Online Gambling in Berrien County, Michigan
Situated in the southwestern part of Michigan, Berrien County covers a total land area of 1,581 square miles (4,090 km2).
According to the 2021 US Census Bureau report, the county is home to 153,101 residents. Furthermore, there are 63,403 household units, each with an average of two to three members.
In Berrien County, 91.1% of all households use one or more types of computing devices. This figure represents about 1.6 percent of all households using a computing device in the state. Also, only 83% of households with computers are connected to the internet through a broadband connection.
What is the Legal Age for Gambling in Berrien County?
Under the Michigan gambling law, you must be 21 years of age or older to gamble in Berrien County. This gambling age limit only applies to gamblers at retail and online casinos and sportsbook sites.
However, the age limit is set at 18 years of age and older for players in pari-mutuel, lottery, and bingo gambling. Tribal casinos Michigan also set a lower age limit for players accessing their gambling establishments. 18-year-olds and older can play casino games in Michigan's tribal casinos.
The Michigan Gaming Control Board is in charge of making sure that all gambling in the state is legal and regulated. However, tribal casinos are under the supervision of the National Indian Commission.
Besides regulating gambling activities, these agencies also penalize gambling offenders.
When Was Online Gambling in Berrien County Legalized?
Berrien County legalized online gambling after the state's legislators passed it into law in 2019. Online gambling operators would later launch officially a year later, in 2021. DraftKings, BetMGM, and FanDuel are some of the first legal gambling operators in Berrien County, MA.
Responsible Gambling in Berrien County, Michigan
Addiction to gambling is a serious problem. Those addicted are often unaware of the damage to their personal lives and its effect on those in their social circle. If you know someone who's addicted to gambling, help them seek help by contacting the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. This agency operates the Michigan Problem Gambling Helpline, a toll-free support system for problem gamblers. The helpline is accessible 24/7, and it'll connect you to licensed professionals in Berrien County. You can call the helpline at (800) 270-7117.
Here are some of the local-state-approved Berrien County counselors:
Melanie Page-Wood (Individual)
Bright Hope Counseling Center
623 Church Street
St. Joseph, MI 49085
Phone: (269) 944-7331.
Shannon L. Groh (Agency)
Family Treatment & Dev Ctrs
830 Pleasant Street
St. Joseph, MI 49085
Phone: (269) 982-3832
Brenda Markert-Green (Individual)
9067 US 31
Suite 203
Berrien Springs, MI49103
Phone: (909) 503-7191.
The Michigan Association on Problem Gambling (MAPG) is a non-profit organization that helps problem gamblers. They frequently organize virtual and in-person meetings for problem gamblers. You can contact the MAPG at:
1128 Wethersfield Drive South
Portage, MI 49002
Phone: (517) 672-6904
Email: info@MichAPG.com
Victims of fraud on gambling platforms should contact the Berrien County Sheriff's Office at:
919 Port Street
St Joseph, MI 49085,
Phone: (269) 983-7141
What has been the Impact of Gambling on Crime in Berrien County?
According to the U.S. Department of Justice, addicted gamblers are sometimes responsible for the rise in property crimes, such as vehicle thefts, robberies, larcenies-thefts, and burglaries.
The FBI's Crime Data Explorer shows that between 2017 and 2021, there were 3,276 property crimes in Berrien County. About 60 percent of the documented crimes were motor vehicle thefts. Credit card/ATM fraud and burglary were the second-most documented property crimes. Thefts from motor vehicles and buildings were also documented.
Is Online Gambling Legal in Berrien County, Michigan?
Yes. It is legal to gamble for real money in Berrien County. Michigan passed the Lawful Internet Gaming Act to legalize online gambling in the state. Now players can access online casino games on any of the state's licensed gambling sites.
Under this act, the MGCB regulates and issues licenses to operators. In addition, it receives gambling tax revenue from online gambling sites in Berrien County. The MGCB also ensures that online casinos adhere to the legal age limit. That said, it will mete out penalties to casino operators that float this rule.
Is Online Sports Betting Legal in Berrien County, Michigan?
Yes. Thanks to the Lawful Internet Gaming Act, sports betting is legal in Berrien County, Michigan. Sports bettors can access any of the state's licensed sportsbooks.
Some of the best-known sportsbooks in Berrien County include FanDuel, Caesars, and BetMGM. The MGCB is also the custodian of sports betting activities in the state. Also, it applies the same age limit to sports bettors.
Is Horse Betting Legal in Berrien County, Michigan?
Berrien County residents can legally bet on horse racing events in Berrien County. Residents can access and place bets on horse racing events via licensed operators like TVG, TwinSpires, and XpressBet. Bettors can also place bets in-person at the Northville Downs racecourse at:
301 South Center Street
Northville, MI 48167
Phone: (248) 349-1000.
The Horse Racing Advisory Commission regulates pari-mutuel horse race betting in the state. On the other hand, the MGCB regulates all online horse race betting activities.
Can I play Daily Fantasy Sports Contests in Berrien County, Michigan?
Yes. Berrien County residents can legally play daily fantasy sports contests via licensed sites. Michigan legalized DFS gambling in 2019. A few years later, it's one of the top states for playing DFS in the country. Players can access DFS on licensed sites like FanDuel and DraftKings. Surprisingly, people over the age of 18 can participate in DFS games in Berrien County.
