Michigan Sports Betting

Michigan Legal Sports Betting Overview

Michigan Sports Betting Summary

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer legalized sports betting in the Great Lakes State by signing the Lawful Sports Betting Act in December 2019. Retail sportsbooks opened their doors in March 2020, just as the COVID-19 pandemic hit. But, despite this early setback, retail sports betting recovered soon after.

Boosted by the legalization of online sports betting in January 2021, the Michigan sports betting market saw the launch of 15 sportsbooks, including some of the biggest US operators like BetMGM, Caesars, and DraftKings. The new betting act mandated every sportsbook must partner with a land-based casino, which prompted the launch of many retail sportsbooks as well. Read our complete guide to find the best sportsbooks, bonuses, and everything you need to know about legal sports betting in Michigan.

Michigan Online Sportsbooks Compared

With 15 online sportsbooks operating in Michigan, sports fans have plenty of options when it comes to choosing the best betting site. Some sportsbooks excel in certain areas like generous betting odds or fast payouts, while others boast a first-rate mobile app. Finding the best sportsbook is all about your personal preference. We have assessed Michigan’s best bookmakers to get you started:

• Best Mobile App – DraftKings

The DraftKings sportsbook app is ranked highest on the Apple App Store for a reason. Its navigation is easy to use, with easy access to customer support. The sportsbook also provides industry-leading promotions, that are straightforward to redeem through the app. Similarly, you can access betting pools and notifications on sports events.

Get your DraftKings Sportsbook promo code for Sep 2024.

• Best Welcome Bonus – Caesars

If you’re seeking out the best Michigan sportsbook bonus, look no further than Caesars. Currently, Caesars Sportsbook offers up to $1,250 first bet insurance. You can place a bet up to $1,250, and if it loses, you get your money back as a single bet credit. While you won’t get your stake, you can cash out your winnings, as there are no wagering requirements on this offer. However, you must use your bet credits within 30 days.

Claim your Caesars Sportsbook promo code for Sep 2024.

• Best for Competitive Odds – Caesars

While every Michigan sportsbook offers competitive odds, Caesars odds are often the most generous for major sports leagues. Its player props and European soccer betting lines in particular are higher than the industry average. Caesars also runs daily odds boosts which improve betting lines so your payouts are greater.

• Best for Market Coverage – TwinSpires

Many Michigan sportsbooks offer excellent market coverage, but none more than TwinSpires sportsbook. The sportsbook provides every major US sport and some smaller markets like lacrosse you won’t find at other Michigan sportsbooks. It’s also worth noting that TwinSpires has a horse race betting platform built into its site for wagering on the latest events.

• Best for Beginner Bettors – BetRivers

If you are new to sports betting, navigating through markets, finding the best odds, and placing your first bets can be tricky. BetRivers' straightforward sportsbook design is perfect for new players. The site displays everything clearly, and you can access all your account settings with a click. Only the most-popular markets are displayed on the main page with moneyline and spread odds.

Get your BetRivers Sportsbook promo code for Sep 2024.

• Best for Payout Speed – PointsBet

Due to a competitive betting market, Michigan sportsbooks typically offer quick payout processing times. PointsBet Sportsbook sets itself apart by offering instant withdrawals. If no further checks are required on your withdrawal, the transaction will complete immediately. However, note that some withdrawal methods may still take longer such as online bank transfers and requests for checks.

How Does Michigan Compare to Other States?

• Market Coverage

Michigan is very unrestrictive with sports betting laws, allowing complete pre-game and live coverage of events from anywhere in the state. Michigan also has no restrictions on college betting, and you can wager on in-state teams. That includes prop betting, which is restricted in neighboring states like Indiana. Additionally, Michigan is one of the few states that allow casino gambling.

• Competitive Odds & Prices

Many Michigan sportsbooks are available across the US, and there is no noticeable difference between these odds between states. Therefore, Michigan bettors are getting the latest competitive odds and betting lines with most sportsbooks.

• Gambling Revenue

As of May 2022, Michigan had brought in $13,764,842 in taxes since sports betting went live in 2019. That's from the 8.4% tax applied to the $428,129,082 sportsbooks have collected in revenue. The increase in monthly betting handles has been tremendous, with the first month of retail betting interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. That handle was just $593,956. Compare that to February 2021, which was the first whole month with online gambling, where the handle was $325,569,037.

Michigan’s sports betting market has only grown since then, with a record $1,966,646 brought in taxes in November 2021.

• Betting Taxes

According to the Internal Revenue Code, each sportsbook betting handle has a 0.25% excise tax. In addition, there is a $50 tax on every employee involved in taking wagers.

There is an 8.4% tax on all sportsbook revenue in the state. Yet, this is low compared to states like Pennsylvania, which has a 36% tax rate. Commercial casinos in Detroit must pay an additional 1.25% tax on sports betting revenue.

Sports betting taxes are taken at the federal level, meaning you need to declare your sports betting profit on your IRS tax form W-2G. Sportsbooks have the right to hold up to 25% of your winnings for tax purposes. You need to make $600 in profit to pay tax, and your sportsbook should send you relevant documents if you pass this threshold.

How to Place a Bet in Michigan

If you're a Michigan sports fan who hasn't got involved with betting yet, now is the perfect time to start wagering. Read our step-by-step guide to registering with a sportsbook and placing your first bet:

1. Select the betting site which best suits you from the 15 Michigan sportsbooks.

2. Most sportsbooks have apps you can download from the Apple App Store or Android Play Store. Alternatively, download the app directly from the sportsbook site.

3. You must provide your date of birth, full name, phone number, and Social Security number to register an account.

4. Make your first deposit by visiting the sportsbook’s cashier. If your sportsbook offers a welcome bonus, redeem it and claim an exclusive reward.

5. Using your bonus funds, choose a market, add it to your bet slip, and select your stake to place your first wager.

6. If your bet wins, head back to the cashier section, and follow the instructions to withdraw your winnings.

Who is Not Eligible to Bet in MI?

Players must be at least 21 years-old and within the state’s borders to place legal wagers in Michigan. Anyone who fulfills these requirements can download a sportsbook app and wager anywhere in the state. Some jobs, positions and circumstances prohibit you from betting, including:

• College coaches, athletes, and sports team members.

• Referees at a major league, minor league, and college level.

• Individuals with authority in sports teams who could influence players.

• Individuals employed by sports leagues that create regulations (e.g., NBA, NFL).

• Employees of sports betting operators and casinos that hold a license to provide sports betting in Michigan. This list includes officers, owners, directors, and other crucial staff members.

• Individuals with access to confidential information about sports teams at a professional or college level (e.g., player medical records).

• Individuals who are ineligible for betting on a state or federal level (e.g., due to criminal history).

• Individuals that have voluntarily excluded themselves from gambling activities.

Latest Michigan Sports Betting Updates

Timeline for Sports Betting in Michigan

• January 2021: Michigan sportsbook apps and sites launch. In this first month alone, the betting handle reaches $150 million.

• March 2020: Retail sportsbooks launch in Michigan. MGM Grand Detroit takes the first legal retail sports bets.

• December 2019: Gov. Whitmer signs the Lawful Sports Betting Act in Michigan (HB 4917). This legalizes sports betting in Michigan, allowing casinos to apply for sports betting licenses.

• December 11, 2019: The Senate approves HB 4917 with a vote of 359-35.

• October 30, 2019: The House passes HB 4917. The bill is sent to the Senate for approval.

• April 9, 2019: Representative Matt Hall puts forward HB 4917 to legalize sports betting in Michigan.

• 2018: A bill is put forward to legalize sports betting in Michigan, but Gov. Rick Snyder vetoes it.

• May 2018: The United States Supreme Court rules the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992 (PASPA) is unconstitutional. This change means each state has the right to legalize online sports wagering.

• 2017: A committee in the Michigan Legislature passes the Lawful Internet Gaming Act.

Michigan Sports Betting Background

In 1972, voters approved amendments to Michigan law to allow a state lottery and charitable gambling by a majority of 2 to 1. Gov. William Milliken signed Public Act 239 and appointed Gus Harrison as the first Lottery Commissioner.

Michigan legislators were big supporters of sports betting before the US Supreme Court struck down PASPA in 2018. Michigan Legislature passed the Lawful Internet Gaming Act in 2017. However, Gov. Snyder soon dismissed this. It wasn’t until 2019 that attempts to legislate sports betting were successful.

Future of Michigan Sports Betting

With the recent addition of Eagle Casino and Sports, Michigan has reached its limit of 15 licensed sportsbooks. Lawmakers may seek to change regulations and allow more operators to launch, considering how popular the market is. TwinSpires Sportsbook is ceasing operations soon, meaning one spot will open for a new operator to launch.

Michigan Sports Betting Locations

There are 26 legal casinos in Michigan and many offer retail sportsbooks. Online sportsbook operators must partner with a land-based casino to launch in the state.

FireKeepers Casino Hotel

• Address: 11177 E. Michigan Avenue, Battle Creek, MI 49014

• Website: http://www.firekeeperscasino.com/

• Phone Number: (877) 352-8777

• Operator: FireKeepers

Instead of partnering with an existing sports betting brand, FireKeepers Casino did its own thing. The brick-and-mortar gambling venue created its own physical retail and online sportsbook platform. Dacy’s Sportsbook and Tap provides kiosks running from 7am-5am every day. There are also huge video screens showing the latest sports action and seating for 125 people. While seated, you can also enjoy the sportsbook’s excellent food menu.

MGM Grand Detroit

• Address: 1777 3rd Avenue, Detroit, MI 48226

• Phone Number: (877) 888-2121

• Website: https://mgmgranddetroit.mgmresorts.com/

• Operator: BetMGM

The MGM Grand boasts two coveted industry awards, the AAA Four Diamond Award and the Forbes Four-Star Award. The BetMGM Sports Lounge has 60 HDTVs, 35 self-service betting kiosks, and 15 windows where you can place wagers with an operator. You can also redeem BetMGM Rewards earned by betting at this land-based venue.

Turtle Creek Casino & Hotel

• Address: 7741 M-72, Williamsburg, MI 49690

• Phone Number: (231) 534-8870

• Website: https://www.turtlecreekcasino.com/

• Operator: Caesars

Turtle Creek is a premier destination for anyone looking for an in-person Michigan gambling experience. You can also find a Caesars retail sportsbook in the hotel, with self-bet kiosks and TVs covering almost every sports event. Similarly, you can earn Caesars Rewards by placing bets within the app or wagering at the retail sportsbook. You can then redeem those awards at any Caesars location for real-life benefits.

Other Michigan Land-Based Casinos

Michigan Lottery Locations

While there are various Michigan Lottery retailers across the Great Lake State, the state lottery has not signed any partnership with sportsbooks. You cannot place sports bets at lottery retailers, which is unlikely to change in the future.

Off-Track and Stadium Betting Locations

While sportsbooks like BetMGM have signed partnerships with sports franchises and stadiums, such as the Detroit Tigers and Comerica Park, this is purely for sponsorship. You will see sportsbook branding at many stadiums across the state, but there are no stadium sportsbooks.

In addition, sportsbooks like PointsBet have signed partnerships with local bars and restaurants to launch branded sports bars. While there are no betting kiosks in these bars, you can use your mobile app and place bets while enjoying the atmosphere. If the Michigan Gaming Control Board legalize retail sports betting in bars, locations like PointsBet Sports Bar would be ready for this.

There is only one live horse racetrack left in the state at Northville Downs. You’ll also find several off-track Michigan betting apps and websites. However, there are no physical off-track betting sites, so you must do your horse race wagering either at the Northville Downs or online.

Teams to Bet on in Michigan

• Pro Sports

Detroit Lions: The Detroit Lions have historically been one of the worst teams in NFL history. Playing at Ford Field in the heart of Detroit, the team is partnered with Michigan sportsbook WynnBET. Get your WynnBET Sportsbook promo code for Sep 2024.

Detroit Pistons: The Detroit Pistons are a storied franchise in NBA history, with three NBA Championship victories as well as some bruising slumps. The team shares an arena with the Detroit Red Wings, and it has a partnership with Michigan sportsbook PointsBet.

Detroit Tigers: The Detroit Tigers are Michigan’s only pro baseball team playing in the MLB, winning four World Series. The team also has a partnership with BetMGM that includes advertising and digital integration.

Detroit Red Wings: As part of the original six NHL teams, the Detroit Redwings are one of the most successful outfits in the league’s history. Winning the Stanley Cup on 11 occasions, the team has only won the trophy fewer times than the Montreal Canadians and the Toronto Maple Leafs.

• College Sports

Central Michigan Chippewas: Central Michigan University’s Chippewas won an NCAA Division II championship for football in 1974 and won a Motor City Bowl in 2007.

Detroit Mercy Titans: The Titans’ men’s basketball team has reached the NCAA tournament once, losing in the first round to the Kansas Jayhawks. The now-defunct football program of the University of Detroit Mercy has produced notable players, including former Minnesota Vikings offensive lineman Grady Alderman.

Eastern Michigan Eagles: Representing Eastern Michigan University, the Eagles sponsor 19 varsity teams, with more women’s sports than men’s, such as golf, basketball, and volleyball.

Michigan State Spartans: The Spartans have a long history as one of the most successful underdogs in college sports. Michigan State University boasts strong programs in all the major sports except baseball. The football team is ranked in the top 25 almost every year.

Michigan Wolverines: One of the most famous college teams in the country, the Wolverines have no shortage of success. The University of Michigan has picked up 11 national football titles and 36 NCAA national championships. The football stadium is one of the largest in the country, with a capacity of 107,601.

Oakland Golden Grizzlies: The Grizzlies have won no national championships since promotions to NCAA Division I. The Oakland University team won 10 NCAA II team championships, mainly in swimming and diving.

Western Michigan Broncos: Cross country is the Broncos’ most successful sport, with the team winning two NCAA national championships for Western Michigan University in the 1960s.

• Women’s Sports

There are no professional sports franchises in Michigan as far as women's teams go. However, there have been reports the NWHL has had its eyes on Detroit for a potential expansion team in the next few years.

Michigan Responsible Gambling Resources

• National Council on Problem Gambling – Offers links to resources such as phone numbers and a live chat where you can get support. It also refers to further help, including local and national organizations. (800) 270-7117

• Michigan Department of Health & Human Services – Provides a helpline for those in need of support and refers bettors to a treatment program. It also offers further advice on responsible gambling.

• Michigan Association on Problem Gambling – Helps you find local support in your area and provides a list of questions to self-test for problem gambling. (517) 672-6904

Michigan has a state-wide self-exclusion program, like many US states. This scheme allows players to protect themselves from gambling material and inform organizations to prevent them from registering. Every sportsbook must offer this to bettors following Michigan Gaming Control Board regulations. In addition, betting sites also must provide resources on sports betting and account tools. These tools include deposit limits, loss limits, and spend limits.

Who Oversees Sports Betting in Michigan?

The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) oversees all sports betting operations in the state. The board is also responsible for licensing and regulating all sportsbooks in the Great Lakes State. This organization carries out safety checks to ensure every licensed betting site is safe and collects taxes and fines. The MGCB also lays out the responsible gambling requirements for every sportsbook.

There are two levels of authority in the MGCB: the executive staff and the board members. Executive staff members have permanent positions in the organization. The Governor of Michigan appoints board members to ensure the process is fair and the public interest is protected.