Michigan Sportsooks — Best MI Online Sports Betting Sites
Published on 24 Jul 2020
late 2019, and the first legal online sportsbook opened its doors in January. Although Michigan had gambling facilities before, they were limited by several brick-and-mortar casinos, so legalization significantly impacted the states’ revenues and the overall customer experience among punters.
Although offshore bookies had existed long before the PASPA law was repealed to make way for legalizing online betting, many gamblers doubted using platforms coming from the grey zone of the industry. Still, it doesn’t mean that using offshore sportsbooks is necessarily a problem. This review will give you the most comprehensive information about Michigan sportsbooks, teach you how to tell a good betting site from a bad one, and give you examples of the best Michigan betting sites.
Best Michigan Sports Betting Sites
Although we will give you some insights about finding good sports betting sites and recognizing reliable ones from scam things, we decided to first come up with exact names. Our selection of the best sports betting sites includes the most popular platforms that gained a crystal-clear reputation and remain in high demand among recreational gamblers. Besides sports betting facilities, all of the sites and their betting apps offer a high-quality casino product, too: Michigan is one of the few states that allow table and card games, slots, and other internet gambling activities. Overall, there are twenty-six online sportsbooks in Michigan, so that we will name just a few: the worthiest ones.
| Sportsbook | Year Established | Min Deposit | Bonus Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| FanDuel | 2009 | $10 | Up to $1,000 |
| DraftKings | 2012 | $5 | Up to $1,000 |
| FoxBet | 2019 | $10 | Up to $500 |
| Caesars Sportsbook | 2018 | $10 | Up to $1,001 |
| FireKeepers Sportsbook | 2015 | $10 | Up to $500 |
Is Sports Betting Legal in Michigan?
Michigan has gone a long bumpy road before bringing all gambling legislation projects into life. Finally, lawmakers succeeded to release a Sports Betting Bill that officially allows sports betting and other entertainment related to games of chance in Michigan. Obviously, legalization doesn’t mean instant access to all offline and digital casinos within eyeshot: the bill includes certain restrictions.
Timeline of Sports Betting in Michigan
Michigan has always been a gambling state: its first sports betting, horse racing, and casino laws appeared back in the 20th century, and the new era, which started after the PASPA law prohibiting online bookmakers, still saw new tribal casinos opening in Detroit to entertain visitors with roulettes, slots, and card games. The latest updates related to Michigan sports betting involve the following essential steps:
- December 2018: At the end of 2018, the first bill to make retail and online sports betting legal saw the light. However, it did not manage to move to Senate: the former governor of Michigan Rick Snyder placed a veto on the bill and which suspended the whole campaign for a year;
- December 20, 2019: The second attempt was successful, and the new Michigan governor Gretchen Whitmer approved the initiative, which legalized sports betting and other digital gambling activities: online poker, fantasy sports, and casino games.
- March 11, 2020: Two tribal casinos of Detroit, the Greektown Casino and Hotel and MGM Grand Detroit, launched their retail sportsbooks;
- March 12, 2020: MotorCity Casino opened its retail sportsbook, too;
- June 22, 2020: Another tribal casino called Battle Creek Firekeepers began accepting sports bettors;
- July 13, 2020: Four Winds Casino holding launched retail sportsbook in three Michigan cities; four days later, the first casino sportsbook was opened in Norther Michigan;
- January 2021: Michigan authorities finalized online sportsbooks policies; the industry’s most significant names like DraftKings, BetMGM, and FanDuel immediately burst into the market with web and mobile sports betting and casino gambling facilities for Michigan punters.
Sports betting bill details
The law regulating sports betting in Michigan is officially named the Lawful Sports Betting Act of 2019, and it is publicly available to everyone who wants to know all nuts and bolts of online and retail sports betting in Michigan. We’ll point out the key points of this bill:
- Every online sports betting operator is eligible to offer its services on a single sportsbook site;
- All online sportsbooks must go through the verification and approval procedure and receive an exclusive gambling license from The Michigan Gaming Control Board. The license cost is $100,000, with a $50,000 annual fee for renewal;
- Sports betting operators working under the Michigan Gaming Control Board license are forced to obtain all data including game outcomes and statistics exclusively from the sports leagues, for instance, the NBA, NFL, etc.;
- The whole act doesn’t relate to tribal casinos and sportsbooks: tribal sports betting is allowed only when a bettor is physically located on tribal lands, even if they place wagers using mobile devices.
Current Online Betting Legal Status in Michigan
We guess we gave you pretty much information so let’s sum it up to put the matter to the rest: Michigan allows all types of Internet gambling activities, including online betting, casino games, poker, and fantasy sports. However, any local sportsbook or an online casino platform that wants to provide its services to Michigan residents must obtain a gambling license from the Michigan authorities; otherwise, the government will consider it illegal and bring in certain measures: fines or imprisonment.
Strictly speaking, the legislation does not allow gambling at the offshore sportsbooks; still, it is hardly likely that anyone gets some real fine for it. Some offshore bookies offer a pretty good range of services, but their ‘grey’ status may disturb many punters: local authorities won’t help in case of any issues with such gambling platforms.
You don’t need to be a Michigan resident to visit its local casinos and retail sportsbooks or enjoy online sports betting sites approved by the Michigan Gaming Control Board. It is enough to be physically located within the state when you place bets, and a bookie accepts them.
How Do We Rate Michigan Online Sportsbooks?
It’s time to lay our cards on the table and fill you in on the details of how we check online sportsbooks before adding them to our top charts. Yes, we don’t just take their ads for granted and perform a kind of research, making sure we can recommend the bookie before we publish every next name in the rankings.
The procedure doesn’t take long, but it only allows you to deal with trusted and reputable bookmakers. In the following several paragraphs, you will learn how to do it, too, so that you can personally check every sportsbook you come across on the Internet.
License and legality
We told you much about Michigan online sports betting and its legality, so we hope you got the key point: a reliable sportsbook always holds a gambling license. However, is a permit from the US local gambling commission a must, or a bookie that opted for some alternative is also a good idea?
Basically, it depends on a particular gambling commission that sportsbook is dealing with: there are some very respectable organizations like the UKGC or MGA, and the ones with laxer terms and rules.
While everything is crystal clear with the local US bookmakers who don’t have a choice but to pay for the gambling license to a particular state they want to target, the offshore bookies have more freedom. Most US-facing offshore online sportsbooks operate under a license granted by the Isle of Man or Curacao, and many sports betting experts regard it as a con: they say it’s too easy to be approved by them. On the other hand, the gambling world knows a plethora of top-notch fair betting platforms working with some doubtful license, and here comes our next criterium: the site’s reputation.
Reputation
Yes, the sportsbook’s reputation might be even more critical than its licensing deals. You don’t know how far it was when it applied to some gambling committee: but there’s no doubt that a scammed user will tell you all the truth and more at some review platform. So, take your time to check out at least a couple of reviews: some of them will be fake, the other — too overemotional, and it’s your homework to set apart the essential information.
If you are not sure, stick to the world-famous brands: if you had known the sportsbook’s brand name long before you ever placed your first bet, it’s most likely a reliable place that doesn’t want to destroy its reputation to steal a couple of hundred dollars from you.
Available betting markets
Is it possible that a sportsbook has a perfect background, but you get disappointed by what you see inside? Yes, definitely. Although it’s not a typical situation for European and British sportsbooks, US betting sites, including Michigan online sportsbooks, can go with fifteen-twenty disciplines and don’t cover some niche sports at all. A deeper look may also show that the number of events and sports betting markets for a single event is limited, too. Is it really worth joining a sportsbook to find just money lines for Stanley Cup? We are not sure. Still, it’s not the only reason why you should pay attention to the line quality.
Rare bookies have their own oddsmakers team and use third-parties data instead.
This third-party must be a reliable provider: your experience will depend on it much. If you see that a bookie uses some top-notch software and its provider embraces many markets, it’s a good sign: you are likely to get good odds and a customer-first approach.
Odds and Lines
So, we came to the main concern of all sports bettors: the value of your whole betting experience. Yes, it would be best if you gambled for fun: most Michigan sportsbooks are designed for recreational, not professional bettors. However, this fun still involves real money, so why not shop around?
We’ll give you some tips. First, compare the markets and their prices and different sites: at least three or four. The best odds with the lowest margin are usually right under your very nose: the top events money lines and totals have the best price in most cases. The odds quality also depends on the overall popularity of the sports and league: the most lucrative ones are offered for NFL, NBA, and NHL, while golf, tennis, chess typically bring you fewer winnings.
Latest Bonuses
Bonuses at Sportsbooks in Michigan
Bonuses do not always improve your experience: they imply various wagering requirements that turn the whole offer into an annoying race for the qualifying rollover. Still, if you can painlessly gain some free cash, why reject it? The sportsbooks we recommend do not only have a lucrative bonus that can boost your winnings but also don’t ask too much in return, sticking to fair and adequate rollover terms.
| Sportsbook | Bonus Type | Bonus Amount |
|---|---|---|
| FanDuel | Risk-Free Bet | Up to $1,000 |
| DraftKings | Welcome Bonus First Deposit Match | Up to $1,000 |
| FoxBet | Risk-Free Bet for new customers | Up to $500 |
| Caesars Sportsbook | First Bet Match | Up to $1,001 |
| FireKeepers Sportsbook | Welcome Bonus First Deposit Match | Up to $500 |
Mobile Betting Availability
We guess we don’t need to explain why a good online sportsbook always offers a smooth mobile experience. Some good news is that all Michigan online betting sites come with native apps for iOS and Android and allow you to have all gambling activities on hand.
We recommend dealing with legal sports betting apps released by Michigan casinos or US-based bookmakers like FanDuel or DraftKings. It is not just about safety, although we mean it, too; the thing is that you most probably won’t find offshore bookies in AppStore or Google Play when your geolocation is Michigan.
Live-Betting Options
Michigan is not unique in live betting: there are no special rules concerning live wagers on sports offered by retail sportsbooks in local casinos or online betting sites. Thus, you are free to choose the site with the best live betting offer: it might be challenging, though, even when you deal with top providers. Don’t expect to see many live betting markets, but look at the overall number of daily events and special betting services: it is a good perk if a sportsbook allows you to cash out sometimes or has a live streaming feature.
General Overview of Sportsbooks in Michigan
Michigan has instantly become a state with a very significant betting pool, so it’s highly likely that every second Michigander you know has ever tried gambling at one of the new betting apps or retail shops. We’ll give you some more fun facts about the situation with wagers on sports in the Great Lake State in the next block. If you long for educational content rather than entertaining one, read further: we will give you more info about local sports betting facilities. This part includes some brief overviews: you will know how you can pay at MI sportsbooks and where you can go if you are into the white-bread pleasures of brick-and-mortar gambling.
Michigan sports betting revenue
Economy and gambling analysts call the legalization of sports betting in Michigan a boost for ‘an unprecedented gambling expansion’. The latest news related to online betting in Michigan are filled with updates of constantly raising revenues, so it becomes pretty evident that the launch of online sportsbooks made a massive impact on economics.
There is hardly a state that has managed even to come close to Michigan revenues. As soon as casinos launched their first bookies and the online industry leaders opened their doors for Michiganders, the first net revenue reports exceeded all expectations: $383,7 million in March, $208,6 million in August, and 386,8 in September. Draftkings became the race leader, with its $106.9 million in a handle, while FanDuel, BetMGM, Barstool, and Caesars followed it in the leaderboard.
Most popular betting markets among MI bettors
Michigan is home to many major sports teams of the USA and raised a plethora of the top NFL and NBA players. Obviously, Michigan has a large fan base that was turned into a significant betting pool after online sportsbooks were legalized in 2019, so let’s overview the most popular betting options available at Michigan betting sites and what teams and leagues Michigan sports bettors tend to back.
The most demanded sports disciplines that every Michigander longs for at a sports betting site are, of course, related to the major US leagues: NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, and NCAA, the college sports league. Most of the leagues have a positive stance on sports betting and cooperate with top American bookmakers as sponsors and data providers, so there’s a high chance you will find the sharpest betting lines when it comes to the most important football, basketball, ice hockey, or baseball matches.
Most demanded sports disciplines:
NFL
The national football league collaborates with the largest American sportsbooks and expresses its awareness in gambling addiction issues, and invests much in the National Council on Problem Gambling. When betting on NFL events, you won’t be disappointed with the MI online bookmakers offers: even small offshore sites usually provide at least two hundred betting markets for a single regular season or a playoff game. Most bettors rely on Moneyline and Totals wagers when they want to make some money in addition to having fun, but top MI bookies have an awe-inspiring selection of game props.
NHL
NHL became one of the first leagues to lobby sports betting legalizations and support responsible gambling organizations, so you are sure to meet some good betting lines and comprehensive stats on various Michigan bookies. The Great Lake State is the home to the Detroit Red Wings NHL team and multiple minor leagues teams, and local policies don’t restrict bettors in any way if they want to place wagers on their team. Money Line and Puck Line are the most popular bet types for NHL; the game and player props like the first player to score are less widespread.
MLB
Michigan online sportsbooks always have MLB lines in their portfolio, and many games become available for live betting, too. You can safely place bets on MLB games: there are no local restrictions or any other nuances related to MLB wagers. Most bets are made on money lines and run lines; among the other popular options is series betting, when punters predict the winners of a three-game series instead of wagering on every game.
NBA
Detroit Pistons name is familiar to all NBA fans, and no wonder that NBA bets share the first place in the rating of the top popular wagers in Michigan. Fortunately, there are plenty of opportunities in Michigan online and retail sportsbooks: bettors can find anything from money lines and props to some exotic options like same-game parlays or alternate handicaps.
NCAA Sports
Unlike some other states that prohibit betting on local collegiate sports teams or specific betting markets, Michigan is perfectly okay about it: you can wager on all NCAA events offered by various bookmakers. The number of betting options is usually smaller than the one offered for professional sports games, but there are still bookies offering props, halves and quarters bets, and more.
Payment Methods That You Can Use in MI
All Michigan sports betting apps and sites have different cashier options and apply various deposit and withdrawal policies. However, most of them are similar or even identical: most bookies with a Michigan sports betting license or approval from another US gambling committee offer selections of the top popular banking options in the United States. What are they?
- Credit and debit cards: most Michigan online sports betting sites accept major cards of Visa and Mastercard systems; however, they typically allow you to top up your account using cards, but withdrawals are disabled;
- Online Banking;
- E-Check;
- Prepaid Gift Cards and special debit cards issued by banks in collaboration with a sportsbook, for instance, FanDuel Play+ Card;
- PayPal, Neteller, and Skrill e-wallets;
- PayNearMe;
- FAQ Cash payments allow you to deposit and withdraw cash for your online sports betting experience at the retail shops.
Speaking about offshore bookies, most of them offer bettors alternative payment methods: cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Ethereum, Litecoin, etc., but you will hardly find something like that at legally registered local sportsbook sites.
Retail Sportsbooks and casinos overview
If you are unsure where to go in Michigan, why not try your luck in its casinos and sports betting shop?
The number of venues across the state is impressive: you can spend an exciting night at one of the gambling clubs and warm up with a thrill from winning a bet — or at least from a glass of whiskey. The twenty Michigan casinos offering sports betting services are the following:
- DraftKings sportsbook: Yes, you got it right: Draftkings is not only available via its mobile betting app and website but welcomes all visitors of the Bay Mills Resort & Casinos at Brimley;
- Fanduel, another primary online betting site with daily fantasy sports options, usually associated with Draftkings; Michigan bettors can reach it via a website or a mobile app, or opt for betting in-person at the Motor City Casino Hotel;
- BetMGM Sports Lounge: MGM Grand Detroit casino offers you to place bets in branded BetMGM betting kiosks and try out BetMGM poker machines;
- Onyx SportsBook features a whopping two retail sportsbooks: you can reach them at brick-and-mortar Onyx SportsBook By Caesars at Turtle Creek Casino & Hotel and Leelanau Sands Casino & Lodge;
- WynnBET sports betting kiosks are also available at several venues: Kewadin Casino Sault, Kewadin Casino Christmas, Kewadin Casino Hessel, Kewadin Casino Manistique, and Kewadin Casino St. Ignace;
- PointsBet took its stand at the Northern Water Casino Resort;
- Barstool and TwinSpires sportsbooks have mobile apps and betting kiosks at the Greektown casino; the latter one is also available at the Island Casino Resort;
- The Four Winds Casino and the Odawa Casino Resort Petoskey offer their own branded sports betting services exclusively at their places;
- Dacey’s sportsbook cooperates with the FireKeepers tribal casino to provide its services offline in Battle Creek.
Conclusion
The best thing about Michigan sports betting is a plethora of opportunities. Unlike many states that legalized only a couple of industry giants and bettors are forced to look for diversity at offline betting sites of questionable quality, Michigan offers a great selection of fully-licensed online venues. Besides, you can place sports bets at local brick-and-mortar casinos, play poker and all other sorts of casino games. More than that, Michigan is home to sportsbooks working exclusively for Michigan punters.
It seems like Detroit is about to become the next capital of sports betting — and the legalizing campaign has just started! The prospects are impressive, so we have our fingers on the pulse: how will Michigan betting campaign development affect the whole industry?
FAQ
Yes, sports betting is officially legalized in Michigan; you can make all kinds of sports bets at legal Michigan online betting sites. Besides, you can visit brick-and-mortar casinos with betting kiosks.
Yes, online casino games, including real-money poker against real players or RNG-based video versions, are allowed in Michigan. All sportsbooks that hold the Michigan gambling license have casino sections not available in most other states.
Yes, DraftKings entered the Michigan betting market with fantasy sports, sports betting, and casino products, all available at its native iOS or Android app and the web version. Besides, you can wager via DraftKings at the Bay Mills Resort & Casinos.
Yes, FanDuel received the Michigan gambling license and became authorized to provide locals with casino, daily fantasy, and sports betting facilities offline and online. Bettors can choose between a website, an online betting app, and traditional in-person gambling at the Motor City Casino Hotel.
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