Can You Smoke in Casinos in Michigan?
Casinos in Michigan are busy destinations for locals and tourists alike, with both tribal and commercial casinos spread across the state. If you’re planning a trip, you may be wondering: can you smoke in casinos in Michigan?
The rules around smoking in casinos can be confusing. Some states allow it freely, others have strict bans, and many are somewhere in between. Michigan has its own mix of laws, tribal sovereignty, and casino policies that affect whether you can light up on the gaming floor. Let’s go over the details.
Smoking Laws in Michigan
Michigan has a statewide smoking ban called the Dr. Ron Davis Smoke-Free Air Law, which went into effect in 2010. This law prohibits smoking in most indoor public spaces, including bars, restaurants, and workplaces.
However, casinos are a bit different. Michigan has both commercial casinos (like MGM Grand Detroit, MotorCity, and Greektown in Detroit) and tribal casinos (such as FireKeepers, Soaring Eagle, and Little River). Each category follows slightly different rules.
Can You Smoke in Detroit’s Commercial Casinos?
In Detroit, Michigan’s three commercial casinos—MGM Grand Detroit, MotorCity Casino, and Hollywood Casino Greektown—are covered by the state smoking ban.
That means:
No smoking is allowed inside the casino gaming floors.
Smokers must use designated outdoor areas.
Some casinos may provide attached smoking patios or shelters for convenience.
If you’re visiting these casinos, plan on stepping outside if you want a cigarette.
Can You Smoke in Tribal Casinos in Michigan?
Tribal casinos operate under sovereign tribal law, not state law. This means they have more flexibility in deciding smoking rules.
Some tribal casinos in Michigan still allow smoking on the gaming floor.
Others have designated smoking and non-smoking areas.
A few have gone completely smoke-free, especially after COVID-19 health changes.
For example:
Soaring Eagle Casino (Mt. Pleasant) – Has smoking and non-smoking sections.
FireKeepers Casino (Battle Creek) – Smoke-free gaming floor, with outdoor smoking patios.
Little River Casino (Manistee) – Offers separate smoking areas.
Because policies vary by casino, it’s best to check their website or call ahead before your trip.
Why Some Michigan Casinos Are Smoke-Free
The shift toward smoke-free casinos has grown over the last decade, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic. Many casinos found that non-smoking environments appealed to more guests, reduced cleaning costs, and improved air quality.
Health-conscious players and families often prefer smoke-free areas. Still, because smoking has long been tied to gambling culture, many casinos try to balance both by offering outdoor patios or ventilated smoking lounges.
What About Vaping in Michigan Casinos?
Vaping rules usually follow smoking rules.
In Detroit’s commercial casinos, vaping is banned indoors just like cigarettes.
In tribal casinos, vaping may be allowed in smoking areas but restricted in non-smoking sections.
Again, each casino sets its own policies, so always look for posted signs or ask staff.
Tips for Smokers Visiting Michigan Casinos
If you smoke and want to visit Michigan casinos, here are some tips:
Check policies ahead of time – Casino websites often list smoking rules.
Use designated patios – Most casinos provide outdoor spaces for smoking.
Plan breaks – If you’re in a smoke-free casino, schedule smoking breaks between games.
Respect non-smoking areas – Lighting up in the wrong spot could get you fined or removed.
Non-Smokers Benefit Too
If you prefer a clean-air gaming experience, Michigan has many smoke-free casino floors. Even in casinos that allow smoking, you can usually find non-smoking sections with separate ventilation. This balance helps both smokers and non-smokers enjoy their time.
Final Thoughts
So, can you smoke in casinos in Michigan? It depends on where you go.
In Detroit’s commercial casinos, smoking is banned indoors by state law.
In tribal casinos, the rules vary—some allow smoking, some don’t, and others offer a mix of areas.
If smoking is important to you, check ahead of time. And if you’re a non-smoker, you’ll find plenty of clean-air options across Michigan’s casino scene.
FAQs
Can you smoke inside Detroit casinos like MGM Grand or MotorCity?
No, smoking is not allowed inside Detroit’s commercial casinos. The statewide smoking ban applies to MGM Grand, MotorCity, and Hollywood Casino Greektown. Smokers must use outdoor designated areas. These casinos enforce the law strictly, so plan to step outside if you want a cigarette while visiting the Detroit casinos.
Do Michigan tribal casinos allow smoking?
Some do, but not all. Tribal casinos have sovereignty, meaning they set their own rules. Places like Soaring Eagle have smoking sections, while FireKeepers has a smoke-free floor with outdoor patios. Always check the casino’s official policy before visiting, as smoking rules differ across Michigan’s tribal properties.
Can you vape in Michigan casinos?
Vaping is usually treated the same as smoking. In Detroit casinos, vaping indoors is banned. Tribal casinos may allow vaping in designated smoking areas but not in non-smoking sections. If you’re unsure, ask staff or look for posted signs. Breaking the rules may result in warnings or penalties.
Why are some Michigan casinos smoke-free?
Many casinos went smoke-free during COVID-19 and kept the policy for health and business reasons. Smoke-free floors improve air quality, reduce cleaning costs, and attract more non-smoking players. Still, casinos try to balance customer preferences by offering smoking patios or lounges where guests can step out without leaving entirely.
How can I find out if a Michigan casino allows smoking?
The best way is to check the casino’s website or call ahead. Each tribal casino sets its own rules, and policies can change over time. You can also look for signage inside the casino directing you to smoking or non-smoking areas. Planning ahead ensures no surprises during your visit.
