Governor Gretchen Whitmer legalized Michigan sports betting when she signed a bipartisan bill into law in December 2019. The first retail sportsbooks opened for business three months later, followed by online sportsbooks in January 2021. Online casinos are also now legal in the Great Lakes State.
You can now choose from more than a dozen different sports betting apps in Michigan. It has one of the largest legal sports wagering markets in the country, and there are some great promos for you to claim. Our expert guide to Michigan sports betting explains everything you need to know. It features our recommended MI online sportsbooks, discusses the teams you can bet on, and explains how to sign up and claim the best welcome bonuses. We’ll also cover the history of sports betting in Michigan and MI responsible gambling.
List of Best Sportsbooks in MI
- BetMGM – The best online sportsbook, casino, and poker room in Michigan, with an outstanding rewards program covering all three products; top-spot for parlay betting
- PointsBet – The Michigan sportsbook with the largest selection of betting options, along with many valuable features, including the unique PointsBetting system
- FanDuel – The most popular sportsbook in Michigan, offering large promos, a great mobile app, and quick withdrawals. Perfect sportsbook for beginners: stats and metrics available on-site and a valuable resource in Learn to Bet 101
- WynnBET – A simple, easy-to-play sports betting app for beginners, which offers lots of weekly promotions; utilize The Playbook for all of the latest news, betting guides, picks, and expert predictions
- Caesars – The MI sportsbook with the largest welcome bonus, the most odds boosts, and the best customer support; solid selection of payment methods, including e-checks, debit/credit cards, Play+, and in-person payments
- DraftKings – Offers detailed coverage of over 20 popular sports, with a great sign-up bonus, and also provides a DFS site and a huge online casino
- BetRivers – Great promotions for existing players, which include odds boosts, bonus bets, profit boosts, contests, and insurance specials; live streaming NHL is also available
- Sports Illustrated – User-friendly online sportsbook offering great betting options on the Lions, Pistons, Tigers, and Red Wings; play Perfect 10 to win bonus wagers
- FOX Bet – Online sportsbook that offers picks and analysis from FOX Sports presenters, along with regular boosts linked to those picks; play Super 6 to win cash prizes
- Barstool – Online sportsbook for fans of the Barstool Sports brand, offering a variety of promos linked to the personalities featured on Barstool’s media channels
- betPARX – High-quality sportsbook and casino offering generous welcome bonuses and tempting odds boosts; lightning-fast e-wallet withdrawals
- Golden Nugget – Elite online casino brand offering a full-service sportsbook, which includes low vig specials each week; Golden Lines promo offers low juice betting lines and odds boosts
Best Michigan Sportsbooks for Each Bettor Type
Sportsbook | Best For | Sign-Up Bonus | Bonus Code |
BetMGM | Outstanding rewards program | First bet back up to $1,000 | Claim Bonus |
PointsBet | Innovative betting options | Five second-chance bets up to $250 | Claim Bonus |
FanDuel | Excellent range of markets | No-sweat first bet up to $1,000 | Claim Bonus |
WynnBET | Best for football betting | Bet $100, Get $100 | Claim Bonus |
Caesars | Best customer support options | Stake back if first bet lose up to $1,250 + 1,000 reward credits & 1,000 tier credits | CZRFULL |
DraftKings | Best sportsbook for in-play betting | 20% up to $1,000 | Claim Bonus |
BetRivers | Great promotions for existing players | Second chance first bet up to $500 | SPORTS |
Sports Illustrated | Great “Perfect 10” promotion | Bet $20 and win up to $200 in bonus bets | Claim Bonus |
FOX Bet | Best for popular payment options | Second Chance Bet up to $50 | Claim Bonus |
Barstool | Best for its variety of sports betting options | Up to $1,000 in second-chance bets | Claim Bonus |
BetPARX | Best Detroit Pistons promotions | Bet $5, win up to $150 | Claim Bonus |
Golden Nugget | Generous welcome bonus | Matched first bet up to $250 | Claim Bonus |
Timeline for Sports Betting in Michigan
- January 22, 2021: The first online sportsbooks in MI launch. Nine Michigan sports betting apps go live in the state, including BetMGM, BetRivers, Caesars, DraftKings, and FanDuel.
- March 11, 2020: Michigan’s first retail sportsbooks open. The BetMGM Sportsbook at the MGM Grand and the Barstool Sportsbook at Greektown Casino Hotel take the state’s first bets.
- December 31, 2019: Governor Gretchen Whitmer signs HB 4917, paving the way for legal sports betting in Michigan. Under the legislation, casinos can apply for sports betting licenses.
- April 9, 2019: Representative Matt Hall introduces HB 4917, or the Lawful Sports Betting Act, to the Michigan House.
- April 25, 2018: Representative Brandt Iden introduces HB 4926, HB 4927, and HB 4928, all collectively proposing the legalization of sports betting in MI.
Best Michigan Online Sports Betting Sites
Most of the best online sport betting sites provide great betting options, secure banking, generous bonuses, and other perks. However, there are plenty of aspects that differentiate them. We will go through the top Michigan options in more detail so that you can quickly find the perfect fit.
1. BetMGM – Outstanding rewards program
- Live in Michigan Since: 2021
- Land-Based Partner: MGM Grand Detroit
- Payout Time: 0-5 days
Our Verdict: 9.8/10
BetMGM launched an impressive online sportsbook in Michigan when the legal industry began in January 2021. It operates on the master license of MGM Grand Detroit, which is a famous landmark in the Great Lakes State. BetMGM further endeared itself to Michigan sports bettors by announcing former Red Wings defenseman Chris Chelios as its new brand ambassador.
It is now the most popular online casino in Michigan, and it operates one of the state’s leading sportsbooks too. The BetMGM Michigan app is very user-friendly, thanks to the sophisticated software provided by Entain, which launched the brand in partnership with MGM Resorts International. It provides lots of features, including a comprehensive live-streaming service, excellent customer service, and a best-in-class rewards program
BetMGM has a great selection of markets, accepting wagers on more than a dozen professional and collegiate sports, including all the major leagues and NCAA Division I college sports. There are also markets available for other sports, like motorsport, combat sports, and soccer.
BetMGM accepts the most popular payment methods, like Visa, Mastercard, and Discover, alongside e-wallets, wire transfers, and ACH payments. While withdrawals via bank transfer and ACH might take up to five business days to clear, e-wallets have a much shorter processing period. You can also make deposits and withdrawals at the casino cage at the MGM Grand, which is a big plus.
Customer support is an area in which BetMGM excels. If you have any issues while using the service, the sportsbook provides an extensive list of detailed FAQs and 24/7 support via phone and email. While we would like to see a live chat option added in the future, there are more than enough ways to get in touch with BetMGM.
BetMGM’s signup bonus is a $1,000 first bet offer, which is generous compared to its competitors. There are also loads of ongoing promotions for players, like same-game parlay boosts, a refer-a-friend bonus, and specials on major league action. A significant advantage of BetMGM is its rewards program, offering you the chance to earn points that you can exchange for hotel stays and meals. Thanks to its partnership with the Detroit Tigers and Detroit Lions, there are plenty of special promotions during the MLB and NFL seasons.
Features Overview:
- Betting Options: 9.7/10
- Betting Odds: 9.8/10
- Streaming & Features: 9.7/10
- Promotions & Rewards: 9.5/10
- Desktop Experience: 9.6/10
- Mobile & App Experience: 9.6/10
- Registration & Process: 9.8/10
- Payment Methods: 9.3/10
- Customer Support: 9.7/10
Top Sign-Up Offer:
Offer | Description | Promo code | Wagering requirement | Minimum deposit |
Sports welcome offer | $1,000 first bet offer | N/A | 1x | $5 |
Pros:
- Official betting partner of the Detroit Lions and Detroit Tigers
- Accepts withdrawals and deposits at the Casino Cage
- Earn reward points that can be exchanged for real-life prizes
Cons:
- No phone support
2. PointsBet – Innovative betting options
- Live in Michigan Since: 2021
- Land-Based Partner: Northern Waters Casino Resort
- Payout Time: 1-3 days
Our Verdict: 9.6/10
PointsBet is one of the most innovative sports betting sites in Michigan. It offers two types of sports wagering – classic, fixed-odds betting, and a unique option called PointsBetting. There is also a “Name a Bet” feature, so you can ask for odds on any prop that isn’t listed on the site. Additional features include stats on line movements and consensus picks, odds boosts, full and partial cash outs, simple same-game parlay creators, and more.
The company is based in Australia, but it has launched online sports betting in more than a dozen states from its US headquarters in Denver. It has also signed up ex-Pistons guard Richard “Rip” Hamilton as one of its brand ambassadors, which has helped boost brand awareness in Michigan. PointsBet is currently exploring the sale of its US sports betting operations, but it has not announced a deal yet.
There is a great range of markets for all the most popular professional and collegiate sports on PointsBet. Its PointsBetting feature is also an interesting and innovative way to bet, allowing you to win more (or lose more) based on how correct (or incorrect) your predictions are. Overall, PointsBet provides a pioneering betting platform that we think bettors will love.
The Michigan online sports betting site accepts Visa and Mastercard, ACH, online bank transfer, Play+, and PayNearMe for deposits. Withdrawals are available via ACH, PayPal, or bank transfer and are processed within one to three business days, which is slower than some of its competitors.
A help page is located at the bottom of the desktop site and accessible via its app, with detailed FAQs and guides to common issues. You can also speak to a PointsBet representative through live chat and email. While these are good customer support options, we would like to see the sportsbook add telephone support in the future.
PointsBet offers new customers five-second chance bets worth up to $250, which is comparable to other operators. As it is an official partner of the Detroit Tigers, Detroit Pistons, and Detroit Red Wings, there are many special promotions throughout the MLB, NBA, and NHL seasons.
Features Overview:
- Betting Options: 9.5/10
- Betting Odds: 9.6/10
- Streaming & Features: 9.6/10
- Promotions & Rewards: 9.4/10
- Desktop Experience: 9.4/10
- Mobile & App Experience: 9.2/10
- Registration & Process: 9.4/10
- Payment Methods: 9.1/10
- Customer Support: 9.6/10
Top Sign-Up Offer:
Offer | Description | Promo code | Wagering requirement | Minimum deposit |
Sports welcome offer | Five second-chance bets up to $250 | N/A | 1x | $10 |
Pros:
- Innovative Points Betting feature
- Official betting partner of the Pistons, Red Wings, and Tigers
- Good range of payment methods
Cons:
- No telephone customer support
3. FanDuel – Excellent range of markets
- Live in Michigan Since: 2021
- Land-Based Partner: MotorCity Casino
- Payout Time: 0-5 days
Our Verdict: 9.5/10
FanDuel is the most popular sportsbook in Michigan, according to the latest stats from the Michigan Gaming Control Board. The company has been running DFS contests in Michigan since 2009, so it already had thousands of customers in the state when sports betting launched. That helped FanDuel surge ahead of most rivals, and it has held onto its lead by providing an excellent all-round sports wagering experience for Michiganders.
Flutter Entertainment, a London-listed company that owns brands such as PokerStars and TVG, purchased FanDuel in 2018. It has launched FanDuel Sportsbook, FanDuel Casino, FanDuel Racing, and a FanDuel TV network since then, helping FanDuel become America’s No.1 gambling brand. The sportsbook offers a great welcome bonus, an excellent selection of markets, and an impressive user experience in Michigan.
The sportsbook has a wide selection of sports, covering all the major leagues alongside some niche offerings, like cricket, handball, and rugby. There is also a huge range of markets within each event, with wagers like the first scorer, win margin, and half-time/full-time winner available. FanDuel’s mix of popular betting options and exotic markets means you’ll never be short of sports to wager on.
FanDuel accepts Visa, MasterCard, PayPal, bank transfer, wire transfer, and PayNearMe. The sportsbook also partners with Play+, meaning you can purchase items with your bet winnings on a FanDuel-branded card wherever the Discover Card is accepted. Withdrawals can take two to five business days to process, a little longer than at other MI sportsbooks. However, you can also use your FanDuel-powered wallet on FanDuel’s other products, like DFS and horse racing from TVG.
Help and support are available on FanDuel by selecting your account settings at the top of the page, which lets you access its “Help and Support” page. You have to speak to a chatbot before speaking to a FanDuel representative, which we would like to see improved in the future
FanDuel offers new customers a bonus of a No Sweat Bet of up to $1,000 when they click the links on this page and sign up and deposit. Thanks to its official partnership with the Detroit Tigers and Detroit Red Wings, the MI sportsbook features special promotional bets on their games throughout the season.
Features Overview:
- Betting Options: 9.7/10
- Betting Odds: 9.7/10
- Streaming & Features: 9.6/10
- Promotions & Rewards: 9.4/10
- Desktop Experience: 9.7/10
- Mobile & App Experience: 9.7/10
- Registration & Process: 9.7/10
- Payment Methods: 9.2/10
- Customer Support: 9.7/10
Top Sign-Up Offer:
Offer | Description | Promo code | Wagering requirement | Minimum deposit |
Sports welcome offer | No-sweat first bet up to $1,000 | N/A | 1x | $10 |
Pros:
- Use your FanDuel-powered wallet for DFS and horse racing bets
- Great selection of payment methods
- Generous welcome bonus
Cons:
- No rewards program
4. WynnBET – Best for football betting
- Live in Michigan Since: 2021
- Land-Based Partner: Kewadin Casinos
- Payout Time: 1-3 days
Our Verdict: 9.4/0
WynnBET is operated by the publicly traded Wynn Resorts, founded in 2002 by former Mirage Resorts Chairman and CEO Steve Wynn. With plenty of experience in the Las Vegas sportsbook trade, WynnBET went live in 2020 and is available in several states across the country. The sportsbook hired former Detroit Pistons guard Allen Iverson as a brand ambassador to endear itself to Michigan sports fans.
This is a great option for beginners in the world of online sports betting because WynnBET’s user interface is simple and highly accessible. It only takes wagers on 10 sports, and it mainly sticks to popular leagues, so it is a lot slimmer and easier to navigate than competitors. Some of WynnBET’s odds are very appealing, and it offers some great bonuses too.
The sportsbook covers 10 sports, including popular leagues like the NFL, MLB, NBA, and NHL. There is more than enough to keep bettors happy with plenty of markets to choose from in each sport, especially football. Still, we would like to see a few more niche options in the future, like Aussie Rules and cricket.
WynnBET accepts online bank transfers, debit and credit cards, PayPal, Play+, ACH, and casino cage cashiers for deposits, with a minimum deposit of $10. The minimum withdrawal is $20, and bank transfers, PayPal, Play+, ACH, and casino cage cashier are accepted. Withdrawals take up to 2-3 days, with casino cage cashier and PayPal offering the fastest withdrawals.
If you run into trouble while using WynnBET, there are some helpful FAQs, and you can access its customer support via email, live chat, and telephone. While its live chat is available 24/7, its phone and email support is only available between 10 am and 8 pm ET, which we would like to see increased to match its live chat hours.
WynnBET offers a Bet $100, Get $100 welcome bonus, consisting of $50 in casino bonus funds and a $50 bonus bet for the sportsbook. You need to wager $100 at minimum odds of -120 to claim the bonus credits. The sportsbook is also an official partner of the Detroit Pistons and Detroit Lions, and there are plenty of basketball and football promotions during the season.
Features Overview:
- Betting Options: 8.8/10
- Betting Odds: 9.5/10
- Streaming & Features: 9.7/10
- Promotions & Rewards: 8.9/10
- Desktop Experience: 9.0/10
- Mobile & App Experience: 8.9/10
- Registration & Process: 9.8/10
- Payment Methods: 9.3/10
- Customer Support: 9.5/10
Top Sign-Up Offer:
Offer | Description | Promo code | Wagering requirement | Minimum deposit |
Sports welcome offer | Bet $100, get $100 | N/A | 20x casino funds 1x bonus bet |
$10 |
Pros:
- Deposit and withdrawals at Kewadin Casino sites
- Official betting partner of the Lions and Pistons
- 24/7 live chat customer support
Cons:
- High wagering requirement for welcome bonus
5. Caesars – Best customer support options
- Live in Michigan Since: 2021
- Land-Based Partner: Turtle Creek Casino & Hotel
- Payout Time: 1-2 days
Our Verdict: 9.4/10
Caesars Sportsbook offers large bonuses, best-in-class customer support, and a wide range of betting options. In 2021, Caesars Entertainment – the owner of the iconic Caesars Palace in Las Vegas – acquired William Hill for $4 billion. It quickly rebranded William Hill Michigan as Caesars Sportsbook Michigan. The site and mobile app remained the same but with new branding.
Since then, Caesars Entertainment has invested in some great features. They include live streaming of select NFL games, a same-game parlay builder, hundreds of odds boosts per week, and large bonuses. This sportsbook is also now a part of the Caesars Rewards program. Payout speeds have improved too, so it is one of the best Michigan sportsbooks.
Caesars has a slightly smaller selection of sports than other WV sportsbooks, with just around a dozen events available. However, you get a great range of markets in each sport. While the betting site offers wagers on a host of major league and collegiate sports, we would like to see a greater range of niche markets.
Caesars Sportsbook accepts debit and credit cards, ACH, online bank transfers, PayNearMe, and Play+. The minimum deposit amount is $20, but there is no minimum withdrawal amount, which we really liked. Options for withdrawals include the Caesars Play+ card, online bank transfer, and eCheck, which are a little limited compared to some of its competitors.
Customer support is an area where Caesars really excels. The help section is displayed at the bottom of its desktop site and is available through its app. When you access customer support at the sportsbook, there are detailed FAQs and live chat options. You can also call its dedicated support team 24/7 or email a representative.
One of the best advantages of using Caesars Sportsbook is its Caesars Rewards program, which offers points for betting that you can exchange for real-life prizes like hotel stays and meals at Caesars locations. The welcome offer gives you a bet credit of up to $1,250 if your first wager loses, plus 1,000 reward credits to get you started, which is really generous. Caesars is an official partner of Michigan State University Spartans, so it offers a great range of special promotions on Spartans action.
Features Overview:
- Betting Options: 9.3/10
- Betting Odds: 9.5/10
- Streaming & Features: 9.5/10
- Promotions & Rewards: 9.6/10
- Desktop Experience: 9.3/10
- Mobile & App Experience: 9.1/10
- Registration & Process: 9.5/10
- Payment Methods: 9.4/10
- Customer Support: 9.1/10
Top Sign-Up Offer:
Offer | Description | Promo code | Wagering requirement | Minimum deposit |
Sports welcome offer | Up to $1,250 on Caesars, plus 1,000 reward credits | CZRFULL | 1x | $20 |
Pros:
- Best-in-class customer support options
- Sports Betting Partner of Michigan State Spartans
- Excellent rewards program
Cons:
- Small selection of sports to wager on
6. DraftKings – Best sportsbook for in-play betting
- Live in Michigan Since: 2021
- Land-Based Partner: Bay Mills Casino & Resort
- Payout Time: 1-3 days
Our Verdict: 9.4/10
DraftKings is renowned for offering great bonuses, a huge market selection, and a powerful mobile app. It also built up a large DFS business in Michigan before launching an MI online sportsbook in January 2021. DraftKings is now battling with FanDuel to become the No. 1 sportsbook in Michigan and in the United States, which has led the team to launch huge promos over the past couple of years. It also offers competitive sports betting odds on 20 different sports.
Michiganders can bet on sports, enter DFS events, play more than 1,000 casino games, and buy NFTs at DraftKings MI. It has a loyalty program called Dynasty Rewards, which straddles all four sections of the site, and there are some generous promos on offer each month too. DraftKings used Kambi’s white-label software when it launched an online sportsbook in 2018, but it has now switched to a unique platform created by a company called SBTech, which DraftKings merged with a few years ago.
DraftKings offers a great selection of the most popular professional and collegiate sports for wagering in the US. It is an official betting partner of some of the most prominent sports organizations in the US, like MLB, NBA, NHL, and the PGA Tour. The sportsbook also has lots of different betting lines, with same-game parlays and a best-in-class selection of in-play betting available.
For direct deposits and withdrawals, DraftKings accepts bank cards, online bank transfers, eCheck, PayPal, DraftKings Play+ cards, and Venmo. Withdrawals can take up to five business days, depending on the payment method, with e-wallets like PayPal and Venmo offering the quickest withdrawals.
DraftKings offers 24/7 customer support through live chat or email. You can also request a call-back from a representative via its Twitter and Facebook help desks. It also offers a detailed FAQ section with helpful guides to common issues faced on the platform. This comprehensive offering puts DraftKings ahead of its rivals in customer support.
The sportsbook offers a 20% deposit match up to $1,000 when you deposit a minimum of $5. While this is a low deposit requirement, the bonus has a 25x release requirement, meaning you’ll have to play through your funds through 25 times before unlocking the bonus credits. However, it also regularly launches Bet & Get welcome bonuses. The current promo is a Bet $5, Get $150 bonus, which earns you six $25 bonus bets for wagering $5. Thanks to its partnership with the Detroit Tigers and Detroit Red Wings, there is also a range of special promotions throughout the MLB and NHL seasons.
Features Overview:
- Betting Options: 9.5/10
- Betting Odds: 9.5/10
- Streaming & Features: 9.4/10
- Promotions & Rewards: 9.4/10
- Desktop Experience: 9.6/10
- Mobile & App Experience: 9.6/10
- Registration & Process: 9.5/10
- Payment Methods: 9.0/10
- Customer Support: 9.3/10
Top Sign-Up Offer:
Offer | Description | Promo code | Wagering requirement | Minimum deposit |
Sports welcome offer | 20% deposit match up to $1,000 | N/A | 25x | $5 |
Pros:
- Great in-play betting markets
- Customer support via social media
- Official partner of the Tigers and Red Wings
Cons:
- High welcome bonus release requirement
7. BetRivers – Great promotions for existing players
- Live in Michigan Since: 2021
- Land-Based Partner: Little River Casino Resort
- Payout Time: Instant
Our Verdict: 9.3/10
BetRivers is an online sportsbook and casino operated by a Chicago-based company called Rush Street Interactive. The company owns the Rivers Casino group, which has resorts in Illinois, Pennsylvania, and New York. BetRivers’ key strengths include quick payouts, appealing promotions, and a great loyalty program.
It outsources sports betting operations to a company named Kambi, which provides the technology and sets the odds on offer at BetRivers. The sportsbook is easy-to-use, and it offers more betting markets than most MI sportsbooks. However, several rivals also use Kambi, so they offer the same customer experience. To distinguish BetRivers from competitors, the team has built an instant payout system, invested in a live streaming service and launched better promos than most Michigan sportsbooks.
BetRivers offers markets on more than 15 sports, including all the major leagues and college sports. The sportsbook offers wagering on a great range of niche sports, like rugby, cricket, and cycling, should you want a bit more variety in your bets.
Most popular payment methods are accepted for deposits, including debit and credit cards, eCheck, PayPal, VanillaDirect, PayNearMe, and wire transfers. BetRivers also offers a Play+ card, which allows you to withdraw your bet winnings at an ATM. Alongside this, you can withdraw using eCheck, PayPal, and online bank transfer, which is a more limited range of withdrawal options than some competitors.
The BetRivers help center is a useful hub for information that will help you troubleshoot any problems with the service and features a good list of FAQs. If you still need help, you can speak to a representative via live chat or email. BetRivers offers 24/7 customer support.
BetRivers offers a generous welcome bonus of up to $500 in second chance bets. It also offers some great promotions for existing players, like its ‘Squares’ competition on NBA games, where basketball bets can earn you up to $10,000 in bonus funds depending on the final of the game. Wagering on BetRivers also earns you iRush Rewards points, which you can exchange for bonus bets, wheel spins, and additional profit boosts.
Features Overview:
- Betting Options: 9.2/10
- Betting Odds: 9.5/10
- Streaming & Features: 9.5/10
- Promotions & Rewards: 9.0/10
- Desktop Experience: 9.2/10
- Mobile & App Experience: 9.1/10
- Registration & Process: 9.4/10
- Payment Methods: 9.0/10
- Customer Support: 9.2/10
Top Sign-Up Offer:
Offer | Description | Promo code | Wagering requirement | Minimum deposit |
Sports welcome offer | Second chance bet up to $500 | N/A | 1x | $10 |
Pros:
- Great range of sports
- Excellent promotions for existing players
- Great loyalty program
Cons:
- Smaller sign-up bonus than some competitors
8. Sports Illustrated – Great “Perfect 10” promotion
- Live in Michigan Since: 2022
- Land-Based Partner: Island Resort & Casino
- Payout Time: 0-5 days
Our Verdict: 9.1/10
Sports Illustrated (SI) Sportsbook became the 15th operator to launch in Michigan when it went live in September 2022. Industry giant 888 Holdings created this sports betting brand after agreeing to a partnership with Authentic Brands, the publisher of Sports Illustrated. It uses the same technology that powers the company’s flagship sportsbook, 888 Sport.
SI Sportsbook needs to work hard to compete in a crowded MI sports betting market. To that end, it has launched large bonuses and a fun contest called Perfect 10, which gives you chances to win bonus credits. There are loads of odds boosts too, and you can also win framed Sports Illustrated covers. The site and the mobile app are both very impressive, and it is a secure, trusted sportsbook
As you would expect from a sportsbook backed by a major sports magazine, SI Sportsbook offers wagering on more than 20 sports. Within each sport, a great range of markets is offered, with popular markets like football, hockey, basketball, and baseball offered alongside niche sports like cricket, badminton, and Aussie rules.
You can deposit into your SI Sportsbook account via bank transfer, bank cards, PayPal, Play+, ACH, and PayNearMe. The minimum deposit amount is $10. For withdrawals, the minimum amount is also $10, but there are only three options for withdrawal: ACH, PayPal, and Play+.
Customer support is one area where SI Sportsbook could improve. Only live chat and email are offered, and we found the help center quite difficult to find on its desktop site and app. Users must also speak to a chatbot before connecting with a representative.
SI Sportsbook offers new players $200 in bonus bets if your first bet of $20 with odds of +120 or more wins, which is a solid welcome offer. It also offers its Perfect 10 promotion, a parlay game that is free to play where bettors select ten results from 10 games. You can earn bonus bets if you make six or more correct picks.
Features Overview:
- Betting Options: 9.0/10
- Betting Odds: 9.4/10
- Streaming & Features: 9.4/10
- Promotions & Rewards: 8.9/10
- Desktop Experience: 9.0/10
- Mobile & App Experience: 8.8/10
- Registration & Process: 9.4/10
- Payment Methods: 9.0/10
- Customer Support: 9.2/10
Top Sign-Up Offer:
Offer | Description | Promo code | Wagering requirement | Minimum deposit |
Sports welcome offer | Bet $20 and win $200 in bonus bets | N/A | 1x | $10 |
Pros:
- Excellent range of sports available for wagering
- Great “Perfect 10” promotion
- Solid welcome offer
Cons:
- Hard to find customer support on desktop
9. FOX Bet – Best for popular payment options
- Live in Michigan Since: 2021
- Land-Based Partner: Odawa Casino
- Payout Time: 0-3 days
Our Verdict: 9.0/10
FOX Bet is an online sportsbook that offers picks, analysis, and tips from the renowned FOX Sports team. The Stars Group, which owns PokerStars, launched FOX Bet in a bid to replicate the success of the UK betting site Sky Bet. It has been available in Michigan for more than two years, offering interesting bonuses, a vibrant interface, and an exciting, free-to-play Pick Six contest.
In 2020, FanDuel owner Flutter Entertainment purchased Stars Group, creating the world’s largest online gambling business. It means that FOX Bet is now a sister sports betting site to FanDuel, but the company puts most of its efforts into FanDuel. Yet FOX Bet still runs on different software and it offers an interesting point of difference thanks to the FOX Sports insight.
With 13 sports offered, FOX Bet has wagering available on a solid range of markets with the most popular sports covered. If you’re looking for coverage of niche sports, you might want to look for another sportsbook. Our review team found locating FOX Bet’s full list of markets quite difficult, and this is something we’d like to see improved in the future.
The sportsbook accepts Visa, MasterCard, bank transfer, PayPal, Skrill, PaySafeCard, PayNearMe, and eCheck for deposits, and bank cards, PayPal, Skrill, PaySafeCard, and eChecks for withdrawals. Transactions can take between an hour and ten business days to process. E-wallets offer the fastest withdrawal times. FOX Bet also accepts ‘Fast Deposits’ with certain participating banks, dramatically reducing your deposit waiting times.
FOX Bet offers 24/7 live chat, social media support, and a detailed FAQs section if you need to help troubleshooting any issues. While this is a solid offering, we would like to see more customer support options added in the future, like telephone and email support.
With a welcome bonus consisting of a second chance bet up to $50, FOXBet’s sign-up offer could be more generous. The sportsbook offers a much better range of promotions for existing players, like “challenges,” where bettors can wager to fulfill personalized challenges to earn rewards such as bonus bets, casino, and online poker credit. As an official MLB and Fox Sports partner, you can also find many promotions throughout televised sporting events and the MLB season.
Features Overview:
- Betting Options: 9.1/10
- Betting Odds: 9.6/10
- Streaming & Features: 9.5/10
- Promotions & Rewards: 7.8/10
- Desktop Experience: 9.0/10
- Mobile & App Experience: 8.8/10
- Registration & Process: 9.8/10
- Payment Methods: 9.1/10
- Customer Support: 9.2/10
Top Sign-Up Offer:
Offer | Description | Promo code | Wagering requirement | Minimum deposit |
Sports welcome offer | Up to $50 in second-chance bets | N/A | 1x | $10 |
Pros:
- Good promotions for existing players
- Great for baseball promotions
- 24/7 live chat and social media customer support
Cons:
- Hard-to-navigate desktop site
10. Barstool – Best for its variety of sports betting options
- Live in Michigan Since: 2021
- Land-Based Partner: Hollywood Casino Greektown
- Payout Time: 3-5 days
Our Verdict: 8.9/10
Renowned digital media company Barstool Sports partnered with Penn Entertainment Inc to launch Barstool Sportsbook in 2020. It is currently available in more than 15 states and it obtained a Michigan license through its land-based partner, Hollywood Casino Greektown. This sportsbook is naturally popular with Stoolies, but there is also lots to like even if you are not a fan of the brand.
Barstool also uses Kambi software, so it provides a similar sports betting experience to BetRivers and betPARX. However, it is planning to switch to in-house software developed by another Penn Entertainment subsidiary, theScore Bet, towards the end of 2023. At that point, the user experience, odds, markets, and features will change, but for now, Barstool is a solid online sportsbook for Michiganders.
Barstool Sportsbook offers markets on over 15 sports, including popular major leagues and collegiate sports. It also offers wagering on a good range of minor leagues like XFL football and AHL ice hockey. With Barstool, there should be plenty of sports and markets to keep you satisfied.
You can deposit into your account using bank transfers, eCheck, credit and debit cards, PayPal, ApplePay, PayNearMe, and wire transfers. There is also a dedicated version of the Play+ card for Barstool Sportsbook. Withdrawals are available via online banking, ACH, or PayPal and can take three to five business days, slightly longer than some competitors. However, you can also make deposits and withdrawals into your account at the Hollywood Casino cage.
When our review team tried to troubleshoot some problems with Barstool Sportsbook, we accessed its help section and found the FAQ section to be a little vague. Barstool offers email, live chat, and call-back options for further assistance. Despite this, support is only available each day between 8 am and 8 pm EST.
Barstool Sportsbook offers a generous welcome bonus of up to $1,000 in bonus credits, but it also offers great ongoing promotions for players, like odds boosts and parlay bonuses. Barstool is also an official partner of the NASCAR Cup Series, featuring the FireKeepers Casino 400 at the Michigan International Speedway, and offers a fantastic range of special stock car promotions.
Features Overview:
- Betting Options: 9.2/10
- Betting Odds: 9.9/10
- Streaming & Features: 9.3/10
- Promotions & Rewards: 9.5/10
- Desktop Experience: 9.1/10
- Mobile & App Experience: 9.0/10
- Registration & Process: 9.4/10
- Payment Methods: 9.1/10
- Customer Support: 9.3/10
Top Sign-Up Offer:
Offer | Description | Promo code | Wagering requirement | Minimum deposit |
Sports welcome offer | Up to $1,000 in second-chance bets | N/A | 1x | $10 |
Pros:
- Markets on various minor leagues
- Official partner of NASCAR
- Generous welcome bonus
Cons:
- No 24/7 customer support
11. betPARX – Best Detroit Pistons promotions
- Live in Michigan Since: 2021
- Land-Based Partner: Gun Lake Casino
- Payout Time: 1-3 days
Our Verdict: 8.6/10
betPARX is the online sports betting and casino gaming arm of Greenwood Gaming, which operates Parx Casino in Pennsylvania. It uses white-label tech from Kambi, so you will notice that the user experience is very similar to BetRivers and Barstool. That allows betPARX to offer a huge variety of sports betting options. It also provides a high-quality online casino powered by Playtech.
This sportsbook is also known as Play Gun Lake, as it operates on the master license of Gun Lake Casino. It stands apart from BetRivers and Barstool by offering a very appealing Bet $10, Win $125 welcome bonus, and unique odds boosts. The site and mobile app also provide quick withdrawals and excellent security features.
betPARX offers markets on just under 20 sports, including the most popular sports like football, hockey, baseball, and basketball, and niche sports like rugby, cycling, cricket, and golf. It also offers in-play betting and same-game parlays, an excellent offering compared to some of its competitors.
You can use several of the most popular payment methods on betPARX, including Visa, Mastercard, Maestro, Discover, PayPal, Play+, ACH, wire transfer, and bank transfer. Withdrawals are available via Play+, eCheck, PayPal, Skrill, and casino cage cashier. Transactions can take one to three days to process, with e-wallets offering the fastest process times.
betPARX offers a dedicated help center with hundreds of articles and guides to help you if you need to troubleshoot a problem. It also provides live chat, email, and phone support daily from 10 am until midnight.
The sportsbook entices new users to sign up with a welcome offer of $125 in bonus bets when placing a successful bet valued at $10 or more. betPARX has also partnered with Detroit Pistons to offer a “Take Your Shot” promotion, where betting $500 can enter you into a draw to win upscaled tickets to Pistons games.
Features Overview:
- Betting Options: 8.8/10
- Betting Odds: 9.2/10
- Streaming & Features: 9.5/10
- Promotions & Rewards: 8.5/10
- Desktop Experience: 9.0/10
- Mobile & App Experience: 9.1/10
- Registration & Process: 9.4/10
- Payment Methods: 8.8/10
- Customer Support: 9.2/10
Top Sign-Up Offer:
Offer | Description | Promo code | Wagering requirement | Minimum deposit |
Sports welcome offer | Bet $5, win up to $150 | N/A | 1x | $10 |
Pros:
- Great Detroit Pistons promotions
- Excellent range of sports
- Deposit and withdrawals available at the cash cage
Cons:
- No live streaming
12. Golden Nugget – Generous welcome bonus
- Live in Michigan Since: 2021
- Land-Based Partner: Ojibwa Casino Hotel
- Payout Time: 1-4 business days
Our Verdict: 8.4/10
Golden Nugget is primarily famous for its world-class online casino, which offers a huge choice of games, a stylish lobby, and great promos. However, it also offers an excellent online sportsbook. It offers some great bonuses, including Notorious VIG and Golden Lines, which offer low juice betting lines and odds boosts respectively.
In 2022, DraftKings wrapped up a $1.56 billion acquisition of Golden Nugget Online Gaming. It relaunched Golden Nugget Sportsbook using its in-house technology, which the SBTech team developed for DraftKings Sportsbook. That means it offers a very impressive online sportsbook. Although it is very similar to DraftKings, there are unique bonuses, so it is worth registering with both sportsbooks.
Golden Nugget offers markets on just over a dozen sports, including popular US sports like football, baseball, hockey, and basketball. There are also more niche offerings like Aussie rules and rugby. Within each sport, there is a great range of markets available
Golden Nugget Sportsbook accepts secure payment methods, with eCheck, bank transfer, Visa, MasterCard, PayPal, and Play+ available for deposits. Most methods have a $10 minimum deposit, but eCheck, Visa, and MasterCard each have a higher $20 limit. For withdrawals, the sportsbook accepts bank transfers, Play+, eCheck, PayPal, and Check, with PayPal and Play+ offering near-instant withdrawals.
If you have a problem while using Golden Nugget, customer service is available 24/7 via live chat, telephone, and email. Through its help center, many articles provide troubleshooting tips for the sportsbook.
The sportsbook will match your first wager 100% with bonus credits, up to $250. You need to bet on a market at minimum odds of -200 to qualify. This offer gives you bonuses regardless of whether your bet wins or loses, which we liked.
Features Overview:
- Betting Options: 8.8/10
- Betting Odds: 9.3/10
- Streaming & Features: 9.4/10
- Promotions & Rewards: 8.9/10
- Desktop Experience: 8.8/10
- Mobile & App Experience: 8.6/10
- Registration & Process: 9.2/10
- Payment Methods: 9.0/10
- Customer Support: 9.2/10
Top Sign-Up Offer:
Offer | Description | Promo code | Wagering requirement | Minimum deposit |
Sports welcome offer | Matched first bet up to $250 | N/A | 1x | $10 |
Pros:
- Great customer service options
- Good range of markets
- EGR North American Operator of the Year 2017-2020
Cons:
- Small range of payment methods
To read more about how we rate and rank the legal Michigan sportsbooks featured on our pages, click the link.
Michigan Sports Betting Overview
- 🧑⚖️ Retail Sports Betting Launch Date: March 11, 2020
- 🧑⚖️ Online Sports Betting Launch Date: January 22, 2021
- ✅ Licensed Sportsbooks: BetMGM, PointsBet, FanDuel, WynnBET, Caesars, DraftKings, BetRivers, Sports Illustrated, FOX Bet, Barstool, betPARX, Golden Nugget, Four Winds Sportsbook, 131 Sportsbook
- 💵 Legal Wagering Options: Futures, moneylines, parlays, points spread, same game parlays, teasers, totals
- ❓ Legal Gambling Age in Michigan: 21+
- 🏈 Sports to Bet On: NFL, NBA, WNBA, NHL, MLS, MMA, WNBA, motorsports, soccer, rugby, NCAAF, NCAAB, boxing, golf, tennis
- 🏦 Permitted Banking Options: MasterCard, Visa, PayPal, Play+, Skrill, Automated Clearing House, Bank Transfers, Wire Transfers, eCheck
- 📝Michigan Gambling Regulator: Michigan Gaming Control Board
How to Place a Bet in Michigan
When you sign up with our recommended online sportsbooks, you can begin betting in Michigan in just a few minutes. Follow our step-by-step guide to get started with your MI betting:
1. Choose one of our recommended Michigan online sports betting sites by clicking a link on this page.
2. Press the button to register.
3. Provide your full name, address, phone number, and the last four digits of your Social Security number.
4. Once registered, visit your Michigan online sportsbook’s cashier section to deposit. Select a preferred payment method and follow the instructions provided. Remember to meet the minimum deposit requirements of any welcome bonus you are claiming.
5. Deposits should be available instantly, so head to your MI sportsbook’s list of markets, choose a bet, and add it to your bet slip. Select your stake, and confirm your bet.
6. If you’re a lucky winner, revisit the cashier and follow the withdrawal instructions provided by your sportsbook. Before withdrawing, you must verify your identity by sending copies of your photo ID and proof of address to the sportsbook. You can still deposit and place bets while this process is completed.
Before you can play at Michigan online sports betting sites from your mobile device, you must allow your sportsbook to access your geolocation services. Your betting site needs to check your location to prove you are playing where it is legal. If you haven’t been prompted to enable your device location services when signing up, go to your device’s settings menu and enable the sportsbook to verify your location.
Michigan Betting Apps on Mobile
Michigan betting app | iOS rating /5 | Android rating /5 |
BetMGM | 4.8 | 4.0 |
PointsBet | 4.8 | 4.5 |
FanDuel | 4.8 | 4.7 |
WynnBET | 4.5 | 4.2 |
Caesars | 4.6 | 4.4 |
DraftKings | 4.8 | 4.6 |
BetRivers | 4.4 | 2.9 |
Sports Illustrated | 4.3 | 4.3 |
FOX Bet | 4.4 | 3.9 |
Barstool | 4.7 | 3.0 |
BetPARX(Play Gun Lake) | 3.1 | 4.1 |
Golden Nugget | 1.8 | 3.3 |
Banking Methods Available in Michigan
Michigan online sports betting sites accept various payment methods. Visa and Mastercard are the most popular with bettors. E-wallets like Neteller, Skrill, and PayPal are popular and offer fast withdrawal times. Most Michigan sportsbooks commonly accept these methods.
Payment methods like prepaid cards are also accepted, like PayNearMe and Play+. Play+ partners with DraftKings and BetMGM and allows bettors to use their account balance to pay for everyday transactions anywhere that accept the Discover Card. Alternative payment methods include Automated Clearing Houses, bank transfers, and wire transfers. Some sportsbooks also accept deposits and withdrawals at the casino cage of land-based partners.
Who is Eligible to Bet in Michigan?
Players must be over 21 and within state lines to place legal wagers in Michigan. There is no residency requirement for wagering, and players fulfilling the above requirements can download and bet anywhere in the Great Lakes State.
However, there are a few groups that are restricted from betting. These include coaches and players, referees, league and team officials, employees of betting operators, and anyone with access to confidential information about sports. If you are criminally barred from betting or voluntarily excluded from gambling, you are also prohibited from betting.
Latest Michigan Sports Betting Updates
Michigan first allowed legal retail sports betting in March 2020 but expanded to include online and mobile sportsbooks in January 2021. Players 21 and older can now wager at more than a dozen sportsbooks anywhere within state lines on all professional and collegiate sports.
Michigan Sports Betting Background
There is a long history of support for gambling in the Great Lakes State. In 1972, voters supported a referendum to allow a state lottery and charitable gaming by a 72%/28% margin.
Michigan lawmakers tried to pass a sports betting law before the US Supreme Court overturned PASPA, the Lawful Internet Gaming Act, in 2017. Outgoing Governor Rick Snyder vetoed it, citing concerns over the lack of scrutiny in the legislation and indicating that the next legislature should “thoroughly evaluate the revenue implications of authorizing internet gambling.”
Incoming Gov Whitmer had no such qualms about the legislation and signed HB 4917 into law after its passage by the Michigan Legislature in December 2019. The legislation allowed retail sports betting to launch within three months and online sports betting to go live in January 2021. 14 Michigan sports betting apps launched statewide, with 15 MI online sportsbook licenses available.
Future of Michigan Sports Betting
As a mature sports betting industry has grown in MI, all but one Michigan sportsbook license has been claimed. Speculation has grown that lawmakers might pass legislation increasing the number of available licenses, but this seems to be a distant prospect. Progress in other gambling areas, like the January 2023 launch of interstate online poker, has taken priority with legislators.
Legislation to include greater responsible gambling resources may be a development in the future for MI sports betting. In February 2023, State Senator Joseph N. Bellino Jr. proposed SB 54, which would see responsible gambling taught in Michigan schools.
Michigan Sports Betting Locations
Casinos
DraftKings Sportsbook at Bay Mills Resort & Casino
- Address: 11386 W. Lakeshore Drive, Brimley, MI 49715
- Website: baymillscasinos.com/sportsbook/
- Phone number: (888) 422-9645
- Operator: DraftKings
Featuring four betting kiosks, food, and cocktails, the DraftKings Sportsbook at the Bay Mills Resort & Casino is a great location for retail sports betting. It opened in November 2022, having not initially opened a DraftKings retail sportsbook in Michigan. In addition to the betting kiosks located in the sportsbook, there are also kiosks around the rest of the casino. A month after opening its Bay Mills facility, it opened a “sports and social” venue at Somerset Collection.
BetMGM Sportsbook at MGM Grand Detroit
- Address: 1777 3rd Avenue, Detroit, MI 48226
- Website: mgmgranddetroit.mgmresorts.com/en/casino/betmgm-sports-lounge.html
- Phone number: (877) 888-2121
- Operator: BetMGM
Located at the MGM Grand in Detroit, the BetMGM Sportsbook features six betting windows, 33 self-service betting kiosks, 60 HDTVs, lounge seating, video poker machines, and a full bar serving food, craft cocktails, and beers. The BetMGM Sportsbook at the MGM Grand Detroit opened for the first day of retail sports betting in March 2020. The sportsbook was the site of the first-ever legal bet in Michigan, a successful wager on Michigan State Spartans to win the Big Ten Men’s Basketball Tournament placed by Rep. Brandt Iden.
Barstool Sportsbook at Hollywood Casino Greektown
- Address: 1211 Chrysler Drive, Detroit, MI 48226
- Website: hollywoodgreektown.com/casino/sportsbook
- Phone number: (313) 223-2999
- Operator: BetMGM
The Barstool Sportsbook at the Hollywood Casino Greektown features 40 betting kiosks, 25 HDTVs, and a 30-foot video wall. It is located at the top of the Grand Staircase at the Greektown site and was opened in December 202, replacing a temporary site at the casino, which opened in March of the same year. Barstool was the third permanent retail sportsbook to open in MI, following the BetMGM and FanDuel Sportsbooks, at the MGM Grand and MotorCity Casino, respectively.
Other Michigan Land-Based Sportsbooks
Operating Partner | Venue | Address |
131 Sportsbook | Gun Lake Casino | 1123 129th Avenue, Wayland, MI 49348 |
BetRivers | Little River Casino and Resort | 2700 Orchard Highway, Manistee, MI 49660 |
Caesars | Leelanau Sands Casino | 2521 N. West Bay Shore Drive, Peshawbestown, MI 49682 |
Caesars | Turtle Creek Casino & Hotel | 7741 M-72, Williamsburg, MI 49690 |
DraftKings | Kings Club Casino | 12140 W. Lakeshore Drive, Brimley, MI 49715 |
Eagle Casino & Sports | Saganing Eagles Landing Casino | 2690 Worth Road, Standish, MI 48658 |
Eagle Casino & Sports | Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort | 6800 Soaring Eagle Boulevard E., Mt Pleasant, MI 48858 |
FanDuel | MotorCity Casino Hotel | 2901 Grand River Avenue, Detroit, MI 48201 |
FireKeepers | FireKeepers Casino Hotel | 11177 E. Michigan Avenue, Battle Creek, MI 49014 |
Four Winds Sportsbook | Four Winds (Dowagiac) | 58700 M-51 S., Dowagiac, MI 49047 |
Four Winds Sportsbook | Four Winds (Hartford) | 68600 Red Arrow Highway, Hartford, MI 49057 |
Four Winds Sportsbook | Four Winds (New Buffalo) | 11111 Wilson Road, New Buffalo, MI 49117 |
FOX Bet | Odawa Casino (Mackinaw City) | 1080 S. Nicolet Street, Mackinaw City, MI 49701 |
FOX Bet | Odawa Casino (Petoskey) | 1760 Lears Road, Petoskey, MI 49770 |
Golden Nugget | Ojibwa Casino (Baraga) | 16449 Michigan Avenue, Baraga, MI 49908 |
Golden Nugget | Ojibwa Casino (Marquette) | 105 Acre Trail, Marquette, MI 49855 |
PointsBet | Northern Waters Casino Resort | N5384 US-45, Watersmeet, MI 49969 |
TwinSpires | Island Resort & Casino | 399 US-2 W., Harris, MI 49845 |
WynnBET | Kewadin Casino (Christmas) | N7761 Candy Cane Lane, Christmas, MI 49862 |
WynnBET | Kewadin Casino (Hessel) | N. 3 Mile Road, Hessel, MI 49745 |
WynnBET | Kewadin Casino (Manistique) | 5630 US Highway 2 W., Manistique, MI 49854 |
WynnBET | Kewadin Casino (Sault Ste. Marie) | 2186 Shunk Road, Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783 |
WynnBET | Kewadin Shores Casino (St. Ignace) | 3015 Mackinac Trail, St Ignace, MI 49781 |
Michigan Lottery Locations
Currently, Michigan Lottery does not have a partnership with any sportsbooks, so you cannot place bets at any lottery retailer in the Great Lakes State. This is unlikely to change, given that it would require an amendment to the state’s lottery and sports betting laws.
Off-Track and Stadium Betting Locations
There are no stadium or off-track betting facilities in Michigan, despite partnerships between the state’s major league teams and sportsbooks, like the agreement between Detroit Tigers and BetMGM. You may see sportsbook branding around stadiums, but no wagers are accepted on-site.
Several Michigan sportsbooks have also opened sports bars encouraging patrons to place wagers on their phones, like the DraftKings Sports and Social venue at Somerset Connection and the PointsBet Sports Bar. There are no betting kiosks at these sites, but should the Michigan Gaming Control Board legalize sports betting in bars, these facilities will surely accept wagers.
There is only one horse racetrack in the Great Lakes State, Northville Downs. While you can place off-track pari-mutuel wagers at several racebooks, like TVG, TwinSpires, and Caesars Racebook, MI has no off-track betting locations. Therefore, wagering at Northville Downs or through pari-mutuel betting apps are your only options for betting on horse racing.
Michigan Responsible Gambling Resources
Like many states, Michigan has a state-wide self-exclusion program that prevents self-excluded players from registering or gambling at any casino licensed by the MGCB. You can voluntarily join the program for either five years or life. At the end of your self-exclusion period, you can change your status. Every Michigan online sports betting site must offer this to bettors following MGCB regulations.
Michigan sportsbooks will also direct you to third-party organizations like the Michigan Association on Problem Gambling, the Michigan Department of Health & Human Services, and the National Council on Problem Gambling. A proportion of sports betting tax revenue in MI is directed toward helping problem gamblers.
Teams to Bet on in Michigan
Pro Sports
Detroit Red Wings
With 11 Stanley Cup wins, Detroit Red Wings is one of the most historic National Hockey League (NHL) teams. A member of the NHL’s Eastern Conference Atlantic Division, the team was formed in 1926 and was a part of the Original Six teams, which formed the entirety of the league for 25 years between 1942 and 1967. Alongside its 11 championships, it has won six conference titles, six Presidents’ Trophies, and 19 divisional titles.
Detroit Tigers
Established in 1894, Detroit Tigers was originally a member of the Western League before becoming a charter member of Major League Baseball’s American League (AL) in 1901. Today, it is a member of the AL’s Central Division and has won four World Series championships, 11 AL pennants, and four divisional titles. It plays its home games at Comerica Park, moving to the ballpark in 2000.
Detroit Lions
Detroit Lions are a member of the National Football League (NFL)’s National Football Conference (NFC) North division, playing its home games at Ford Field in Detroit. The team was founded as the Portsmouth Spartans in Ohio before relocating to Detroit in 1934. Initially, the team was successful, winning a championship in its first season in Motor City. Still, it has struggled since, only winning two titles in over 90 years of history in Detroit. The team won just one playoff game between 1991-2022, holding the longest active postseason win drought.
Detroit Pistons
Detroit Pistons is a National Basketball Association (NBA) Eastern Conference Central Division member. The team was founded as Fort Wayne Zollner Pistons, a works team from the Zollner Corporation in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and joined the professional National Basketball League (NBL) in 1941. The NBL and the BAA merged in 1948 to form the NBA, and in 1957 the team relocated to Detroit. It has won two NBL championships, three NBA championships, five conference titles, and 11 divisional titles.
College Sports
Central Michigan University Chippewas
Central Michigan University Chippewas fields 16 men’s and women’s intercollegiate teams at the NCAA Division I level. Its men’s football team is its most prominent program. The Chippewas won an NCAA Division II championship in 1974 and its first bowl game in 2006 when it defeated the Middle Tennessee State University Blue Raiders in the 2006 Motor City Bowl. It has since won the GMAC Bowl in 2009, Little Caesars Bowl in 2012, and the Sun Bowl in 2021.
University of Detroit-Mercy Titans
Intercollegiate teams from the University of Detroit Mercy, known as Detroit Mercy Tigers, compete in NCAA Division I as part of the Horizon League. The Titans are considered a strong “mid-major” men’s basketball program and reached the NCAA tournament on six occasions. It won the Horizon League tournament in 2012, beating Valparaiso University Crusaders in the tournament final.
Eastern Michigan University Eagles
Eastern Michigan University Eagles (EMU) are an NCAA Division I intercollegiate program competing in the Mid-American Conference (MAC). Its men’s football team waited for 29 years to become bowl-eligible, between 1987 and 2019, but under head coach Chris Creighton reached five bowls in six years. In 2022, EMU beat the San Jose State Spartans in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl to win its first bowl in 35 years.
University of Michigan Wolverines
One of the famous intercollegiate programs in the country, the University of Michigan Wolverines, claims 11 national football titles, nine ice hockey titles, two baseball titles, and a basketball title. Its home football field, Michigan Stadium, nicknamed “The Big House,” is one of the largest in the country, with a capacity of 107,601.
Michigan State University Spartans
Intercollegiate teams representing Michigan State University, nicknamed the Spartans, are some of the most successful in NCAA Division I. Its men’s basketball program produced Magic Johnson, who won a national championship with the school in 1979. Under head coach Tom Izzo, the team made six of 12 NCAA Finals Fours between 1999 and 2010, winning the school’s second national championship in 2000. Its football program claims six national titles, the last of which came in 1966.
Oakland University Golden Grizzlies
Oakland University Golden Grizzlies are a member of NCAA Division I, competing in the Horizon League. Its most prominent program is men’s basketball, which made the NCAA Men’s Tournament three times since its transition to Division I but hasn’t progressed past the first round. In 2017, the school was Horizon League regular season champion.
Western Michigan University Broncos
Intercollegiate teams from Western Michigan University, known as the Broncos, compete in NCAA Division I in the MAC. The school sponsors six men’s and nine women’s varsity teams, and its men’s football team is the most prominent. The school reached its first bowl game in 1961 but waited 54 years to win its first, beating Middle Tennessee University Blue Raiders in 2015 in the Bahamas Bowl. In 2021, the school beat the University of Nevada Wolf Pack in the Quick Lane Bowl for its second bowl victory.
How Does Michigan Compare to Other States?
Market Coverage
With plenty of Michigan online sports betting sites available, MI bettors have a great selection of markets. There are also few restrictive sports betting laws, so nearly all professional and collegiate sports are available for betting. No restrictions on in-state college teams or college prop betting exist, so bettors are free to wager on popular college teams like Michigan Wolverines and Michigan State Spartans.
Competitive Odds & Prices
The available Michigan sports betting sites are also available in many other US states, and most operators provide the same betting lines across the US. That means players can get the same competitive odds as many other US bettors. Many MI sportsbooks have partnerships with local teams and offer odds boosts on games featuring those franchises regularly.
Gambling Revenue
An 8.4% tax is applied to gross gaming revenue from sports betting, and each sportsbook must pay 0.25% of its betting handle in excise taxes. There is also a $50 tax on every employee involved with taking wagers.
MI collected $24,660,065 in state betting taxes between the legalization of sports betting in March 2020 and January 2023. Most of this money is allocated to the Michigan School Aid Fund, which covers foundation allowance, special education, at-risk programs, school meals, and vocational education, among other education programs. The revenue also funds aid for state firefighters with cancer and a state fund through the Department of Health and Human Services for problem gamblers.
Betting Taxes
Gambling winnings are considered taxable income under the Michigan Income Tax Act. As MI has a flat income tax system, all income earners pay 4.25% of taxable income. Unlike in some other states, losses are not deductible.
In addition to state taxes, sports betting taxes are taken at the federal level, so you must declare any profit on your IRS tax form W-2G. Some sportsbooks will withhold 25% of your winnings for tax purposes. Any profit over $600 is subject to tax, and your sportsbook will send you the relevant documents if you pass this threshold.
Who Oversees Sports Betting in Michigan?
The Michigan Gaming Control Board is the oversight body responsible for sports betting in MI. The organization awards betting licenses, collects taxes, issues fines, and regulates Michigan online sports betting sites to ensure operators are safe for bettors.
The MCGB is made up of permanent executive staff and board members. The Governor of Michigan appoints board members to represent the public interest and ensure a fair process. Executive staff members have permanent positions within the organization.
Best Sports Betting Site in Michigan
There are a lot of high-quality Michigan betting operators, but our experts believe that BetMGM is the best. You can use its site to place sports bets, enjoy casino gambling, and compete in online poker with one shared wallet and account. The desktop site is one of the best designed in MI and gives you access to hundreds of betting markets and slots. Anyone that signs up with BetMGM also joins the MGM Rewards program.
To get started at BetMGM, click the links on this page and sign up today.
Our Verdict: | 9.7/10 |
Accessible via: | iOS, Android, Desktop App |
Casino Games: | 300+ |
Welcome Offer | $1,000 first bet offer |
Top Pros: | Great welcome bonus and loads of free-to-enter sportsbook pools running each week |
Cons: | Does not offer live streaming |