The Michigan legislature had sports betting proponents prior to the legalization of sports betting in the United States. The Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act banned sports betting in the nation from 1992 until 2018. In the summer of 2018, a 6-3 Supreme Court decision determined that PASPA was indeed unconstitutional.
At this point in time, many states began drafting sports betting legislation for their respective territories. Michigan had already started the process back in 2015 thanks to Representative Robert Koswoski.
Kosowski’s bills never made it out of the committee stage of the legislative process, but he accelerated the sports betting conversation in the state.
In December of 2019, MI Governor, Gretchen Whitmer signed multiple gaming expansion bills to legalize sports betting in the state. The timeline was set for Michigan sports betting after she signed these bills into law.
The first retail sportsbooks launched in Michigan in the late early spring of 2020. This launch coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic so retail sportsbooks were very short lived in the state.
Online sports betting wasn’t supposed to launch in MI until later in 2021, but gaming regulators in the state accelerated the process.
They wanted the extra gaming revenue from online betting to help support the economy during the recovery efforts from the virus. Michigan online wagering launched on January 22, 2021.
[section label=”MI Betting Promos”]
Start Your Michigan Sports Betting Here
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Watch Video About Michigan Betting Details
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[section label=”Steps to Start Betting”]
Steps to Start Legal Michigan Sports Betting
With online betting, it’s very easy to start wagering in the state of Michigan. In MI, you have the ability to wager in person or through mobile betting providers. The easiest way is to wager through an online platform. Before registering, make sure you fit the legal age requirement and you’re within the state’s legal limits. The legal age varies between commercial and tribal casinos for sports betting. Your phone will use its GPS tracker to make sure you fit the location qualification. You have the ability to register on as many sportsbooks as you would like in the state. Choose which books fit your gambling needs and proceed to download the apps or go to the websites of the companies. When you’re on the mobile sportsbook, click the registration section. You’ll be asked to fill in some information including your social security number to assure that you fit the legal betting qualifications. After you complete this section, make your first deposit and you’ll be ready to start betting on sports in MI.
1) Make sure you’re of legal age and within Michigan’s legal limits.
2) Choose if you’d like to register at a retail sportsbook or through a mobile sportsbook. The easiest way to register for an account is through an online platform.
3) Proceed to the registration section and fill in the required information.
4) Once your account is created, make your initial deposit. Once you have money in your account, you’re ready to start betting in Michigan.
[section label=”MI Mobile Betting”]
Mobile Betting Apps in Michigan
Michigan launched online sports betting on January 22, 2021. There was a mad rush by people in the state to start betting on sports through their mobile devices. Eleven mobile books are currently operating in the state, and more books are expected to launch in MI within the calendar year.
BetMGM Sportsbook
BetMGM has been able to compete with big name books like DraftKings and FanDuel in many states where sports betting is legalized. BetMGM also includes an online casino. The MGM brand has prided itself on providing a phenomenal online casino experience so sports betting has been pushed aside since they launched the app. However, the sports betting experience is constantly improving. The MGM brand and the $500 deposit match are the two biggest reasons that people are playing on this app.
BetRivers Sportsbook
BetRivers will match your initial deposit up to $250. This doesn’t seem like much, but this is a very competitive bonus amongst other legal books in the state. Countless books offer risk free bets. This promotion isn’t much of a bonus in my mind. BetRivers technology is average, but they make up for their book with recurring promotions. BetRivers has the best interest of the bettor in mind.
DraftKings Sportsbook
DraftKings Sportsbook is the best platform in the industry in countless areas. The main attraction that draws people to DraftKings is the company’s deposit match up to $1,000. Books can compete with DraftKings extensieve betting menu, but nobody comes close to this ginormous sign-up bonus. DraftKings has betting contests as well throughout the year. If there’s a big event occurring, the odds are that DraftKings is running a promotion.
FanDuel Sportsbook
FanDuel is similar to DraftKings in respect to the brand’s popularity throughout the nation. FanDuel and DraftKings were two of the original DFS providers in the United States. This made people attracted to FanDuel’s sportsbook when PASPA was overturned in the United States. FanDuel gives new players a risk free bet up to $1,000. This seems great, but if you lose, you’ll receive your risk amount back in the form of free bets. There is a chance that you will not receive real money back if you go on an early losing streak.
FOX Bet Sportsbook
FOX Bet is an emerging book because of the FOX brand. FOX is an industry favorite when it comes to betting major American sports like football, baseball, basketball, and hockey. When the playoffs roll around, FOX Bet is where many bettors turn because of the props and promotions on American sports. FOX Bet has weekly odds boost which is also a factor that causes countless bettors to wager on the company’s platform.
PointsBet Sportsbook
PointsBet Sportsbook offers fans the ability to wager through points betting. Points betting is a unique form of sports betting where you wager on points. This is a great way to win a lot of money, but it can also cause you to be liable for a larger amount than your risk. PointsBet also has a great traditional betting experience. This is typically overshadowed because of the points betting feature, but all bettors in MI should check out this book.
William Hill Sportsbook
William Hill knows how to treat bettors. The company is a leader in the sports betting industry. However, I’m not a big fan of William Hill. I believe that the company could do so much more for bettors because of its rich history. William Hill’s new player promotion is a risk free bet up to $500. This just doesn’t cut it for me from an industry leader. Although, the betting experience on the book is first class. You will not be disappointed with the interface or markets.
Barstool Sportsbook
Barstool Sportsbook has taken the sports betting industry by storm in a very short period of time. Penn National runs the book, but it’s branded by media conglomerate, Barstool Sports. Barstool Sportsbook erupted on the sports betting scene because of the platform’s mega bonuses and daily promotions. This sportsbook has quickly become a top sportsbook throughout the nation. You will receive a $10 free bet just for signing up for an account as well as a $500 risk free bet.
Golden Nugget Sports
There are much better books to choose in the state of MI than Golden Nugget Sports. It’s an average platform with a $250 risk free bet. The interface is standard, but the app doesn’t lag which is nice. Golden Nugget’s betting markets can’t compete with some of the bigger books in the state. The book is ramping up its platform, but Golden Nugget still has a very long way to go before it’s comparable to the big dogs in the MI sports betting market.
TwinSpires Sportsbook
TwinSpires Sportsbook leads the legal MI sports betting in horse race wagering. If you want to bet horses, look no further than TwinSpires. TwinSpires is offering MI bettors with $1,000 in bonus wagers over the course of seven days. Churchhill Downs owns and operates the platform therefore the horse race betting experience is phenomenal. The sportsbook also offers a decent selection of traditional sports bettiing markets, but bettors choose this book for the ponies.
WynnBET Sportsbook
WynnBET is an emerging platform in the American sports betting industry. Bettors are choosing WynnBET because of the great customer service and trustworthy platform. If you have an issue on WynnBET, it will be a seamless process to fix. WynnBET doesn’t go above and beyond when it comes to wager types. WynnBET is really good with traditional bets and common United States’ sports betting had markets.
[section label=”Physical Locations”]
Physical Locations to Bet on Sports in Michigan
Retail sportsbooks never picked up a lot of initial steam in the state of Michigan. The earliest sportsbooks launched in early March just days before the MI economy shut down due to the COVID-19 pandemic. MI sportsbooks are beginning to recover, but mobile books will receive the majority of action in the state during the pandemic recovery. There are 12 retail sportsbooks in the state of MI, with more expected to launch in the near future.
WE WILL EMBED A GOOGLE MAP OF THE SPORTSBOOKS IN THIS STATE.
MGM Grand Detroit
The BetMGM Sports Lounge at MGM Grand Detroit is the state’s premier retail betting location. The lounge has six betting windows, 22 betting kiosks, 60 HDTVs, 14 bar top video poker machines, and a full service bar. There are tons of premium seating options throughout the lounge to enjoy all of the action.
Little River Casino
The River Rock Sportsbook at Little River is run by BetRivers. There are 12 betting kiosks that are open 24 hours on the property. The River Rock Sportsbook has a great restaurant and bar, tons of viewing areas, and premium seating for a great sports wagering experience.
Motor City Casino
The FanDuel Sportsbook at Motor City Casino has one of the best betting menus in the state. FanDuel doesn’t disappoint inside the Motor City property. The book is two stories with six betting windows, 54 betting kiosks, a massive ticker, and 67 HDTVs.
Odawa Casino
The Odawa Casino Sportsbook is partnered with FOX Bet. This relationship has proven to be beneficial for both parties. American sports betting is marketed at Odawa Casino because of the FOX Sports brand. The book has 24/7 kiosks and a dedicated sports betting staff to help you place the perfect bet.
Turtle Creek Casino
William Hill Sportsbook at Turtle Creek is a state-of-the-art property. William Hill may not provide great mobile bonuses, but the company’s retail book at Turtle Creek is impeccable. It’s a small intimate setting so you’ll be able to view the games on 20 HDTVs without interruptions. The book has pool tables and an outdoor patio as well which creates a unique MI retail betting experience.
Greektown Casino
The Greektown Casino’s Sportsbook is operated by Penn National’s Barstool Sportsbook. The Barstool Sportsbook at Greektown Casino has 40 betting kiosks, 25 HDTVs, and a 30’ video wall so you’ll never miss any of the action. Greektown Casino’s reward system applies to the Barstool Sportsbook as well which is valuable if you’re a frequent visitor to the property.
Gun Lake Casino
Stage 131 Sportsbook and Lounge at Gun Lake Casino has made a splash in the Detroit sports betting market. The odds are created through Parx Sportsbook. The property has a full service bar, tons or HDTVs, and 24/7 betting kiosks.
Firekeepers Casino
Dacey’s Sportsbook at Firekeepers Casino was voted the best overall sportsbook by Casino Player Magazine. Dacey’s amenities are tough to compete with in the state of Michigan. Restaurant seating is available for 125 guests. In addition to the restaurant seating, there is also a mezzanine section of the sportsbook that holds 36 visitors. The restaurant has a large menu of food that you can enjoy while watching the games on the massive selection of HDTVs.
Four Winds Hartford Casino, Four Winds New Buffalo, and Four Winds Dowagiac
The Four Winds Casino has three locations in the state. All three of the properties in Hartford give visitors a retail betting experience. The Four Winds Casino Sportsbooks are very similar at each location. The properties have high speed betting kiosks, HDTVs, and a full service bar. All three of the Four Winds’ Sportsbooks are the definition of a standard retail sports betting experience.
Island Resort Casino
The Island Resort Casino Sportsbook is run by TwinSpires so horse race betting is the main type of wager on property. You can also place traditional bets on property with TwinSpires, but no casino is better for wagering the ponies. The book has a full service restaurant and bar, multiple HDTVs, and betting kiosks.
WE WILL EMBED A TABLE HERE WITH SPORTSBOOK, LOCATION, ONLINE PARTNER, LIVE DATE
Future Michigan Sports Betting Venues & Locations
Michigan unveiled widespread mobile betting in late January of 2021 so it doesn’t seem like any new changes are on deck for sports wagering in the near future. Future retail sportsbooks could come to the state if the legislature believes that this will benefit the MI economy. Michigan is the home of four professional sports franchises. These sporting venues are the most likely locations for future retail sportsbooks.
- Comerica Park
- Ford Field
- Little Caesars Arena
[section label=”Regulation & Laws “]
Michigan Sports Betting Regulation & Laws
The sports betting legislative process in the state of Michigan began in 2015. This was three years before sports betting was allowed in the United States. Michigan legislators knew the potential impact of sports betting on the MI economy so they wanted to be prepared when the Supreme Court deemed PASPA to be unconstitutional.
In 2015, Representative Robert Kosowski introduced two pieces of MI betting legislation. H 4669 allowed casinos to open retail sportsbooks.
H 4670 legalized simulcast horse race betting.
In 2016, Kosowski introduced another bill titled H 5828, which permitted third parties to operate legal sports betting.
None of these bills made any headway, but it brought sports betting to the table in the state of MI.
In 2017, Representative Brandt Iden began a second effort to legalize MI sports betting. Iden pushed a bill that encompassed Kosowski’s legislation and mobile sports betting. This was done under H 4926 and a later substitute version of the bill.
The bill gained traction. More legislators supported the legislation including Senator Mike Kowall, but Governor Rick Snyder vetoed the act in 2018. Sports betting became legal in 2019 when a new governor took over in the state of MI.
In 2019, Iden introduced H 4916 to the House of Representatives. The new Governor, Gretchen Whitmer, verbally opposed the bills during the legislative process. However, Iden partnered with Senator Curtis Hertel Jr. to push the bill to the newly elected governor. In December of 2019, Governor Whitmer signed the package of gaming bills into law after the legislation cleared both chambers.
Retail sportsbooks opened in MI on March 11, 2020. Online betting launched on January 22, 2021. The Michigan Gaming Control Board is the regulatory body that oversees sports betting in the state.
What are the Tax Rates for the Retail and Online Sports Betting Operators in MI
The sports betting tax rate in Michigan is very fair. However, this isn’t a completely uniform standard for all retail and mobile betting providers in the state. Sports betting revenue for retail and mobile betting is taxed at 8.4%. Anything below 10% is considered extremely low in the sports betting industry. Some states charge upwards of 15% for providers to operate. This makes MI very popular for casinos and sports betting providers. In addition to this, the three commercial casinos in Detroit are required to pay an additional 1.25% city tax.
Legal Sports Betting Timeline
- Representative Robert Kosowski introduced the first pieces of sports betting legislation in 2015 and 2016.
- All of Kosowski’s bills didn’t make it out of committee in 2016.
- Representative Brandt Iden proposed H 4926 which legalized retail and mobile sports betting.
- Governor Rick Snyder vetoed H 4926 in 2018.
- Representative Iden introduced H 4916 to the House in 2019.
- Iden partnered with Senator Curtis Hertel Jr. to push the bill to the newly elected governor who originally opposed new gaming legislation.
- Governor Whitmer signed the package of gaming bills into law after the legislation cleared both chambers. These bills legalized retail and mobile gambling in the state.
- Retail sportsbooks opened in MI on March 11, 2020.
- Online betting launched on January 22, 2021.
List of Sports Wagers Allowed in Michigan
Bettors in MI can place a wide variety of wagers. There are eight types of common bets that are legal in the state of MI. Some sports have their own types of wagers that are legal in the state.
- Moneyline: Choosing a specific winner.
- Point spread: The margin of a team’s victory or loss.
- Totals: The number of points scored in a contest.
- Props: Side wagers on things that may happen. Props are very broad.
- Live betting: Real time wagers where the odds are always changing.
- Futures: A bet on a future outcome.
- Parlays: Wagers that are grouped together. All legs must hit for a successful bet.
- Teasers: Spread or total bets where the bettor can put the odds in their favor.
[section label=”Bonus Codes”]
Michigan Sports betting Bonuses & Bonus Codes
Michigan’s low sports betting tax rate has attracted the top books in the world to seek licensure in the state. This means that bonuses are plentiful for sports bettors in Michigan. MI books typically offer two types of bonuses: Risk free bets and deposit matches. If you lose a risk free bet, you’ll receive your risk back in the form of free bets.
To receive these bonuses on most of Michigan’s online betting platforms, you just have to create an account. The bonus will automatically be enacted once you sign up. If a Michigan sports wagering site requires a bonus code, it will be clearly stated prior to you placing your first bet.
WE WILL INSERT A TABLE OF TOP BONUSES FOR MICHIGAN PLAYERS HERE
[section label=”Promo Codes”]
Michigan Promos, Promo Codes and Promotions
Michigan has four professional sports teams. This makes Michigan sports betting very exciting because sportsbooks utilize these franchises for special promotions. MI sportsbooks entice bettors to wager Michigan teams through promotions. Michigan wagering promotions vary, but these can include odds boosts, free contests, or unique prop promotions.
MI sports betting may require a promo code for these types of bets. Each sportsbook differs for how bettors need to input promo codes. These directions should be stated under the FAQ section of a mobile sportsbook. If you’re betting at a retail MI wagering location, one of the attendants will be happy to answer all of your questions regarding promotions.
WE WILL INSERT A FEED OF THE LATEST PROMO POSTS HERE. CATEGORY → Promos TAG → <state>
[section label=”Michigan Cities”]
Best MI Sports Betting Cities
Michigan has some major cities in the state for sports betting. The first that comes to mind for most is Detroit, but Lansing and Grand Rapids are also very populous areas. Residents of these areas have shown that they love to bet on sports.
Detroit
Detroit is home to the state’s four professional sports teams. The Lions, Red Wings, Pistons, and Tigers are supported in droves by residents of the city. Widespread mobile betting will allow people in the state to bet on these teams inside their home venues. Additionally, Detroit has three major commercial casinos. These properties are MGM Grand Detroit, Motor City Casino, and Greektown Casino.
Lansing
Lansing is an hour and a half outside of Detroit so local bettors still travel to Detroit to bet. It’s also the capital of the state. Bettors in this area tend to favor Detroit’s professional sports franchises. This is the case for most Michigan residents. The Detroit teams are iconic so these franchises have supporters all over the United States. Firekeepers Casino is the closest location to Lansing for bettors to test their luck.
Grand Rapids
Grand Rapids is in the western half of MI. It’s two and a half hours from Detroit so people usually won’t travel to the capital. However, there are still hardcore Tigers, Lions, Red Wings, and Pistons fans in Grand Rapids. The Four Winds Casino in Hartford and Dowagiac are the best locations for people in Grand Rapids who want to bet on sports at a retail location.
[section label=”Teams to Bet On”]
MI Teams to Bet On
There are four professional sports teams in the state of MI. Bettors can also wager colleges in the state. There are multiple Division I athletic schools in MI, but two universities stand above the rest in terms of support.
University of Michigan
The Michigan Wolverines compete in the Big Ten Conference. The football and basketball programs have both won multiple championships. The school is based out of Ann Arbor and their biggest rival is Michigan State University.
Michigan State University
Michigan State competes in the Big Ten Conference. The football and basketball programs at Michigan State both have storied histories. The campus is in East Lansing and their state rival is the University of Michigan.
Detroit Lions
The Detroit Lions compete in the NFC North Division of the NFL. The Lions play at Ford Field in Detroit. Lions’ fans haven’t had much to cheer for in the 21st century. The team has never won the NFC North since they joined the division in 2002.
Detroit Tigers
The Tigers play in the American league Central Division of the MLB. The Tigers play inside Comerica Park. The franchise has won four World Series titles with their latest championship coming in 1984. Their most recent World Series appearance came in 2012.
Detroit Pistons
The Pistons compete in the NBA’s Eastern Conference Central Division. The team shares Little Caesars Arena with the Red Wings of the NHL. The Pistons have won three NBA Championships and five Eastern Conference titles.
Detroit Red Wings
The Red Wings are one of the most iconic Detroit professional sports franchises. The team plays in the Central Division of the NHL. The Red Wings have won eleven Stanley Cups since their first victory in 1935-36. The Red Wings’ latest championship season was 2007-08.
[section label=”MI Betting Revenue Numbers”]
Michigan Sports Betting Revenue Numbers
At this point in time, Michigan sports betting revenue numbers are slightly skewed. The initial MI retail sportsbooks opened on March 11th right before the COVID-19 pandemic struck the nation. Michigan’s economy shut down so retail books didn’t start taking off until the late summer. They were then forced to close again for a few weeks between November and December. Online sports betting recently launched on January 22, 2021 so there is still a lot of revenue data being compiled.
This chart just shows the retail sports betting handle in MI.
- March 2020: $593,956
- April through July 2020: NO RETAIL BETTING
- August 2020: $15,744,256
- September 2020: $33,503,929
- October 2020: $46,120,824
- November 2020: $25,080,140
- December 2020: $9,720,393
Quick Glance at Michigan Gambling & Industries
Sports betting is young in the state of MI relative to some of the other forms of gambling. Let’s take a look at the other gambling industries in the state.
[section label=”Horse Racing”]
Michigan Horse Racing Status
Horse racing has been operating in the state of MI since 1933. It was established by the Racing Act of 1933. Currently, Horse Racing is organized under the Horse racing Law of 1995. The Michigan Gaming Control Board regulates horse race betting in the state. Michigan has one track, Northville Downs, which hosts live racing.
[section label=”DFS Status”]
DFS / Daily Fantasy Sports in Michigan
Michigan legalized DFS in 2019 under the same gaming package that included retail and online sports betting. Michigan residents could play DFS prior to 2019, but the game of skill was officially legalized in 2019. DFS is now overseen by the Michigan Gaming Control Board.
[section label=”Online Casino”]
MI Online Casino Play
Online casino gaming in Michigan was legalized in 2019. Like sports betting and DFS, it was part of the same gaming package that was signed into law by Governor Whitmer. Online casinos launched in MI on January 22, 2021. This coincided with the launch of online sports betting.
[section label=”Lottery”]
Michigan Online Lottery
The Michigan lottery was available in an online format in 2018. The online lottery allows players to create online accounts and purchase mobile tickets. To play the MI lottery, you must be a resident of the state. This isn’t the case for Michigan sports betting.
[section label=”Poker”]
Michigan Poker Rules
Poker is legalized in an online platform and in poker rooms throughout the state’s casinos. Online poker was legalized in 2019 in the gaming package signed into law by Governor Whitmer. Poker was popular in landlocked casinos so it’s expected to be very lucrative in an online format as well.
[section label=”Esports”]
Michigan Esports Scene
Esports became available at tribal casinos during the pandemic. This was targeted at a select audience when sports weren’t operating during the COVID-19 pandemic. Not all sportsbooks in the state offer Esports betting. The most popular Esports to bet on are Call of Duty, Counter Strike, League of Legends, Rocket League, and eNASCAR.
[section label=”Betting Affiliates”]
How to Become a Sports Betting Affiliate in Michigan
To become a sports betting affiliate in MI, a book must partner with a casino. An application must be filled out and the Michigan Gaming Control Board is the group that approves licenses. Upon approval, a book needs to pay a licensing fee to legally operate in MI. The monthly tax rate is 8.4% of gross adjusted revenue.
[section label=”FAQ”]
FAQ for Michigan Betting
- Is it legal to bet on sports in Michigan?
Yes, it’s legal to bet on sports in Michigan.
- Does Michigan offer mobile sports betting or retail only?
Michigan offers retail and mobile sports betting.
- Can I sign up to bet on sports in MI remotely or do I have to physically visit the retail sportsbook location?
You can sign up for a MI sportsbook in person or through your mobile device.
- Who regulates Michigan sports betting?
Michigan sports betting is regulated by the Michigan Gaming Control Board.
- When was Michigan sports betting legalized?
MI sports betting was legalized in December of 2019 when Governor Whitmer signed a gaming package into law.
- Who placed the first bet in the state of Michigan?
The first bet in MI was placed on March 11, 2020. COULDN’T FIND WHO
- Can you bet on “in state” college games in Michigan?
Yes, there are no restrictions when it comes to betting “in state” college games and teams.
- Are wagers for all professional sports leagues and teams accepted in MI?
Yes, wagers from all professional sports leagues are accepted in MI. However, not all Michigan sportsbooks offer the same betting markets.
[section label=”MI News”]
Latest Michigan Sports Betting News
Nothing for the writer to write here. We will list our “feed” of the latest news in this state. Category = News->Industry Tags = <State>