License Name
Michigan Casino and Sports Betting License
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Issuing Country/Region
United States, State of Michigan
Regulatory Body
Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB)
Types of Regulated Games
Casino games, sports betting, internet gaming
Market Coverage
Local (State of Michigan)
Regulator's Reputation
Very Good
Legal Entity Requirements
Company must be legally registered and in good standing in Michigan
Minimum Share Capital
Not specified in public sources
Directors and Shareholders Requirements
Subject to MGCB suitability review and background checks
Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Requirements
Comprehensive AML policies and internal controls required
Data Protection Requirements
Encryption of personal and financial data at rest and in transit, compliance with GLI-19 security standards
Reporting Requirements
Regular regulatory and financial reports, including monthly financial and tax reporting
Audit Requirements
Regular audits and independent cybersecurity testing required before gaming system operation
Software Certification Requirements
Gaming software must be certified by an MGCB-approved independent lab (e.g., GLI-19)
RNG Certification
Random number generator certification required for relevant games
Payment System Requirements
Only certified and secure payment systems permitted
Server Location Requirements
Not explicitly specified, but must comply with MGCB technical standards
Domain Name Requirements
No specific restriction published
Language Support Requirements
English required
Currency Support Requirements
USD only
Legal Compliance Costs
Variable, including nonrefundable application, license, investigation charges, and ongoing compliance costs
Background Checks
Mandatory for key personnel and major shareholders, conducted by MGCB and law enforcement agencies
License Scope Restrictions
Only covers specified gambling activities; no sub-licensing for unauthorized game types
Jurisdictional Tax Compliance
Required to comply with Michigan state tax regulations for gaming
Player Data Storage Requirements
Must comply with GLI-19 data protection and retention standards
Cross-Border Operations
License valid only for operations within Michigan state boundaries
License Application Transparency
Applicants must disclose ownership, key employees, and submit to public review
Regulatory Contact Point
MGCB Licensing Department
Compliance Officer Requirement
Designated compliance officer recommended/required for large operators
Local Partnership Requirements
Not required for commercial casinos; tribal casinos operate under federal law and state compacts
Legal Dispute Resolution
Michigan courts and administrative proceedings
License Transferability
Transfer generally requires MGCB approval
Sub-Licensing Rules
Not permitted; each operator must hold its own license
License Cost
$50,000 nonrefundable application fee, $100,000 initial license fee
Annual Fees
$50,000 annual renewal fee
Income Taxes
8.4% on adjusted gross gambling receipts; Detroit casinos pay additional 1.25% city tax
Player Winnings Taxes
Operators must comply with federal and state reporting and withholding as required
Financial Guarantees
MGCB may require financial guarantees to secure player funds and tax obligations
Liquidity Requirements
Not explicitly published; subject to MGCB financial suitability review
Financial Reporting Requirements
Monthly tax and revenue reports by the 10th day of the following month
Application Processing Time
Generally 3 to 6 months depending on complexity and completeness
Required Documents
Business plan, financial statements, AML/KYC/internal controls, ownership and management disclosures, technical documentation
Business Plan Requirements
Detailed business plan mandatory
Internal Policy Requirements
AML, KYC, responsible gaming policy, and internal controls mandatory
Testing Requirements
Technical and cybersecurity compliance testing before launch, required certification from MGCB-approved labs
Certification Requirements
GLI-19 certification for online gambling systems, RNG certification for relevant games
Staff Qualifications
Key personnel must meet MGCB suitability and experience standards
Physical Office Requirements
Business entity must be registered and have a presence in Michigan
Local Representative Requirements
Not explicitly required for commercial licensees
Marketing Restrictions
Advertising to minors prohibited; responsible gaming messaging required
Responsible Gaming Measures
Participation in responsible gaming programs, display of support resources, self-exclusion programs required
Self-Exclusion System
Mandatory participation in statewide self-exclusion program
Age Verification Procedures
Robust age (21+) and identity verification systems mandatory
KYC Procedures
Comprehensive KYC procedures as per AML policy
Customer Support Standards
English-language support required; responsive complaint handling
Complaint Handling Procedures
Complaint procedures must be in place; oversight by MGCB
Player Funds Protection
Player funds must be protected and separated from operating funds
Payout Timelines
Not explicitly mandated; expected to be prompt, subject to MGCB review
Bonus and Promotion Regulations
Must comply with transparency and consumer protection rules
Permitted Games List
Licensed casino games and sports betting only; other forms (fantasy, lottery etc.) require different licenses
Betting Limits
No published minimum or maximum; operator sets limits within MGCB guidelines
RTP Requirements
No public minimum; games must be fair and comply with MGCB standards
Jackpot Regulations
Subject to MGCB review for fairness and financial integrity
Live Game Requirements
Must comply with MGCB technical and operational standards
Mobile App Compliance
Mobile platforms subject to same regulatory and security requirements
Affiliate Program Rules
Affiliates must comply with MGCB advertising and responsible gaming standards
Security Standards
GLI-19 cybersecurity and gaming system certification mandatory
Encryption Requirements
Mandatory encryption of data in transit and at rest with industry-standard protocols, e.g., TLS/SSL, AES-256
Backup Requirements
Regular backup and disaster recovery procedures per GLI-19
Monitoring Systems
Continuous monitoring of technical infrastructure for compliance and security
Operation Logging
Comprehensive, tamper-proof logging required for all operations
Anti-Fraud Systems
Real-time fraud detection and prevention required
API Integration Standards
APIs must follow MGCB and GLI-19 technical and security requirements
Hosting Requirements
Not explicitly published, but must meet technical standards and US legal requirements
CDN Usage
Permitted if security standards maintained
Scalability Requirements
Systems must withstand peak loads and comply with GLI-19
Uptime Requirements
No public uptime mandate, but high availability required for compliance
Technical Support Availability
24/7 technical support required for critical systems
License Duration
Valid unless suspended, revoked, or not renewed; annual renewal required
Renewal Procedure
Annual renewal application, $50,000 fee, update of required documentation
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Fines, license suspension, or revocation at MGCB discretion
Ownership Change Rules
Prior notice and MGCB approval required for significant ownership changes
Mergers and Acquisitions Rules
Subject to MGCB review and approval
Subcontractor Regulations
Key suppliers must hold supplier licenses and meet MGCB standards
Branding Requirements
Responsible gaming and MGCB information must be displayed
Intellectual Property Protection
Must comply with US copyright law
Dispute Arbitration
Generally resolved in Michigan administrative or judicial proceedings
Insurance Requirements
Not publicly specified
Charity Contributions
Not a licensing requirement
Staff Training Requirements
Staff must be trained on compliance, responsible gambling, and technical standards
Innovation Support
No published regulatory sandbox
Sustainability Initiatives
Not specified
Accessibility Standards
Not specified
Multilingual Support
Not required, but English mandatory
Cryptocurrency Support
Not permitted for licensed gaming payments
Esports Betting Regulations
Permitted under sports betting license when compliant with MGCB technical and operational standards
Fantasy Sports Regulations
Separate license and requirements under Fantasy Contests Consumer Protection Act
Official Address
Michigan Gaming Control Board, 3062 W. Grand Blvd., Suite L-700, Detroit, MI 48202-6062
Work Hours
Monday to Friday, 08:00–17:00
Facebook URL
https://www.facebook.com/MichiganGamingControlBoard
Twitter/X URL
https://twitter.com/MIGamingControl
YouTube URL
https://www.youtube.com/@MichiganGamingControlBoard
Departments
Licensing, Audit, Enforcement, Lab & Technical Division, Legal, Responsible Gaming, Administration
FAQ Question 1
What is Michigan Casino and Sports Betting License?
FAQ Answer 1
The Michigan Casino and Sports Betting License authorizes operators to conduct casino gaming and sports wagering activities within Michigan, including land-based casinos, online platforms, and retail sportsbooks. It ensures compliance with state regulations to promote fair, secure, and responsible gambling.
FAQ Question 2
Which jurisdiction issues Michigan Casino and Sports Betting License?
FAQ Answer 2
This license is issued by the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB), the state agency tasked with regulating and licensing all gaming operations in Michigan.
FAQ Question 3
What is the cost of obtaining Michigan Casino and Sports Betting License?
FAQ Answer 3
Application fees for casino and sports wagering licenses vary but generally start at $250,000. Renewal fees are typically lower, with annual costs depending on the license type. Additional expenses include background investigation fees, compliance costs, and technology certification charges.
FAQ Question 4
What are the main requirements for Michigan Casino and Sports Betting License?
FAQ Answer 4
Key requirements include submitting a detailed license application, passing comprehensive background checks for owners and key personnel, demonstrating financial soundness, providing approved gaming systems, and complying with responsible gaming policies, anti-money laundering regulations, and ongoing reporting and auditing standards enforced by the MGCB.