Can you go to a casino at 18 in michigan
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Michigan casino age requirements vary. Learn which tribal casinos permit entry at 18 versus the state-regulated casinos which require you to be 21.
Michigan Casino Age Requirements A Guide for 18-Year-Olds
No, individuals aged 18 are not permitted to enter or place wagers at the state's commercial or tribal gaming establishments. The minimum age for entry and participation in all forms of gambling at these venues is strictly set at 21. This regulation applies universally across all 23 tribal gaming halls and the three state-licensed commercial establishments located in Detroit. Attempts by underage individuals to access these facilities result in immediate ejection and potential legal consequences.
There are, however, limited forms of wagering accessible to 18-year-olds within the state's borders. These activities include purchasing lottery tickets from authorized retailers and participating in pari-mutuel horse race betting. For those interested in online wagering, the state's legal framework also mandates a minimum age of 21 for participating in online sports betting and interactive gaming platforms, aligning with the physical venue requirements.
It is a common misconception that tribal sovereignty might allow for a lower age requirement at some Native American gaming establishments. However, the gaming compacts between the federally recognized tribes and the state government uniformly establish the minimum age at 21. Therefore, an 18-year-old will find no exceptions to this rule, regardless of the specific location or its jurisdiction within the Great Lake State.
Can You Go to a Casino at 18 in Michigan?
No, individuals must be at least 21 years old to enter and participate in gaming activities at tribal and commercial gaming establishments within the state. For most forms of wagering, including slot machines, table games, and sports betting at physical venues, the state-mandated minimum age is 21.
There are specific exceptions for certain tribal-operated gaming halls. A select few locations, such as the Soaring Eagle's bingo hall in Mount Pleasant, permit entry to 18-year-olds for bingo games only. These are isolated instances and do not apply to the main gaming floors with traditional slot machines or card tables. The legal age for pari-mutuel horse race betting is also 18. However, for entry into the state's 26 gaming venues for standard play, the age requirement is consistently 21.
Attempting to enter a gaming floor under the age of 21 is a misdemeanor offense. Security personnel are strict with ID verification, requiring a valid government-issued photo identification like a driver's license or passport upon entry. The same 21-plus rule applies to online sportsbooks and internet gaming platforms licensed by the Michigan Gaming Control Board.
Legal Gambling Age by Casino Type: Tribal vs. Commercial
Individuals 18 years of age are permitted to place wagers at most, but not all, Native American gaming establishments. The minimum age for entry and participation is 19 at several tribal locations, including all Kewadin properties and Bay Mills Resort. All three state-licensed commercial gaming venues in Detroit strictly enforce a 21-and-over policy for access to their gaming floors.
This age discrepancy exists because tribal gaming halls operate under compacts negotiated between sovereign Native American nations and the state government. These agreements often allow the tribes to set their own minimum age for gambling, which is typically 18. Detroit's three commercial establishments, conversely, are governed by the Michigan Gaming Control & Revenue Act, which mandates a minimum age of 21 for all participants. Therefore, an 18-year-old’s ability to gamble legally depends entirely on the specific tribal venue selected.
Before visiting any tribal gaming property, it is best practice to verify their specific age requirement directly through their official website or by contacting their guest services. For example, FireKeepers and Soaring Eagle both permit 18-year-olds to partake in gaming activities. In contrast, anyone under 21 is prohibited from entering the gaming areas of MGM Grand Detroit, MotorCity, or Hollywood at Greektown. Alcohol service policies also differ, with a universal age of 21 required for consumption regardless of the establishment's gambling age.
List of Michigan Casinos Allowing Entry for 18-Year-Olds
Individuals aged 18 and older have entry privileges at specific tribal gaming establishments throughout the state. These venues operate under tribal compacts that permit a lower minimum age for certain activities compared to the state-mandated 21 for commercial gaming halls. Access for eighteen-year-olds typically includes slot machines, bingo, and poker rooms, but excludes the consumption or purchase of alcoholic beverages.
Below is a detailed list of tribal gaming centers in the Wolverine State where 18-year-olds are permitted entry for gambling purposes. Always carry a valid government-issued photo ID, as age verification is strictly enforced upon entry.
| Gaming Establishment | Location | Permitted Activities for 18+ |
|---|---|---|
| Soaring Eagle Gaming | Mount Pleasant | Slots, Bingo, Poker |
| Turtle Creek Hotel & Gaming | Williamsburg | Slots, Table Games |
| Leelanau Sands | Peshawbestown | Slots, Table Games |
| Saganing Eagles Landing | Standish | Slots, Electronic Table Games |
| Ojibwa Gaming Resort | Baraga | Slots, Table Games, Bingo |
| Ojibwa Gaming Marquette | Marquette | Slots, Electronic Table Games |
| Kewadin Gaming Sault Ste. Marie | Sault Ste. Marie | Slots, Bingo |
| Kewadin Gaming St. Ignace | St. Ignace | Slots, Bingo |
| Kewadin Gaming Hessel | Hessel | Slots Only |
| Kewadin Gaming Manistique | Manistique | Slots Only |
| Kewadin Gaming Christmas | Christmas | Slots Only |
| Island Resort & Gaming | Harris | Slots, Bingo, Poker, Table Games |
| Bay Mills Resort & Gaming | Brimley | Slots, Table Games |
| Northern Waters Gaming | Watersmeet | Slots, Table Games |
What Can You Legally Do in a Michigan Casino at 18 vs. 21?
Individuals aged 18 may legally participate in specific gaming activities at tribal gaming establishments, while a minimum age of 21 is required for entry into state-regulated commercial gaming venues in Detroit.
Permitted Activities for 18-Year-Olds
Most tribally owned gaming properties across the state permit 18-year-olds access to certain forms of wagering. The specific rules are determined by each sovereign tribal nation.
- Bingo: High-stakes bingo halls are a primary attraction available to patrons who are 18.
- Live Keno: This lottery-style game is frequently accessible to younger adults.
- Poker Rooms: Certain tribal properties allow 18-year-olds to compete in live poker tournaments and cash games. https://boaboacasino-de.de & Kings Club is one such location.
- Pull-Tab Tickets: Instant-win paper tickets are often sold in areas open to those over 18.
It is best practice to verify the age policy for the specific tribal gaming property before planning a visit, as permissions vary between locations like Soaring Eagle, FireKeepers, and Four Winds.
Activities Reserved for Those 21 and Older
A higher age restriction applies to all commercial gaming houses in Detroit (MGM Grand, MotorCity, Hollywood at Greektown) and for certain activities within all gaming establishments.
- Slot Machines & Video Poker: Operation of electronic gaming machines is universally restricted to persons 21 and up.
- Table Games: Playing blackjack, roulette, craps, and baccarat requires patrons to be at least 21.
- Alcohol Consumption: The state's legal drinking age is 21. No one under this age may be served or consume alcoholic beverages on the gaming floor or in adjacent bars and lounges.
- Sports Betting: Placing wagers at retail sportsbooks located inside gaming establishments is restricted to individuals 21 or older.
- Online Gaming & Betting: Accessing state-regulated iGaming platforms and mobile sports betting apps requires users to be 21.
