Are Skill-Game Apps Legal in Michigan?
This page covers skill-game apps you play on your phone in Michigan. Skill machines in Michigan bars, gas stations and convenience stores are a separate question this page doesn't cover.
Yes, cash play is on in Michigan. Skillz, operated by Firy Inc. (NYSE: FIRY), runs our cash matches and has not switched it off there. 11 of our 12 games offer cash matches in Michigan; Carrom has none anywhere yet. Neighboring Indiana keeps cash play for every game except card games. Michigan taxes personal income, so prizes may also go on your state return.
That status is Skillz's platform decision for Michigan, not a court ruling, and states use different skill-versus-chance tests.
Which Atay games offer cash play in Michigan
| Game | Cash play in Michigan | US App Store listing, checked Sep 24, 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Solitaire Real Cash | Available | Lists 7 states, not Michigan |
| Gin Rummy Cash | Available | Lists 7 states, not Michigan |
| Ball Pool Cash | Available | Lists 11 states, not Michigan |
| Sugar Cash | Available | Lists 5 states, not Michigan |
| Word Money | Available | Lists 5 states, not Michigan |
| Bingo Prizes | Available | No state list printed; Skillz allows Michigan |
| Block Puzzle | Available | No state list printed; Skillz allows Michigan |
| Bubble Prizes | Available | No state list printed; Skillz allows Michigan |
| Crossword Cash | Available | No state list printed; Skillz allows Michigan |
| Pachinko Cash | Available | No state list printed; Skillz allows Michigan |
| Word Search Cash | Available | No state list printed; Skillz allows Michigan |
| Carrom | Free play only | Cash not yet enabled (open beta) |
Play in Michigan
Every game plays free first, so Michigan players can learn one before any entry fee.
Browse the gamesHow prizes are taxed in Michigan
Michigan taxes personal income, so prizes may go on your Michigan return. The Michigan Department of Treasury decides how Michigan treats them. Federally, prizes are taxable income for Michigan players with or without a tax form; see 1099s and Skillz winnings under $2,000.
Cash play in states bordering Michigan
In Indiana, card games lose cash play but other games keep it.
Questions about skill-game apps in Michigan
Can I play Atay games for cash in Michigan?
Yes, 11 of our 12 games offer cash matches in Michigan. Carrom has no cash play yet.
Does it matter where in Michigan I am?
No. Skillz sets eligibility by state from your phone's location, so Detroit and Lansing get the same answer.
What happens if I cross from Michigan into Indiana?
In Indiana, card games such as Solitaire Real Cash and Gin Rummy Cash switch to free play, while other games keep cash play. Back in Michigan, card games return to normal.
Does Michigan tax prizes from skill-game apps?
It can. Prizes are income, and Michigan has a state income tax; check the Michigan Department of Treasury's guidance for your situation.
Michigan status per the Skillz help center (eligibility, cash-disabled areas, skill-game legality) and US App Store listings. General information, not legal advice; Skillz can change cash availability.