Michigan Sports Betting

Best Michigan sports betting sites and apps for 2023

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SPORTSBOOK

BONUS

FEATURES

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1

Visit DraftKings Sportsbook

UP TO $1,250 BONUS

New User Bonus. T&Cs Apply.

Top Features

DraftKings Promo: Bet $5 Get $200

PLUS $50 Bonus Bet On Deposit

PLUS Up to $1,000 Deposit Bonus

Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER

To Claim: Click Play Now

DraftKings Sportsbook Review

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2

Visit Caesars Sportsbook

Up to $1,250

On Caesars

Top Features

Stream NFL Games In App For Free

+ Get 1,000 Caesars Reward & $1,000 Tier Credits

Redeem for Bet Credits, Hotel Stays, & More!

Use Promo Code: LSRFULL

Caesars Sportsbook Review

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3

Visit BETMGM Sportsbook

UP TO $1,000

In Bonus Bets

Top Features

$1,000 Paid Back in Bonus Bets

Free Live Streaming – Watch Live Games 

Use Bonus Code: PLAY1000

BETMGM Sportsbook Review

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4

Visit BetRivers Sportsbook

$500 BONUS

2nd Chance Bet

Top Features

Up To $500 in Bet Credits

ONLY 1x Play Through!

Use Exclusive Affiliate Code: LSRRIV

BetRivers Sportsbook Review

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5

Visit FanDuel Sportsbook

$2,500

No Sweat First Bet

Top Features

Up to $2,500 No Sweat First Bet

Available on Desktop, Android & iOS

To Claim: Click Play Now

FanDuel Sportsbook Review

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Contents

What’s happening in Michigan sports betting right now?

• June 1, 2023 —Michigan State University and Caesars Sportsbook have reportedly ended their partnership. The move comes as schools face pressure to distance themselves from sports betting companies.
• May 29, 2023 — Michigan sports betting handle was its lowest since August 2022 last month. Handle was $338.1 million, down 23.3% from March. Revenue was $36.2 million, down 21.3% month-over-month.
• May 29, 2023 — Despite touting its nationwide performance in Q1 with the top iGaming market share, DraftKings still trails BetMGM in Michigan online casino revenue and FanDuel in online sports betting handle & revenue.
• May 9, 2023 — Detroit casinos reported $15,305,885 in total retail sports betting handle, but retail sports betting gross receipts were down by 93.6% after a patron won $2.6 million in parlay wagers.
• May 4, 2023 — The Michigan Gaming Control Board joined a coalition of seven state regulators that are urging the U.S. Department of Justice to prioritize combating illegal, offshore sportsbooks and casinos.
• April 21, 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.
• April 18, 2023 — Michigan sports betting handle rose 18.1% month-over-month to $421.7 million in March. That total was down 11.8% year-over-year however. Revenue was $46 million, the highest of the year so far.

Michigan sports betting snapshot

Top 7 sports betting apps in Michigan

The list of top sports betting operators live in the state of Michigan include: FanDuel, DraftKings, Caesars, BetRivers and BetMGM. Depending on what you’re looking for, some sportsbooks might be better than others. You should 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 are great places to play. DraftKings and FanDuel typically bring in the most wagers of any MI online sportsbooks.
• 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 as reviewed by Eilers & Krejcik Gaming.
• Sportsbooks with rewards programs: Caesars, BetRivers. These two books have straightforward rewards programs that offer you points just for wagering on sports.
• Recurring promos and regular offers: 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. DraftKings Sportsbook

DraftKings delivers one of the smoothest platforms for Michigan sports bettors. It offers a host of features and a good live betting section, but a wider selection of regular promos would be good to see, as well.

• App rating: 4.9 (iOS), 4.7 (Android)
• Key takeaway: Lots of features from one of the biggest names in sports betting.
• Best feature: Betting pools
• Bonus offer: $1,250

2. Caesars Sportsbook

The Caesars name is already prominent in gambling circles, but the company has been going to great lengths 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
• Bonus offer: $1,250

3. BetMGM Sportsbook

BetMGM 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 web is a little awkward in comparison to the app, but BetMGM regularly steps up with promos.

• App rating: 4.8 (iOS), 4.4 (Android)
• Key takeaway: Large selection of betting options.
• Best feature: Edit my bet
• Bonus offer: $1,000

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 in the industry. 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
• Bonus offer: $500

5. FanDuel Sportsbook

FanDuel receives high marks for a smooth betting platform with solid visual appeal. It is proving a favorite of both casual and experienced bettors, and recent 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
• Bonus offer: $2,500

How to get started with best Michigan sportsbook bonuses

Getting set up at a legal online sportsbook in Michigan generally is a quick process. When registering, you’ll enter some basic information before creating your account. On the bonus front, here are the current top sports betting promotions in Michigan:

1. DraftKings Promo Code: $50 bonus bet plus 20% up to $1,000 with an initial deposit.
2. BetMGM Bonus Code: Receive up to $1,000 paid back in bonus bets.
3. Caesars Promo Code: Bet credit on Caesars up to $1,250 + 1000 Tier Credits + 1000 Reward Credits®.
4. BetRivers Bonus Code: 2nd chance bet up to $500.
5. FanDuel Promo Code: Get up to $2,500 No Sweat First Bet.

Before signing up to play with any new sportsbook, make sure that you have a full understanding of the terms of the bonus offer and use a bonus or promo code to activate the bonus. 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 programs: 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 meals, free hotel stays and exclusive event invitations. There is no cost to join, and you’ll probably enroll automatically when you register.
• Odds boosts: A boost provides you with the chance to increase your 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 up and running in just a few minutes.

10 quick facts about Michigan sports betting

1. Michigan officially legalized sports betting in December 2019.
2. The first retail sportsbooks in the state opened their doors in March 2020.
3. The online launch took place in January 2021.
4. In the first 10 days of legal online wagering, bettors placed over $100 million in wagers.
5. Michigan sportsbooks set a record for monthly handle with more than $514 million in December 2021.
6. To legally bet on sports in Michigan, you must be 21 or older.
7. State law allows you to wager on pro and college sports.
8. There’s no wagering on high school sports or entertainment-related events, though the MGCB has allowed Oscars betting.
9. There is no residency requirement for betting, but you must be within state lines to place any bets.
10. 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 now wager either online or via a sportsbook app. The Michigan Gaming Control Board provides oversight for the industry 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.

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 play 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 15 Michigan sports betting apps. Here’s the complete list of what’s currently available:

• Barstool Sportsbook
• BetMGM Sportsbook
• BetRivers Sportsbook
• Caesars Sportsbook
• DraftKings Sportsbook
• Eagle Casino & Sports
• FanDuel Sportsbook
• FireKeepers Sportsbook
• Four Winds Sportsbook
• FOX Bet Sportsbook
• Golden Nugget Sportsbook
• Play Gun Lake Sportsbook
• PointsBet Sportsbook
• SI Sportsbook
• WynnBET Sportsbook

Popular sports to bet on in Michigan

Michigan boasts home clubs in all four major pro leagues, each of which has had its ups and downs through the years:

• 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 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 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 debuts in January with $150 million in handle. Michigan closes out the year with two consecutive months above the $500 million mark.
• 2022: DraftKings announced it would open a retail sportsbook at Bay Mills Resort & Casino in Brimley, with a permanent book opening in the fall.

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 several 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 race track in the state. The venue features harness racing on select dates and regular simulcasting from other tracks. Betting with ADW providers 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 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.