensed operators provide deposit limits, self-exclusion tools, and other consumer protections.
See All 17 Licensed Michigan CasinosSocial Casinos (Free Play Only)
If you’re looking for entertainment without depositing real money, social casinos are a legal alternative. These platforms use virtual currency and do not offer cash prizes.
| Platform | Key Features |
|---|---|
| BetRivers.net | ~600 games, free virtual credits, no cash prizes, available in all US states |
| Gambino Slots | 150+ slots, 500,000 G-Coins + 200 Free Spins on signup, no table or live games |
| ZitoBox | 250+ slots, arcade and fish games; partnered with SG Interactive and Wazdan |
These sites are not licensed or regulated by the MGCB, but they are legal in Michigan because they use virtual currency only and do not offer cash prizes, unlike sweepstakes casinos.
Land-Based Casinos
Michigan also has a vibrant brick-and-mortar casino market, with 26 properties statewide — 3 commercial casinos in Detroit and 23 tribal casinos across the state. They offer slots, table games, poker rooms, and live entertainment, all regulated by the MGCB.
What Happens If You Play at an Unlicensed Site?
If you’ve ever thought about trying an unlicensed online casino in Michigan, keep in mind that one of these outcomes could happen:
Accounts and funds at risk: Unlicensed operators can suspend accounts or shut down platforms at any time, making deposited credits or rewards inaccessible or lost.
Limited protections: These sites aren’t monitored for fairness, security, or responsible gaming. There’s no guarantee games operate as intended, your personal info is safe, or disputes can be resolved.
Platforms can vanish suddenly: Enforcement action or operator decisions can cause unlicensed sites to disappear overnight, leaving players without access.
Sweepstakes sites operating without a Michigan license are not under MGCB oversight. To keep your gameplay safe and your funds protected, it’s best to stick with licensed online casinos, social casinos, or land-based casinos.
Will Sweepstakes Casinos Return to Michigan?
The current outlook for sweepstakes casinos in Michigan is pretty clear: they’re not coming back anytime soon. State law hasn’t been updated to allow them, and the MGCB continues to treat unlicensed platforms as illegal.
No legislative movement: There’s no active effort in the Michigan legislature to create a legal framework for sweepstakes casinos or revise existing gambling laws.
No licensing activity: So far, no operators have applied for an MGCB license to offer sweepstakes-style gaming. Without approval from regulators, these platforms can’t legally operate in the state.
Strong enforcement from regulators: The MGCB has taken an aggressive stance, issuing dozens of cease-and-desist orders over the past year. Based on this level of enforcement, it’s unlikely sweepstakes casinos will be allowed to return anytime soon.
For now, sweepstakes casinos remain unavailable in Michigan. Players who want legal online gaming should stick with MGCB-licensed online casinos, which offer safe and regulated gameplay.
To Sum It Up
The reality with sweepstakes casinos is straightforward: any platform offering cash prizes without an MGCB license is considered illegal gambling. Operating an unlicensed gambling operation in Michigan is a felony, punishable by up to 10 years in prison, a fine of up to $100,000, or both. Over the past year, regulators have issued dozens of cease-and-desist orders, making it clear that legislative change isn’t coming anytime soon.
Sweepstakes-style cash gaming is highly unlikely to return, leaving Michigan players with few legal options outside regulated platforms. Licensed casinos not only operate legally but also offer strong consumer protections, fair-play audits, and responsible gaming tools.
The safest choice is to stick with MGCB-licensed online casinos, where your funds, personal data, and gameplay are fully safeguarded under Michigan law. By choosing licensed operators, you can enjoy online gaming safely and with complete peace of mind.
Any platform offering cash redemptions without an MGCB license is operating illegally in Michigan. To protect your funds and avoid unnecessary risk, choose regulated alternatives only.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are sweepstakes casinos legal in Michigan?
No. Sweepstakes casinos with cash prize redemptions are treated as unlicensed gambling by the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB). Since 2023, the MGCB has issued over 59 cease-and-desist letters to operators, reinforcing that these platforms cannot legally operate in the state.
What is the best sweepstakes casino in Michigan?
There are currently no sweepstakes casinos with cash redemptions available in Michigan. Players seeking legal alternatives should use licensed online casinos such as BetMGM, DraftKings, or FanDuel, all of which are regulated by the MGCB and provide fair and secure online gaming experiences.
Can I get in trouble for playing sweepstakes casinos in Michigan?
Michigan focuses enforcement on operators, not individual players, so you typically won’t face legal penalties. However, playing on unlicensed platforms carries risks: your funds may be inaccessible, accounts can be frozen, and there are no consumer protections or dispute resolution mechanisms in place.
What happened to Chumba Casino in Michigan?
Chumba Casino, operated by VGW Holdings, received a cease-and-desist order in December 2023. Following the MGCB’s enforcement actions, the company formally withdrew all operations from Michigan by April 2025, ending its sweepstakes offerings in the state.
Comments
Leave a Comment
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!