In May 2018, the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act was repealed by a Supreme Court decision, which allowed every state in the United States to legalize and regulate sports betting. In December 2019, Michigan officially made both retail and online sports gambling legal.
Michigan is one of the more recent states to fully legalize sports betting, becoming the 16th state to legalize sports betting. In-person betting launched in March 2020 and online betting went live during January 2021.
Here’s what you need to know about sports betting in Michigan.
Can I Bet on Sports in Michigan?
Yes, you can bet on sports in Michigan. As long as you have an internet connection or at one of the many retail sportsbook options located at most of the state’s casinos, sports betting is legal.
Do I Have to be a Resident of Michigan to Bet Online?
No, you do not need to be a resident of Michigan to gamble at an online sportsbook or casino. You just need to be within state lines in order to place a bet. Visitors to the state are welcome to gamble in Michigan but you do need to be physically in the state any time you place a bet. The law makes it the responsibility of Michigan online casinos to verify the location of users, so the apps and sites use geolocation technology to check you are within state borders.
What Is the Legal Betting Age in Michigan?
You need to be at least 21-years-old in order to legally place sports bets in Michigan.
Why Should I Join a Michigan Betting Site?
Betting in Michigan is fun and easy to do. More importantly, it’s safe and reliable, so you won’t have to worry about where your money is going. Here are some reasons why you should be joining a Michigan betting site:
- Michigan’s tax rate is just 8.4%, lower than the standard 10%.
- It’s legal and regulated so you don’t have to worry about any risk that comes with offshore sites
- Many sites offer welcome bonuses and promotions for joining
- Legal sites offer a number of safe payment options
- The betting lines are fair and more consistent
Why Avoid Offshore Sportsbooks
Offshore sportsbooks have been used by some prior to the legalization of online sports betting in Michigan. Using offshore sportsbooks is not recommended for several reasons:
- Offshore sportsbooks are kind of illegal and definitely unregulated
- There are way fewer banking options
- You can’t trust that you’ll be paid
- There are fewer betting options available
- There are no online sports betting apps available so it’s more inconvenient
Michigan Sports Betting Sites
Online sports betting in Michigan started off hot with 10 different online sportsbooks launching on the same day in early 2021. Since then, more betting sites continue to launch with some already live and some to come in the upcoming months.
Each online book offers different sports betting choices and options to players, so players should look over what each site offers before making a decision. Below are the online operators currently live in Michigan:
FanDuel
FanDuel originally started as a daily fantasy sports platform. Now, FanDuel betting app has gotten into sports betting and became a sportsbook of their own. Bet on a wide range of sports and leagues, including live in-play events at FanDuel in Michigan.
BetMGM
BetMGM is a powerhouse in the sports betting world as they’re one of the most recognizable sportsbooks in the US. BetMGM offers an early cash-out feature that allows players to settle bets before the game is finished. They also have exclusive sponsorship deals with both the Detroit Lions and Detroit Red Wings.
BetRivers
The BetRivers Sportsbook app offers wagering on a wide range of sports as they continue to expand across the U.S. This betting site operates under the parent company of Rivers and Sugarhouse Casinos, which offer a range of online casino games as well, from slots to blackjack and roulette.
PointsBet
PointsBet betting app has quickly risen as one of the top sportsbook operators in the country. They offer innovative offerings for bettors, such as their “PointsBetting” option. Place wagers at PointsBet Michigan, with betting on a range of sports teams and leagues available, including NBA, NFL, MLB, NHL, and MMA.
Caesars
Caesars Entertainment acquired William Hill in 2020, which made the already popular sportsbook into a bigger powerhouse. Caesars gives players access to many mainstream sports and many more under-the-radar sports to bet on. The company also runs an online casino with slots, table games, and live dealer games.
DraftKings
Similar to FanDuel in its beginnings, DraftKings has become one of the premier sportsbook operators in the country. The DraftKings app is very user-friendly to go along with fair odds. Bet on the outcome of all your favorite sports and events with the DraftKings online sportsbook and app, with in-game, parlay, teaser, futures, and money line bets available.
WynnBET
WynnBET’s presence in the country is small, but it’s growing. As well as offering sports betting on a range of international leagues and events, WynnBET MI also offers a range of popular online casino games, including slots, table, and live dealer games.
Golden Nugget
Golden Nugget has a range of local, national, and international events to bet on. They are slowly expanding and have an app with competitive odds. Golden Nugget also offers a range of online casino games, including progressive online slots, blackjack, roulette, and video poker.
Four Winds
Four Winds features both an online sportsbook, which gives users dozens of events to wager on each week in many sports. It also offers online slot gaming with 150-plus virtual slot machines to those in Michigan.
How Do I Join Michigan Sports Betting Sites?
To place a bet online in Michigan, you will first have to sign up with an online operator. Each app or site has its own rules, but legitimate online sportsbooks in Michigan are governed by a set of regulations decreed by law, so the sign-up process will be similar at most of them. Once you pick the site or app you want to use, follow the instructions below:
- Go to the site and either register online or download the app
- Complete the registration process on the app if using it
- Provide the information requested, which will include basic personal details such as name and address, plus the last four digits of your social security number
- Enter your promo code if you have one
- Read and accept the terms and conditions
- Wait for verification that you have been accepted as a customer
- Deposit funds and start betting
Be aware that all licensed Michigan sportsbooks must verify your identity, age, and location. They need to know that you are who you say you are, that you are over 21, and that you are in the state of Michigan. Betting sites use high-quality identification and geo-location technology, and verification is usually done within minutes, or even seconds. If it takes longer, it may mean that you have entered details incorrectly.
How To Fund My Account
Online Michigan sportsbooks make it quick and easy to deposit funds and withdraw winnings. Not every betting site has the same options, but all are user-friendly.
Deposit Process
Depositing funds into your account is easy and the process should go like this:
- Click Deposit, Add Funds, or the Cashier option
- Choose a banking method
- Enter an amount to deposit
- If using an eWallet such as PayPal, enter your password to confirm the process
- The MI sportsbook will verify and complete the process and your account reflect the results
- Check email for further confirmation from the sportsbook
Withdrawal Process
Withdrawal funds are secure as long as you are wagering with a site that is licensed by the state’s Division of Gaming Enforcement. Some sportsbooks may require verification (such as a driver’s license) before processing withdrawal requests.
Similar to depositing funds, withdrawing is relatively easy:
- Find the withdrawal option on the sportsbook app or site
- Choose a method of withdrawal
- Enter the amount you want to withdraw
- If using an eWallet such as PayPal, you will need to type in your password to complete the transaction
- Your balance will reflect the withdrawal and you will receive email confirmation
Payment Options
Once your account is set up, you will need to deposit some funds before you can start betting. Most Michigan sports betting sites and apps accept a wide range of deposit options. When it comes to withdrawing any winnings, you can request a withdrawal at any time, and your winnings are usually returned to the same account or online wallet you used to deposit.
Deposit Options
Each MI operator will have different payment methods, so check that your preferred payment method is available before signing up. Most funding sources are instant, but some can take a few days to clear.
- Credit/Debit Cards (Visa, AMEX, Mastercard, Discover)
- Prepaid Cards
- Play+ Cards
- PayPal
- Skrill/Neteller
- PayNearMe
- ACH/eCheck
Withdrawal Options
Compared to deposits, there may be fewer options to withdraw funds, but there are still enough options out there:
- Cash At Casino Cage
- Play+ Prepaid Cards
- PayPal
- Skrill
- ACH/eCheck
- Check By Mail
How to Download a Michigan Betting App
Downloading MI sportsbook apps to your phone/mobile device is quick and easy. Below is the step-by-step process for both iOS and Android:
iPhone
- Go to the App Store
- Search for the sportsbook of your choosing
- Click on the app and click “Get”
- Confirm the installation with verification
- Wait for the app to download
Android
- Open Google Play and use the Play Store app
- Search for the sportsbook of your choosing
- Tap Install and wait for the app to download
If an app isn’t available on the Play Store or App Store, you may be able to download the app from the official sportsbook website.
What Sports Can I Bet on in Michigan?
Michigan sportsbooks now offer a wide range of sports to bet on from across the US and the world. Most sportsbooks provide a range of both national and international leagues and events on which to wager. Some of the sports you can bet on are:
- Football (NFL, NCAAF)
- Basketball (NBA, NCAAB)
- Baseball (MLB)
- Hockey (NHL)
- Soccer
- Golf
- Boxing/MMA
- Tennis
- Horse Racing
- Cricket
Again, each sportsbook is slightly different, so check that the one you are signing up for offers all your favorite sports, events, and leagues.
Betting Restrictions
Not every sportsbook follows the same guidelines as each betting site has its own rules and regulations. There are, however, certain rules that all sports bettors must follow in the state of MI. Below are the following rules:
- No betting on high school games.
Local Sports Teams to Bet on
The following teams are local to the state of Michigan:
- Detroit Lions
- Detroit Pistons
- Detroit Tigers
- Detroit Red Wings
- Michigan Wolverines (NCAA)
- Michigan State Spartans (NCAA)
Bet Types Available
- Moneyline: The moneyline is the most basic form of sports betting. It’s simply the bettor picking which team will win, balanced by the sportsbook’s odds that it will happen. The favorite will have a negative moneyline while the underdog will have a positive moneyline.
- Point Spread: The margin of victory involved in betting Against The Spread (ATS). The bettor is wagering on the point margin between two teams.
- Totals: Also known as an Over/Under, is betting on a game or prop total for more (Over) or fewer (Under) than a sportsbook-designated total.
- Props: Bet on an item not directly involved with the score/result of a game. A prop could be a player’s total points scored, home runs hit, touchdowns scored; and it can be team totals like passing yards, three-pointers made, etc.
- Live Betting: Live betting allows a sports bettor to place wagers on games as they happen. The sportsbook will change the odds as the game progresses depending on what’s happening in the game.
- Futures: Betting on an event, statistic, or anything similar to occur after the end of a full event or season. An example of this would be betting on next year’s Super Bowl winner in the preseason.
- Parlays: A single bet that links together two or more individual wagers and is dependent on all of those wagers winning together is called a parlay. If any of the bets in the parlay lose, the entire parlay loses.
- PointsBetting (exclusive to PointsBet): Your winnings or losses from a bet are not determined until the very end of a game. If your bet wins by one point (or unit), you would win 1x your bet amount (stake). If your bet wins by 2 units, you win 2x stake, and so on. Conversely, if you lose by 1 unit, you would lose 1x stake and so on.
Michigan Sportsbook List
Michigan has three commercial casinos and 23 tribal casinos permitted to offer sports betting. Not all of these retail sportsbooks have online options as some are just available for players at the physical establishment. Below are the following in-person casino sportsbooks open in the state:
- FireKeepers Casino
- Four Winds Casinos
- Greektown Casino
- Gun Lake Casino
- Island Resort & Casino
- Kewadin Casinos
- Leelanau Sands Casino
- Little River Casino Resort
- MotorCity Casino
- MGM Grand Detroit
- Odawa Casino Resort (Petoskey)
- Odawa Casino (Mackinaw City)
- Turtle Creek Casino & Hotel
Can I Play at Online Casinos in MI?
Yes, you can now play at online casinos in Michigan as long as you pass the verification checks. These are the same checks as those carried out for an online sportsbook. They ensure you are over 21 and are in the state at the time of gambling. There is a choice of online casinos in the state with a range of games available, including slots, table games, and even live dealer games.
When Did MI Sports Betting Become Legal?
Sports betting finally became legal in Michigan in 2019 and was launched in retail locations, including many existing casino locations, in early 2020. The state began accepting applications for online operators in mid-2020, and online sports betting officially launched in the state in early 2021.
The first in-person wager was placed at the MGM Grand Detroit Casino and Greektown Casino on March 11, 2020. The event was attended by Detroit native Jerome Bettis, former boxing champion Thomas Hearns, and former Detroit Red Wings star Dino Ciccarelli. The first bet placed was on Michigan State to win the NCAA Tournament.
On January 22, 2021, 10 different online sportsbooks all launched on the same day. The sportsbooks were able to capitalize on the three remaining games of the 2020-2021 NFL season, including Super Bowl LV.
Michigan Sports Betting Timeline
- May 14, 2018 - After a long and uphill battle, the Supreme Court rules in favor of New Jersey and declares the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992 (PASPA) unlawful. This allowed all states to legalize sports betting.
- December 20, 2019 - Michigan passes sports betting bill, making both retail and online sports gambling legal in the state.
- March 11, 2020 - Michigan opens its first retail sportsbooks, the first wagers being placed at the MGM Grand Detroit Casino and Greektown Casino. The first bet placed was on Michigan State to win the NCAA Tournament.
- January 22, 2021 - Michigan launches online sports betting with 10 online sportsbooks launching on the same day.
