Michigan Sports Betting
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Michigan online sports betting features 15 sportsbook apps which are offering NHL and NBA playoff odds, along with regular bonus offers and odds boosts.
Playinmichigan has all the information you need to safely participate in one of the state’s hottest forms of entertainment. All of the sportsbooks listed on this page are licensed by the Michigan Gaming Control Board.
Playinmichigan has all the information you need to safely participate in one of the state’s hottest forms of entertainment. All of the sportsbooks listed on this page are licensed by the Michigan Gaming Control Board.Best Michigan online sportsbooks for 2023
Latest Michigan sports betting updates
- The Detroit Lions opened as favorites in 12 of their 17 games, and are favorites to win the NFC North at .
- In college football news, Michigan is a slight favorite to win the Big Ten at . Despite that, the Wolverines are at to win the national title, longer odds than rival Ohio State ()
MI Casinos & Industry News
Michigan bonus offers
| Sportsbook | Bonus Offer | Play Now! |
|---|---|---|
| DraftKings Sportsbook | $1,200 | Play Now! |
| Caesars Sportsbook | $1,250 | Play Now! |
| BetMGM Sportsbook | $1,000 | Play Now! |
| BetRivers Sportsbook | $500 | Play Now! |
| FanDuel Sportsbook | $1,000 | Play Now! |
| PointsBet Sportsbook | $250 | Play Now! |
Compare the Best Sportsbooks in Michigan
DraftKings Sportsbook
- Download App: DraftKings Sportsbook
- Review: DraftKings Michigan
- Best feature: Live betting
DraftKings has transitioned smoothly from a daily fantasy sports company to a powerhouse sportsbook. “DK” has truly found a great lane in sports betting.
DraftKings Sportsbook has a user-friendly app and desktop interface. It also has a steady stream of great promotions, including odds boosts, opportunities to earn bonus bets and other innovative surprises.
The platform even has prediction pools available for single games or a full night’s worth of action. You can roll the dice on winning thousands with a special run of picks.
Our verdict: The odds are OK compared with the other industry leaders, and DraftKings is often an early mover to post markets on sports that are newly approved by the Michigan Gaming Control Board. The live In-Game options are as expansive as anyone’s in the Michigan sports betting marketplace, and the app functions quickly enough to make them count.
Caesars Sportsbook
- Download App: Caesars Sportsbook
- Review: Caesars Sportsbook Michigan
- Best feature: The best odds around
One of the later betting brands to land in Michigan, Caesars Sportsbook has put itself among the leaders in the state.
The converted William Hill Sportsbook has continued delivering an outstanding user experience to Michigan sports bettors. Nearly every day, Caesars has a promotion worth considering, along with tons of opportunities for bet credits. The book also consistently gives the most player-friendly odds you can find. An expansive list of constant odds boosts is also worth your regular scroll routine.
Our verdict: As far as bells and whistles or innovative markets are concerned, there haven’t been a lot of extras at Caesars. That said, it’s a great sports betting product for those who want to bet on games with good odds. And that’s a good enough reason for most bettors to give it a try.
BetMGM Sportsbook
- Download App: BetMGM Sportsbook
- Review: BetMGM Michigan
- Best feature: Consistent promos you can count on
The self-proclaimed King of Sportsbooks wears the crown as Michigan’s leader in online casinos. They’re right up there in the sports betting sector, too.
BetMGM Sportsbook has capitalized on its name recognition in Michigan by delivering a fine sports betting product. Preparing for Michigan was a big priority for BetMGM, and the King of Sportsbooks has delivered.
Our verdict: It’s simply a solid sportsbook with everything you want: lots of markets, adequate odds, live betting, and straightforward promotions. The recent app update made it much easier to navigate, and make bets that fit your history without having to do much digging.
BetRivers Sportsbook
- Download App: BetRivers Sportsbook
- Review: BetRivers Sportsbook Michigan
- Best feature: 1x playthrough on sign-up and deposit bonuses
BetRivers Sportsbook is a product that Rush Street Interactive, founded under the umbrella of Chicago billionaire Neil Bluhm, has taken to new heights.
The Rivers name is known in Midwest gaming circles, so it was only fitting for the BetRivers brand to find a Michigan partner in Manistee’s Little River Casino.
Here, the platform delivers solid promotions, an attractive interface, a wide variety of boosts and bets, and a 1x playthrough for sportsbook and online casino bonus money that we wish was the industry standard. Those terms make BetRivers accessible for the casual gambler.
Android users were able to get a jump start on the app, but Apple users are now able to get in on the act as well.
Our verdict: Now that iOS app has launched, it is hard to find much to complain about.
FanDuel Sportsbook
- Download App: FanDuel Sportsbook
- Review: FanDuel Michigan
- Best feature: Parlays for days
Parlays! Get your piping-hot, fresh parlays here!
It’s no secret that FanDuel Sportsbook wants to steer bettors to multi-bet parlays. Most of the promotions the Michigan sports betting leader offers revolve around them.
That’s good for the house, as parlays usually aren’t efficient winners. But they sure can be fun to see come together. FanDuel was the forerunner of the Same-Game Parlay, which other operators have copied. Imitation is the best form of flattery, right?
Our verdict: FanDuel Sportsbook has fun branded boosts with media partners and instantly updated live betting odds. They were early on the cash-out train, where players can take a partial-profit payment on a good bet before it closes. It’s an innovative app that brings a lot to Michigan.
PointsBet Sportsbook
- Download App: PointsBet Sportsbook
- Review: PointsBet Michigan
- Best feature: Creative promotions
PointsBet spent a lot of time and money before the launch of Michigan sports betting to get its name out to potential customers.
The Australian sportsbook continues to prove its commitment to Michigan bettors, signing former Detroit athletes such as Richard Hamilton, partnering with local teams and even branding its own sports bar at Little Caesars Arena.
PointsBetting remains a notable and unique feature, allowing players to make exciting custom wagers to cash in big on your team covering a spread or prop bet by a large margin. The Karma Kommittee refunds some of the worst “bad beats” as well, making for an innovative touch that could bring a pleasant surprise after a tough loss.
Our verdict: For the actual betting, the odds and promotions are great. And the unique features of the app make it stand out in a crowded field. This is a creative company that should have more surprises in store down the road.
Top rated Michigan sportsbook apps
| Sportsbook | App Rating | Best Feature | Best Sport To Bet On |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | 4.8 Stars | Stats hub | UFC |
| Caesars | 4.6 Stars | Caesars Rewards | NBA |
| BetMGM | 4.8 Stars | Promotions | College basketball |
| BetRivers | 4.6 Stars | In-game betting | Soccer |
| FanDuel | 4.8 Stars | Parlays | College football |
| PointsBet | 4.8 Stars | PointsBetting | MLB |
| Fox Bet | 4.4 Stars | Custom bets | NFL |
| Golden Nugget | 3 Stars | Parlay boosts | USL Championship |
Best Online Sportsbook Bonuses in Michigan
The Michigan sports betting marketplace is fiercely competitive. That’s fantastic news for sports bettors in Michigan. You can follow this link to view the latest offers in the state.
In order to attract as many new users as possible, sportsbooks offer up some stellar enticements. Here are some of the Michigan sportsbook bonus opportunities currently offered.
- Bonus bets: Some online sportsbooks will credit your account with bonus funds that can be used to play on site. The winnings are yours to keep and do with as you wish. These are also called no deposit bonuses.
- Deposit bonuses: Certain sportsbooks will match a portion of your first deposit. The exact amount will vary, but it can range from 20%-100% up to certain monetary amounts.
- Second chance bets: After your first deposit, some sites will offer a second chance on your first bet. In those cases, when your first bet at a sportsbook loses, bet credit, or bonus bets in the amount you originally wagered will be added to your account.
To take advantage of these generous offers, all you have to do is click through on our exclusive links to create an account. After just a few minutes of your time, you’ll be able to place bets legally and safely, and with some extra bonus funds to boot.
Beyond the sign-up offers, you should also be on the lookout for regular promotional opportunities. Offerings vary by operator, but the most common ones are odds boosts (enhanced returns on your bets) and parlay insurance (money back if one leg loses).
Full List of Michigan Online Sportsbooks
Michigan has 15 online sportsbooks that are fully licensed by the MGCB.
- BetMGM Sportsbook
- BetRivers Sportsbook
- DraftKings Sportsbook
- FanDuel Sportsbook
- PointsBet Sportsbook
- Caesars Sportsbook
- SI Sportsbook
- Barstool Sportsbook
- Golden Nugget Sportsbook
- WynnBET Sportsbook
- FOX Bet Sportsbook
- Four Winds Sportsbook
- Parx Sportsbook
- FireKeepers Sportsbook
- Eagle Casino & Sports
In-Game Wagering and Live Betting
The fastest-growing segment in US sports betting is in-game betting. Sometimes called “in-play” wagers, these bets are made on a game after the contest has started. They rely on timely, accurate data that is only available to regulated legal sports betting providers. By comparison, illegal offshore sports betting sites cannot offer any competition to the legal in-game options presented by regulated sites. If you currently bet at an offshore site, in-game wagering is an excellent reason to switch to regulated Michigan online sports betting.
Live betting provides much more fan engagement than traditional sports betting often does. Bettors can wager on a range of events: the number of 3-pointers made in the first basketball quarter; who will score the next touchdown; whether a run will be scored in the current inning of a baseball game; even the winner of the next point in a tennis match.
Most standard betting options such as point spreads, game totals and moneylines are available as in-game betting options. Plus, there is a range of markets specific to live betting. You can bet on the result of the next at-bat in MLB baseball, head-to-head golf matchups for every hole in a round, who will score a certain number of points first in a Detroit Lions game, and a wide variety of other sport-specific outcomes via odds that change throughout the game.
Player prop bets for college sports are not allowed by the Michigan Gaming Control Board at this time. However, team-based props are permitted.
What Types of Sports Bets Can I Make in Michigan?
Outside of live betting options, Michigan sportsbooks offers several varieties of bets. For more on each betting type, follow our links to detailed pages on these wagers:
- Straight bets: A straight bet involves wagering on a single game that carries either a point spread, a total or a moneyline. To win, you must bet on the team that either wins or covers the spread, or if the two teams cover the correct side of a point total.
- Single-game bets: A single-game bet is made on one event or game. The bet can be on the point spread or the winner, but it remains restricted to one contest.
- Moneyline bets: Moneyline bets are perhaps the most familiar to the general public and certainly the simplest. When you place a moneyline bet, you are betting on which team will win. For example, if you see moneyline odds on an NFL game quoted at -150 for the Chicago Bears and +120 for the Detroit Lions, the minus sign means you have to bet that amount to win $100. So in this case, you must bet $150 to win $100. The plus sign indicates a winning amount from a $100 bet. In this game, you would profit $120 on a bet of $100.
- Teaser bets: A teaser allows the bettor to combine bets on two or more games with enhanced odds. The normal format enables bettors to adjust point spreads or game totals in their favor for each game. This method should result in better chances of winning, so operators adjust the odds accordingly.
- Parlays: Parlay bets tie several wagers together, but the bettor only wins if every prediction is correct. Even if you predict the first four games of a five-game parlay correctly and only lose the last leg, your entire bet is a loss. Parlay bets offer the chance to win large sums with small wagers, so they are extremely popular. But the big payouts are available for a reason: The chance of winning is small.
- Same-game parlays: Also known as single game parlays or one game parlays, this allows bettors to create a parlay within a single game.
- Over-under bets: Also known as totals, you predict the combined total score of both teams. The sportsbook quotes a line where it expects the total score to be, and the bettor takes either side of that amount.
- Prop bets: Proposition bets, or prop bets, allow bettors to wager on specific events in a game. The events may be tied to the game itself or to an individual player’s performance, particularly in terms of NFL game props. Online operators often present prop bets based on what they think will most interest their customers. A typical prop bet may be that a specific player will hit a home run or score a goal, or reach a certain point total in a pro basketball game. Note: The MGCB does not allow individual prop bets on college athletics; college team props, however, are legal.
win, you must bet on the team that either wins or covers the spread, or if the two teams cover the correct side of a point total.
How to Deposit and Cash Out in Michigan
Before placing bets on a Michigan sports betting app, you’ll need to fund your account. This process is safe and simple. Legal Michigan sportsbooks ensure there are many secure ways to deposit and withdraw funds. Available methods include:
- Debit and credit cards: Visa and Mastercard, often along with American Express and Discover, are accepted at most operators.
- Prepaid cards: Casinos and other payment providers offer these options.
- Bank transfers: Common bank transfers such as e-checks (ACH transfers), wire transfers and bill payments are accepted by most apps in Michigan that offer online sports betting.
- Third-party payment processors: Third-party vendors such as PayPal offer alternatives for depositing to Michigan sports betting apps.
- Cash: Cash should be accepted by most Michigan online sports betting sites. You can make transactions through the cage or cashier at affiliated casinos and sportsbooks, or through third-party providers such as PayNearMe.
In many cases, you can make a withdrawal from Michigan sports betting apps in the manner through which you deposited your money. Not all deposit methods can be used to withdraw your winnings, however. If that’s the case, the app will provide an alternative. Know that those options may include a check in the mail.
But again, in many cases, withdrawals can be made instantly. Secure and simple financial transactions are hallmarks of legal, regulated gaming across the US.
What Sports Can I Bet On in Michigan?
Michiganders can legally bet on all major sports, as well as many lesser-known ones. The following list of approved leagues and contests will grow even longer as the MGCB adds more options. For Detroit casinos and the state’s online sportsbooks, here’s a list of what events are available for you to bet on:
- Academy Awards (Oscars)
- Auto racing (NASCAR, Formula 1, IndyCar)
- Australian Rules Football
- Baseball (Major League Baseball, NCAA, Nippon Professional League in Japan and KBO League in South Korea, World Baseball Classic, Chinese Professional League)
- Basketball (NBA, Division I NCAA men’s and women’s basketball, WNBA, FIBA World Cup, EuroCup, EuroLeague, NBA Draft, The Basketball Tournament, several foreign leagues)
- Billiards and snooker (World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association)
- Bowling (PBA)
- Boxing (IBF/WBA/WBC/WBO, State Athletic Commissions)
- Cornhole (American Cornhole League)
- Cricket (International Cricket Council, Indian Premier Cricket League)
- Cycling (UCI World Races)
- Drone Racing (Drone Racing League)
- Eating (Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July Hot Dog Eating Contest)
- Football (NFL, FBS NCAA football, Canadian Football League, USFL)
- Golf (PGA, LPGA, European Tour, Champions Tour, USGA, PGA of America, R&A, Ryder Cup Europe, International Federation of PGA Tours)
- Hockey (NHL, NCAA, several foreign leagues)
- Lacrosse (NCAA and Premier Lacrosse League)
- Mixed Martial Arts (UFC, Bellator, Professional Fighters League)
- Olympics (Winter and Summer Games)
- Rugby League and Rugby Union (World Rugby)
- Soccer (Major League Soccer, English Premier League, Spanish La Liga, Italy Serie A, German Bundesliga, Europa, UEFA Champions League, USL Championship several FIFA leagues)
- Softball (NCAA)
- Tennis (Association of Tennis Players men’s, Women’s Tennis Association, International Tennis Federation)
- Ultimate Frisbee (American Ultimate Disc League)
The Michigan Gaming Control Board is regularly reviewing other sports and leagues for wagering.
Top 5 Sportsbook Loyalty and Rewards Programs
Regular players at Michigan casinos will know all about player rewards programs. These offer benefits based on how much you play. For high-stakes and frequent players, the benefits can be very valuable. Perks range from free parking to free rooms and meals. Online gambling sites in Michigan offer the same sort of concept. They work quite simply. When you bet, you earn points proportional to the amount you bet, and you can improve your status in a tier system.
Points can then be exchanged in an online store for benefits including merchandise, extra bonuses or bet credits. Over time, these can add up to a lot of money, even if you are a recreational bettor wagering in small increments. Given the close relationship between the online apps and retail casinos, merging the two into a joint rewards program is a win-win.
Here are five of the best rewards programs for Michigan sports bettors:
1. Caesars Rewards, Caesars Sportsbook
Every bet at Caesars Sportsbook earns Caesars Rewards Credits and Tier Credits, making it as easy to earn and redeem online as it is in person at one of Caesars’ more than 50 destinations in 16 states. Tier Credits earned during a calendar year determine your Tier Status. Reward Credits are your comps to earn free play, hotel stays, dining and more. One Tier Credit and one Reward Credit are earned for every $5 you stand to profit on sports bets.
2. MGM Rewards, BetMGM Sportsbook
Formally known as M life Rewards, MGM Rewards went live in early 2022. When you sign up for a BetMGM Sportsbook account, you are assigned an MGM Rewards account. If you had a previous M life Rewards account, you can merge both accounts at MGM Grand Detroit. Players can earn perks at several resorts across the world, including personalized offers, dedicated windows at BetMGM sportsbooks, discounted and comped rooms, and more. MGM Rewards will use the same five tiers at M life Rewards.
3. Rush Rewards, BetRivers Sportsbook
Players at BetRivers Sportsbook earn points with online sports bets that can add up to bonus bets and other prizes through Rush Rewards. Making more bets increases your loyalty level and loyalty points for bonus wheel spins, digital scratch cards, bonus money, guaranteed bingo tokens, and free sports bets and profit boosts.
4. Crowns, DraftKings Sportsbook
Each sports bet you make at DraftKings Sportsbook earns Crowns. Those Crowns can earn DK Dollars — promotional dollars that can be used anywhere on DraftKings — and other rewards.
5. Rewards, PointsBet Sportsbook
This program is basic and straightforward: The more you bet, the more bet credits you earn. Reward Points are calculated based on the type of bet and the wager amount, with more points earned for parlays. There’s also the potential for lots of award points from using the PointsBetting feature. In addition, PointsBet has a Platinum Club and then a Diamond Club for its top clients. An invitation to those tiers will net personalized promotions, access to tickets and events, chances to meet PointsBet ambassadors, 24/7 customer service and more.
Michigan sports betting FAQ
Is sports betting legal in Michigan?
Yes! Sports betting is available in Michigan both online and in-person. Land-based sportsbooks started accepting bets in March of 2020, and online sports betting followed in late January 2021. The Michigan Gaming Control Board has authorized 15 operators to make betting available. Be sure to use one of those legal, regulated operators to safely and securely maximize your chances of winning.
Playinmichigan will only highlight activity and developments from legal sports betting providers in the state of Michigan.
Do I have to live in Michigan to bet sports online?
No, but you do need to be 21 or older and inside state lines at the time you make the bet.
Michigan mobile sports betting apps use geolocation technology to make sure that’s the case. Plus, they’ll ask for the last four digits of your social security number when you sign up for an account to verify your age and identity.
How many online sportsbooks are there in Michigan?
The online sports betting market in Michigan includes 15 online sportsbooks, the maximum amount of licenses currently available. A list of online sportsbooks is available by scrolling up on this page, or you can check our revenue page for more information.
What is the best sportsbook in Michigan?
The answer really depends on what you’re looking for. Caesars often has the best odds. DraftKings has innovative promotions. FanDuel will give you more parlay options and promotions. PointsBet has more focused promotions on Michigan sports teams. BetRivers has a one-time playthrough for introductory bonuses, and BetMGM is just an overall solid product.
However, these strengths and advantages could also shift over time. But in a new and still-developing market, you, the customer, are the real winner. Michigan sports bettors will continue to have the benefit of multiple great options from which to choose.
Is BetMGM legal in Michigan?
Yes. The BetMGM online sportsbook has been licensed and authorized since the start of legal sports betting in January 2021. The physical BetMGM Sports Lounge space inside the MGM Grand Detroit casino is also legal and regulated in Michigan.
How do I sign up at a Michigan online sportsbook?
The process for creating a new online sports betting account is simple. You will need to provide information to verify your age and identity and set up a manner in which to fund your account. From there, just make sure you are 21 years or older and inside state lines to place a bet or cash out a bet early.
Can you cash out bets early on MI sports betting apps?
Yes. One great innovation in online sports betting is the ability to cash out certain bets early. Since sportsbooks can calculate the expected value of your bet minute by minute, they can offer to let you take your winnings or cut your losses before the final outcome is known. When you cash out a bet early, there is still a possibility of the result changing. The operator calculates a fair payout based on the odds, and you are free to accept or reject the offer.
Many sportsbooks offer this early cashout option, but the types of events — from futures to partially-finished parlays to live games — and the timing in which you can do so, vary widely from sportsbook to sportsbook and even event to event within the same sportsbook.
Your best move when it comes to understanding early cashouts by sportsbook is to check the status of your wagers in your betting history or the open bets sections of your particular app or apps.
Do I have to report winnings from sports betting on my taxes?
Yes. Sports betting winnings are considered taxable income, according to Michigan tax law.
Who do I contact if I have an issue at an online sportsbook?
Gambling in Michigan is regulated by the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB). If you have any problems with legal sports betting at a licensed commercial casino in Detroit or online site, you should contact the MGCB for advice and assistance.
Phone: 313-456-4100 Fax: 313-456-4200
Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
For tribal casinos and their retail sportsbooks, you can also contact the individual tribe or the National Indian Gaming Association. If you have any questions about depositing or withdrawing funds, you should first contact the specific online sportsbook operator. Look for their Contact Us page, customer service phone number or live chat support option.
How Michigan Sports Betting Came To Be
Michigan has a casino and sports betting culture that goes back to the 1930s, when regulated pari-mutuel horse racing was first available here. It’s only natural for the Great Lakes State to be one of the nation’s leaders in online sports betting. Here’s a look at some of the key events that led to where we are today:
January 1984: Keweenaw Bay Indian tribe member Fred Dakota challenges the state’s right to regulate tribal gaming. Dakota opens a single blackjack table casino, The Pines, in his two-car garage in Zeba. This development is the start of what is now a thriving tribal casino market throughout the state.
November 1996: Michigan voters approve Proposal E, which authorizes the construction of three licensed commercial casinos in Detroit.
July 29, 1999: MGM Grand Detroit opens a temporary casino, the first in Michigan’s largest city.
May 14, 2018: The US Supreme Court rules in Murphy v. NCAA, striking down a 26-year-old federal statute called the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act, which banned states from authorizing sports gambling.
December 2018: The Michigan Legislature passes a bill legalizing online gambling. However, outgoing Gov. Rick Snyder vetoes it.
December 2019: Michigan lawmakers pass a package of bills legalizing online gambling, sports betting, fantasy sports and online poker.
Dec. 20, 2019: Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signs the bills into law, inviting existing tribal and commercial casinos to apply for sports betting and online gambling licenses.
March 11, 2020: The first retail sportsbooks launched in the city of Detroit, as Greektown Casino-Hotel and MGM Grand Detroit launched. MotorCity Casino launched the FanDuel Sportsbook the next day.
June 22, 2020: FireKeepers Casino in Battle Creek opens the state’s first tribal casino sportsbook called Dacey’s Sportsbook, in partnership with Scientific Games. More tribal casinos have added, and will continue to add, sportsbooks and banks of sports betting kiosks throughout the state.
Jan. 22, 2021: Ten online sportsbooks and eight online casinos were part of the initial launch of expanded online gambling options in Michigan. The monumental day for sports betting and casino gaming came on a Friday before that year’s NFL conference championship games.
Additional Reading
It’s not a snap of your fingers to grasp all of the moving pieces that make up sports betting law in Michigan. To better understand the ins and outs of Michigan sports betting law, see our list of recommended additional reading.
- PASPA: The Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act. In short, this was the roadblock to legal sports betting outside of Nevada and was struck down by the US Supreme Court in 2018.
- Michigan School Aid Fund: Revenue from online gaming and sports betting will help to support this effort.
- Lawful Internet Gambling Act: This bill authorized the Michigan Gaming Control Board to issue licenses for online and mobile gaming.
- Lawful Sports Betting Act: This is one of the bills that gave a green light to sports betting in Michigan.
- Fantasy Contests Consumer Protection Act: This bill spelled out the legality and regulation of fantasy sports in Michigan.
- Michigan Sports Betting Regulations: The Michigan Gaming Control Board is the overseeing body for sports betting in the state.
- Responsible Gambling: Compulsive gambling is a serious issue, and it can affect folks from all walks of life. The state of Michigan has compiled an excellent list of resources for those who might need or know of someone who could use help. You can also find information on gambling addiction and resources here.