Last Updated May 11, 2022, 01:58 PM ET
Michigan launched online sports betting in January 2021, with 10 U.S. betting sites opening their virtual doors to Michiganders. The Wolverine State has quickly become one of the top legal sports betting markets in the nation, boasting 15 online sportsbooks.
MI bettors can use mobile devices to complete the registration process and start placing wagers from anywhere in the state. New users also benefit from eye-popping welcome offers topping $1,000, as sportsbooks compete for the attention of new sports bettors.
Covers has been a digital leader in all things sports betting for more than two decades. We’ve compiled our list of the best legal sportsbooks in Michigan above.
When Caesars replaced the William Hill brand in Michigan, sports bettors gained access to what has become the best sportsbook in Michigan. The revamped online betting site boasts a modern look, a user-friendly mobile platform, significant betting options, and plenty of odds boosts.
We can't overlook the Caesars MI welcome bonus either. The built-in protections equate to your first bet insured up to $1,100 when using promo code COVERSCZR. If your first-time wager registers as a loss, you’ll receive a free bet, equal to your losing wager, in your account.
Caesars Michigan rolled out brand-new mobile apps for Apple and Android devices, which offer tremendous functionality, a clean layout, and a shared wallet with its casino platform for seamless online banking. Integration with the Caesars Rewards program propelled Caesars to become one of the best mobile sports betting apps for 2022.
Aside from aesthetics and brand recognition, Caesars MI offers a massive range of betting markets and posts competitive pregame and live betting odds. Its customer support channels, including 24/7 live chat, hit the mark too.
Learn all about Caesars and its features through our unbiased Caesars Sportsbook review.
One of the largest betting markets in the U.S, there is no shortage of enticing sports betting welcome offers in Michigan. If you’re looking for maximum value, here are the sign-up bonuses we recommend in 2022:
FanDuel - $1,000 Risk-Free Bet: New FanDuel Michigan users can claim a risk-free bet of up to $1,000. If you lose your first bet, you’ll get the full amount back as non-withdrawable site credit.
Caesars Sportsbook - Up to $1,100 in First Bet Insurance: Users new to Caesars Michigan can use promo code COVERSCZR to opt into up to $1,100 in first bet insurance. This “risk-free” bet resembles FanDuel’s offer, with Caesars awarding bettors a single free bet — up to $1,100 — if the first wager fails to convert.
BetMGM - $1,000 Risk-Free Bet: A third risk-free promotion in Michigan, BetMGM refunds sports bettors up to $1,000 in site credit should their initial wager come up short.
PointsBet - $500 Risk-Free Bet: PointsBet rounds out Michigan's list of risk-free wagers with an offer that's half the size of its competitors'. Still, new PointsBet MI users benefit from a fallback option should their initial stake of up to $500 register as a loss.
WynnBET - Bet $10, Win $200: WynnBET Michigan is rewarding new users with $200 in free bets. Simply deposit and wager at least $10 on odds of -120 or higher and Wynn will deposit four $50 free bets into your account.
Terms and conditions apply to all bonuses and promotional offers.
The official sports betting partner of Michigan State Athletics, Caesars Sportsbook MI has garnered plenty of attention in the Great Lakes State with its huge sign-up bonus and excellent mobile betting app. Caesars also leans on superb customer support and a world-class rewards program to bring Michiganders a premium sports betting experience. New and seasoned sports bettors will find what they're looking for with Caesars Sportsbook Michigan.
Read our Caesars Sportsbook Review for more on the best sportsbook in Michigan.
Thrill-seeking Michigan sports bettors should turn to PointsBet and its proprietary Points Betting system. With Points Betting, you can win — or lose — big depending on the accuracy of your wagers. PointsBet MI also gives Michiganders "Good Karma Payouts" when unforeseen circumstances affect betting outcomes (think blown calls or key injuries). Bettors can claim another great Michigan welcome bonus with the sportsbook, as PointsBet is currently offering up to $500 in risk-free bets.
Refer to our PointsBet Review to learn more.
Partnered with the Detroit Red Wings and Detroit Tigers, FanDuel Michigan brings bettors an all-encompassing online sports betting experience. We've tabbed FanDuel's $1,000 risk-free welcome offer as the best available in Michigan, and the sportsbook's mobile app can go toe-to-toe with the best in the nation. FanDuel MI also has some of the best same-game parlays and live betting sections of any sportsbook in Michigan.
Check out our FanDuel Review for more on FanDuel MI.
In addition to its top-tier sports betting app, which looks great and performs better, DraftKings Michigan's collection of sports and betting markets is among the best in the state. Regardless of your preferred bet type, you'll almost surely find it at DraftKings. The sportsbook's promos section is always packed with exciting opportunities, and gamblers have plenty of options when funding or withdrawing winnings from their accounts.
Refer to our DraftKings Review for more on DraftKings MI.
BetRivers MI is a reliable sportsbook with consistently good odds and a rock-solid mobile app. The operator's rewards program — iRush Rewards — allows users to level up and accumulate points every time they lock in a bet. Odds boosts and other unique promos have also become fixtures with the sportsbook. BetRivers does everything well and should not be overlooked in Michigan.
Check out our BetRivers Review for more insight and expert analysis.
It’s easy to get started with sports betting in Michigan. With remote registration, Michiganders and their visitors can visit the legal Michigan sports betting websites via a desktop computer or download an app onto a mobile device. Players can also place bets in person at one of Detroit’s three commercial casinos or a tribal casino offering sports betting.
Check out our sportsbook reviews and choose the betting site that best fits your needs. Consider betting opportunities, promotions, customer service, and ease of financial transactions.
Registration should be completed in a matter of minutes. Simply enter your personal information and credit card details to get underway.
New players in Michigan are often prompted to enter a promo code before wrapping up the registration process. These bonus offers are used by sportsbooks in an effort to gain a competitive edge and entice bettors to choose their services. Here are the most popular types of offers:
The most popular bets in Michigan include the point spread, moneyline, Over/Under (totals), props, and futures bets. Michigan sports betting sites have access to real-time data and can offer updated odds, making live betting one of the most attractive options.
Adding real money funds is a required step in the account creation process. You will likely be redirected to the sportsbook’s banking section or cashier following the initial sign-up. Once there, choose your preferred deposit option.
We advise all range of bettors to research the games and events prior to placing any wagers. Research can include understanding the game’s participants and also searching for the best lines available.
Securing your winnings in a timely manner is key to legal online sports betting. Those of you who win a bet should have the ability to easily withdraw funds. Keep in mind that processing and withdrawal times differ depending on the sportsbook and its policies.
The majority of legal sportsbooks operating in Michigan will display American odds. The default for futures odds and props also use moneyline odds instead of fractions or decimal points.
In this scenario, favorites are identified by a minus (-) sign and reference the amount you have to bet in order to win $100. In this example, -150 odds indicate that you would be required to wager $150 to claim a $100 profit. Underdogs are accompanied by a plus (+) sign and indicate the amount you’ll win if you bet $100. For example, +200 odds indicate you’d take home $200 in profit when placing a wager of $100. Underdogs are less likely to win, and the larger payout reflects this situation.
Some Michigan sportsbook apps allow players to change how the odds are presented in order to make the information easier to understand. Our odds converter allows you to switch between American, decimal, and fractions.
In December 2019, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed off on the Lawful Gaming Act, which allowed nearly every type of online gambling provider in the state to apply for a license. In-person betting has been permitted since March 2020.
This timeline highlights milestones in Michigan's sports gambling history:
April 14, 2022: Eagle Casino & Sports becomes the 15th online sports betting platform in Michigan.
Feb. 23, 2022: The Kalamazoo Wings become the first ECHL team to solidify an online sportsbook and iCasino partnership. The K-Wings strike a deal with Firekeepers Casino Hotel.
Feb. 16, 2022: Michigan sets its fifth-straight single-month record for sports betting handle in January, registering $532.7 million.
Jan. 13, 2022: Caesars Entertainment Inc. announces Caesars Sportsbook has been named the official sports betting and iGaming partner of Michigan State Athletics.
Dec. 30. 2021: Michigan will permit bettors to claim a state income tax deduction for gambling losses claimed on their federal tax return.
Dec. 21. 2021: Michigan sets a sports betting record for the third consecutive month, registering a new betting handle of $473.8 million in November.
November 2021: Saginaw Chippewa Gaming Enterprises agrees to a long-term, multi-channel sportsbook partnership with Kambi, a sports betting technology provider, to bring in-person betting to both Soaring Eagle Casino and Resort and Saganing Eagles Landing Casino and Hotel, as well as a new online sportsbook.
May 2021: Saginaw Chippewa Gaming Enterprises teams with GAN to handle its online sports betting and online casino operations, making it the last of 15 state casino operators to announce a partnership.
January 2021: Online sportsbooks officially launch in Michigan.
2020: Greektown Casino-Hotel and MGM Grand Detroit launch the state's first retail sportsbooks.
2019: Michigan lawmakers pass bills to allow online gambling, sports betting, and fantasy sports. After signing the bills into law, Governor Gretchen Whitmer encourages commercial and tribal casinos to apply for gambling and sports betting licenses.
2018: Former Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder vetoes the passing of a bill that would legalize online gambling in the state.
2017: Rep. Brandt Iden moves to pass online gambling legislation. Iden's Lawful Internet Gaming Act was the first to include specific sports betting language to pass through the Committee on Regulatory Reform.
2015-16: Rep. Robert Kosowski lays the groundwork for legalized sports betting in Michigan by introducing legislation — Bills H 4669, H 4670, and H 5828 — that aims to allow casinos and third parties to offer sports betting in the state.
Sports bettors in Michigan may place wagers via mobile sports betting apps or betting sites. In-person wagers can be placed at sportsbooks in state-licensed or tribal casinos.
Online sportsbook | Mobile app | Odds provider | Online casino | Retail partner |
---|---|---|---|---|
Barstool | Yes | Kambi | Yes | Greektown Casino |
BetMGM | Yes | BetMGM | Yes | MGM Grand Detroit |
BetRivers | Yes | Kambi | Yes | Little River Casino |
Caesars | Yes | Caesars | Yes | Turtle Creek Casino |
DraftKings | Yes | SBTech | Yes | Bay Mills |
Eagle Casino & Sports | Coming soon | GAN | Yes | Soaring Eagle Casino |
FanDuel | Yes | Flutter | Yes | MotorCity Casino |
FireKeepers | Yes | SG Digital | Yes | FireKeepers Casino |
Four Winds | Yes | Kambi | Yes | Four Winds Casino |
FOXBet | Yes | TSG | Yes | Odawa Casino |
Golden Nugget | Yes | SBTech | Yes | Ojibwa Casino |
Play Gun Lake (Parx) | Yes | Kambi | Yes | Gun Lake Casino |
PointsBet | Yes | PointsBet | Yes | Northern Waters Casino Resort |
TwinSpires | Yes | Kambi | No | Northville Downs |
WynnBET | Yes | GAN | Yes | Kewadin Casino-Hessel |
Sportsbook | Venue | Address | Phone number | Odds provider |
131 Sportsbook & Lounge | Gun Lake Casino | 1123 129th Ave, Wayland, MI 49348 | (269) 792-7777 | Kambi |
Ascend Sportsbook | Soaring Eagle Casino | 6800 E, 6800 Soaring Eagle Blvd, Mt Pleasant, MI 48858 | (989)-775-5777 | GAN |
Barstool Sportsbook | Greektown Casino | 555 E Lafayette St, Detroit, MI 48226 | (313) 223-2999 | Kambi |
BetMGM Sports Lounge | MGM Grand Detroit | 1777 3rd Ave, Detroit, MI 48226 | (877) 888-2121 | BetMGM |
Caesars Sportsbook at Turtle Creek Casino | Turtle Creek Casino | 7741 M-72, Williamsburg, MI 49690 | (231) 534-8870 | Caesars |
Caesars Sportsbook | Leelanau Sands Casino | 2521 NW Bayshore Drive, Peshawbestown, MI 49682 | (800) 922-2946 | Caesars |
River Rock Sportsbook & Grill | Little River Casino | 2700 Orchard Hwy, Manistee, MI 49660 | (866) 466-7338 | IGT |
DraftKings Sportsbook | Bay Mills | 11386 West Lakeshore Drive Brimley, MI 49715 | (888) 422-9645 | SBTech |
FanDuel Sportsbook | MotorCity Casino | 2901 Grand River Ave, Detroit, MI 48201 | (866) 782-9622 | Flutter |
Dacey's Sportsbook | FireKeepers Casino | 11177 East Michigan Ave, Battle Creek, MI 49014 | (877) 352-8777 | SG Digital |
Four Winds Kiosks | Four Winds Casinos | 3 locations: New Buffalo, Hartford, and Dowagiac | (866) 494-6371 | Kambi |
FOXBet Kiosks | Odawa Casinos | 2 locations: Petoskey and Mackinaw City | (877) 442-6464 | TSG |
PointsBet | Little Caesars Arena | 2645 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48201 | 313-471-7000 | PointsBet |
PointsBet Sportsbook | Northern Waters Casino Resort | US-45, Watersmeet, MI 49969 | (906) 358-4226 | PointsBet |
Stage 131 Sportsbook & Lounge | Gun Lake Casino | 1123 129th Ave, Wayland, MI 49348 | (269) 792-7777 | Kambi |
TwinSpires Sportsbook | Island Resort & Casino | W 399 US 2 & 41, Harris, MI 49845 | (800) 682-6040 | SBTech |
WynnBET Kiosks | Kewadin Casinos | 5 locations: Sault Ste. Marie, St. Ignace, Manistique, Christmas, Hessel | (800) 539-2346 | GAN |
You must be at least 21-years-old of age to bet on sports in Michigan or place a wager at a state-licensed casino.
Additionally, you’ll have your identity verified by online sportsbooks — using software approved by regulators — when not betting in person.
Persons aged 21 years and older can bet on sports in Michigan. This applies to individuals who are placing wagers online or in person at a licensed casino. Certain tribal casinos may permit bettors 18 or 19 years of age to wager.
In Michigan, you can legally place a wager via a mobile phone, tablet, or desktop computer. The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) regulates all online and commercial gambling, while the National Indian Gaming Commission oversees tribal casinos in Michigan.
Michigan sports betting can be done without having to step foot in a casino. From registration and identity verification to adding funds and placing a wager, full remote registration is allowed in Michigan.
When gambling on sports in Michigan, all players must be physically present in the state. While bettors are not required to be MI residents, online sportsbooks are required to verify that they are within state lines when attempting to add funds or place a wager.
Retail sportsbook betting is offered at 22 of Michigan’s 26 casinos — most of which contain sportsbook lounges. Some locations are limited to self-service betting kiosks.
Michigan now allows individuals to claim a state income tax deduction for gambling losses claimed on their federal tax return. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer enacted the law effective for the 2021 tax year and beyond.
Sports bet winnings are taxed as income, both at the federal and state level. Players are required to fork over 25% of all winnings to the Internal Revenue Services (IRS) for wins both small and large. Michigan law requires you to pay an additional 4.25 in state tax%.
Reporting gambling winnings up to $5,000 is your responsibility. Residents can claim casino and sports gambling losses on their tax forms, however, you cannot claim losses in excess of any claimed winnings.
The level of competition amongst sportsbooks in Michigan provides sports gamblers with a plethora of online and in-person options. Additionally, the streamlined registration process allows bettors to place their first wager almost instantly, and on almost any event.
While there's a natural hesitance to share personal information with online sportsbooks, they require the last four digits of your Social Security Number (SSN) to register.
Shortly after retail sports betting was given the green light in Michigan, the coronavirus pandemic caused sports leagues across the globe to shut down. Despite the limitations, Michigan sports betting has become a billion-dollar industry.
In February 2022, Michigan posted its lowest sports betting handle since September 2021. The Wolverine State should bounce back in a big way, however, with March Madness likely to account for a large portion of an enormous March handle.
This table shows the monetary breakdown from sports betting revenues across Michigan:
Year | Total handle | Revenue | Hold percentage | Tax revenue |
2022 | - | - | - | - |
2021 | $3.9B | $319M | 8% | $9.5M |
2020 | $130M | $18M | 15% | $1.53M |
Year | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Total |
2022 | $532.7M | $423.7M | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | $956.4M |
2021 | $150M | $325M | $384M | $274M | $258M | $259M | $206M | $208M | $386.8M | $497.6M | $473.8M | $514.6M | $3.9B |
2020 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | $15M | $33M | $46M | $25M | $10M | $129M |
Almost anything goes in Michigan. However, Michigan sports betting laws do specify that no bets can be made involving minors. Therefore, high school sports are off the table.
The Michigan Gaming Control Board does not permit betting on politics, including U.S. Presidential elections.
The MGCB has not authorized esports betting at state-licensed casinos or online sportsbooks. Currently, Little River Casino Resort — a tribal casino — is the only sportsbook reportedly offering to bet on esports.
College athletics are fair game in Michigan. Bettors can freely place wagers on games featuring Michigan, Michigan State, and other local collegiate programs.
The always entertaining — and often intriguing — NFL Draft has turned into a significant betting event. It is legal to bet the NFL Draft in Michigan, but there are cut-off times to keep in mind. Betting for the first round, typically held on a Thursday night, ends at midnight on Wednesday. Bets for the second and third rounds end Thursday night while wagering for rounds four through seven ends on Friday night.
While cheering for your hometown team is expected, be sure to do your due diligence before placing wagers on these clubs. Conducting thorough research, prior to placing any sort of bet on your favorite team, is highly encouraged. Brush up on the basics of sports betting with our how to bet guides.
Michigan is home to over two dozen casinos, one horse track, and a number of live and online poker rooms. Daily fantasy sports (DFS) were also legalized with the Lawful Internet Gaming Act of 2019.
Three Michigan casinos are located in Detroit, while 23 tribal casinos are found throughout the state. There are 13 online casinos operating legally in Michigan.
Michiganders will find a wide variety of casino games when visiting one of the state’s many casinos. Hundreds of table games are available, including classics like blackjack, roulette, three-card poker, and craps.
You’ll also find over 31,000 slot machines in Michigan. From standard reel games to progressive jackpot and 3D slot machines, options are plentiful.
Poker is played online and in person in Michigan. Live poker rooms can be found in each of the big three Detroit casinos and dozens of smaller rooms throughout the state. Online players can join tables at BetMGM Poker, WSOP.com, and PokerStars.
Michigan now features a single horse racing track — Northville Downs. Horse-racing enthusiasts can watch and bet on horse races at Northville Downs — or online, with the best horse racing betting sites, TVG and TwinSpires.
The two most popular DFS operators in Michigan are DraftKings and FanDuel. Other options for Michiganders include Yahoo Fantasy Sports, SportsHub Games Network, Fantasy Football Players Championship, Fantasy Sports Shark, Fulltime Fantasy Sports Network, and Boom Shakalaka Inc.
The MGCB has put measures into place to assist individuals with gambling problems. The Disassociated Persons List was developed to allow participants to voluntarily ban themselves from gambling at casinos in the state of Michigan.
Similarly, the Responsible Gambling Database houses a list of individuals who voluntarily prohibit themselves from betting online in Michigan.
Visit the Michigan Gaming Control BoardThe decision by SCOTUS to overturn the federal ban on sports gambling has produced several additional legal betting markets. Track the legal status of sports betting across the United States.
Legalized Sports betting also takes place in these states:
Illegal offshore betting sites do offer sports gambling in Michigan, but they should be avoided due to malicious and questionable practices. The safe option is to place wagers with a reputable and licensed sportsbook, that will honor your bets.
Yes, sports betting is legal in Michigan for adults 21 and older. Some tribal casinos allow 18 and 19 year-olds to gamble as well.
As of March 2020, you can bet on sports in Michigan at retail sportsbooks while online sports bets can be placed through websites and apps. You must be physically located in Michigan to wager in-person or online.
No, but you must be physically present in the state of Michigan to place a wager.
Adults 21 or older may place bets in person at a Michigan retail sportsbook or at Northville Downs race track. Bets can also be placed online via a sportsbook website or mobile app.
Yes, you can bet on professional and college teams based in Michigan.
The point spread, moneyline, Over/Under (totals), props, and futures bets are among the most popular bet types in Michigan.
Michigan has generated over $1 billion in gross revenue since sports betting was legalized in March 2020.
Detroit is home to Michigan’s three commercial casinos and is the epicenter of sports betting in the state.
Yes, DraftKings partnered with Michigan’s Bay MIlls Resort and Casino in June 2020 and has since opened both on-site and online.
Yes, FanDuel has partnered with Michigan’s MotorCity Casino and was among the first retail sportsbooks to open its doors in March 2020. They now operate both retail and online sportsbooks for MotorCity Casino.
Yes. BetMGM has entered into an exclusive sponsorship deal with the Detroit Lions and Detroit Red Wings. Additionally, PointsBet became the official sportsbook sponsor of the Detroit Tigers.
Jeff Watters is a content editor at Covers. Before he began supporting Covers experts in making smarter sports bettors in 2021, the well-traveled Nova Scotian and Atlanta Braves fanatic spent time writing about education, software, and NHL prospects.
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