Online Gambling in Ottawa County

County Overview

Ottawa County is located in the western part of Michigan. According to the 2022 census, the county had a total of 369,896 residents. There are 135,538 households with a median size of three members.

About 71.56 percent of these households are family units. That said, Ottawa County has one of the highest median household incomes in Michigan. As of 2022, the median household income sits at $70,417.

In Ottawa County, 95 percent of the households use one or more types of computing devices, such as smartphones, tables, laptops, and desktop PCs. Also, 89.7% of these households rely on broadband internet connections.

What is the Legal Age for Gambling in Ottawa County?

In Ottawa County, you must be at least 21 years old to gamble online or offline. Underage gamblers are not permitted to wager on casino games or sporting events at Ottawa County's online gambling sites.

However, there are exceptions to the legal age limit. 18-year-olds can legally access daily fantasy sports, pari-mutuel, lotteries, and bingo games. In addition, tribal casinos are not obligated to follow the statewide age limit. Therefore, most tribal casinos lower the age limit to 18 years.

The Michigan Gaming Control Board is the regulatory body in charge of enforcing the age limits. It requires casinos to verify the age of all users. Also, it penalizes casinos that fail to adhere to set age limits.

When Was Online Gambling in Ottawa County Legalized?

Online gambling became legal in December 2019. The Michigan state governor passed HB 4311/mileg.aspx?page=smartlink&objectname=2021-HB-4311) into law. However, the state didn't launch an online gambling site until a year later, on January 22, 2021. On that day, BetGM, FanDuel, and DraftKings all went live. Today, Ottawa County's residents can access over ten online gambling sites.

Is Online Gambling Legal in Ottawa County, Michigan?

Yes. Ottawa County's online gambling sites are completely legal and accessible to all residents. Thanks to the Lawful Internet Gambling Act, players can wager real money on online sportsbooks, casinos, and poker sites. Nevertheless, you must only gamble on licensed gambling sites in Ottawa County. The state laws do not protect gamblers using unlicensed or offshore gambling operators.

The MGCB enforces and monitors online gambling activities within the state. It is responsible for issuing licenses, conducting audits, and taxing licensed operators. For example, it received more than 186 million dollars in taxes from all of the online casinos in 2022.

Is Online Sports Betting Legal in Ottawa County, Michigan?

Yes. The Lawful Internet Gambling Act enables gamblers to wager on online sportsbooks. The Michigan Gaming Control Board is also in charge of all the sports betting in the state. Furthermore, it issues licenses to eligible sportsbooks in the state. Always check for the MGCB license watermark on your preferred sportsbook site.

Is Horse Betting Legal in Ottawa County, Michigan?

Yes, horse betting is legal in Ottawa County. The state passed the first horse betting law in 1933. And, over the years, it has included more changes to this law. The Lawful Internet Gambling Act is the most recent law on horse betting. It enables players to wager on horse racing through third-party operators. TVG and TwinSpires are some of the licensed horse betting operators in Ottawa County.

Note: All horse betting activities are under the jurisdiction of the Michigan Gaming Control Board.

Can I play Daily Fantasy Sports Contests in Ottawa County, Michigan?

Yes. Players can wager on daily fantasy sports contests in Ottawa County, Michigan. DraftKings and BetMGM are some of the best options for accessing daily fantasy sports. That said, you must be 18 years of age or older to play daily fantasy sports on these sites.

Responsible Gambling in Ottawa County, Michigan

Gambling addiction is a serious issue in the gambling industry. Without receiving help, those affected are not always able to break away from this addiction.

If you have someone who is addicted to gambling, you should encourage them to seek help by contacting the Michigan Problem Gambling Helpline. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services maintains this toll-free 24/7 helpline to connect problem gamblers with professional help.

Keep in mind that this service is completely free. So, start by calling the helpline at (800) 270-7117.

Here are some of the licensed gambling addiction treatment centers in Ottawa County.

Mark Bombara Agency

Holland Hospital Outpatient Behavioral Health Services

854 South Washington Avenue

Suite 330

Holland, MI 494234999

Phone: (616) 355-3926.

If you're a victim of fraud on an unlicensed website, send a complaint to the Ottawa County Sheriff's Office at:

12220 Fillmore Street

West Olive, MI 49460

Phone: (616) 738-4000.

The Michigan Association on Problem Gambling (MAPG) is a non-profit organization that also offers help to addicted gamblers. They often organize in-person or online meetings. You can contact the agency at:

Michigan Association on Problem Gambling

1128 Wethersfield Drive South

Portage, Michigan 49002

Phone: (517) 672-6904

Email: info@MichAPG.com.

You can also report illegal gambling activities to the Michigan Gaming Control Board. You may choose to send an anonymous tip by calling (888) 314-2682 or sending an email to MiGamblingTip@michigan.gov. \
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Can I use Online Casino Apps in Ottawa County, Michigan?

Yes. Most licensed casinos also provide mobile apps. As of 2022, there were over ten mobile casino apps in Michigan. Big-name brands like BetMGM, Caesars, and PokerStars have mobile casino apps.

If you're ready to try out these casino apps, here are a few tips you need to know.

First, check the license.

The MGCB issues licenses to online gambling sites in Ottawa County. These licenses are proof that the casino is regulated and safe to use. So, always watch for the MGCB license watermark, either on the casino website or on the app version.

Look and reviews and recommendations about the app

What are other users saying about the casino app? You can start searching for these opinions on online review sites. Also, check the user review section of the casino app

You'll find this section in your Play Store. Don't forget to ask friends and family about their experience with the app.

Check the number of available games

It's preferable to have all your favorite game selections on one casino app. So, start by checking the game selections. Ensure there are enough game titles under each category: slots, table games, live dealers, and jackpots.

Explore the bonuses and promotional

You can earn more by using bonuses and promotions. So, check if your preferred casino app offers enough incentives. Don't fall for the big offers. Make sure you read the terms and conditions attached to each offer. Some online casino apps will require you to play a certain number of games to access their offers.

What are some of the Best Online Gambling Sites in Ottawa county?

Each casino has a set of strengths that make it the best in that area. For instance, PokerStars has the best selection of poker games, such as tournaments and live dealer games. On the other hand, Draftkings and FanDuel are the world's largest daily fantasy sports providers. They offer the best deals and coverage in these sports. In contrast, Caesars is thought to be the best overall because of its bonuses, loyalty programs, and coverage of sports.