Best Michigan Betting Sites, New Michigan Sports Betting Reviews

Michigan sports betting became legal in December 2019. The first retail sportsbooks in the state opened in the following year, and Michigan online sportsbooks began trading in January 2021. There are now 15 Michigan legal online sportsbooks. Each licensee, under the regulations drawn up by the Michigan Gaming Control Board, must be partnered with one of the state's many tribal and commercial casinos. Virtually all of the leading online providers of sports betting in the United States are now legal and live in the Great Lakes State, including the following operators. They offer user friendly Michigan sports betting apps as well. 

DraftKings Sportsbook MI

This is a brand that has successfully evolved from its roots as a provider of Daily Fantasy Sports games. The DraftKings sportsbook is now live in no fewer than 18 states, and delivers an excellent user experience to sports bettors through its website and one of the most highly regarded sports betting apps. Whether you are a novice bettor or have plenty of experience in online gambling, this is an online sportsbook that will make you feel welcome. The Michigan DraftKings sportsbook has partnerships with both the Detroit Red Wings and the Detroit Pistons.

• Offer: Wager $5, get $200 in Bonus Bets whether or not you win the bet
• Go Live: January 2021
• Retail Partner: Bay Mills Resort & Casino
• Live Betting: Yes
• Boosted Odds: Yes
• App Offered: Available on both iOS and Android devices

Check out our operator review to find out more about the Michigan DraftKings Sportsbook. 

FanDuel Sportsbook MI

Like its old rival DraftKings, the FanDuel sportsbook represents a significant step forward from the brand's early days as a Daily Fantasy Sports provider. The FanDuel sportsbook consistently records the highest monthly handle for Michigan sports betting, which is no surprise to regular patrons who enjoy the outstanding experience of wagering here. Virtually every box an online sports betting enthusiast could hope for is ticked by the FanDuel sportsbook, which has partnerships with the Detroit Tigers and the Detroit Red Wings.

• Offer: "10x Your First Bet up to $200"
• Go Live: January 2021
• Retail Partner: MotorCity Casino Hotel
• Live Betting: Yes
• Boosted Odds: Yes
• App Offered: Yes, for Androids and iPhone devices

Get more detail on the Michigan FanDuel sportsbook at our operator review

BetMGM Sportsbook MI

BetMGM made its name in casinos and remains prominent in this field with properties including the MGM Grand Detroit. It has moved successfully into the realm of online sports betting, with a sportsbook that is now live in more than a dozen states. This brand scores highly for the extensive variety it offers both in sports betting markets and bonuses, as well as its user-friendly interface and a well-regarded VIP program for regular visitors. It has signed partnerships with the Detroit Lions and Detroit Tigers.

• Offer: First Bet Offer of up to $1,000 paid in Bonus Bets
• Go Live: January 2021
• Retail Partner: MGM Grand Detroit
• Live Betting: Yes
• Boosted Odds: Yes
• App Offered: Can be downloaded to iPhones and Androids

See our operator review to learn more about the Michigan BetMGM sportsbook. 

Caesars Sportsbook MI

This is another brand that has leveraged a famous name in the world of casinos to make a successful foray into online sports betting. The Caesars sportsbook is ideal if you like to place wagers on a wide variety of sports - it's also worth checking out for the frequency and creativity of its program of bonuses. The Caesars sportsbook is the official sports betting partner of the Spartans of Michigan State, which was one of the first colleges to strike such a deal.

• Offer: First Bet "On Caesars" Up to $1,250 + 1,000 Reward Credits + 1,000 Tier Credits
• Go Live: January 2021
• Retail Partner: Turtle Creek Casino
• Live Betting: Yes
• Boosted Odds: Yes
• App Offered: Yes, for iOS and Android devices

If you want more detail about the Michigan Caesars sportsbook, go to our operator review. 

WynnBET Sportsbook MI

WynnBET is a brand with the backing of Wynn Resorts, owner of one of the most prestigious hotels in Las Vegas. It has grown steadily and is now live in several states. There is a very strong focus on mobile betting, accessed through one of the top sports betting apps in Michigan. This is an ideal destination for Michigan bettors who also enjoy the opportunity to play online casino games - and the dual sign-up bonus reflects that. WynnBET has signed partnership deals with the Detroit Lions and the Detroit Pistons.

• Offer: Bet $100, get $50 on sports and $50 on casino
• Go Live: January 2021
• Retail Partner: Kewadin Casinos
• Live Betting: Yes
• Boosted Odds: Yes
• App Offered: Available for iPhones and Android

To find out more, check out our operator review

PointsBet Sportsbook MI

The PointsBet sportsbook represents a brand that has moved with impressive speed to branch out from its Australian roots and establish itself as one of the top sports betting brands in the United States. It backs up its excellent odds and user experience with the opportunity for the more adventurous to try out a different type of betting. PointsBetting is similar to European spread betting, where your wins or losses are dictated by the margin by which your selection succeeds or fails. The PointsBet sportsbook has partnership deals with the Detroit Tigers and Detroit Pistons.

• Offer: Five Second Chance bets of up to $50 each in Bet Credit 
• Go Live: January 2021
• Retail Partner: Lac Vieux Desert Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians
• Live Betting: Yes
• Boosted Odds: Yes
• App Offered: Yes, at the Apple Store and the Google Play Store

Check out our operator review for more detail on the Michigan PointsBet sportsbook

BetRivers Sportsbook MI

BetRivers is one of the online betting brands owned by Rush Street Interactive, and its sportsbook is live in more than a dozen states. It is ideal for sports bettors who enjoy a wide variety of leagues and markets, while it is also renowned for having one of the best rewards programs in the business. BetRivers scores solid monthly handle figures in Michigan, where it is an official partner of the Detroit Pistons.

• Offer: Second chance free bet of up to $500
• Go Live: January 2021
• Retail Partner: Little River Casino
• Live Betting: Yes
• Boosted Odds: Yes
• App Offered: Yes, for iOS and Android devices

Learn more about the BetRivers sportsbook at our operator review

Sports Illustrated Sportsbook MI

The Sports Illustrated sportsbook leverages the enormous popularity of the iconic magazine of the same name and is delivered in partnership with established sports betting brand 888. It offers an exceptionally good selection of live wagering options for customers who enjoy in-play sports betting, though there have been performance issues with the app. The sports betting presence of this famous brand is an intriguing recent addition to the mix in the Great Lakes State.

• Offer: Bet $10, get $80 in free bets 
• Go Live: September 2022
• Retail Partner: Island Resort & Casino
• Live Betting: Yes
• Boosted Odds: Yes
• App Offered: Can be downloaded on iPhone or Android

Visit our operator review for more detail on the Sports Illustrated sportsbook

Barstool Sportsbook MI

The Barstool sportsbook is a brand that punches well above its weight in the table for Michigan sportsbooks' monthly handle. Penn National Gaming, owner of the Greektown Casino Hotel, one of the top Detroit casinos, also has a stake in Barstool. Barstool made its name as a brand delivering punchy, provocative content, but the Barstool sportsbook is now live in more than a dozen states and delivers a solid online sports betting experience with its own distinctive flavor.

• Offer: Risk-free bet of up to $1,000
• Go Live: January 2021
• Retail Partner: Greektown Casino Hotel
• Live Betting: Yes
• Boosted Odds: Yes
• App Offered: Yes, to patrons using iPhones and Android devices

Find out more detail on the Barstool sportsbook at our operator review

There are currently 15 Michigan online sportsbooks in operation. To be able to offer online sports betting, every online sportsbook must work in partnership with a land-based casino in the state. The partnerships are as follows:

Find a Sportsbook Near You

If you're wondering how to get to a nearby sportsbook in Michigan, we have you covered. Use this map to find and navigate to the retail location of your choice.

 

First Bet Offer Up To $1,000

Bonus Code: BETMICOM

Bet Now

Visit BetMGM.com for Terms and Conditions. Must be 21+. MI Only. New Customer Offer. All promotions are subject to qualification and eligibility requirements. Rewards issued as non-withdrawable bonus bets. Bonus bets expire in 7 days from issuance. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-270-7117 for confidential help.

With so many Michigan online sportsbooks offering the chance to enjoy Michigan sports betting, it can be extremely difficult to choose where to play. But there is nothing to say you can open only one online sports betting account.

By signing up for several Michigan sports betting sites, you can take advantage of several welcome bonuses. You can also check out which sports betting operator offers the best odds on your favorite sports at different times. You will find that, over time, you gravitate towards one or two brands to do most of your online gambling - but you can do so knowing you have tried out several Michigan betting app rivals before arriving at your decision.

With so many leading leading brands offering the chance to enjoy Michigan sports betting online, the competition to attract customers is intense. This is one of the main reasons why all leading brands offer an eye-catching welcome bonus in the form of a Michigan sportsbook promo code. Follow that up with numerous ways to enjoy extra value as you bet on a regular basis. The benefit to the player is obvious; you can access free play, or a layer of added value or other boosts to your wagering experience. Here is a look at some of the offers.

• Risk-Free Bets 

  Several leading online sportsbooks welcome new sign-ups with the chance to make your first bet without any risk. You can in some instances access a $1,000 risk-free bet, or even more. This is a relatively simple type of bonus; if your first wager wins, you get your return as usual. But if it loses, your stake will be returned to you, usually in the form of a free bet or site credit.

• Deposit Match

  This is another style of sign-up bonus that is frequently deployed in the battle for new customers. When you make your first deposit, the online sportsbook in question boosts the amount in your account by a certain percentage. In the case of a deposit match bonus, this percentage is 100 - and you have doubled the amount of money in your account.

• Referral Bonuses

  Many Michigan sports betting sites incentivize you to encourage your friends to join you in signing up for an account. If you refer a friend and they duly register as a customer, that triggers a bonus for both of you. This is usually in the form of a free bet or site credit to the tune of $50 or $100.

• Odds Boosts

  Odds boosts are the most common type of ongoing bonus available to Michigan bettors. Your online Michigan sportsbook enhances the odds available about a certain outcome - ideally, it should display the original odds to prove how big the boost is. The regularity with which boosts are offered depends on the sportsbook, but some brands - such as the Caesars sportsbook and the FanDuel sportsbook - offer so many that there is a dedicated Boosts section on their website and online sports betting app.

• Parlay Insurance

  So many of us enjoy a parlay. The prospect of generating a huge payout in return for a relatively modest stake is so tempting. However, the main drawback is that it takes only one of your selections to lose for the whole bet to fail. If you have parlay insurance, however, and just one of your picks lets you down, you should get your initial stake back in the form of a free bet.

Michigan Sports Betting Apps

Every leading online Michigan sports betting site also gives you the opportunity to wager through your mobile device. The Michigan sports betting apps include the best in the business, with outstanding graphics, navigation and usability enabling you to place your bets quickly and easily.

Your chosen Michigan sports betting app should be available at your app store. All leading operators now offer versions of their apps in Michigan that can be used on both iOS and Android devices. The process of downloading is straightforward; simply search for your chosen brand and you should be able download it to your advice quickly and easily.

Mobile sports betting is comparable to wagering on a desktop computer, in that the best Michigan sportsbooks apps will deliver all the functionality and features available on the desktop version of your chosen online sportsbook. Where mobile sports betting scores most highly, of course, is in convenience - you can place wagers wherever you are, as long as you have a signal and are located within state lines.

One of the most important considerations when you bet on sports - particularly if you are an experienced bettor - is to get the best odds possible for your chosen wager. It is always worth shopping around at various online sportsbooks where you have an account.

Historically, PointsBet and Caesars are noted for having the most competitive odds - the latter is particularly good on in-play wagers. Old rivals FanDuel and DraftKings are also well known for carrying bettor-friendly prices.

Advanced Michigan Sports Betting Strategies

When you take your first tentative steps into the world of sports betting, you simply want to pick a winner. As you become more experienced, however, you may develop techniques to enable you to bet on sports more strategically. There are several ways in which you can increase your chances of betting more profitably over time at Michigan sportsbooks.

Line Shopping

To be able to go line shopping, you will need to have more than one online sports betting account. You can then compare the odds available about an outcome you want to wager on, and find the best price. If the Detroit Pistons are quoted at +120 on the moneyline to win their next NBA game, but one of your sportsbooks is showing them at +135, you know where to place your money to get a better return if the Pistons win.

Hedging Sports Bets

Hedging in sports betting is the same tactic as you might use when dealing in the financial markets. You need to be aware of how the position about your outcome has changed. Let's say you put money on the Detroit Tigers to win their next NBA game at +150. After five innings, the Tigers are three runs ahead and their price to win is now -120... but the odds about their opponents will be much longer. By placing a bet on the other team, you guarantee a winning return even if the Tigers lose - though your payout will be smaller than it would have been if you hadn't hedged.

Round Robin Betting

A round robin bet is a type of parlay - but with several combinations covered by your wager, rather than a simple accumulator. Let's say you want to place a bet on four teams. With a round robin, all the two-way combinations are covered, rather than just the four-pick parlay. This means only two of your picks have to win to generate a return - but be aware that you have to stake more up front to cover all the options rather than the single stake of a parlay.

Software Used at Michigan Sportsbooks

In order to create an outstanding sports betting experience, every online sportsbook invests heavily in the software that will deliver excellence. There are numerous different software providers trusted by online sportsbooks to carry out this crucial task. In the world of online casinos, there are hundreds of game developers vying for attention. Some of the leading tech firms with a presence in Michigan sports betting are as follows.

Kambi

This is one of the most trusted brands across the world of online gambling. Kambi has immense experience and a reputation for delivering excellent and intuitive solutions. It has a presence in Michigan through its work with BetRivers, as well as a partnership with Saginaw Chippewa Gaming Enterprises, which has both an online and retail sportsbook presence in the state.

Scientific Games

FanDuel has been a long-time partner of Scientific Games, and trusts it to deliver a top-notch online wagering experience. Golden Nugget and WynnBET are among the other online sportsbooks in Michigan that are powered by Scientific Games.

SBTech

SBTech was one of the world's leading gambling software brands in its own right until 2019. That is when the European brand was acquired by DraftKings, which brought the technological expertise of SBTech in-house and is powered by its tech to this day.

MI Sports To Bet

NFL Betting

More online sports bets are placed on football than any other game. The NFL commands huge interest across the United States - and it is a game that is ideally suited to online betting. Numerous bettors enjoy wagering on point spreads and totals on every NFL clash - and the breaks in play make it ideal for live betting too. The Super Bowl is widely believed to be the biggest annual sports betting event in the world.  

NBA Betting 

Basketball is another sport that is ideally suited to online betting. Its relatively high-scoring nature makes it particularly attractive to those who enjoy wagering on totals. The sheer volume of games played during the season mean there are plenty of opportunities to stake money on the NBA. Hoops fans across the nation particularly enjoy wagering on the NBA Finals each year.

MLB Betting 

Baseball's enduring popularity, and the sheer length of the regular season, ensure there is a steady level of interest in wagering on MLB games. The run line is baseball's version of the point spread, which is usually quoted at -1.5/+1.5, and this is a staple feature of every coupon at leading legal sports betting sites throughout the season. Betting volumes always increase when fall comes around and it's time for the World Series.

NHL Betting 

The intense, fast-moving nature of hockey makes it great to watch - and challenging to bet on. Detroit's historic status as Hockeytown ensures there will always be a serious level of interest in betting on hockey at online and retail sportsbooks in Michigan. In hockey, the point spread is known as the puck line, and as in baseball this is usually -1.5 for the favorite and +1.5 on the underdog. The highlight of the season for fans and bettors is the Stanley Cup Finals.

College Sports

Wagering on college sports is permitted in Michigan - and there are no restrictions around betting on in-state teams. This is good news for Michigan sports bettors, who have several good college football programs to follow, not to mention stand-out events such as college basketball's annual March Madness extravaganza.

Michigan Sports Teams to Bet On

Fortunately for Michigan sports bettors, there are little to no limitations on betting on teams that reside in Michigan. Below you will find the most popular Michigan Sports teams to bet on at your favorite Michigan betting sites.

Detroit Tigers

The Tigers have been drawing support from the people of Detroit since 1894. This is the oldest continuous one-name, one-city team in the American League. The Tigers have brought World Series glory to the Motor City four times - albeit most recently in 1984, and their travails in recent seasons do not suggest the wait is going to end soon. But they attract a solid level of support from loyal fans at Comerica Park and beyond.

Detroit Lions

The Lions hold the dubious distinction of being the only franchise to be in existence since the start of the Super Bowl era and never make it to the big game. They have not won a post-season game since 1992 - also a record. Not surprisingly, the Detroit Lions have one of the lowest home attendances in the NFL, but their fans' loyalty still runs deep - and the popularity of football ensures there will always be plenty of betting interest in their games.

Detroit Red Wings

The Wings, one of the Original Six teams in the NFL, have a long and proud history, with 11 Stanley Cup Finals triumphs to their name. Arguably the most illustrious of all Michigan sports teams, their exploits help to explain why Detroit has long been known as Hockeytown. Fans in Detroit and across the state follow their fortunes, which ensures a regular high level of interest in NHL games at Michigan betting sites.

Detroit Pistons

Since 1957, the Pistons have commanded the loyalty of basketball fans throughout the state. Fans still flock to the Little Caesars Arena to pull for the team, even though the last of their NBA Finals triumphs was back in 2004. Basketball is a sport that generates a huge amount of betting interest, which ensures a consistently high level of investment on Pistons games at legal sports betting sites in Michigan.

Michigan Wolverines

The rivalry between the Wolverines and the Spartans is one of the most intense in college football. The teams clash annually for the Paul Bunyan Trophy - and Michigan fans will be quick to tell you their side is well ahead in the series. The Wolverines compete at a high level in numerous other college sports, and the lack of restrictions on wagering on NCAA games means you can place bets on them whenever they go into action.

Michigan State Spartans

The Spartans made headlines when they became the first college sports team in the state to sign a betting partner when it did a deal with Caesars. The Spartans have won national titles in basketball, ice hockey, and college football. Regulations governing Michigan online sports betting place no restrictions on college sports betting, which means you are free to place wagers on games involving the Spartans.

It is worth emphasizing that betting on sports in Michigan generates one of the biggest markets of its kind in the United States. One reason for that is the sheer quality of Michigan legal online sportsbooks available. But such high standards can make it difficult to choose the best one for you. There are several factors you can use to compare the operators vying for your business.

Great Reviews

Legal sports betting has been taking place in Michigan since early 2021 - and many of the operators offering Michigan sports betting services are now live in more than a dozen states. This means plenty of players have shared their thoughts and experiences. Check out these customer reactions, and please remember that we also review every legal sportsbook in Michigan.

Bets Allowed

We all enjoy betting on sports in different ways. Online Michigan sportsbooks understand this, and should offer as wide a range of betting options as possible on the most popular games, teams and leagues. Whether you enjoy the moneyline, a point spread, or obscure proposition bets, you should be able to find wagering options that are right for you.

Great Pricing On Betting Lines and Odds 

When we review online and retail sportsbooks, we set great store by the competitiveness of the odds available. It does make a difference, particularly to the experienced bettor, when you can find a great price for your selection. One action that makes this easier is to open accounts with several legal sports betting operators so that you can compare their lines and find the best odds on offer.

Frequent Sports Betting Bonuses 

Every Michigan sports betting site and app should compete for your custom by offering bonuses with genuine value. This should start with a welcome bonus, such as the $1,000 risk-free bet that many operators prefer. But it should continue with regular opportunities to enjoy extra value, such as odds boosts, rewards programs, and the chance to earn free bets.

Excellence In User Interface 

All the free bets and great odds in the world don't matter if the experience of using them is frustratingly slow. The user interface of your chosen Michigan sports betting sites should be well designed to help you to find the bet you want to place, and then instantly responsive when you click on your choice. This applies both to desktop websites and sports betting apps on your mobile device.

Easy Deposits & Withdrawals

Every Michigan sports betting site should give you as many options as possible when it comes to depositing money in your account - and withdrawing it if you want to. Our reviews look carefully at the banking methods offered. As well as credit and debit cards, online banking and wire transfers, are e-wallets available? What about crypto? And another key measure is the length of time it takes for money withdrawn to clear into your account.

Variety Of  Customer Support

You never want to have to contact your online sportsbook - but when you do, you want your issue to be resolved quickly and expertly. We score Michigan sports betting sites highly if they offer support through a good 24/7 live chat service, or a toll-free telephone number. It's also a plus if they deliver assistance via email, while a comprehensive FAQ section can tick plenty of boxes as well.

Get The Best Line

Line shopping is a perfectly legitimate tactic when you are searching for the best odds about the outcome you want to wager on. As you become more experienced, and by opening multiple accounts, you will learn where the best lines are on certain sports. You will also find out which sportsbooks release their prices earliest - which means there may be some instant value available.

Intro Betting Bonuses 

Of all the types of promos and offers available, the bonuses on offer in return for signing up for an account tend to be the most generous. This is when the sportsbook in question is trying to make a seriously good impression that wins you over and persuades you to register. With deposit matches and risk-free bets, there is very little downside; like credit cards, there is nothing stopping you opening several accounts just to enjoy the welcome bonuses.

Bet Offerings 

Another reason for opening multiple accounts is to ensure variety in the betting markets available to you. Some Michigan sports betting sites use the same software, which means you will get the same range of sports, the same futures, and even the same odds at different platforms. By having several accounts, you give yourself the opportunity to access the variety you crave.

Feel The Sportsbook

Sometimes you can take all the above into account but things just don't feel right. It could be the design of the site, the layout, even the fonts used on the game coupons. Only by test-driving several sportsbooks will you be sure that you have found a destination where you feel completely at home and totally comfortable when you want to enjoy your sports betting.

Sportsbook Rules

One factor you need to be aware of is that all sportsbooks licensed by the Michigan Gaming Control Board will have terms and conditions applying to betting markets and bonuses - and they may vary from operator to operator. For instance, some impose minimum odds at which free bets must be placed, while others don't. The number of legs in a parlay before parlay insurance applies may vary too. Always check the T&Cs, especially relating to bonuses.

Available Sports Wagers At Legal Michigan Online Sportsbooks

• Moneyline

  Your first bet on sports is likely to be on the moneyline - it is the most straightforward market. Which team do you think will win a game? The favorite's price will carry a minus sign; -150 means you have to stake $150 to win $100. The underdog's odds come with a plus, and +160 means you win $160 for every $100 you wager.

• Parlays

  When you place a parlay, you cover several selections with a single stake. As each of your picks wins, the return rolls on to the next. It is possible to win a big payout - but all of your choices have to be correct for that to happen. If just one of them loses, so do you.

• Totals

  Also known as over/unders, these bets relate to the number of times something happens during a game. The most popular bet of this type is on the total points, runs or goals scored by both teams combined. The sportsbook suggests a total and you decide whether to bet on the over or the under, depending on how high you think the scoring will be.

• Point Spreads

  A point spread is a handicap. By giving the underdog a start, the sportsbook evens up the odds about both sides - usually -110/-110. You then decide whether or not the favorite will win by more or fewer than the spread, and wager accordingly. This type of bet is known as the run line in baseball and the puck line when it is applied to hockey.

• Futures

  This type of bet is offered on long-term markets, and enable you to bet on events that will not be decided for several weeks or months. If, for instance, you believe the Detroit Lions will win their division next season, you will be able to back your hunch before the first NFL game gets under way. Futures can also be applied to markets such as season-long totals and MVP awards.

• Prop Bets

  There are an extraordinary number of wagers that can be placed on outcomes within a game that do not relate directly to its overall outcome. You can find proposition bets on individual players' performances, the result at half-time, the first team to reach a certain number of points. The possibilities are almost limitless, and it is possible to find literally scores of markets relating to a single game.

• Live Bets

  One of the most exciting ways to enjoy sports betting in Michigan and elsewhere is to wager in play. Live betting is one of the best innovations to hit the sports wagering industry in recent years; the odds move fast in response to the ebb and flow of the action, and you can place bets in response. The best Michigan sports betting sites offer a host of opportunities to engage in live betting.

• Prohibited Bets

  There are some events on which no legalized and licensed sports betting operator will carry markets. Michigan is fairly liberal when it comes to restrictions; you are at liberty to bet on games of college football involving teams based in the state, and many operators offer odds on the Academy Awards. However, wagering on politics is strictly forbidden and you should not be able to place a wager on local, national or international elections.

Daily Fantasy Sports

Daily Fantasy Sports in Michigan were legalized in 2019 under the same legislation that made online sports betting legal. DraftKings and FanDuel, the two leading DFS operators across the nation, both offer their services here. In each case, you can use your sports betting wallet to back your DFS selections.

Horse Racing

There are opportunities to bet on horse racing in Michigan. Regular harness racing takes place at Northville Downs, the only active racetrack in the state. You can also wager on simulcasts there of races at other tracks, while there are also several online racing websites available for use by Michiganders.

Elections

You may occasionally see lists of odds relating to the outcome of political elections. However, these are for indicative purposes only. No licensed sportsbook anywhere in the United States is allowed to take bets on elections at home or abroad.

Pop Culture Ceremonies

Although the term "sportsbook" suggests where the main focus of activity is, there are occasions when bets can be placed on non-sporting events. The Michigan Gaming Control Board permits bets to be taken on the Academy Awards, for instance. It is always worth checking to see if your sportsbook carries markets on other popular ceremonies and reality TV shows.

Esports

The picture regarding wagering on esports is not entirely clear. The Michigan sports betting law that authorized sports betting did not mention esports specifically sentences on what this involves and if it is legal or not in the state of Michigan. The only places that take esports bets are retail sportsbooks at certain tribal casinos, although you can play DFS esports games at DraftKings and FanDuel.

Michigan Sports Betting Revenue  

In less than two years following the launch of Michigan's legalized sports betting market, the total handle of bets placed was recorded at more than $7.4billion. That in turn translated into more than $610million in revenue for the 15 Michigan online sportsbook operators.

At the top of the table for revenue was FanDuel, which had seen revenues of more than $210million through its partnership with the MotorCity Casino. During that time, a total of more than $28.9million had been paid to the state in taxes.

Michigan Legal Online Sports Betting Tax Rate 

Under Michigan sports betting law, each sportsbook operator has to pay $100,000 for its license. There is an initial $50,000 application fee, and an operating fee of $50,000 a year.

Each operator has to pay taxes at a rate of 8.4 per cent. Commercial casinos in Detroit, such as the MGM Grand Detroit, also have to pay an additional 1.25 per cent city tax.

This compares favorably with some of the tax rates levied in other states. In New York, for instance, every online sportsbook has to agree to pay 51 per cent in taxes.

Who Regulates Michigan Sports Betting Sites?

Michigan sports betting sites are regulated by the Michigan Gaming Control Board. Indeed, the MGCB controls all forms of in-person and online gambling in the Great Lakes State, including licensing and regulation for:

• Commercial casinos
• Online casinos
• Sports betting operators
• Platform providers and suppliers
• Pari-mutuel horse racing
• Casino-style charitable gaming
• Tribal gaming compact compliance

In states with legalized sports betting, there are many examples of commercial relationships between sports betting companies and top sports teams. Both sides benefit from the arrangement; for the teams, it represents another revenue stream, while the sports betting operator boosts its profile among the fans of the

Michigan is home to teams in all of the big four sports - and each of them has created sponsorship and partnership deals with two or more Michigan sports betting sites:

Detroit Pistons

BetRivers, DraftKings, PointsBet, WynnBET

Detroit Red Wings

DraftKings, FanDuel, PointsBet

Detroit Tigers

BetMGM, FanDuel, PointsBet

Detroit Lions

BetMGM, WynnBET

Michigan State Spartans

Caesars

The payment options that you can use to deposit money in your account, and make withdrawals after a good win, will vary between MI sportsbooks. It is always worth checking before you register as a customer that the banking method that suits you is available.

You should be able to transfer money to and from a licensed sportsbook with a high degree of confidence that your funds and financial information are safe. Regulated sportsbooks utilize sophisticated security protocols to stay several steps ahead of anybody trying to hack into their systems.

Please be aware that in some cases there are fewer banking methods for withdrawing money than for depositing it. Double-check the options available to make sure you do not deposit funds without having a way to withdrawing them if you wish.

Crypto Betting Sites in Michigan

Increasing numbers of people around the world are investing in cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin and Ethereum. While many licensed operators are considering the possibility of allowing customers to play using crypto, at present none of the regulated Michigan betting sites accepts crypto. Any operator that does trade in crypto is likely to be an unlicensed offshore brand, and we do not recommend wagering with these.

Venmo betting sites in Michigan 

Venmo is a new way of moving cash between friends. However, licensed sportsbooks do not offer the facility of using Venmo, which is owned by PayPal, to fund your betting activity. There is, though, such a thing as a Venmo Mastercard - and Mastercard tends to be one of the payment options available at MI sports betting sites.

Michigan is now firmly established as one of the leading states when it comes to legal sports betting. There are now 15 online betting operators in action in the Great Lakes State, and there is clearly a strong appetite among sports fans here for wagering on sports in Michigan such as the NFL and Major League Baseball.

The overall handle compares well to many other states, and the relatively low tax rate and lack of restrictions suggests that officialdom here is comfortable with the concept of people wagering on sports, rather than merely tolerating it.

Retail Sports Betting VS Mobile Sports Betting

It should be remembered that, as well as the opportunity to enjoy mobile sports betting, enthusiasts in Michigan also have access to several retail sportsbooks. The main advantage of retail sports betting is that it tends to take place in locations where you are surrounded by like-minded people, such as casinos, and when you play at a retail sportsbook you have staff on hand to help if you need any assistance with your wagering.

Mobile wagering scores highly over retail sports betting, though, when it comes to the sheer convenience of being able to wager wherever you are. Sports betting apps are becoming increasingly sophisticated, and you should have access to all the features and functionality you need to place bets through your mobile device.

Michigan sports betting has been legal since 2019, when a sports betting bill, the Lawful Sports Betting Act, was signed into law by state governor Gretchen Whitmer. Once the Michigan Gaming Control Board had drawn up the regulations governing sports betting in the state, retail wagering began in 2020 and the first online sports bets were placed in the following year.

Michigan Legal Sports Betting Legislation Timeline

2017: The Lawful Internet Gaming Act makes good progress in the Michigan legislature before running out of steam

2018: A sports betting bill gets as far as state governor Rick Snyder's desk, but he vetoes it

2019: New governor Gretchen Whitmer signs the Lawful Sports Betting Act into law

2020: Retail sportsbooks open in March, but are forced to close by Covid-19 restrictions; they reopen in August

2021: Online betting begins and by the end of the year more than a dozen licensed operators are up and running

2022: The number of legal wagering operators rises to 15