Michigan Sports Betting: Best 14 MI Sportsbook Apps 2023
Michigan online sports betting is legal and live. Bettors can wager online within the state’s borders or at retail sportsbooks in most casinos. The state has 14 sports betting apps to choose from, including DraftKings, Caesars, BetRivers, FanDuel, and BetMGM.
Best Michigan sports betting sites and apps for 2023
Contents
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What’s happening in Michigan sports betting right now
- Sept. 27, 2023 — Sports Illustrated, in partnership with 888 and OpenBet, opened its first retail sportsbook inside the Island Resort Casino in Harris.
- Sept. 21, 2023 — Michigan sports betting handle hit $228.4 million in August, a drop of just 0.6% year-over-year. That total was up about $20 million from July.
- Sept. 11, 2023 — PointsBet Sportsbook is now being branded as “PointsBet, a Fanatics Experience” on the Michigan version of the operator’s sportsbook and casino app.
- Sept. 7, 2023 — The Detroit Lions are one of nine NFL teams partnering with BetMGM and GameSense to do in-stadium responsible gambling promotions this season. The Lions open the NFL season in Kansas City for NFL kickoff on Sept. 7.
- Aug. 31, 2023 — FOX Bet officially shut down operations across the US as users are no longer able to access their accounts on the FOX Bet app. There are now 14 sports betting sites in Michigan.
- Aug. 30, 2023 — As part of Fanatics Sportsbooks’ PointsBet takeover in Michigan, the new operator is expected to expand into the Michigan online casino space in 2024.
- Aug. 24, 2023 — The state announces that Michigan sports betting handle fell to $208.8 million in July, the lowest total in the state since August 2021. Revenue was up 28% month-over-month, however, to $22.9 million.
Michigan sports betting snapshot
| Is online sports betting legal in Michigan? | Yes. Online sports betting is legal in Michigan, with 14 sportsbook apps available in the state. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed the bill to legalize sports betting and online gambling in December 2019. Legal sportsbooks opened at casinos in 2020, but online sportsbooks didn’t arrive until January 2021. |
| What sportsbook apps are legal in Michigan? | DraftKings, Caesars, BetMGM, FanDuel, PointsBet, and BetRivers, to name a few. |
| What sports can I bet on in Michigan? | All major sports and leagues are available for betting in Michigan. In-state college betting is also legal, as well as some entertainment bets such as the Oscars. |
| Who can bet on sports in Michigan? | You must be 21 or older and located in the state to bet on sports in Michigan. Online sportsbooks will verify this using geolocation. Affiliated personnel cannot bet on their own team or sport. |
Top 5 sports betting apps in Michigan
Michigan online sports betting is live, and the list of sites includes FanDuel, DraftKings, Caesars, BetRivers, and BetMGM. Depending on what you’re looking for, some sportsbooks might be better than others. It can be a good idea to make a note of what’s most important to you and compare those options against what each of the Michigan betting sites has to offer. Here are the top options in several key areas:
- Betting on the top games and events: DraftKings, FanDuel. If you like sticking to top sports like the NFL or college football or major events like the Masters or a UFC fight, the industry leaders can be good places to wager. DraftKings and FanDuel typically bring in the most wagers of any online sportsbooks in Michigan.
- When you’re looking for something different: BetMGM, BetRivers. The best sportsbooks in the state tend to have a good selection of sports to choose from, but some offer a bit more. BetMGM and BetRivers have large menus to browse through, including sports that you won’t find at every book.
- Odds that are most likely on point: Caesars, PointsBet. While odds will vary on individual contests due to market action, Caesars and PointsBet are two books that consistently hit the right notes. PointsBet recently moved up in independent sports betting app ratings from Eilers & Krejcik Gaming.
- Sportsbooks with rewards programs: Caesars, BetRivers. These two books have straightforward rewards programs that offer you points when you wager on sports.
- Recurring promos and regular bonuses: Caesars, BetMGM. While sign-up bonuses are great, the same holds true for regular incentives for existing players. Caesars and BetMGM tend to have good recurring offers, as well as various daily odds boosts.
1. Caesars Sportsbook
The Caesars name is already prominent in gambling circles, but the company has been working to increase its sports betting presence. Regular promos, competitive odds, and a wide selection of sports have helped it do so. The platform is a bit on the basic side, though, and customer service remains a work in progress.
- App rating: 4.6 (iOS), 4.4 Android
- Key takeaway: Competitive odds on a deep bench of sports.
- Best feature: Regular promos
2. BetMGM Sportsbook
BetMGM Sportsbook has a good variety of sports to bet on, ranging from the top games and events down to niche offerings like snooker and lacrosse. Navigation on the sportsbook’s website is a little awkward in comparison to the app, but BetMGM regularly steps up with promos. It’s also one of the fastest-paying sportsbooks with a handful of quick payout methods.
- App rating: 4.8 (iOS), 4.4 (Android)
- Key takeaway: Large selection of betting options.
- Best feature: Edit my bet
3. PointsBet Sportsbook
PointsBet Sportsbook is an Australian sportsbook that has quickly grown in popularity in the US. PointsBet is known for its signature wager method, PointsBetting. This feature differs from the standard spread or total bet by determining your payout or loss depending on how much your bet is right or wrong. PointsBet’s app itself is noted for its speed, which pairs well with its live-betting options.
- App rating: 4.8 (iOS), 4.7 (Android)
- Key takeaway: A nice change of pace from the standard book.
- Best feature: PointsBetting
4. BetRivers Sportsbook
BetRivers is another sportsbook that has been expanding its national footprint. The site stands out with one of the best rewards programs for online bettors. It also offers a good variety of sports and betting options, but there have been mixed reviews on the platform’s overall performance.
- App rating: 2.7 (iOS), 3.4 (Android)
- Key takeaway: Big menu and rewards program for betting.
- Best feature: iRush Rewards
5. FanDuel Sportsbook
FanDuel Sportsbook receives high marks for a smooth betting platform with solid visual appeal. It is proving a favorite of both casual and experienced bettors, and past innovations like same-game parlays and improvements to the prop betting layout have been popular. It could, however, stand to offer more recurring promos.
- App rating: 4.8 (iOS), 4.7 (Android)
- Key takeaway: Easy to use and lots of options.
- Best feature: Same-game parlays
How to get started with the best Michigan sportsbook bonuses
Getting set up at a legal online sportsbook in Michigan generally is a quick process. When you register, you’ll enter some basic information before creating your account. On the bonus front, here are the top sports betting promotions in Michigan, along with any codes to claim them, if necessary:
- Caesars promo code: $1,000 first bet on Caesars. Use the code LSR1000.
- BetMGM bonus code: Use the code PLAYLSR to receive up to $1,500 back in bonus bets as a refund if your first bet loses.
- PointsBet promo code: No code necessary. Get up to $1,000 in second chance bets.
- BetRivers affiliate code: Use the code LSRRIV to receive a second-chance bet up to $500.
- FanDuel promo code: No code necessary. Bet $5, get up to $200 in bonus bets.
- DraftKings promo code: No code necessary. Get up to $1,400 in bonuses.
Before signing up to bet at any new sportsbook, make sure that you have a full understanding of the terms of the bonus and use a code to activate it if it requires one. Here are some common promotional elements from top books:
- Deposit bonus: The sportsbook will match a percentage of your first deposit up to a certain amount. You’ll receive site credits that aren’t eligible for withdrawal until you meet the wagering requirement.
- Loyalty program: Most sportsbooks with some sort of brand connection with a larger casino chain let you participate in the company-wide loyalty program. Programs like BetMGM’s MGM Rewards or Caesars’ Caesars Rewards give points and tier placement for every dollar you wager. These points and statuses can often lead to benefits like free or discounted meals or hotel stays, along with exclusive event invitations. There is typically no cost to join, and you’ll usually enroll automatically when you register.
- Odds boost: A boost provides you with the chance to increase your potential winnings on select wagers, such as a specific moneyline or prop bet.
You’ll be able to download a Michigan sports betting app and have your account ready to use in just a few minutes.
10 quick facts about Michigan sports betting
- Michigan officially legalized sports betting in December 2019.
- The first retail sportsbooks in the state opened in March 2020.
- The online launch took place in January 2021.
- In the first 10 days of legal online wagering, bettors placed over $100 million in wagers.
- Michigan sportsbooks set a record for monthly handle with more than $514 million in December 2021.
- To legally bet on sports in Michigan, you must be 21 or older.
- State law allows you to wager on pro and college sports.
- There’s no wagering on high school sports or entertainment-related events, though the Michigan Gaming Control Board has allowed Oscars betting.
- There is no residency requirement for betting, but you must be within state lines to place any bets.
- Key league and team personnel may not wager on their own sports.
What to expect at a legal Michigan sports betting site
Legal retail sports betting made its debut in Michigan in 2020. The year itself was a challenging one, but promising signs still emerged for the state’s new industry. When online sports betting officially launched the following January, the full potential of the market became even more apparent.
Sports bettors across the state can wager either online or via a sportsbook app. The Michigan Gaming Control Board provides oversight of sportsbooks and protections for consumers. The state has evolved into one of the more gambling-friendly in the US, as Michigan online casinos and poker are legal, as well.
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Michigan sports betting law and regulations
While states became able to set their own laws on sports betting in the wake of a US Supreme Court ruling in May 2018, it took some time for things to get going in Michigan. Sports betting officially became law in the state in December 2019.
Retail sportsbooks began opening in March 2020, but they were quickly stymied by shutdowns due to the coronavirus pandemic. The online launch took place in January 2021, with a number of books debuting right out of the gate.
You must be 21 or older to legally bet on sports in Michigan. While you don’t have to be a resident to sign up and wager online, you must be within state lines when placing bets. Here are some other key points of Michigan sports betting law:
- The state taxes sports betting revenue at 8.4%. In Detroit, commercial casinos pay an additional 1.25% city tax.
- Licenses cost $100,000. There’s an initial $50,000 application fee and an operating fee of $50,000 per year.
- Online sportsbooks have to partner with a land-based casino to be eligible to operate in the state.
Full list of legal sports betting apps in Michigan
Legal online sportsbooks made their debut in Michigan in January 2021. Many were available during the first month, but others trickled in afterward. There are now 14 Michigan sports betting apps. Here’s the complete list of what’s available:
- Barstool Sportsbook
- BetMGM Sportsbook
- BetRivers Sportsbook
- Caesars Sportsbook
- DraftKings Sportsbook
- Eagle Casino & Sports
- FanDuel Sportsbook
- FireKeepers Sportsbook
- Four Winds Sportsbook
- Golden Nugget Sportsbook
- Play Gun Lake Sportsbook (BetPARX)
- PointsBet Sportsbook
- SI Sportsbook
- WynnBET Sportsbook
Popular sports to bet on in Michigan
Michigan boasts home clubs — each of which has had its ups and downs through the years — in all four major pro leagues:
- NFL: Detroit Lions
- NBA: Detroit Pistons
- MLB: Detroit Tigers
- NHL: Detroit Red Wings
College sports are also a big attraction in Michigan. During college football and basketball seasons, the University of Michigan and Michigan State garner most of the attention. Plenty of smaller programs have loyal fan bases, as well, and Michigan doesn’t restrict betting on in-state college teams.
Elsewhere at legal online sportsbooks, options such as soccer, golf, tennis, UFC, and NASCAR generate a good deal of interest. For those who are looking to mix it up, many books also offer bets on more niche contests like rugby and table tennis.
Betting is supposed to be on sports only, but the MGCB has also permitted Oscars betting. You may also see some props with an entertainment flair during the Super Bowl. As is the case in other states, you can’t bet on elections.
Michigan sports betting history
Beginning in 2015, the Michigan Legislature took its first steps toward legalizing internet gambling. Hopes were high when the landscape changed in 2018, but Gov. Rick Snyder ultimately vetoed a bill that would have made sports betting legal.
The debate continued into 2019, with Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signing off on the Lawful Sports Betting Act in December of that year. The act was part of a broader package of bills that addressed lawful gambling as a whole.
Retail sports betting debuted in 2020, followed by online sports betting in 2021. Michigan has quickly grown into a top market for legal sports betting. Here are some of the key highlights on the path to getting there:
- 2017: The Lawful Internet Gaming Act passes through a committee in the Michigan Legislature, sparking optimism that the state will move forward with legal sports betting in the future.
- 2018: A bill that would have legalized sports betting makes it to the desk of Gov. Rick Snyder, but he vetoes it.
- 2019: The legalization debate continues throughout the year. It culminates in December when Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signs off on the Lawful Sports Betting Act.
- 2020: Retail sportsbooks open in March, but they must pause due to coronavirus restrictions. After a lull, business picks back up in August.
- 2021: Legal online sports betting and Michigan online casinos debut in January with $150 million in handle. Michigan closes out the year with two consecutive months above the $500 million mark.
- 2022: DraftKings announces it will open a retail sportsbook at Bay Mills Resort & Casino in Brimley, with a permanent book opening in the fall.
- 2023: Four Detroit Lions players were suspended for breaking the NFL’s rules on gambling. Quintez Cephus and CJ Moore were suspended for at least the 2023 season, while Stanley Berryhill and Jameson Williams were suspended for six games each.
Related pages to Michigan sports betting
- Sports betting in Illinois
- Sports betting in Indiana
- Sports betting in Kentucky
- Sports betting in New York
- Sports betting in Ohio
- Sports betting in Pennsylvania
- Sports betting in Wisconsin
Michigan sports betting FAQ
Is sports betting legal in Michigan?
Yes, it’s legal to bet on sports in Michigan, either in person or online. The first retail sportsbooks opened in 2020, with the online launch taking place the following year.
Where can I bet on sports in MI?
When sports betting officially became legal in the state in 2019, the law called for retail and online betting. For retail betting, you’ll find sportsbooks at many of the state’s casinos:
- FireKeepers Casino Hotel
- Four Winds Dowagiac
- Four Winds Hartford
- Four Winds New Buffalo
- Greektown Casino Hotel
- Gun Lake Casino
- Island Resort & Casino
- Leelanau Sands Casino
- Little River Casino and Resort
- MGM Grand Detroit
- Motor City Casino Hotel
- Turtle Creek Casino and Hotel
What’s the legal age for sports betting in MI?
You must be 21 or older to legally bet on sports in Michigan. An online sportsbook will verify your age when you create an account. If it has any trouble doing so during registration, you’ll receive notification from the sportsbook to provide supporting documentation.
Can you bet on horse racing in Michigan?
Yes, you can bet on horse racing in Michigan. Northville Downs is the only operating racetrack in the state. The venue features harness racing on select dates and regular simulcasting from other tracks. Betting with advance deposit wagering sites such as TVG is also legal.
Are daily fantasy sports contests legal in MI?
Daily fantasy sports contests officially became legal in 2019 as part of a broader overall gambling expansion. DraftKings and FanDuel are the two major players in the industry and are available in Michigan.
Is betting on college sports legal in Michigan?
Sports betting in Michigan is legal for both pro and college contests. There are no restrictions on betting on in-state college teams. Michigan and Michigan State are the star attractions, but you also may be able to bet on some smaller schools from time to time.
List of Michigan resources
- Michigan Gaming Control Board website, includes information on rules and regulations, complaint procedures, and more.
- Licensed internet gambling providers from the MGCB website.
- 2019 Michigan sports betting law, signed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.
- Detroit Free Press, provides local, state, and national sports coverage.