Michigan Sports Betting

Legal Michigan Betting Sites

BetMGM Sportsbook$1500 Second Chance BetBetMGM Bonus Code: BUSABONUS Get Bonus
DraftKings SportsbookNo Sweat Bet up to $1,000DraftKings Promo Code: Not Needed Get Bonus
FanDuel SportsbookBet $5 Get $150FanDuel Promo Code: Not Needed Get Bonus
BetRivers SportsbookSecond Chance Bet Up To $500BetRivers Bonus Code: BUSA Get Bonus
Caesars Sportsbook$1000 Bonus BetCaesars Sportsbook Promo Code: BUSA1000 Get Bonus
TwinSpires$200 Deposit BonusTwinSpires Offer Code: BET200Get Bonus
DRF Bets$200 Deposit BonusDRFBets Promo Code: STAKESGet Bonus

21+ and present in MI. 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.

BetMGM Sportsbook$1500 Second Chance BetBetMGM Bonus Code: BUSABONUSGet Bonus
  • Launched: January 2021
  • Partner: MGM Grand Detroit
  • Expert Review: BetMGM Michigan

BetMGM Sportsbook Michigan is the online extension of MGM Grand Detroit and is one of the more popular sports betting sites. With the backing of MGM Resorts International, BetMGM spares no expense on marketing, which includes frequent real-money promotions for customers and an above-average sports betting welcome bonus.

The BetMGM Michigan app (iOS/Android) scores well in functionality, offers in-play betting, and provides live streaming video for select games. Sports betting market options cover the full range of professional, college, and international sports, and the lines are competitive compared to other Michigan sportsbooks.

On the downside, the user interface may be too busy for new bettors. Also, BetMGM tends to overly emphasize multi-leg parlays through its Parlay Generator and Easy Parlay features. The payouts on massive parlays may look appealing, but the house hold is extremely high.

New customers can claim the latest first bet offer by using the BetMGM Michigan bonus code BUSABONUS when registering.

DraftKings Michigan

DraftKings SportsbookNo Sweat Bet up to $1,000DraftKings Promo Code: Not NeededGet Bonus

DraftKings Sportsbook launched online sports betting in Michigan via it’s partnership with Bay Mills Resort and Casino. DraftKings Michigan regularly offers sports bettors creative promotions, bonuses, and added value integrated with the DraftKings Dynasty Rewards loyalty program.

The DraftKings Michigan app is best described as comprehensive, both for in-play betting and pregame wagers. DraftKings Sportsbook Michigan covers leagues and sporting events betting markets for individual games as thoroughly as any other operator.

A DraftKings Michigan promo code is not needed to claim the latest welcome bonus.

FanDuel SportsbookBet $5 Get $150FanDuel Promo Code: Not NeededGet Bonus
  • Launched: January 2021
  • Partner: MotorCity Casino
  • Expert Review: FanDuel Michigan

FanDuel Michigan launched online sports betting in January 2021 in partnership with MotorCity Casino.

FanDuel Michigan also offers online casino games integrated into the sportsbook app or available through a standalone app for iOS and Android devices.

FanDuel Sportsbook MI takes an aggressive approach to its welcome bonus, and that’s good news for bettors.

A FanDuel Michigan promo code is NOT needed to claim the latest signup offer.

Caesars Sportsbook$1000 Bonus BetCaesars Sportsbook Promo Code: BUSA1000Get Bonus

Caesars Sportsbook in Michigan offers legal online sports betting and operates retail sportsbooks through a partnership with the tribal gaming group that operates the Turtle Creek and Leelanau Sands Casinos.

The Caesars Sportsbook Michigan app provides an expansive betting menu, in-play wagering opportunities, and frequent promotions. Caesars odds boosts are best in class, offering players plenty of daily value opportunities, and its ties to Caesars Rewards are the icing on the cake.

New customers who register with the Caesars Sportsbook Michigan promo code BUSA1000 qualify for the best bonus available to first-time bettors:

BetRivers SportsbookSecond Chance Bet Up To $500BetRivers Bonus Code: BUSAGet Bonus
  • Launched: January 2021
  • Partner: Little River Casino Resort
  • Expert Review: BetRivers Michigan

BetRivers Sportsbook launched online sports betting in Michigan through a partnership with Little River Casino Resort. BetRivers Michigan is owned and operated by Rush Street Interactive, one of the only major sports betting operators headquartered in the USA.

The BetRivers Michigan app does not offer many promotions for casual bettors, and betting lines are sometimes suspect, but it excels in a few key areas:

  • Many betting markets per game (230+ for NFL/NBA games)
  • Streaming video to watch some games live while betting on them
  • Regular 20%+ profit boosts on major market events
  • Extraordinary loyalty program (iRush Rewards)

BetRivers Sportsbook offers new Michigan bettors a second chance sports bet.

Use the BetRivers Michigan bonus code BUSA when registering to claim the latest offer.

Other Michigan Online Sportsbooks

Fanatics Sportsbook is partnered with Lac Vieux Desert’s Northern Waters Casino Resort to offer legal online sports betting in Michigan.

The Fanatics Michigan app offers a standard menu of wager types, including standard pregame bets, in-play wagering, futures, derivatives, and same game parlays.

Fanatics Sportsbook’s strong points include better-than-average odds in select markets, including Super Bowl futures and NFL alternative lines, an excellent search feature, and a simplistic yet highly rewarding loyalty program.

Its weak points include unintuitive navigation that can make it frustrating to jump straight from one category of wagers to the next, a below average variety bet types during in-play wagering, and a bug-prone betting slip.

  • Launched: January 2021
  • Partner: Ojibwa Casino
  • Expert ReviewGolden Nugget MI

Golden Nugget Online Sportsbook and Casino came to the Michigan sports betting market by way of Atlantic City, where it operates a major boardwalk casino of the same name. The Golden Nugget name is known among gamblers and was one of the most successful gambling sites in New Jersey before coming to Michigan. The Golden Nugget MI app covers all major sports from around the world and provides a high volume of betting promotions that range from free bets to enhanced odds.

  • Launched: November 14th, 2023
  • Partner: Greektown Casino
  • Expert Review: ESPN Bet Michigan

ESPNBET and Penn Entertainment partnered with Hollywood Greektown Casino to operate a retail sportsbook and online sports betting app in Michigan.

SI Sportsbook, the official online betting site of Sports Illustrated, launched sports betting in Michigan in August 2022 after partnering with Island Casino for licensing purposes.

The SI Sportsbook Michigan app is relatively short on features and offers a bare-bones experience compared to other Michigan sportsbooks, but a strong promotional lineup helps offset the relative lack of features.

  • Launched: August 2021
  • Partner: Gun Lake Band of Pottawatomi Indians

Software by BetParx Casino powers the Play Gun Lake sports betting app, which launched in August 2021.

Play Gun Lake offers a variety of odds and profit boosts, and lines on a fair number of markets., but the software is tediously slow.

New sports bettors receive an up to $750 Play Gun Lake bonus bet. First bet refunds are paid as a bet credit.

  • Launched: February 2021
  • Partner: Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians

The Pokagon Band of Potawatomi launched Four Winds Online Sportsbook in February 2021.

  • Launched: July 2021
  • Partner: FireKeepers Casino Hotel

The FireKeepers sportsbook app launched in July 2021 and runs on software from NYX Digital, which provides a simple and functional platform for bettors. The FireKeepers app is not particularly feature-rich but offers a standard array of pregame wagers, in-play betting, and an above-average welcome bonus: an up to $500 first wager match.

  • Launch Date: April 2022
  • Partner: Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort

Soaring Eagle Casino & Resorts contracted with online sports betting services provider Kambi to open a self-branded online sportsbook in early 2022.

Eagle Casino & Sports features an average welcome bonus, a standard wagering menu, and a dated interface. Soaring Eagle’s online sportsbook, PlayEagle.com, functions fine but does little to stand out from the pack in one of the nation’s most competitive sports betting markets.

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 SportsbookWelcome BonusPromo Code
BetMGM Michigan Bonus CodeBet $5, Get $150BUSABONUS
DraftKings Michigan Promo CodeNo Sweat Bet up to $1,000Not Needed
BetRivers Michigan Bonus CodeSecond chance bet up to $500BUSA
FanDuel Michigan Promo CodeBet $5, Get $150 in Bonus BetsNot Needed
Caesars Sportsbook Michigan Promo Code$1000 Bonus BetBUSA1000

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:

Michigan bettors have more than a dozen online sportsbooks at their disposal and most of them offer generous new player bonuses. It’s therefore in a customer’s best interest to sign up for multiple sportsbook accounts.

The best Michigan sportsbooks offer favorable lines, plenty of betting markets, large welcome bonuses, and a good deal of recurrent promotions. Take a few minutes to find sportsbooks that align with your betting goals. Low rollers may prefer books with simple wagering requirements and promotions that only require small upfront investments, while seasoned bettors should be on the lookout for the very best lines and rewarding loyalty programs.

It is highly recommended that bettors only sign up for books that are legal and regulated. All sportsbooks listed on this page hold Michigan sports betting licenses.

Note: To get started with registration, players can simply click one of the links on this page from a desktop or a mobile device. Be sure to note any relevant promo codes and enter them in the optional bonus code field.

Signing up for Michigan online sportsbooks only takes a few minutes. It begins with new users providing basic personal information, including full legal name, address, date of birth, phone number, and the last four digits of their SSNs.

Sports betting sites are subject to the same scrutiny as financial institutions and are required by law to match every customer’s registration details against government databases. Doing so helps protect players against fraud and allows sportsbooks to more easily identify suspicious activities like money laundering.

For the privacy-minded, note that state law requires Michigan sports betting sites to protect customers’ information with bank-level encryption and forbids operators from selling customer information to third parties.

In addition, sportsbooks ask customers to verify they’re over 21 and eligible to participate in Michigan sports betting. Some sportsbooks may also ask customers to supply additional verification documents, such as an image of their driver’s license.

After registering, bettors can log in, make deposits, view the lines, and place wagers.

Many MI sportsbooks will direct bettors to the cashier immediately after they complete the sign-up process. Bettors are under no obligation to make a deposit.

However, if they’d like to, they can follow the prompts to deposit or revisit the cashier at a later time.

The best Michigan sportsbooks offer a plethora of viable depositing methods, ranging from online banking and PayPal to prepaid cards and cash deposits at casinos.

More deposits are processed immediately, which means bettors can begin betting mere seconds after loading their accounts. Withdrawals are not quite instantaneous but have sped up considerably in recent years. The average turnaround time on most payouts is just 1-3 business days.

Bettors should take great care in placing their first wager because it’ll often be tied to a welcome bonus.

For example, bettors with bonus bet welcome offers at hand get the best value by finding an appealing long shot for their first wager. Likewise, new users with pending first bet match bonuses should make their first wager as large as they’re comfortable with to maximize the size of their bonus.

Placing a wager is as simple as navigating to your preferred betting market, clicking on a game, and finding the right bet. Most Michigan sportsbooks have multiple filters that allow bettors to find their desired wagers quickly.

Selected a wager adds it to the Bet Slip, which is commonly located at the bottom of the screen on mobile, and off to the right on PCs. Bettors can add multiple wagers to the Bet Slip and either bet them individually or convert them into parlays, round-robins, or teasers. Most MI betting apps also support same game parlays.

After adding wagers to the betting slip, bettors can enter an amount to bet, select “submit,” and wait for the results.

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.

BetMGM Sports Lounge took its first wagers on March 11th to kick off sports betting in Michigan. The sports lounge features six betting windows, 35 self-serve kiosks, a video poker bar, and dozens of HD TVs. Lounge seating and table-top seats are available, along with a full bar.

Hours of Operation

  • 7 Days a Week: 9 AM to 12 AM

The Sportsbook at Hollywood Greektown was among the first MI sportsbooks to launch and is now open seven days a week in the upper casino level near Trappers Bar. The lounge features four betting windows and dozens of self-serve sports betting kiosks located throughout the property.

Hours of Operation

  • 7 Days a Week: 10 AM – 12 AM

MotorCity Casino is partnered with FanDuel to offer sports betting in Michigan, starting with a large, two-story sportsbook complete with six betting windows, 54 self-serve kiosks, 67 HD TVs, and a full bar. MI bettors can find the sportsbook where Chromatics Lounge and Spectators used to be.

Hours of Operation

  • 7 Days a Week: 9 AM – 12 AM

Little River Casino Resort is partnered with BetRivers to manage retail sportsbooks and Michigan online sports betting. In a press release, BetRivers confirmed it will operate the casino’s retail sportsbook, online sportsbook, and online casino.

River Rock Sportsbook and Grill is now open for sports betting seven days a week with betting windows plus 24/7 self-serve kiosks.

Hours of Operation

  • Monday-Thursday: 2 PM to 12 AM
  • Friday: 12 PM to 12 AM
  • Saturday-Sunday: 10 AM – 12 AM
  • Betting Kiosks: Monday-Thursday 8 AM – 2 AM; Friday-Sunday – Open Fri 8 AM, Close Monday 2 AM

Guests can visit Island Resort & Casino 24/7 to place pregame and in-play wagers at SI Sportsbook kiosks located on the gaming floor and near T. McC’s Sports Bar. Additionally, bettors can visit the Island Casino cashier to place wagers with a staff member. The Island Casino sportsbook accepts cash bets only and takes minimum wagers of $5.

The sportsbook at Firekeepers Casino opened in August 2020 with three teller windows, numerous self-serve betting kiosks, and the addition of HD TVs at Dacey’s Taphouse.

Hours of Operation

  • Monday-Friday: 11 AM to 11 PM
  • Saturday-Sunday: 9 AM to 12 AM
  • Betting Kiosks: Daily from 7 AM to 5 AM

At the Turtle Creek Casino customers may place wagers at the sportsbook with staffed teller windows, through self-serve kiosks spread throughout the property, or through kiosks placed inside.

The book was rebranded from Onyx Sportsbook to Caesars following Caesars acquisition of William Hill in 2021.

Hours of Operation

  • Monday-Thursday: 12 PM to 12 AM
  • Friday-Saturday: 10 AM to 2 AM
  • Sunday: 10 AM to 12 AM
  • Turtle Creek Betting Kiosks: 10 AM to 2 AM

Leelanau Sands Casino shares the Onyx Sports Book with its sister property, Turtle Creek Casino. The sportsbook is actually located at Turtle Creek, but Leelanau Sands does have an array of self-serve betting kiosks.

Hours of Operation

  • Betting kiosks: 10 AM to 2 AM

Odawa Casino Petoskey remodeled the O-Zone club to clear the way for its all-new sports betting lounge. Wagers can be placed at the betting window during operating hours or 24/7 at sports betting kiosks located around the property.

Hours of Operation

  • Monday: 2 PM – 10 PM
  • Thursdays: 12 PM – 10 PM
  • Friday-Sundays: 10 AM – 10 PM
  • Betting Kiosks: Open during Casino hours of operation

Odawa Casino Mackinaw added sports betting when it installed self-serve kiosks but does not host a dedicated sportsbook.

Hours of Operation

  • Kiosks open during Casino hours of operation

Four Winds launched sports betting at three of its locations in July 2020. The Four Winds New Buffalo location operates a dedicated sportsbook plus betting kiosks, while Four Winds Dowagiac and Four Winds Hartford offer betting kiosks only.

Hours of Operation

  • Monday: 11 AM – 9 PM
  • Tuesday-Wednesday: 11 AM – 7 PM
  • Thursday: 11 AM – 9 PM
  • Friday: 11 AM – 11 PM
  • Saturday-Sunday: 10 AM – 12 AM
  • Kiosks open 24/7

Four Winds Dowagiac offers six self-serve betting kiosks and HD TVs but does not host a staffed teller window. Guests can also visit any of the Four Winds Casino websites to construct wagers online from home, which generates a scannable QR code at the casino for faster placement of bets.

Hours of Operation

  • Kiosks open 24/7

Four Winds Hartford is home to six sports betting kiosks that are all open 24/7. Customers can also visit the Four Winds Hartford website to build bets at home, generate a QR code, and bring it to the casino to place wagers quickly.

  • Kiosks open 24/7

Stage 131 Sportsbook and Lounge opened in October 2020. The sportsbook at Gun Lake is operated in partnership with Parx Casino, an experienced casino and sports betting operated out of Pennsylvania. Guests may place wagers in-person at the betting window or through kiosks located throughout the property.

Hours of Operation:

  • Monday-Friday: 12 PM – 10 PM
  • Saturday-Sunday: 10 AM – 10 PM

The sportsbook at Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort in Mount Pleasant features seating for 75+ guests at the bar and restaurant, a full food menu, and self-serve betting kiosks. Visitors can also visit the Ascend Sportsbook website from their mobile devices to access the bet builder, which creates bet slips they can scan at kiosks to place wagers with ease.

Hours of Operation:

  • Monday-Wednesday: 4 PM – 12 AM
  • Thursday: 11 AM – 12 AM
  • Friday-Saturday: 11 AM – 2 AM
  • Sunday: 11 AM – 12 AM

DraftKings opened a temporary facility at Bay Mills Resort & Casino consisting of self-serve betting kiosks in June 2022 and converted it to a permanent sportsbook later that year. Now, the Bay Mills sportsbook features staffed betting windows, four self-serve kiosks, a massive video wall, multiple odds boards, additional TVs, and better seating options.

Hours of Operation:

  • Daily: Sportsbook opens at 11 AM
  • Kiosks available 24/7

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

Read more about the law here.

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.

R 432.731 requires all mobile sportsbooks to use geolocation technology to ensure all customers are physically located within state lines before permitting them to place wagers.

This rule is the reason betting apps ask users for permission to know their location. By law, sportsbooks must not accept wagers from users who decline to share their locations.

In some cases, sportsbooks may ask users to turn on Wi-Fi so the embedded geolocation technology can accurately pinpoint their location.

R 432.741 establishes the process by which licensed sports betting providers must resolve customer complaints.

Most notably, the law requires sportsbooks to attempt to resolve all customer complaints. That means sportsbooks may not ignore customer complaints. Sportsbooks must investigate and respond to all complaints within ten days.

Furthermore, if an operator is unable to resolve a user complaint related to customer accounts, the settlement of wagers, or illegal activity, that operator must notify the MGCB of the complaint.

State law also requires sportsbooks to maintain records of all complaints for at least five years.

R 432.751a orders mobile sportsbooks to verify every customer’s age and identity before permitting them to create accounts and place wagers.

A follow-on rule, R 432.751b, states all personal information collected during identity verification must be kept “in a secure manner approve by the board.”

R 432.755 states sportsbooks must collect the following information, at a minimum, of every customer:

  • Legal name and date of birth
  • Full Social Security number or just the last four digits of the customer’s SSN
  • Address
  • Phone number and e-mail address

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.

The legalization of sports betting in Michigan once seemed like a significant long-shot effort, but major developments at the federal and state levels changed the landscape entirely.

The end of PASPA cleared the first major hurdle for Michigan’s legal sports betting efforts. In fact, PASPA was the primary hurdle for years because it blocked all states from enacting laws to authorize or regulate sports betting.

With PASPA out of the picture, what remained for Michigan was to pass a state law to legalize and regulate sports betting. That effort was undertaken by lawmakers beginning in June 2018 with the Michigan House passing HB 4926 on a vote of 68-40 to send it over to the Senate.

The Senate did not get to the bill in time to get something passed during the summer legislative session, but those efforts resumed that fall. Finally, during the waning hours of the 2018 session, lawmakers in the House and Senate approved a final version of the bill legalizing online casino games, poker, and sports betting (if approved by the newly-created Division of Internet Gaming).

While HB 4926 dealt primarily with online casinos and poker sites, it also included a bit of text authorizing the Division of Internet Gaming (DIG) to approve online sports betting:

The division may permit internet gaming operators licensed by the division to accept internet wagers under this act on any amateur or professional sporting event or contest.

In a surprise move, outgoing governor Rick Snyder vetoed HB 4926 and its companion bills to put a hold on Michigan sports betting until the following year.

The next year would prove more fruitful with the successful passage of a gambling expansion law authorizing not just sports betting but also online poker and casinos and to establishing regulations for daily fantasy sports.

Michigan Horse Racing Betting

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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:

www.michiganlottery.com

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.

In December 2018, lawmakers in the House and Senate voted in favor of HB 4926 and sent it to the governor’s office for one last signature before coming law. Governor Snyder vetoed the bill at the last minute in 2018.

Some of the key regulations included:

  • Online casino games and poker will be legalized
  • Minimum age of 21 to play
  • Low tax rate of 8% foretells a thriving and competitive industry
  • 12-month delay before online gambling may begin
  • Read more

Senate Bill 203 was introduced in early 2017 in an attempt to legalize online casinos and poker. This bill sought to establish the “Lawful Internet Gaming Act” and permit existing casino operators to take their casino and poker games online. SB 203 called for a $200,000 licensing fee and a $100,000 renewal fee for online gaming sites and a 10% tax on gross revenues and a variety of consumer protection regulations.

SB 203 served a promising start but could not make it through the necessary votes to become law before the 2017 legislative season ended. That bill had little support among the state’s existing casino operators. Additionally, lawmakers must always tread very carefully to satisfy Michigan’s gaming tribes and commercial operators at the same time. You can read more about this bill and our predictions at the time of this post.

That bill appeared all but dead through the early months of 2017. However, the bill resurfaced once again in March of 2017. The updated version of the bill made two concessions to tribal gaming interests in the hopes of making the bill more palatable for all interested parties.

One of those concessions was imposing a 12-month moratorium on commercial casinos launching their own casino sites to give the tribes time to prepare their own regulations and launch plans. Additionally, the bill gave tribal gaming interests more say in how they regulate online gambling. Tribes would have still been subject to some state regulations, such as minimum age of participation, but the tribes would have been given more leeway in coming up with other regulations.

This all led up to the introduction of HB 4926 in 2017. HB 4926 read almost identically to the Senate bill from earlier in 2017. However, lawmakers added language to the bill this time around to potentially allow Michigan to legalize sports betting on the condition that sports betting is not prohibited by federal law (the Supreme Court has since stricken down the federal law prohibiting sports betting).

A bill introduced back in 2016 also tried but failed to legalize online poker and casinos in Michigan. Senate Bill 889 (full text here) sought to legalize online poker and casino games, create a division of internet gaming, and issue up to 8 licenses for operators to offer real money poker games and casino gambling on the internet.

This post, published in 2016, provides more detail. In summary, SB 889 would have given Michiganders 21 or older the ability to play legal online poker and casino games with licensed operators. Furthermore, the bill included a provision that would allow Michigan to enter online gaming compacts with other states and foreign jurisdictions, provided those compacts did not violate federal law or the laws of the other jurisdiction.

That part about gaming compacts was especially important for online poker because it avoided the problems that follow when states ring-fence their players off from the rest of the world. Restricting players to only playing with other people from the same state puts a severe damper on how many tables actually run at any given time. Online poker needs a large player base to keep the games running.

SB 889 successfully made it through its first vote in June of 2016. The Senate Regulatory Reform Committee approved the bill by an 8-1 vote. That moved the bill one step closer to a full Senate vote but could never gain the traction it needed before the 2016 legislative session came to a close.

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.

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

Michigan Sports Betting FAQ

Yes. The Michigan legislature legalized in-person and online sports betting in 2019 as a part of a massive gaming expansion package.

Bettors can place wagers online from anywhere within Michigan boundaries through licensed mobile sports betting apps and websites. Detroit’s commercial casinos and most tribal casinos also operate retail sportsbooks where guests can place wagers in person.

Sports fans must be 21 or older to place wagers in Michigan.

Yes. The MGCB has approved wagers on Division I NCAA sports leagues. Approved college sports betting leagues include:

  • College Football (FBS and FCS)
  • College Baseball
  • College Basketball (men’s and women’s)
  • NCAA Golf
  • NCAA Hockey
  • NCAA Lacrosse
  • NCAA Softball

Yes. Michigan college sports betting rules allow bettors to place games on in-state and out-of-state universities alike.

The MGCB has not yet added esports betting to its catalog of approved events. As a result, Michigan betting sites and commercial casinos may not offer esports wagers.

Michigan’s tribal casinos may offer esports betting at their retail sportsbooks because they do not fall under MGCB jurisdiction. Little River Casino Resort has offered esports betting in the past, but options are limited and very sporadic.

Michigan esports betting options will improve significantly if and when the MGCB adds them to its approved wagering catalog.

It depends. Bettors may not place wagers online from outside Michigan unless they visit another state where mobile sports betting is legal.

Some betting apps are available in multiple states, although their policies on whether customers may use the same account vary. For example, some mobile sportsbooks allow customers to use a single account in every legal sports betting state, while others require bettors to sign up for new accounts in each state.

No. State law only requires that customers be 21 or older and physically located within Michigan borders. Visitors are welcome to bet online when inside Michigan.

The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) regulates online sports betting and retail sportsbooks at Detroit’s three commercial casinos. Retail sportsbooks at tribal casinos fall under the regulatory authority of federal law and tribal-state gaming compacts.

All Michigan sports betting apps and gambling sites listed on this page hold valid betting licenses.

Bettors may also view the “active licensee” list at the MGCB website for a complete and up-to-date record of licensed online sportsbooks.

The first Michigan online sportsbooks launched on January 22nd, 2021. On that day, ten operators received the go-ahead to commence online wagering.

Yes. The MGCB regulates horse racing betting and licenses advance-deposit wagering sites (ADWs). Fans can visit multiple ADWs, including TVG, to bet on the Kentucky Derby, Breeders’ Cup, and many other races.

Yes. Bettors should seek expert advice from qualified professionals, but generally, Michigan and federal tax laws treat sports betting winnings as taxable income. Additionally, some Michigan cities levy an income tax that also applies to sports betting winnings.

It is bettors’ responsibility to pay taxes on their winnings, but Michigan sports betting sites also automatically withhold 24% on winnings greater than $5,000 and 300x the size of the initial wager.

In late 2021, the Michigan legislature approved SB 0764 to make gambling losses deductible for state tax purposes.

Michigan sports betting regulations require licensed sportsbooks to provide “easy and obvious” methods to set custom limits on deposits, wager sizes, and playing time. Bettors are permitted to also set daily, weekly, and monthly limits.

Despite its high population of approximately 10 million and favorable tax rate, Michigan sports betting operators do not take as many wagers as they do in top states.

However, the industry is still young relative to markets in similarly populated states like New Jersey and Pennsylvania. It’s also showing signs of wild growth. In 2021, Michigan sportsbooks handled $3.97 billion in wagers and collected $319.6 million in revenue, for a healthy 8.05% hold. The industry broke the $500 million monthly handle barrier for the first time in November 2021.

As is the case in most states, online sports betting handle in Michigan far exceeded retail handle.

Michigan operators are permitted to write-off promotional spend against revenue, and as a result only paid a tiny portion of its GGR to toward state and local taxes. In December 2021, the industry generated $39.92 million in revenue, yet only paid $1.21 million in total taxes.