Michigan Online Sports Betting: 8 Best Sportsbook Apps
The wait for Michigan online sports betting has come to an end, doing so much earlier than first expected.
The highly-anticipated launch of Michigan online sports betting arrived in early 2021. Sports bettors can now wager with a variety of popular online betting apps such as DraftKings Sportsbook Michigan, Caesars Sportsbook Michigan, FanDuel Sportsbook Michigan, BetMGM Michigan, BetRivers Michigan and more.
Following the rollout of popular online sportsbook apps, the initial response has been strong, meeting the great expectations for the Michigan sports betting market. With just under 10 million residents, Michigan has America’s 10th-largest population by state. Meanwhile, it is home to teams in all four major professional sports leagues.
It is also home to more than a handful of Division I college programs. That is a recipe for success in what has already quickly emerged as one of the top U.S. legal sports betting markets and American bets.
Michigan Sports Betting Apps Are Now Live
Michigan online sports betting apps began going live on Jan. 22, 2021. More apps are expected to join the party in the coming weeks.
- DraftKings (online casino & sportsbook app — get it here)
- Caesars (online casino & sportsbook app — get it here)
- FanDuel (online casino & sportsbook app — get it here)
- Barstool (online casino & sportsbook app)
- FOX Bet (online casino & sportsbook app — get it here)
- BetMGM (online casino & sportsbook app — get it here)
- BetRivers (online casino & sportsbook app — get it here)
- WynnBET (online casino & sportsbook app)
- TwinSpires (online casino & sportsbook app)
- Golden Nugget (online casino & sportsbook app)
This was a massive rollout for day one of a new online sports betting industry in Michigan. Most states have staggered the number of sports betting apps for launch, so, comparatively, it required quite a complex operation to execute such a smooth debut. Joining the sportsbook action are a number of Michigan Online Casinos, which are now also live.
Michigan Online Sports Betting Launch
Michigan online sports betting formally launched on Jan. 21, 2021, bringing legal sports wagering to the state’s bettors. The launch arrived just in time for the AFC and NFC Conference Championship Games, as well as Super Bowl 55.
Michigan formally approved legal sports wagering on Dec. 20, 2019, when Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed off on the legislation. The state quickly rolled out retail sports betting at casinos in March 2020. The launch was almost immediately halted when both physical sportsbook locations and sports leagues around the globe were forced to shut down in response to COVID-19. Subsequently, the shutdowns dealt a significant blow to the state’s projected gaming revenue.
Retail locations have since reopened their doors with limited capacity. The timeline for the online rollout was expedited to help jump-start revenue as the state deals with the ongoing financial impact of the virus.
Here’s what to expect at the onset of online sports betting in Michigan.
Best Michigan Online Sports Betting Apps
As is the case in several other states where online sports betting is already live, online sportsbook operators must work with a state’s pre-existing retail casino location to offer online and mobile sports wagering. In effect, this means that each of the state’s 26 retail casino entities is permitted to work with one online operator.
Michigan’s sports betting law requires that at least one commercial and one tribal casino receive approval before the state formally offers legal sports betting, so multiple operators will be live upon launch.
While it is not expected that every casino eventually offers online sports betting, the Michigan market is both fierce and crowded from the start. In time, it is sure to feature all of the prominent online betting brands. That’s good news for the state’s prospective bettors, who will have an opportunity to shop around for the best odds, betting specials, and prices with a variety of outstanding sportsbook options.
Here’s what you need to know about the best Michigan online sports betting apps.
1. DraftKings Sportsbook
States: KS, KY, MA, MI, NY, NJ, PA, CT, AZ, CO, IL, IN, IA, MD, NH, TN, VA, WV
DraftKings Michigan App is an online sports betting industry leader. It entered the Michigan market through a June 2020 deal with Bay Mills Resort & Casino with which it will also offer a retail sports betting operation. More than its well-known brand name built during its DFS dominance, the DraftKings app supports a sleek interface that is rife with a variety of sports wagering markets.
DraftKings Sportsbook Michigan was quick to hop on the NFL momentum as well, offering tremendous in-season promos that included playoff options. Of course, college football and the SEC enjoyed its fair share of the action too.
DraftKings is also among the best apps in terms of incentivizing both new and current players. First-time bettors are eligible to claim the impressive DraftKings new user promo (paid out as eight $25 bonus bets) as well as other no-brainer odds deals.
Meanwhile, new and current players can also take advantage of daily odds boosts, profit boosts, and occasional can’t-lose betting offers.
Click here to score an offer to bet $5, and get $200 in bonus bets with DraftKings Michigan Sportsbook.
2. Caesars Sportsbook
Caesars Entertainment made a lot of noise this summer when it acquired William Hill. So now, there’s a new sports betting giant that joined the market. The Caesars name has made waves throughout the country as it pertains to the legal betting scene, as the major sportsbook operator is typically one of the first to market in newly legalized territories. Speaking of which, bettors in Massachusetts can act now to take advantage of the newly available Caesars Sportsbook MA app and promo details.
With plenty of gaming experience, Caesars Sportsbook has gone all-in on the online sports gambling industry. With J.B. Smoove as the face of the push, pundits are incredibly high on the newest mega-sportsbook.
Click here to claim an offer to get a $1,000 First Bet Offer on Caesars in Michigan (as a new user).
3. FanDuel Sportsbook
States: AZ, CO, CT, IL, IN, IA, KS, LA, MA, MD, MI, NJ, NY, OH, PA, TN, VA, WV, WY
FanDuel Michigan App is another industry leader that has already made big moves in the Michigan market. FanDuel, which is in Michigan via a partnership with MotorCity Casino, also built its brand and a massive following during the DFS boom and has parlayed that momentum into a fast start in the legal U.S. sports betting scene.
In our view, FanDuel Sportsbook may offer the best pound-for-pound online sports betting experience. At the heart of its success is an aesthetically smooth app that offers a tremendous breadth of bet types across dozens of sports leagues. Despite such extensive betting options, the app is both easy to use and navigate, making wagers easy to place and manage.
New bettors at FanDuel Sportsbook receive a $1,000 No-Sweat First Bet, while all new and current players can take advantage of awesome FanDuel betting promos. Included among these promos are same-game parlays, bet insurance, and occasional specials such as the “Spread the Love” campaign. This particularly popular special allows FanDuel users to rally together and drive up the odds of a selected game to can’t-lose levels.
For instance, FanDuel players have previously driven football and basketball spreads well over 50 points.
Click here to get bet just $5, and get $200 in bonus bets from FanDuel Michigan Sportsbook.
4. Barstool Sportsbook
Barstool Sportsbook first launched in Pennsylvania in September 2020. Penn National Gaming teamed up with Barstool to launch an app powered by the popular sports website’s brand.
It has experienced mild success in the early going, but it doesn’t offer any distinguishing benefit, nor does it possess a unique trait that separates it from the field outside of $1,000 bet promo.
5. BetMGM
STATES: MA, OH, MD, KS, AZ, CO, IN, IA, MI, NJ, PA, TN, WV, VA
MGM is one of the biggest and best brands in the U.S. gaming industry and one that should be familiar to people in Michigan.
The MGM Grand first opened in Detroit back in July 1999, signaling the arrival of legalized gambling in the state. MGM is now entering the MI online sports betting fray with its popular BetMGM app. The app has already enjoyed a solid performance in states such as New Jersey, Colorado, and Indiana, while it’s also off to a good start in new states like Tennessee and Michigan.
BetMGM Michigan offers a wide range of betting odds, packaged into a solid app experience. It has also stepped up its promotional game in recent months, consistently offering new players the chance to grab a $1,000 Bet Insurance or can’t-miss 100-1 bonus. For instance, BetMGM will offer 100-1 odds on outcomes such as a team to score at least one point.
Click here to get a $1,000 Bet Insurance with BetMGM Michigan.
6. BetRivers
BetRivers Michigan may not have the brand name recognition in Michigan that some of its competition benefits from, but it’s a top performer in other states where it is currently live and has enjoyed a solid start in MI.
Rush Street Gaming’s BetRivers, which came to Michigan through its deal with Little River Casino Resort, has been tremendously successful in eastern states such as New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Meanwhile, it was also the first app to go live in Illinois back in June 2020, beating the likes of DraftKings and FanDuel out of the gates.
BetRivers’ overall app experience isn’t seamless or as advanced as the competition, nor are its daily promo offers as strong, but its unique new user promo makes it worth checking out.
Unlike other apps that rely on bonus bets or no-brainer odds deals, BetRivers brings a $250 first deposit match to the table. This upfront bonus provides new players with a flexible bankroll bonus that can be utilized in a variety of ways.
Click here to get a $250 first deposit match with BetRivers Michigan.
Michigan Online Sports Betting Promos
Here is a look at all of the currently known new user and promo offers at each of Michigan’s top online sportsbooks.
| Online Sportsbook | New User Offer |
|---|---|
| DraftKings Sportsbook | Bet $5, Get $200 in Bonus Bets |
| Caesars Sportsbook | Up to $1,000 on Caesars |
| FanDuel Sportsbook | Bet $5, Get $200 in Bonus Bets |
| BetRivers | $250 Deposit Match |
| BetMGM | $1,500 First Bet Offer |
Saturday Tradition Graphic, USATSI
Michigan Online Sports Betting Timeline
2015 – 2017: Now-lobbyist and former politician Robert Kosowski (D) takes aim at legalizing and regulating Michigan sports betting by introducing many pieces of legislation. Obviously, his efforts were unsuccessful on paper, but the spirit of those actions helped lead to the present-day situation.
May 2018: The US Supreme Court overturns PASPA, allowing each state to regulate sports betting as it deems correct.
December 2018: Governor Rick Snyder (R) vetoes legislation that would legalize online gaming and sports betting. The conservative cited issues that it would increase gambling problems, on a human level, state-wide.
December 2019: The Lawful Sports Betting Act is passed, ultimately signed into law by Governor Gretchen Whitmer (D). This marks the turning point for Michigan online sports betting, as the bill legalizes online and retail sports betting in the state.
March 2020: Detroit casinos accept the first legal wagers just five days prior to the COVID-19 pandemic striking the country. Naturally, it put a halt to the momentum.
June 2020: Michigan gaming regulators signal their wish to accelerate the approval of online betting to late 2020.
December 2020: Officials issue 15 provisional licenses for individual sportsbooks looking to operate online in the state of Michigan. The launch of online sports betting in Michigan is delayed until early 2021—despite the licenses being issued.
January 2021: Online sports betting officially launched in Michigan on Jan.22, 2021.
February 2021: The Four Winds Casino becomes the 11th provider for Michigan online sports betting.
March 2021: The total betting handle surpassed $300 million over the first full month.
Gambling isn’t new to the state of Michigan, even if sports betting is new.
Michigan Online Sports Betting History
Michigan became the 20th state to legalize online sports betting on Dec. 20, 2019, when Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed the Lawful Sports Betting Act. Whitmer, who indicated during her 2018 campaign a willingness to regulate online gaming, made good on her words by quickly ensuring it reached the finish line by the end of her first year on the job.
Upon signing the bill into law, Whitmer lauded it and its future positive economic impact on the Michigan public school system.
The state worked swiftly to get sports betting off the ground. Expediting the March 2020 retail launch was an advanced gaming infrastructure that already featured expansive casino retail betting. After a series of strike downs, Michigan first approved legal wagering in 1996 and soon began erecting retail casinos in Detroit. The first locations opened for business in 1999.
The pre-existing rules and structure of regulated casino gaming made it easy to implement and execute retail sports betting. However, there was more detailed work that needed to be done ahead of an online launch.
The early timeline to get online sports betting into the hands of people in Michigan was supposed to be a little over a year.
Preliminary projections set Super Bowl 55 as a potential target, as the state wanted to be both methodical and diligent in its development and implementation of its betting rules. Obviously, with the January 2021 launch, Michigan was able to meet that goal.
Based on the timelines of other recent states that have formally launched legal sports wagering, Michigan’s approach was somewhere in the middle.
Michigan’s Methodical Approach Was Expedited
States such as Iowa (approximately three months) and Indiana (five months) moved quickly from official approval to online launches, while Tennessee online sports betting took nearly 16 months before the state’s bettors could place wagers.
At the heart of the speedup is COVID-19. It almost immediately shuttered Michigan’s retail sports betting operation back in March of 2020. Facing a brutal economic impact in the wake of significant shutdowns and disruptions caused by the coronavirus, the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MCGB) and state lawmakers worked swiftly to streamline online wagering.
In October 2020, the MCGB indicated that late November was a targeted starting point. That didn’t happen, but the arrival did come roughly two months later, giving bettors the chance to wager on Super Bowl 55.
All of Michigan’s tribal and commercial casinos are eligible to offer online gaming, though only a fraction of the state’s 26 casinos were ready for action in the infancy of the launch.
Michigan Retail Sports Betting Locations
Michigan currently houses four physical locations with sportsbooks. The need for brick-and-mortar locations was much more essential prior to January 2021 when the state officially went live with online sports betting.
Greektown Casino
Website: greektowncasino.com
Twitter: @GreektownCasino
Instagram: @GreektownCasino
Facebook: @GreektownCasino
Address: 555 E Lafayette St, Detroit, MI 48226
Contact Phone# (313) 223-2999
Review at Tripadvisor
MGM Grand Detroit
Website: mgmgranddetroit.mgmresorts.com
Twitter: @MGMGrandDetroit
Instagram: @mgmgranddetroit
Facebook: @MGMGrandDetroit
Address: 1777 3rd Ave, Detroit, MI, 48226
Contact Phone#: 877-888-2121
Mobile App: App Store and Google Play
Review at Tripadvisor
Firekeepers Casino Hotel
Website: firekeeperscasino.com
Twitter: @FireKeepers
Instagram: @firekeepers
Facebook: @firekeepers
Address: 11177 E Michigan Ave, Battle Creek, MI 49014
Contact Phone#: 877-352-8777
Mobile App: App Store and Google Play
Review at Tripadvisor
MotorCity Casino
Website: motorcitycasino.com
Twitter: @MotorCityCasino
Instagram: @motorcitycasino
Facebook: @MotorCityCasinoHotel
Address: 2901 Grand River Ave, Detroit, MI 48201
Contact Phone#: 866-782-9622
Mobile App: App Store and Google Play
Review at Tripadvisor
Betting on Michigan Sports Teams
Sports bettors can wager on all of Michigan’s pro and D-I sports teams.
In fact, several of Michigan’s professional sports teams have inked deals with online sportsbook operators. This means certain brands either already have or soon will become a visible part of team content and the in-stadium/arena experience.
Understandably, colleges have been more reluctant than professional franchises to enter into betting marketing partnerships.
However, such deals do exist. The University of Colorado signed a deal with PointsBet in September, which could eventually lead to similar deals with operators across the country. Schools such as the University of Michigan and Michigan State, if school leaders wish to entertain such pacts, would be of particular interest to gaming operators.
***DraftKings Sportsbook’s Odds, Team and Player futures as of May 25, 2021.
Michigan College Football Teams
Michigan Wolverines Football
- Michigan Wolverines Football +10000 to win the 2021-22 National Championship
- Michigan Wolverines Football +700 to win the 2021-22 Big Ten Conference
- Michigan Wolverines Football +450 to win the 2021-22 Big Ten East Division
Big Ten football is just that: Big. And naturally, this extends into the sports betting world. Jim Harbaugh’s Michigan Wolverines fell flat on their faces in 2020, which means the smart bettor may have a chance to rake in the winnings during the 2021 college football season.
Michigan State Spartans Football
- Michigan State Spartans Football +100000 to win the 2021-22 National Championship
- Michigan State Spartans Football +5000 to win the 2021-22 Big Ten Conference
- Michigan State Spartans Football +2500 to win the 2021-22 Big Ten East Division
Twenty-twenty wasn’t a banner year for Michigan college football. Not only did the Wolverines struggle, but their rival, the Michigan State Spartans, also fought through a disappointing campaign.
Other Michigan Division I colleges and universities eligible for basketball and football wagering::
- Central Michigan Chippewas
- Detroit Mercy Titans (basketball only)
- Eastern Michigan Eagles
- Oakland Golden Grizzlies (basketball only)
- Western Michigan Broncos
Michigan Professional Football Teams (NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL)
Detroit Lions
- Detroit Lions +15000 to win Super Bowl 56
- Detroit Lions +6600 to win the 2021-22 NFC championship
- Detroit Lions +2000 to win the 2021-22 NFC East championship
- Jared Goff +12500 to win the 2021-22 NFL MVP
Given the expected late-November arrival of Michigan online sports betting, the Detroit Lions will become the first team eligible to be legally wagered upon by state bettors. In September, the Lions struck a deal with BetMGM that brings a strong implementation of the brand to the in-stadium experience at Ford Field and pronounced visibility in the team’s digital content.
Detroit Pistons
- N/A
The Pistons figure to be big among players in the MI online betting market. In November 2020, the Pistons came to sportsbook partnership agreements with both FanDuel Sportsbook and DraftKings Sportsbook.
The rival operators have brand collaboration with the Pistons, meaning fans see both brands present in Pistons’ content and the in-arena experience.
Detroit Tigers
- Detroit Tigers +25000 to win the 2021 World Series
- Detroit Tigers +10000 to win the 2021 AL pennant
- Detroit Tigers +10000 to win the AL Central division
The Tigers entered into an agreement with PointsBet in July 2020 which means the sportsbook operator will be prominently featured in broadcast and streaming content during the 2021 season.
Detroit Red Wings
- N/A
The Red Wings and BetMGM expanded a pre-existing partnership which means the brand is visible on-ice and throughout Little Caesars Arena as well as through the team’s digital platforms.
How to Bet on Sports in Michigan
The rules for Michigan online sports betting are similar to rules in other states.
All bettors must be at least 21 years of age and physically located within Michigan’s state lines. Residents of Michigan can’t wager on sports beyond state limits, unless of course, they are physically present in another state that currently offers legal wagering.
Persons eligible to wager must first download and register for one of the state-approved apps.
Let’s briefly run through everything Michigan bettors need to know from a procedural standpoint on how to bet.
Making a Sportsbook Deposit
Making a deposit with any of the state’s approved online sportsbook applications is both easy and safe. In the early days of U.S. legal sports betting, some banks would make the deposit process arduous. Since then, complications have essentially diminished in 2020. There are a variety of ways in which one can fund a sportsbook account:
- Online banking (typically the preferred method)
- Credit or debit card
- PayPal
- Prepaid cards
- Pay with cash at designated stores
- Cash at cage
- Wire transfers
Typically, online banking and PayPal are the preferred methods. In our experience, these methods tend to work most efficiently. Almost always, sportsbooks immediately make electronic deposits available for use.
Making a Sportsbook Withdrawal
The above deposit options are also available to make a withdrawal. It’s important to note that while deposited funds are immediately available for wagering purposes, sportsbook withdraws normally take between 3-5 days to process. However, they are typically not held up beyond the average processing time.
Michigan Sports Betting FAQ
Is sports betting legal in Michigan?
Yes, sports betting is legal in Michigan. HB 4916 (the Lawful Sports Betting Act), a December 2019 legislation signed by governor Gretchen Whitmer, formally legalized sports wagering within the state’s limits.
When will Michigan sports betting go live?
The state’s retail casinos first went live with online sports betting in March 2020. However, that launch was short-lived. Michigan online sports betting officially launched in January 2021. The arrival came just ahead of the NFL's conference championship games and in the midst of the NCAA Basketball, NBA and NHL seasons.
Where can I bet on sports in Michigan?
Sports betting is permitted in Michigan’s three commercial casinos and a currently undisclosed amount of its 23 tribal casinos. All three of the state’s commercial casinos (MGM Grand Detroit, MotorCity Casino, and Greektown Casino) are located in Detroit.
Do I have to be in Michigan to bet?
Yes. Michigan sports bettors have been able to place bets at retail sites since casinos reopened in August following COVID-19 shutdowns. In order to place a bet online, bettors must be physically located in the state. Geofencing technology ensures that someone cannot use MI sports betting apps beyond state borders. However, bettors present in other states where online sports betting is legal can wager in those states.
Why isn’t mobile sports betting available yet?
The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) has taken a methodical approach. It wants to ensure it has fully and methodically vetted the state’s online sports betting rules prior to launching operation. The retail wagering experience was expedited because of Michigan’s pre-existing retail casino gaming system.
What types of bets can I make in Michigan?
All popular sports wagering bets will be available. Spread, moneyline, parlay, teaser, prop, and in-game, among others, will be available.
What are the fees for Michigan online sportsbook operators?
Michigan has favorable conditions for sportsbook operators in terms of overall feels. Online operators pay a $50,000 application fee, a $100,000 licensing fee, and then a subsequent $50,000 annual renewal fee.
What sports can I bet on in Michigan?
The NFL is the most popular sport to wager on in the United States. That trend should continue in Michigan. Other leagues that draw big betting attention include NBA, NHL, and Major League Baseball. Michigan bettors can wager on local market teams such as the Lions, Tigers, Red Wings, and Pistons.
Can I bet on college sports in Michigan?
Yes. Some states permit same-state wagering on college sports. For instance, New Jersey residents are not permitted to wager on state schools like Rutgers. Meanwhile, states such as Tennessee allow for state school betting. However, it restricts markets to pregame wagers such as spread, moneyline, and game total. Michigan has no such restrictions. Bettors can place in-game live wagers and prop bets on schools like Michigan and Michigan State.
Will the official data and statistics of pro leagues be used in Michigan?
Yes. Lobbyists from various major sports leagues spent nearly $200,000 in Michigan. The move worked. The state will use the data and stats of professional leagues to grade and settle bets. This mandate creates an extra assurance of accuracy in scoring bets. Problematic is that long-term concerns remain over who will foot the bill for the added expense of such data. Of the 20 states that have legalized sports betting, only three have an official league data requirement.
What are Michigan sports betting tax rates?
The tax rate has been set at 8.4%, which is essentially in line with New Jersey’s 8.5% rate. However, Detroit’s three commercial casinos will pay an additional 1.25% city tax. The agreement also allows for a bonus bet and promotional money allotted to customers. This includes bonus bets and 100-1 payout offers to be deducted from gross receipts applicable to the tax rate.
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