Although Bingo’s prime has faded into history, the game continues to be enjoyed at numerous charity events, bingo halls, and even certain tribal casinos throughout Michigan.

After the federal Indian Gaming Regulatory Act was enacted in 1988, the game witnessed a decline in popularity, which had previously reached its peak in the mid-1980s. Consequently, numerous tribal bingo halls in Michigan and across the entire United States transformed into casinos offering Las Vegas-style gambling experiences.

Despite this, bingo games continue to be operated in various tribal casinos and numerous halls throughout the state, capitalizing on Michigan’s charitable gaming laws which enable eligible nonprofit organizations to acquire charitable gaming licenses and organize events.

Online casinos are making their way to Michigan after the approval of online gambling legislation by lawmakers in 2019. Alongside these casinos, online bingo will also be introduced.

Continue reading to discover additional information about bingo in the state of Michigan, the online version of the game that is widely favored, and the various locations where you can still enjoy playing bingo throughout the state.

Bingo and Michigan gambling laws

Act 382 was passed by Michigan lawmakers in 1972, establishing regulations to oversee charity bingo games across the state.

According to the act, bingo is officially classified as a game in which players acquire one or more cards containing numbered squares, while a caller selects numbers ranging from one to 75 in a random manner.

To determine if the called number appears on their cards, players scan them and mark it off when it does. The player who successfully connects numbers in the predetermined winning bingo pattern, as specified at the beginning of the game, enthusiastically shouts “bingo.” After confirming the accuracy of their card, they receive a predetermined prize.

Only qualified nonprofit organizations are permitted to obtain a Michigan charitable gaming license and host bingo games according to the law. Nevertheless, Michigan charity bingo halls have been granted permission to support nonprofit organizations in acquiring licenses and organizing game activities.

Nonprofit organizations in Michigan can acquire three different types of charitable gaming bingo licenses.

• The Large Bingo License permits a licensee to organize bingo games once a week. The prize limits for each game are set at $1,100, and for each session, the limit is $3,500. Additionally, licensees are authorized to host the Michigan Progressive Jackpot Bingo Game, which is exempt from the prize limits. Instead, the progressive jackpot is formed by combining the unclaimed jackpot from the previous session with 50% of the card sales for the current session’s Michigan progressive jackpot bingo game.
• The Small Bingo License permits a licensee to organize bingo games once a week, with a maximum prize limit of $25 per game and $300 per session. However, it does not allow for the playing of progressive jackpot bingo games.
• The Special Bingo License enables the licensee to organize bingo events for a maximum duration of seven consecutive days. The prizes for each game are capped at $1,100, while the session’s overall prize limit is set at $3,500. Nonprofit organizations have the opportunity to acquire up to four special bingo licenses annually. However, it’s important to note that Michigan progressive jackpot bingo games are not permitted to be played under this license.

Bingo without a license

Senior citizens clubs, groups, or homes with members aged 60 years or older are permitted to run bingo without a license, according to the act, provided that:

• Bingo is organized solely for entertainment and leisure purposes, and not intended as a means of fundraising.
• Playing or operating the game is exclusively allowed for members, guests, and employees.
• The maximum charge for cards is 25 cents or less.
• In any given day, the total value of prizes does not go beyond $100 in retail.
• The entirety of the funds generated from bingo are dedicated to distributing prizes and covering necessary expenses associated with running the game.
• Playing or operating the game does not result in sole compensation for any individual.

Native American bingo

In the early 1980s, various Michigan tribes initiated large-scale bingo operations as a solution to tackle economic challenges faced by American Indian reservations.

In the mid-1980s, numerous operations underwent a transformation into fully-fledged tribal casinos, which continue to function today. However, a few of them continue to operate bingo games without being subject to the prize limits imposed on charity gaming licensees.

Bingo at Michigan online casinos

In December 2019, a bill legalizing online casinos in Michigan was passed, with the condition that rules and a licensing process needed to be established.

The licensing and rule-making procedures have commenced. In April 2020, a preliminary version of the regulations was distributed to stakeholders, while license applications were made accessible to Detroit’s three commercial casinos and 23 tribal casinos statewide in May.

If certain aspects of Michigan’s rule-making process are expedited, the executive director of the Michigan Gaming Control Board has mentioned that the first Michigan online casinos might go live by November 2020.

Online bingo games can be conducted by these operations, as long as the game is compliant with the online gambling regulations in the state or operators seek approval from the board.

Free and real money online bingo

Michigan online casinos, similar to their land-based counterparts, are expected to provide opportunities for registered players to engage in complimentary bingo games and have the chance to win actual cash prizes.

Both traditional casinos and online casinos employ this tactic to incentivize and retain loyal players. Nevertheless, the online casino games tend to have such vast prize pools that the likelihood of securing a significant win is quite low. Either the prize is divided among numerous players, or one must surpass thousands of competitors to seize it.

For a genuine opportunity to win actual cash while playing bingo online, it is advisable to focus on paid games that offer considerably enhanced odds of winning.

Slingo vs. Bingo: What’s the difference?

You can come across Slingo games, a variation of video slot games, at both land-based and online casinos in Michigan.

The name Slingo derives from bingo, but Slingo games merge components of classic bingo, slots, and casino games.

Online and physical casinos offer a variety of Slingo games, some of which include elements of skill and decision-making to enhance the gaming experience.

Slingo is a simple game to play. In this game, you will take a set number of spins and draw five numbers on each spin. Afterwards, you need to locate and mark off these numbers on a card that resembles bingo.

Additionally, you have the chance to acquire wilds that enable you to mark off numbers wherever you choose, grant you extra free spins, and provide instant winnings.

The number of lines of Slingo marked off on the card will determine your winnings, just like how wins are paid out on a slot machine.

Slingo Riches and Slingo Extreme are among the prominent games offered by Slingo.

Can I play online bingo in MI?

At present, the opportunity to engage in online bingo is not accessible in Michigan; however, this situation may change in the near future. The forthcoming licensing and establishment of online casinos might pave the way for the inclusion of online bingo within their operations, as per the revised regulations.

Michigan online casinos may need to seek approval from the board to offer online bingo, even if it is not required.

Other states’ online casinos operate online bingo, indicating the possibility of Michigan adopting a similar approach.

How 90 ball bingo works

The version of bingo that is commonly operated by most online casinos in the United States is known as the “90 ball” variant of the game.

Despite its similarities to the standard 75-ball game commonly played at bingo events, 90-ball bingo exhibits certain variations.

The game cards begin with a grid consisting of three rows and nine columns, comprising a total of 27 squares. Within each row, there are five squares filled with numbers, while the remaining four squares are left blank. Moreover, each column exclusively contains numbers from one of nine distinct batches.

The initial column comprises numbers ranging from one to nine, the subsequent column features numbers starting from ten to nineteen, and this pattern continues until reaching ninety.

In this version, cards are sold in sets of six known as strips. Similar to classic bingo, random numbers are drawn, and the objective is to connect these numbers on your card in the predetermined winning bingo pattern. The empty spaces on each card are already considered filled.

There are three possible ways to win when playing 90-ball bingo.

• Be the frontrunner in achieving a complete sequence of all five numbers.
• Be the first to match all five numbers in two rows.
• Objective: Be the first person to complete all three rows with all five numbers in the game of Full House.

The sole distinction between 90-ball bingo and the traditional game lies in the inclusion of 15 numbers and the varying composition of the card.

When playing online, every instance of a number is automatically crossed off on your strips, transforming it into a more electronic bingo experience rather than the traditional versions.

Michigan bingo halls

In the state of Michigan, there are over 300 bingo halls and tribal casinos that operate various games.

Here is a compilation of Michigan tribal casinos that currently operate live bingo games and are now seeking to venture into online gambling operations:

Leelanau Sands Casino and Lodge

• 2521 North West Bay Shore Drive, Peshawbestown, Michigan
• Bingo sessions will be held from Wednesday to Friday, commencing at 5 p.m. ET.
• The Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians is the owner.
• Partner with William Hill, an online casino.

Four Winds Casino New Buffalo

• The address is: 11111 Wilson Road, New Buffalo, Michigan.
• Occasional bingo promotions take place in the event center.
• The Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians is the owner.
• Scientific Games: Your trusted online casino partner.

Firekeepers Casino and Hotel

• 11177 East Michigan Avenue, Battle Creek, MI
• Bingo enthusiasts can enjoy two daily sessions from Thursday to Monday, featuring a chance to win nine progressive jackpots and exciting seasonal bingo promotions.
• The Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi is the owner.
• Scientific Games, the online casino partner.

Northern Waters Casino Resort

• N5384 US-45, Watersmeet, Michigan is the address.
• Bingo: Occasional bingo promotions
• Lac Vieux Desert Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians is the owner.
• Online casino partner: PointsBet

Soaring Eagle Casino and Resort

• The address is 6800 Soaring Eagle Blvd., located in the Isabella Indian Reservation, Mount Pleasant, Michigan.
• Bingo sessions are available from Wednesday to Sunday, featuring two or three sessions per day. Early-bird games are also included. Additionally, there is the exciting opportunity to win $1,000,000 through the Bingo Millions Coverall Add-On. Achieve a coverall in 47 balls or less for a chance at the grand prize.
• The Saginaw Chippewa Tribal Nation is the owner.
• Online casino partner: Aristocrat

Odawa Casino Resort

• 1760 Lears Road, Petoskey, MI
• Bingo sessions are held twice daily every Thursday, Friday, and Sunday at 11 a.m. ET. Each session offers a Progressive jackpot, starting at $1,000 and $2,500 respectively.
• The Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians are the owners.
• PokerStars Casino, an online casino partner, is affiliated with The Stars Group.

Kewadin Casino Sault Ste. Marie

• 2186 Shunk Road, Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan
• The bingo hall, called Bingo, features a seating capacity of 200 people. On Saturdays afternoons, they offer progressive two-part jackpot games. Additionally, every Thursday at noon, they host senior bingo.
• The Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians is the owner.
• Online casino partner: GAN

Wrapping up: Online bingo and bingo in Michigan

Despite the decline in popularity since the mid-1980s, Michigan seems to be oblivious to the fact, as it boasts over 300 bingo halls and tribal casinos hosting games throughout the state.

Live bingo is thriving in the Great Lakes State, and the initial online casinos that introduce the game on the internet are sure to experience a surge in traffic.

Online bingo in Michigan has the potential to thrive, as several tribal casinos are preparing to launch their live bingo games online by late 2020 or early 2021.