Michigan Sports Betting Overview
Michigan sports betting is legal online and in person. Mobile betting launched on January 22, 2021, and Detroit casinos began retail wagering on March 11, 2020. You can place wagers through licensed apps statewide or at approved retail sportsbooks. As of August 2025, the regulator reports 12 operators offer internet sports betting in Michigan. This guide covers the essentials: Michigan sportsbook promos, the best sportsbook apps, how to start betting, local sports teams to know, and key legal facts so you can get set up quickly.
- 📆 Online Launch Date: January 2021
- 📱 Online Sportsbooks Available: 12
- 🏬 Retail Sports Betting: ✅ Legal (commercial & tribal casinos)
- 🎂 Legal Betting Age: 21+
- 🏈 College Sports Betting: ✅ Permitted (no major restrictions)
- 🎰 Online Casinos: ✅ Legal
Is Michigan Sports Betting Legal?
Yes. Sports betting has been legal in Michigan since March 2020 for retail sportsbooks and January 2021 for online betting under the Lawful Sports Betting Act, which was signed in December 2019. Regulation is handled by the Michigan Gaming Control Board. You can wager online or on mobile with licensed operators, and in person at commercial and tribal casinos. You must be 21 or older and physically located within Michigan, with geolocation used to verify your location.
Top Michigan Sportsbook Apps Ranked & Reviewed
Michigan’s online market is competitive, with several major national operators live statewide. While more sportsbooks may enter over time, this section focuses on the top six based on market share, app quality, promotions, and betting features.
DrafKings Michigan
- Best known for: deep market depth, fast live pricing, and one of the most polished apps.
- DraftKings launched in Michigan on January 22, 2021, and is a national market leader known for deep betting menus and fast live pricing.
- Welcome offer: Bet $5, Get $200 if your bet wins + three months of NBA League Pass free
- App experience & notable features: iOS rating 4.8/5 (847K+ ratings); live betting hub, SGPs, wide prop catalog
- Final take: choose DraftKings if you want the broadest menu and fast, reliable live markets on MI teams.
FanDuel Michigan
- Best known for: the most intuitive Same Game Parlay builder and strong live markets.
- FanDuel went live in Michigan on January 22, 2021, and is widely regarded as a top national operator with an intuitive app and strong same-game parlay tools.
- Welcome offer: Bet $5, Get $150 in Bonus Bets if your first bet wins. No code required.
- App experience & notable features: iOS rating 4.8/5 (847K+ ratings); live betting hub, SGPs, wide prop catalog
- Final take: pick FanDuel if you value a slick app and elite parlay tools with instant payout previews.
BetMGM Michigan
- Best known for: Frequent profit boosts and broad SGP options and MGM Rewards integration for hotel and resort perks.
- BetMGM launched in Michigan on January 22, 2021, and is a major U.S. brand backed by MGM Resorts with robust markets and MGM Rewards integration.
- Welcome offer: Bet $10, Get $150 in bonus bets if your first wager wins with code ‘FOXSPORTS’
- App experience & notable features: iOS rating 4.8/5 (~240K ratings); live betting, cash-out, wide sport coverage.
- Final take: if you value boosts and MGM Rewards status, BetMGM is a strong secondary book in MI even when a first-time promo isn’t running.
Fanatics Sportsbook Michigan
- Best known for: FanCash rewards that convert to bonus bets or merchandise and steady football-season promos.
- Fanatics Sportsbook debuted in Michigan on February 22, 2024, and is growing nationally with its FanCash rewards and clean, modern app.
- Welcome offer: Bet and Get up to $1,000 in No Sweat Bets!
- App experience & notable features: iOS rating 4.8/5 (138K+ ratings); clean UI, live betting, responsible gaming tooling.
- Final take: a great add for rewards hunters, especially during football season, with daily FanCash value even in MI’s tighter promo environment.
Caesars Michigan
- Best known for: daily "Super Boosts" and frequent promos and Caesars Rewards credits on eligible wagers.
- Caesars has operated in Michigan since 2021 following the William Hill rebrand, and it is a nationally recognized book tied to the Caesars Rewards program.
- Welcome offer: Bet $1, get 20 tokens for 100% Profit Boosts (double your winnings) on subsequent bets, with typical limits and token expiry; use promo code FOX20X in all states except ON and MD; use code FOXONBET in ON and MD.
- App experience & notable features: iOS rating 4.7/5 (89K+ ratings); SGPs, live betting, simplified navigation.
- Final take: if you want steady boosts and a national rewards program that ties into Vegas stays, Caesars is a solid rotation book in MI.
All Legal MI Sportsbooks
- BetMGM Sportsbook
- BetRivers Sportsbook
- Caesars Sportsbook
- DraftKings Sportsbook
- Eagle Casino & Sports
- ESPN Bet
- Fanatics Sportsbook
- FanDuel Sportsbook
- FireKeepers Sportsbook
- Four Winds Sportsbook
- Play Gun Lake Sportsbook (BetPARX)
- SI Sportsbook
How We Rank the Best MI Sports Betting Apps
With so many sportsbooks available in Michigan, we rely on a consistent set of factors to determine which apps stand out from the competition. Each ranking is based on the following criteria:
- Odds Competitiveness: We look at how often a sportsbook posts the best lines compared to its rivals, since even small differences in odds can impact long-term profitability.
- Bonus Offers & Ongoing Promotions: We evaluate the value of the welcome bonus for new users as well as the quality and frequency of ongoing promotions for existing customers.
- Market Depth & Variety: We consider the overall range of betting options, from major U.S. leagues to niche sports and international markets.
- User Experience & Mobile App Performance: We examine how smoothly the app runs, focusing on navigation, stability, and how easy it is to place bets quickly.
- Banking & Payout Speed: We assess how many deposit and withdrawal options are available and how quickly players can expect to receive their winnings.
- Live Betting Features: We analyze the strength of in-play betting, including the speed of odds updates, the availability of live streaming, and access to real-time stats.
- Customer Support: We review the accessibility and responsiveness of support, whether through live chat, phone, or email, to ensure players can get help when they need it.
How to Start Betting on Sports in Michigan
- Choose a Legal MI Sportsbook: Compare welcome bonuses, odds quality, and app UX. Check for Lions, Pistons, or Red Wings promos.
- Register Online: Michigan allows remote sign-up. You’ll typically enter: full name, email, date of birth, last 4 of SSN, and physical address. Verify location and age (21+).
- Claim a Welcome Bonus: Click the "claim" button on this page to opt in. Read the terms and conditions for minimum odds, qualifying bet, and expiry.
- Deposit Funds: Common MI methods: credit and debit card, online banking/ACH, PayPal, Venmo, Apple Pay, Play+ prepaid.
- Place Your First Bet: Example: bet $5 on the Lions to win at DraftKings to unlock bonus bets. You can also try a simple total or moneyline.
- Withdraw Winnings: Payout options usually include online banking/ACH, PayPal, Venmo, and Play+. E-wallets often pay fastest, while bank transfers can take longer. Check processing times in the app’s cashier.
Michigan Sports Betting Handle
The betting handle is the total amount of money wagered with legal sportsbooks over a given period. It counts every dollar staked before any winnings are paid out. Handle is not the sportsbook’s revenue. Revenue equals handle minus payouts, and the hold (or win rate) is revenue divided by handle.
| Year | Handle | Revenue | Hold | Taxes | | 2020 | $131M | $18.3M | 14% | $1.54M |
| 2021 | $3.97B | $320M | 8.05% | $13.6M |
| 2022 | $4.81B | $419M | 8.71% | $22.6M |
| 2023 | $4.81B | $434M | 9.02% | $23.6M |
| 2024 | $5.51B | $470M | 8.53% | $21.2M |
Responsible Gaming in Michigan
Sports betting should be enjoyable and fit your budget. If gambling is affecting you or someone you know, confidential help is available in Michigan and nationwide. Most sportsbooks also offer deposit limits, time-outs, and self-exclusion to help you stay in control.
- Michigan Problem Gambling Helpline: 📞 1-800-270-7117 (24/7, confidential, free)
- Michigan Gaming Control Board – Responsible Gaming: mgcb.michigan.gov/responsible-gaming
- Michigan Dept. of Health & Human Services – Problem Gambling Services: michigan.gov/mdhhs/problem-gambling
- National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG): ncpgambling.org | 📞 1-800-522-4700
- Gamblers Anonymous: gamblersanonymous.org | 📞 1-855-222-5542
Michigan Sports Betting FAQ
Is online sports betting legal in Michigan?
Yes. Online sports betting has been legal in Michigan since January 2021, following the launch of regulated online casinos and sportsbooks in the state. Bettors can place wagers through licensed mobile apps and websites overseen by the Michigan Gaming Control Board.
What is the legal betting age in MI?
The legal sports betting age in Michigan is 21. Age verification is required when creating an account with any licensed sportsbook.
Can I bet on college sports in MI?
Yes, you can bet on college sports in Michigan, but there are restrictions. Wagers on in-state college teams or college events held within Michigan are not allowed. For example, you can’t bet on Michigan or Michigan State games played in-state.
Which sportsbooks are available in Michigan?
Michigan has a competitive sports betting market with more than a dozen licensed operators. Major brands include DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, Caesars, PointsBet, and Fanatics, among others.
Do I need to be in MI to place a bet?
Yes. You must be physically located within Michigan state lines to place a legal online wager. Sportsbooks use geo-location technology to verify your location before accepting bets.
Are there retail sportsbooks in MI?
Yes. In addition to mobile betting, Michigan has numerous retail sportsbooks located in commercial casinos in Detroit and tribal casinos throughout the state. These venues offer in-person wagering, often with dedicated betting lounges and kiosks.
