Michigan Sports Betting
Legal Michigan sports betting began in March 2020 when the state’s three Detroit-based casinos unveiled their retail sportsbooks.
Ten online sportsbooks launched in January 2021, marking the beginning of mobile sports betting in Michigan. Additional sports betting sites have launched since to complement Michigan’s many land-based sportsbooks at commercial and tribal casinos.
Under Michigan online sports betting and gambling law, licensed commercial casinos and tribal gaming properties may operate retail sportsbooks, mobile betting platforms, online casinos, and poker sites.
Read on to learn more about Michigan betting apps, including how to take advantage of numerous welcome bonuses and other promotional offers.
Legal Michigan Betting Sites
21+ and present in MI. T&Cs Apply. Gambling Problems? Call 1-800-270-7117 for confidential help.
Michigan Online Sports Betting Apps
Mobile sports betting is legal in Michigan, and gamblers have many options to choose from thanks to laws that foster competition and innovation. The MGCB regulates sports betting and ensures mobile sportsbooks treat customers fairly. The first Michigan betting sites launched in January 2021, and more have followed suit since.
State law establishes a minimum age of 21 or older to bet online in Michigan. Users may download mobile betting apps for iOS and Android devices from anywhere but must be located within state lines to place wagers. Most Michigan mobile sportsbooks also operate websites that users can visit from any desktop to bet online with no download necessary.
Below, we list the best Michigan sports betting mobile apps in terms of reputation, experience, variety of markets, line quality, promotions, and software.
Alternatively, new BetRivers Casino players can make a first deposit to get an instant casino bonus. The casino bonus has a reasonable 1x rollover, which makes it significantly better than most other Michigan gambling bonuses that require customers to play through their bonus funds 10, 20, or even 30 times before withdrawing.
Other Michigan Online Sportsbooks
Michigan Sportsbook Promo Codes
Most Michigan betting sites do not require bonus codes for new customers to claim a welcome offer. In most cases, bettors receive bonuses automatically upon registration and deposit.
However, some sportsbooks do ask for bonus codes or promo codes upon signup or deposit, but even in these cases, customers can usually leave them blank. See the following table for a complete list of current promo codes.
Online Sportsbook | Welcome Bonus | Promo Code |
---|---|---|
BetMGM Michigan Bonus Code | Bet $5, Get $150 | BUSABONUS |
DraftKings Michigan Promo Code | No Sweat Bet up to $1,000 | Not Needed |
BetRivers Michigan Bonus Code | Second chance bet up to $500 | BUSA |
FanDuel Michigan Promo Code | Bet $5, Get $150 in Bonus Bets | Not Needed |
Caesars Sportsbook Michigan Promo Code | $1000 Bonus Bet | BUSA1000 |
Michigan Sports Betting Bonuses
Michigan has all the ingredients needed for a healthy sports betting bonus landscape. Low taxes, lots of competition, and consumer protection laws that specifically address sportsbook promotions all make Michigan a good place to be for the value-minded bettor.
State law requires all promotions to be fair and non-predatory, but the best Michigan betting bonuses stand above the rest in terms of value. Here’s a snapshot of the kind of Michigan welcome bonuses new players can expect to see:
- Bonus bets: This is by far the most popular type of welcome bonus. A bonus bet requires new bettors to first place an eligible cash wager. The book only issues a refund if the wager loses, and the refund is paid in either bonus bets or site credit, never cash. The term “risk-free” is a misnomer since bettors must incur upfront risk to take advantage of the offer.
- First deposit match bonus: This format is a favorite among online casinos, but a few MI sportsbooks use it too. The sportsbook matches a bettor’s first deposit either fully or partially with a bonus. The bonus must be turned over a number of times before it converts to cash. The lower the turnover requirement, the bettor the offer.
- First wager match bonus: Instead of matching a bettor’s first deposit, the Michigan sportsbook matches the size of a bettor’s first wager, usually dollar-for-dollar. The matched bet may be paid as a credit or as a sportsbook bonus with a wagering requirement.
Michigan Law on Sports Betting Promotions
Michigan law regulates promotional offerings to protect consumers from unfair or deceiving practices.
As a result, most Michigan betting bonuses are simple in nature and non-predatory. Not all promotions are great, but outright scams will be rare for as long as the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) oversees the industry.
R 432.749 of the MI sports betting regulations deals with promotions, advertising, and loyalty programs.
The key provisions related to betting promotions read as follows:
(2) A sports betting operator or internet sports betting platform provider may conduct internet sports betting bonus and promotional wagering offers subject to all of the following:
(a) A sports betting operator or internet sports betting platform provider must maintain a record of all bonus and promotional wagering offers related to internet sports betting in an electronic file that is readily available to the board.
(b) All bonus and promotional wagering offers must be stated in clear and unambiguous terms and must be accessible by the authorized participant after the offer is accepted and before completion.
(c) Offer terms and the record of all offers must include all of the following at a minimum:
(i) The date and time the offer is active and expires.
(ii) Authorized participant eligibility, including any limitations on participation.
(iii) Any restriction on withdrawals of funds.
(iv) Wagering requirements and limitations on events or wager types.
(v) The order in which funds are used for wagers.
(vi) Eligible events or wager types.
(vii) Rules regarding cancellation.
The rules further state that sportsbook operators must provide an easy and conspicuous method for Michigan sports bettors to cancel participation in promotional offers that come with wagering requirements. Operators are also prohibited by law from limiting winnings earned while participating in an offer.
Michigan Sports Betting Promotions
In addition to lucrative welcome bonuses, Michigan online sports betting sites compel bettors to stick around through their frequent recurrent promotions.
Some sportsbooks support more aggressive promotional schedules than others, but generally, here’s a glance at the type of offers bettors can expect to find:
- Odds boosts: Nearly every MI sportsbook incorporates odds boosts into its promotional menu. Sportsbooks select certain bets and then offer more favorable odds on these events. Usually, the maximum wager amount on odds boosts is capped between $25 and $100.
- Profit boosts: Similar to odds boosts, except instead of better odds, bettors receive a percentage bonus on top of their regular winnings.
- Reduced juice: They may not be the most glamorous promotions, but reduced juice offers provide more value than nearly any other promo. Books slash the VIG on select bets. For instance, they may offer -105 or even +100 lines on NFL spreads, as opposed to the usual -110.
- Bet & Get: Bettors who wager a certain amount on a game or market will receive a small bonus bet or sports betting bonus.
- Parlay insurance: Bettors who place a multi-leg parlay wager will receive a refund, usually as a bonus bet or site credit, if just one leg loses.
- Leaderboards: These free-to-play contests award bettors who make the most correct picks for an NFL slate. May be conducted weekly or seasonally.
- Crossover promotions: In states where both online casino gaming and sports betting are legal, like Michigan, operators may offer promotions that award casino bonuses for placing sports wagers, or vice versa.
In addition, MI betting apps may support loyalty programs that award reward points, which may be exchanged for bonus bets, site credit, merch, or other amenities. VIPs may receive special customized promotions that have significant upside.
Michigan online sportsbooks may also support promos with structures similar to welcome bonuses. bonus bets, deposit match, and matched bet promos aimed at returning players are fairly common, although their monetary caps are often significantly lower compared to new player packages.
How to Bet Online in Michigan
Getting up and running with a Michigan mobile sportsbook is an easy process, especially since there is no in-person registration required. Bettors can download, sign-up, and fund MI betting apps from just about anywhere, even while out-of-state. The only restriction is that to place real-money wagers, bettors must be physically located within Michigan’s state borders.
Here’s a quick glance at the process:
Depositing at Michigan Sportsbooks
State regulations authorize Michigan online sportsbooks to accept a wide variety of betting deposit methods:
- Credit and debit cards
- Cash or cash equivalent at a location approved by the board (such as at the casino)
- Reloadable prepaid gift card (anonymous cards not permitted; card must be issued directly to the user and non-transferable)
- ACH bank transfer
- Wire transfer
- Promotional credits, winnings, and account adjustments made by the operator
- Any other method approved by the MGCB
The most common depositing methods found on Michigan betting apps are online banking via Trustly, ACH (eCheck) through VIP Preferred, PayPal, Play+ branded prepaid cards, branded or generic gift cards, PayNearMe, and cash at the casino cage.
State law also requires Michigan sportsbooks to honor withdrawal requests within ten business days unless the operator believes in good faith that the patron acted in a criminal or fraudulent manner.
In reality, Michigan sports betting sites issue most cashouts must faster than that, with turnaround times averaging just 1-2 business days. Most withdrawal methods require bettors to use them once before requesting a payout, but bettors will always have at least one easy way to quickly receive their funds.
In addition, sportsbooks often ask bettors to provide additional documentation, such as a recent bank statement, before processing their first withdrawal.
Michigan Sportsbook Locations
Retail sportsbooks and mobile betting apps are licensed and regulated in Michigan. As additional sportsbooks in Michigan launch, BettingUSA will update this page with details on each.
Michigan Sports Betting Law
Michigan sports betting is legal at retail sportsbooks and via mobile sports betting sites and apps thanks to a large online gaming package signed into law by Governor Gretchen Whitmer in December 2019. In addition to authorizing sports betting, the bills also legalized online casino games, poker, and daily fantasy sports.
Key points from the Michigan sports betting law include:
- Commercial casinos in Detroit and Class III tribal casinos may apply for sports betting licenses
- Each casino may contract with a third-party provider to launch one online/mobile sportsbook
- Establishes the Division of Sports Betting to regulate the industry and adopt additional regulations as needed
- Sports leagues may request the Division to prohibit certain types of wagers or events if there are valid integrity concerns (readers can view the approved sports wagering catalog here)
- Division has the authority to decide if official league data must be used to settle in-play wagers
- Establishes hefty new penalties for acting as an illegal, unlicensed sports betting provider – felony charge, up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $100,000
- Sets a minimum age of 21 to bet on sports
Michigan sportsbook licensing costs and tax rates:
- 8.4% state tax plus 1.25% municipal fee in cities that host casinos
- Michigan sports betting license: $50,000 initial application fee, $100,000 successful licensing fee and an annual renewal fee of $50,000
- Supplier license: $5,000 licensing fee and $2,500 annual renewal fee
How Michigan Online Sportsbooks are Regulated
The Lawful Sports Betting Act establishes the general guidelines under which mobile sportsbooks may operate. Additional regulations (R 432.711 to R 432.77) adopted by the MGCB fill in the details to create an industry that is well-regulated, safe, and responsible.
Passing the Michigan Sports Betting Bill
No small amount of negotiations between pro-gaming lawmakers and Governor Whitmer was needed to legalize sports betting and online gambling in Michigan. The governor’s chief concern was that legalizing online gambling would divert revenue away from the lottery and in turn, hurt funding for the Michigan School Aid Fund.
In the end, lawmakers struck an agreement with Governor Whitmer to raise the proposed tax rate and allocate revenue generated by online gaming to the School Aid Fund and Responder Coverage Fund to assist first responders stricken with cancer while on the job.
Both sides found the compromise acceptable, and Governor Whitmer signed HB 4916 for sports betting along with two other bills for online gambling and daily fantasy sports. Now, Michigan casinos may apply for licenses to operate retail sportsbooks and online betting platforms.
Michigan Horse Racing Betting
Michigan is home to one full-time racetrack at Northville Downs and a handful of licensed horse racing betting sites. The Michigan legislature legalized advance deposit wagering in 2019 and several mobile racebooks have launched since.
Michigan Daily Fantasy Sports
Daily fantasy sports sites such as FanDuel and DraftKings have been operating for years in Michigan and nearly received formal legal status in 2018 with a piece of legislation that created a licensing process and established some basic consumer protection regulations.
That bill was vetoed on the same day in 2018 as the failed online gambling and sports betting bills, but lawmakers took up the issue once again the following year with the introduction of HB 4308.
Governor Whitmer signed the bill into law in December 2019 to formally legalize DFS, create a licensing process, and establish consumer protection regulations.
Michigan Online Gambling
Online casinos and poker sites are legal in Michigan for players 21 or older at gambling sites licensed by the MGCB.
Residents may also play the Michigan Lottery online. The official Michigan Lottery website offers online lottery ticket sales, subscriptions, and instant-win scratch cards for players 18 or older.
Michigan Online Casinos
Licensed Michigan gambling sites accept customers 21 or older and provide access to a full range of casino-style games:
- Slots
- Table games like blackjack and baccarat
- Video poker
- Live dealer games
Readers can see a complete list of licensed online casinos in Michigan at the MGCB website here or follow the link below for BettingUSA’s recommended gambling sites:
Michigan Poker Sites
Three Michigan poker sites hold MGCB licenses and accept players 21 or older. All Michigan poker sites offer a mix of cash games and tournaments, but each takes a slightly different approach and has unique strengths.
For example, BetMGM Poker has unbelievably soft ring games, while WSOP Poker has a near lock on satellites to major land-based events. Meanwhile, PokerStars is the number one spot for online tournaments.
Follow the link below for an overview of the Michigan online poker market and more details about every licensed operator:
Michigan Online Lottery
The Michigan Lottery offers online ticket sales and instant win games for customers 18 and older. Players do not need to be residents, so anyone physically located within state lines is welcome to sign up and play online.
Governor Rick Snyder expressed support for taking the Michigan Lottery online in 2013, and the state lottery bureau promptly got to work. In late 2014, the Michigan Lottery launched its online platform to little fanfare, but word got out, and Michigan’s iLottery has experienced growth every year since.
The Michigan online lottery platform offers a full lottery experience from anywhere in the state. With an online account, customers can play 160+ online lottery games and buy tickets to all major drawings.
Readers can try the Michigan Lottery online and claim a welcome bonus at:
Michigan Online Gambling Laws
The Michigan legislature legalized online gambling and poker sites in 2019 via HB 4311.
Also known as the Lawful Internet Gaming Act, HB 4311 authorized land-based casinos to offer online gambling and poker. Key points from the law include:
- Customers must be 21 or older to play real-money casino games and poker online in Michigan
- The Michigan Gaming Control Board regulates online casinos and poker sites in Michigan
- Each land-based Casino in Michigan may operate up to two online gambling brands, one each for casino-style games and online poker
In the past, Michigan law considered it a crime to use the internet to play at unlicensed gambling sites. Public Act 185 repealed that provision in 2000, but offshore gambling sites in Michigan still pose significant financial risks.
Unliked licensed Michigan gambling sites, offshore casinos are unregulated. That means they are not subject to basic consumer protection measures regarding fair gaming and customers’ funds, and players have no recourse if they are defrauded or have disputes with operators.
Organizing unlawful gambling games remains expressly illegal in Michigan. MI Comp L § 432.218 calls for up to 10 years’ imprisonment and a fine of up to $100,000 for organizing an unlicensed gambling game:
(1) A person is guilty of a felony punishable by imprisonment for not more than 10 years or a fine of not more than $100,000.00, or both, and shall be barred from receiving or maintaining a license for doing any of the following:
(a) Conducting a gambling operation where wagering is used or to be used without a license issued by the board.
(b) Conducting a gambling operation where wagering is permitted other than in the manner specified in section 9.
Responsible Gambling in Michigan
Michigan sports betting and gambling regulations require all licensed operators to support responsible gambling and provide information to customer about maintaining healthy gambling habits.
Additionally, Michigan has multiple problem gambling resources that anyone can contact for help, information about treatment, and self-exclusion.
- Michigan Problem Gambling Helpline: Call 24 hours a day at 1-800-270-7117 for advice, prevention information, screening services, treatment referrals, and assistance to friends and loved ones affected by a problem gambler
- Don’t Regret the Bet Michigan: Problem gambling information, tips, and resources
Two prominent national resources include Gamblers Anonymous and the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG).
Michigan Sports Betting and Gambling Self-Exclusion
Bettors may visit the Michigan Gaming Control Board website here to initiate a self-exclusion request that will prevent them from participating in one or more of the following forms of gambling for one year, five years, and potentially a lifetime:
- Online Sports Betting: Michigan online sportsbooks do not accept registrations, deposits, or wagers from anyone on the self-exclusion list
- Online Gambling: Online casinos licensed in Michigan do not accept customers who have self-excluded
- Detroit Casinos: Self-excluded gamblers may not enter Detroit’s commercial casinos for at least five years
Bettors who wish to self-exclude from online sports betting, online casinos, or both can download a Responsible Gaming Database application from the MGCB website to begin the process. After completing the form, applicants can submit it to the MGCB via three methods:
- In-Person: Bring the completed application to Greektown Casino, MGM Grand, MotorCity Casino, or the MGCB office in Detroit during regular business hours.
- Online: Print, complete, and notarize the application, then e-mail it to MGCB-RGD@Michigan.gov
- By Mail: Mail the completed and notarized application to the Michigan Gaming Control Board at:
Michigan Gaming Control Board
Attention: Responsible Gaming Section
3062 W Grand Blvd, Suite L-700
Detroit, MI 18202
Important Michigan self-exclusion points:
- There is no way to end a self-exclusion period early; excluded individuals must complete the selected exclusion period
- Self-exclusion from Detroit’s casinos lasts at least five years; gamblers may apply to end the exclusion after a minimum of five years
- Self-exclusion from Michigan online sports betting and gambling lasts for one or five years; bettors drop off the exclusion list automatically at the end of the selected term
- Some casinos automatically ban players who self-exclude in Michigan from visiting their properties nationwide
- The MGCB does not offer a self-exclusion program for tribal casinos; however, tribal casinos have internal exclusion programs patrons may join