Located in southern Michigan, Barry County covers a total area of 577 square miles (1,490 square kilometers). According to the 2021 U.S. census, the county is home to 62,992 residents spread over 24,115 households with a median household size of 2.55.
The median household income in Barry County is estimated to be about $68,779. 90% of the households in Barry County own and use some form of computer or internet device, while 82.3% also have broadband internet subscriptions for their devices.
The legal age for gambling across Barry County and the rest of Michigan varies between 18 and 21 years. The accepted age will usually depend on the activity and the establishment. Charity bingo, pari-mutuel bets, and state lottery allow players aged 18.
Casinos and sportsbooks on the other hand usually insist their patrons are 21 years and above. Some tribal casinos in Michigan may allow players aged 18 into their establishments. Players can always call ahead to the casino to find out any age restrictions they have. Gambling in
Michigan is licensed and regulated by the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB).
Underage gambling in Michigan and by extension Barry County is considered a misdemeanor. Michigan law gives the penalty for underage gambling as one or both of the following. A one-year jail sentence at a county facility and no more than a $10,000 fine.
Both the culprit and the establishment are open to prosecution. Other penalties might be included depending on the severity of the offense. These may include probation sentences and community service.
Online gambling and sports betting were officially legalized in Michigan and Barry County in 2019. However, the first online casinos didn't launch until lJanuary 2021.
Gambling laws in Michigan prohibit any online gambling by individuals under 21 years old. Although players must not be residents of Michigan they must be within its boundaries to play. Online casinos and sportsbooks usually operate in partnership with brick-and-mortar casino properties in Michigan.
Gambling addiction and other afflictions can lead to all sorts of issues for county residents. Residents of Barry County with a gambling problem are encouraged to contact any of the following bodies.
Psychological Consultants of Michigan
1127 W. State St.
Hastings, MI 49058
Phone: (269)968-2811, (800)261-8850
On the state level, there are also several bodies that help with problem gambling. These include
The Michigan Problem Gambling Helpline
(800)270-7117
Residents are free to call the helpline 24 hours a day. Callers will be able to speak confidently with a counselor. Counselors will provide solutions depending on the caller’s situation such as referrals to support groups. They will also be able to refer callers for treatment and screening services.
Michigan Association on Problem Gambling (MAPG)
1128 Wethersfield Dr. S Portage,
MI 49002
Phone: (517)672-6904
Fax: (734)720-9525
Email: michiganapg@gmail.com
The Michigan Gaming Control Board also provides what is known as the Disassociated Persons Form. This is a list of persons who have voluntarily excluded themselves from gambling in Michigan for life. The form must be filled out and then notarized by a notary public and then returned.
Applications can take up to 45 days to be reviewed and approved. Players can also apply to be removed from the list under Public Act 225 of 2020/mileg.aspx?page=getobject&objectname=2019-HB-4686&query=on).
Most Barry County online gambling and sports betting sites will also have a responsible gaming section. The features there will allow players to set spending limits and self-exclusion periods. These are useful for players who want to limit the money and time spent gambling online.
Although there are no cases of offenses involving wagering in Barry, residents are advised to be careful. In the last five years, there have been 1060 cases of Larceny theft reported. The Barry Sheriff also received 164 reports of credit/ATM theft or fraud. Anyone who has reason to believe they have been a victim of a crime may contact:
The Barry County Sheriff's Office
1212 W State Street,
Hasting MI 49508
Phone Numbers
Police Services: (269)948-4801
Business Services: (269)948-4805
Fax: (269)948-4831
Jail: (269)948-4804
Yes, online gambling has been legal in Michigan since 2019. In December 2019 the Governor of Michigan signed Bill HB 4311 into law. This made online gambling via online casinos and sportsbooks legal in Michigan and its counties.
The law states that citizens must be at least 21 years old to gamble online in Michigan. They must also be physically within the state to use its online gambling facilities. Players will be required to provide valid government-issued identification to verify their age. The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) regulates online gambling in Michigan.
Yes, Online sports betting is legal in Barry County and the rest of Michigan. It has been legal to use online sportsbooks since 2019. The first online sportsbooks were launched in Michigan in January 2021. Online sportsbooks in Michigan are licensed and regulated by the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB).
To use an online sportsbook in Michigan residents must be at least 21 years old. The sportsbook can also only be accessed from within the borders of Michigan. Currently, there are over a dozen online sportsbooks operating in Barry County. Some are independent while others have partnerships with land-based casinos and sportsbooks in Michigan. These include BetMGM sportsbook, Caesar’s Sportsbook, DraftKings, FanDuel, and Pointsbet.
Yes, betting on horse races is legal in Michigan and Barry County. The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) regulates gambling on horse races in Michigan. Horse racing itself is governed by the Horse Racing Law of 1995.
To bet on horse races in Barry County the resident must be over 21 years old. Players will be able to bet on both live and simulcast races at licensed racetracks. The Michigan Gaming Control Board has a horse racing office that can be contacted for any inquiries.
Michigan Gaming Control Board
Northville Downs
301 S. Center Road
Northville, MI 48167
Phone: (248)349-5458
Fax: (248)349-9139
Email: horseracing@michigan.gov
Yes, residents of Barry County and Michigan are free to play Daily Fantasy Sports games. Daily Fantasy Sports were legalized when Bill HB 4311 legalized online gaming in Michigan.
Players can access several Daily Fantasy Sports Sites from Barry County. These include DraftKings and FanDuel. Some Daily Fantasy Sites will allow players who are 18 years old to register and play. This is permitted even though the legal age for online gambling is 21 years. Barry County Daily Fantasy Sports websites are regulated by the Michigan Gaming Control Board.