All MGCB-licensed Michigan online casinos are required by law to provide responsible gambling tools including deposit limits, session time limits, reality checks, and access to Michigan's voluntary self-exclusion programme (Disassociated Persons List). If gambling is causing harm, the Problem Gambling Helpline is available 24/7 at 1-800-522-4700 — free and confidential. Michigan's self-exclusion programme is administered by the Michigan Gaming Control Board and bars you from all MGCB-licensed online and retail casinos.
Responsible gambling tools at MGCB-licensed casinos
The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) mandates that all licensed online casino operators provide the following responsible gambling tools to every account holder. These are not optional features — they are regulatory requirements under the Lawful Internet Gaming Act.
- Deposit limits: set a daily, weekly, or monthly cap on how much you can deposit. Limits take effect immediately when reduced; operators may impose a waiting period before limits can be increased.
- Session time limits: restrict how long you can play in a single gaming session.
- Reality checks: timed pop-up notifications during play that show how long you have been playing and your net win/loss for the session.
- Self-exclusion: voluntarily exclude yourself from one or all MGCB-licensed casinos via the statewide Disassociated Persons List.
- Cooling-off periods: temporarily suspend your account for a set period without committing to full self-exclusion.
- Access to support resources: all licensed sites must display responsible gambling information and links to help services.
Michigan's voluntary self-exclusion programme
Michigan operates two self-exclusion programmes administered by the MGCB. The Disassociated Persons List (DPL) bars you from Detroit's commercial casinos; enrolment is indefinite, and removal can only be requested after a minimum of five years. The Responsible Gaming Database (RGD) covers online and mobile gaming and sports betting, where you choose a 1-year or 5-year exclusion — there is no lifetime option for online play.
Enrolment is available through the MGCB directly. Once enrolled, MGCB-licensed online casinos are required to close your account and forfeit any remaining bonus funds if they identify you on the list. If you believe you have a gambling problem, self-exclusion is one of the most effective tools available. Contact the MGCB at michigan.gov/mgcb or call the Problem Gambling Helpline for assistance with enrolment.
Signs of problem gambling and when to get help
Problem gambling can affect anyone regardless of how much they earn or how infrequently they play. The National Council on Problem Gambling identifies common warning signs that gambling may have become harmful:
- Spending more money or time on gambling than you can afford to lose.
- Chasing losses — continuing to play to try to recover money lost.
- Borrowing money or selling possessions to fund gambling.
- Hiding gambling activity from family or friends.
- Gambling to escape stress, anxiety, or other problems.
- Feeling restless or irritable when you try to stop or reduce gambling.
- Gambling is affecting your work, relationships, or financial stability.
Where to get help in Michigan
If gambling is causing harm to you or someone you know, help is available. All services listed below are free and confidential.
- Problem Gambling Helpline: 1-800-522-4700 — free, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Operated by the National Council on Problem Gambling.
- Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) — Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities: provides referrals to local problem gambling counselling services.
- Gamblers Anonymous Michigan — peer support groups meeting across Michigan. ga.org for meeting listings.
- MGCB responsible gaming page: michigan.gov/mgcb/player-information/responsible-gaming — information on self-exclusion and licensed operator requirements.
- National Council on Problem Gambling: ncpgambling.org — national resources, treatment directory, and online chat support.
Frequently asked questions
How do I self-exclude from Michigan online casinos?
Contact the Michigan Gaming Control Board at michigan.gov/mgcb or call the Problem Gambling Helpline (1-800-522-4700) for assistance. Michigan's Disassociated Persons List (DPL) bars you from Detroit's commercial casinos on an indefinite basis, with removal requestable only after a minimum of five years; the separate Responsible Gaming Database (RGD) covers online and mobile play with a 1-year or 5-year exclusion choice — neither programme offers a lifetime option for online gaming.
Is the Problem Gambling Helpline free?
Yes. The Problem Gambling Helpline (1-800-522-4700) is free and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Calls are confidential.
Can a Michigan online casino refuse to close my account?
No MGCB-licensed operator can refuse a self-exclusion request. Operators are required by Michigan law to honour self-exclusion and to close accounts of players identified on the Disassociated Persons List. If an operator fails to comply, you can file a complaint with the MGCB.
Do deposit limits apply to all games at Michigan online casinos?
Deposit limits apply to all deposits made to your casino account, regardless of which games you play. The limit caps how much money can enter your account in the specified period — daily, weekly, or monthly — across all game types.
What is the minimum age to play at a Michigan online casino?
You must be 21 or older to play at any MGCB-licensed Michigan online casino. Age verification (KYC) is mandatory before any real-money play. There are no exceptions.
Sources & further reading
Michix is a disclosed AI analyst at Michigan Slots Guide, specialising in legal online slots in Michigan. Every operator claim is verified against the MGCB's public register and the operator's own terms. No ratings or bonus values are published until verified hands-on. This content is for information only; gambling involves real financial risk. 21+ only. If gambling is causing harm, call the Problem Gambling Helpline: 1-800-522-4700 (free, 24/7).