Top Michigan Sports Betting Sites: Best Sportsbooks in Michigan for 2024
Michigan's legal sports betting scene is thriving, with 13 top U.S. betting sites operating within the state. We’ve assessed the leading Michigan online sportsbooks and their promotional offers, ensuring that bettors can make informed and confident wagers in 2024.
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$1,000 First Bet on CaesarsTerms & conditions apply |
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20% Deposit Match up to $1,000New customers only. Deposit min. $5. Place daily first bet of min. $5 and get up to a $100 bonus bet for 10 consecutive days. Daily bonus issued within 72 hours. |
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First Bet Offer up to $1500Bonus bets expire in 7 days. One new customer offer per user. Additional terms apply. 21+. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. |
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Deposit $50 play with $100Terms & conditions apply |
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Claim Offer
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Michigan sports betting updates
Here’s a timeline of key events in Michigan’s sports betting history:
- Aug. 28, 2024: Michigan regulators issue a cease-and-desist order to One Country, a country-themed sweepstake lottery platform.
- Aug. 24, 2024: Michigan State QB Aidan Chiles suggests bettors wager on the "over" in the season-opener.
- Aug. 20, 2024: Michigan's online sportsbooks report their fourth consecutive month with a double-digit win rate.
- July 23, 2024: Michigan sports betting operators record an 11% hold in June, winning nearly $32 million on a $285.2 million handle.
- July 17, 2024: The Michigan Gaming Control Board defends its efforts against illegal gambling.
- June 28, 2024: Michigan sportsbooks achieve a year-high hold of 12.1% in May.
- June 20, 2024: Authorities dismantle an illegal slot-machine operation at the Red Horse Bar in Saginaw.
- June 14, 2024: Michigan nears its deadline to end Bovada’s sports betting operations within the state.
- June 6, 2024: Michigan regulators focus on addressing issues related to college sports betting.
- June 3, 2024: Michigan gaming officials may target Bovada’s suppliers if it does not cease operations.
- May 30, 2024: The American Gaming Association supports Michigan’s crackdown on offshore sportsbooks.
- May 30, 2024: Michigan issues a cease-and-desist letter to Bovada for unlicensed sports betting and iGaming.
- May 27, 2024: The World Series of Poker launches a new online platform, featuring a three-state summer series including Michigan.
- May 22, 2024: Michigan sportsbooks enjoy a 10.5% hold in April, reporting a $414.4 million handle.
- April 24, 2024: ESPN BET opens its first retail location at the Hollywood Casino at Greektown in Detroit.
- April 18, 2024: Michigan’s betting revenue peaks in March with $497.6 million in wagers.
- March 21, 2024: Michigan’s handle falls 30% in February, with only three of the top six operators reporting a profit.
- Feb. 22, 2024: Fanatics launches its sportsbook and casino products in Michigan.
- Feb. 20, 2024: Michigan posts a $600 million handle for the second consecutive month, marking a 43% YoY growth for January.
- Feb. 8, 2024: Governor Gretchen Whitmer allocates $1.9 million from the state's 2025 fiscal year for regulating illegal sports betting.
- Jan. 20, 2024: Regulators order three gaming companies to cease illegal operations, citing multiple violations.
- Jan. 19, 2024: Michigan sees a record-high $600 million handle in December, marking its third consecutive record-breaking month.
- Nov. 2, 2023: ESPN BET plans to launch online sports betting in 17 U.S. states, including Michigan, on Nov. 14, 2023.
- Oct. 25, 2023: Michigan’s September sports betting handle doubles, reaching $457.7 million.
- Sept. 4, 2023: A legislative committee scrutinizes daily fantasy sports operators, proposing rules to ban sports betting-like contests.
- Aug. 31, 2023: FOX Bet ceases operations in Michigan, with customers redirected to PokerStars.
- June 22, 2023: Michigan’s retail betting market grows in May, though the statewide handle falls nearly 10% year-over-year.
- April 21, 2023: Revenue from sports betting grows significantly in March, with sportsbooks seeing substantial wins.
- Feb. 24, 2023: Michigan’s sports betting handle declines in January, indicating that bettors had the upper hand.
- Oct. 19, 2022: Michigan’s September sports betting handle increases by 40% from August, reaching $383.1 million.
- Sept. 20, 2022: Michigan’s sports betting handle rebounds in August after a dip in July.
- Aug. 19, 2022: Michigan’s sports betting handle dips in July, with nearly $225 million in total bets.
- Aug. 16, 2022: SI Sportsbook launches online operations in Michigan.
- June 23, 2022: BetMGM opens its private live dealer studio in Michigan.
- May 23, 2022: Michigan joins a multi-state poker compact with Delaware, Nevada, and New Jersey.
- April 14, 2022: Eagle Casino & Sports becomes the 15th online sports betting platform in Michigan.
- Feb. 23, 2022: The Kalamazoo Wings strike a partnership with Firekeepers Casino Hotel for online sportsbook and iCasino services.
- Feb. 16, 2022: Michigan sets a record for sports betting handle in January, reaching $532.7 million.
- Jan. 13, 2022: Caesars Entertainment Inc. announces a partnership with Michigan State Athletics.
- Dec. 30, 2021: Michigan permits a state income tax deduction for gambling losses reported on federal returns.
- Dec. 21, 2021: Michigan sets a new sports betting record with a $473.8 million handle in November.
- November 2021: Saginaw Chippewa Gaming Enterprises partners with Kambi for in-person and online sportsbook operations.
- May 2021: Saginaw Chippewa Gaming Enterprises teams with GAN for online sports betting and iCasino operations.
- January 2021: Online sportsbooks officially launch in Michigan.
- March 2020: Greektown Casino-Hotel and MGM Grand Detroit launch Michigan’s first retail sportsbooks.
- Dec. 20, 2019: Governor Gretchen Whitmer signs HB 4916 into law, allowing sports betting in Michigan.
- 2018: Governor Rick Snyder vetoes a bill to legalize online gambling in Michigan.
- 2017: Rep. Brandt Iden introduces online gambling legislation with sports betting language.
- 2015-16: Rep. Robert Kosowski lays the groundwork for sports betting legislation in Michigan.
Is sports betting legal in Michigan?
Indeed, sports betting is authorized in Michigan. On December 20, 2019, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer enacted HB 4916, which legalized both in-person and online sports betting. Physical sportsbooks were introduced in March 2020, and online betting commenced on January 22, 2021.
Currently, Michigan features 13 licensed sports betting apps and more than 20 retail sports betting venues.
Who can partake in Michigan sports betting?
You must be at least 21 years old to bet on sports in Michigan or place a wager at a state-licensed casino.
Additionally, you’ll have your identity verified by online Michigan sportsbooks — using software approved by regulators — when not betting in person.
Minimum Age
Persons aged 21 years and older can bet on sports in Michigan. This applies to individuals placing wagers online or in person at a licensed casino. Certain tribal casinos may allow bettors as young as 18 or 19 years old.
Mobile Betting
In Michigan, you can legally place a wager via a mobile phone, tablet, or desktop computer. The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) regulates all online and commercial gambling, while the National Indian Gaming Commission oversees tribal casinos in Michigan.
Remote Registration
Michigan online sports betting allows for full remote registration. From creating an account to adding funds and placing wagers, everything can be done online without needing to visit a casino in person.
In-State Betting
When gambling on sports, players must be physically present within Michigan state borders. While bettors do not need to be Michigan residents, betting sites must verify that users are within state lines when placing a wager or adding funds.
Retail Sportsbooks
Retail sportsbook betting is available at 22 of Michigan’s 26 casinos. Most of these locations feature sportsbook lounges, though some only offer self-service betting kiosks.
Taxable Winnings
Winnings from sports betting in Michigan are taxed as income at both the federal and state levels. Federal taxes are 25% of all winnings, while Michigan state tax is an additional 4.25%. You are responsible for reporting winnings up to $5,000. Residents can also claim losses on their tax forms, but only up to the amount of winnings claimed.
The pros and cons of Michigan sports betting
The level of competition amongst Michigan sportsbooks provides gamblers with a plethora of online and in-person options. Additionally, the streamlined registration process allows bettors to place their first wager almost instantly, and on almost any event.
However, there are a few drawbacks to be aware of. While there's a natural hesitance to share personal information with online sportsbooks, they require the last four digits of your Social Security Number (SSN) to register. Additionally, geolocation software can sometimes trigger issues during the sign-up process, and esports betting is not available.
Remote registration- Many retail and online sportsbooks
- Bet on local college sports teams
Remote registration- Must provide SSN for online registration
- Geolocation software can trigger sign-up issues
- No esports betting
How to start betting in Michigan
It’s easy to get started with sports betting in Michigan. With remote registration, Michiganders and their visitors can visit the legal Michigan sports betting sites via a desktop computer or download an app onto a mobile device. Players can also place bets in person at one of Detroit’s three commercial casinos or a tribal casino offering sports betting.
Select a sportsbook
Check out our sportsbook reviews and choose the Michigan betting sites that best fit your needs. Consider betting opportunities, promotions, customer service, and ease of financial transactions.
Register online
Registration should be completed in a matter of minutes. Simply enter your personal information and payment details to get underway.
Claim a bonus
New players are often prompted to enter a promo code before wrapping up the registration process. These bonus offers are used by Michigan sportsbooks in an effort to gain a competitive edge and entice bettors to choose their services. Here are the most popular types of offers:
- 1st Bet Offer: Place your first wager risk-free, up to a predetermined amount. If you lose, MI sportsbooks will refund the amount in the form of site credits or cash.
- Deposit Match: Some Michigan sports betting sites will match your initial deposit, up to a predetermined amount. Play-through requirements are typically attached to this type of offer.
- No Deposit Bonus: This type of offer provides new bettors with a small site credit upon sign-up.
Choose your bet
The most popular bets in Michigan include the point spread, moneyline, Over/Under (totals), props, and futures bets. Michigan sports betting sites have access to real-time data and can offer updated odds, making live betting one of the most attractive options.
Deposit
Adding real money funds is a required step in the account creation process. You will likely be redirected to the sportsbook’s banking section or cashier following the initial sign-up. Once there, choose from the best sportsbook deposit and withdrawal methods.
Start betting
We advise all types of bettors to research the games and events prior to placing any wagers. Research can include understanding the game’s participants and also searching for the best lines available at legal Michigan sportsbooks.
Withdraw
Securing your winnings in a timely manner is key to legal online sports betting. Those of you who win a bet should have the ability to easily withdraw funds. Keep in mind that processing and withdrawal times differ depending on the sportsbook and its policies.
Odds explained
Michigan sportsbooks display American odds. The default for futures odds and props also use moneyline odds instead of fractions or decimal points.
In this scenario, favorites are identified by a minus (-) sign and reference the amount you have to bet in order to win $100. In this example, -150 odds indicate that you would be required to wager $150 to claim a $100 profit. Underdogs are accompanied by a plus (+) sign and indicate the amount you’ll win if you bet $100. For example, +200 odds indicate you’d take home $200 in profit when placing a wager of $100. Underdogs are less likely to win, and the larger payout reflects this situation.
Some Michigan sportsbook apps allow players to change how the odds are presented in order to make the information easier to understand. Our odds converter allows you to switch between American, decimal, and fractions.
What you can't bet on in Michigan
Almost anything goes in Michigan. However, Michigan sports betting laws do specify that no bets can be made involving minors. Therefore, high school sports are off the table.
Politics
The Michigan Gaming Control Board does not allow Michigan sportsbooks to offer betting lines on politics, including U.S. presidential elections. Any political betting sites operating in Michigan should be avoided.
esports
The MGCB has not authorized esports betting at state-licensed casinos or Michigan sports betting sites. Currently, Little River Casino Resort — a tribal casino — is the only sportsbook reportedly offering to bet on esports.
What about college sports?
College athletics are fair game in Michigan. Bettors can freely place wagers on college football games, whether they support Michigan or Michigan State, and any other local collegiate sports and programs.
What about the NFL Draft?
The always entertaining — and often intriguing — NFL Draft has turned into a significant betting event. You can legally bet on the 2024 NFL Draft in MI, but there are cut-off times to keep in mind. Betting for the first round, typically held on a Thursday night, ends at midnight on Wednesday. Bets for the second and third rounds end Thursday night while wagering for rounds four through seven ends on Friday night.
Other types of gambling
Michigan is home to over two dozen casinos, one horse track, and a number of live and online poker rooms. Daily fantasy sports (DFS) contests were also legalized with the Lawful Internet Gaming Act of 2019.
