Michigan Sports Betting Sites

Michigan has become an opportunity-rich state for sports bettors since it was launched in January 2021. 

Bets can be placed both online and at retail sportsbooks in most casinos throughout the state. Since legalization, Michigan is now among the most established markets in the country for bettors.

For first-time bettors, sportsbooks in Michigan offer competitive sign-up bonuses, odds boosts and loyalty programs.

The state has 15 sportsbooks to choose from in Michigan, with both large outlets like DraftKings, FanDuel and Caesar’s as well as growing platforms like Barstool, BetRivers and WynnBet.

A wide variety of bets are available, from straight game lines and totals to more in-depth player props and future bets. All of these options can be found within mobile apps offered by the state’s licensed sportsbooks.

Keep up with us at gambleonlinemichigan.com for all of the latest information on sportsbooks, bonuses and industry news on Michigan sports betting.

Sports betting in Michigan has come a long way in a short time. Betting became a state-by-state issue when the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) in May 2018.

Later that year, the Michigan State Legislature passed a bill that would have legalized online gaming. However, outgoing Gov. Rick Snyder vetoed the legislation.

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed the Lawful Gaming Act in December 2019, paving the way for online gaming providers to apply for licenses in the state. It didn’t take long for retail sportsbooks to open up in Michigan after that, as the first locations opened their doors in March 2020.

A year later, online sportsbooks began to offer their services within the state. Given the appetite of sports fans in Michigan, hundreds of millions of dollars were wagered online just in the first month.

Check out the comprehensive timeline below detailing the key events that have shaped Michigan’s sports betting industry.

The Great Lakes State is one of the largest and most popular sports betting markets in the country. 

For people looking to get started with a sports bet in Michigan, a wide variety of welcome and promotional offers are available from licensed sportsbooks. Most sites require the creation of a mobile account and a deposit and/or first bet before a bonus can be distributed.

Check out the top bonus offers from some of the state’s most popular operators below

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With 15 operators across the state, sports betting in Michigan is fiercely competitive for customers. This robust field of sportsbooks offers bettors in the state prime opportunities to take advantage of bonuses, loyalty programs and odds boosts.

Here are all the different types of benefits available to customers looking to place a bet at a sportsbook for the first time.

1. Bonus Bets

These bonuses come in the form of credit to your sportsbook account, and allow the possibility of earning winnings without risking any of your own money. Many MI sportsbooks offer bonus bets at the value of your first bet if it does not win. These bets are known as Second Chance Bets.

2. Deposit Bonuses

Some sportsbooks will match a bettor’s initial deposit up to a certain amount in the form of credits that must be used for bets. These bonuses generally range from 20% to 100% of the initial deposit depending on the sportsbook, and can come with certain requirements.

3. Loyalty Programs

Some of the larger sportsbooks in the state with significant casino brands like BetMGM and Caesars offer loyalty programs for bettors consistently sticking with one operator.

Customers can earn points and move up tiers within these company loyalty programs. Points can be redeemed for free meals, free hotel stays and exclusive event access.

Membership in these loyalty programs often happens automatically and does not cost a user any additional money to enroll.

4. Odds Boosts

Specific bets, generally centered around major sporting events, will see their odds made more lucrative in an effort to attract more overall bets.

A lot of moneyline and prop bets will be boosted depending on the sportsbook, increasing the potential winnings for the bettor.

Boosts offer the chance to maximize profits on specific events, and add to the overall experience of betting online.

For example, a sportsbook might increase the odds of Jaylen Brown scoring over 30 points from +200 to +360 if the Boston Celtics are playing in the marquee NBA game of the night.

You can take advantage of these offers by clicking through the links on this page to set up your Michigan sports betting account.

Account creation generally takes no more than a few minutes, and all sportsbooks mentioned on this page are certified by the state and offer a legal, safe experience.

Offerings will vary by sportsbook, so bettors should keep an eye out for promotional offers throughout the year.

Having 15 different online sportsbooks to choose from for sports betting in Michigan, bettors get the chance to pick and choose the best option to suit their preferences.

Many of the top international online sports betting operations are available in Michigan, including FanDuel, DraftKings, Caesars, BetRivers, and BetMGM.

Different types of bettors have different strategies and motivations for betting, and it is important to understand which operators have unique features and advantages. Bettors should make a note of what matters most to them overall when betting, whether it is the accessibility of the interface, variety of markets, loyalty programs or another aspect of the sportsbook experience.

Conducting research and comparing those preferences to each site available in Michigan will enable the bettor to have the smoothest overall experience.

BetMGM Sportsbook

As one of the first sportsbooks to launch in Michigan, BetMGM quickly established itself as one of the premier destinations for betting in MI. BetMGM also forged early partnerships with local teams by becoming an Official Sports Betting Partner with both the NFL’s Detroit Lions and the NHL’s Detroit Red Wings.

Not only is BetMGM available online across the state, but the MGM Grand Detroit offers those in the state’s largest city to place bets in person.

Welcome Bonus

First-time users of BetMGM can get up to $1,000 back if their first bet loses on BetMGM. This bonus comes in the form of site credit, and the money can only be used within the BetMGM platform.

Notable Features

BetMGM is known for having one of the wider varieties of sports and events to bet on, covering everything from the NFL and NBA to lacrosse and volleyball. Given the connection to the well-known MGM brand, users are automatically enrolled in BetMGM Rewards, which can be redeemed for credits as well as experiences and rewards at MGM properties around the country.

The BetMGM mobile app is one of the more popular in Michigan and is known for its accessibility and ease of use. Registering is easy, and bets can be placed on the BetMGM within a few minutes of signing up.

Key Takeaway: User-friendly sportsbook with diverse array of markets
Best Feature: Simple deposit and cash-out process
MI bonus: First Bet Offer Up to $1,000
Founded: 2018
Legal States: 19
App Rating: 4.8 (iOS), 4.5 (Android)
Early Cash Out: Yes

FanDuel Sportsbook

Another early arrival to the Wolverine State, FanDuel was among the first online operators in the state after launching in January 2021. One of the most well-recognized betting brands in the United States, FanDuel offers a superb mobile app experience, and registration and depositing money can be accomplished in just a few minutes.

FanDuel is another Sportsbook with a vast array of markets available, and is known for delivering some of the most favorable odds in Michigan sports betting.

Welcome Bonus

First-time users on FanDuel Michigan get a No Sweat First Bet worth up to $1,000. If your first bet on FD loses, a refund in the amount of the initial bet will be credited to your account in the form of a bonus bet. This Bonus can’t be cashed out, however, and is essentially like “store credit” in that it must be used for another bet on the site. 

These bonus bets do sometimes come with a time limit as well, so make sure you find another bet to place and use them on before they expire.

Notable Features

FD is known for having some of the most competitive odds on the Michigan sports betting market, and daily bonuses and odds boosts often coincide with the most prominent games. Customer service is considered top-of-the-line at FanDuel, with customers easily being able to reach support and resolve any issues.

The FanDuel app is simple to utilize and features casino and daily fantasy sports as well as the sportsbook all within the same interface. The one major knock on FD is the lack of a sports betting loyalty program.

Key Takeaway: Most popular MI sportsbook with robust markets
Best Feature: Intuitive user interface
MI bonus: No Sweat First Bet up to $1,000
Founded: 2009
Legal States: 19
App Rating: 4.8 (iOS), 4.7 (Android)
Early Cash Out: Yes

Caesars Sportsbook

Caesars made waves in Michigan with its sign-up bonus being larger than any of the other major operators in the state, as well a controversial partnership with Michigan State University Athletics. Another sportsbook with an attachment to a major casino, Caesars delivers one of the best user experiences in Michigan.

In-person offerings are also available with Caesars at Turtle Creek Casino and Hotel in Williamsburg, and there are plenty of positives with the Caesars experience in Michigan.

Welcome Bonus

Caesars offers a bonus bet of up to $1,250, the largest bonus offered among MI’s major sportsbooks. If a user’s first bet with Caesars loses, they can get a refund in the form of a site credit for the amount of that first bet, up to $1,250. First-time bettors with Caesars also earn 1,000 reward credits and tier credits upon signing up.

Notable Features

What makes Caesars stand out from its competitors is an impressive rewards program for users. There are multiple tiers bettors progress through as they generate more credits, but even the lowest levels offer the chance at discounted hotel rooms, early access to concert tickets and other benefits. 

NFL bettors also can take advantage of a unique feature through a partnership between Caesars and Genius Sports, where mobile app users can stream certain live and out-of-market NFL games within the app. This would allow a bettor to follow along with live and pre-game bets on NFL action without having to leave the comfort of the Caesars app. 

Live betting data can come in slower than other sportsbooks offer, so keep that in mind if in-game bets are your primary avenue for wagering.

Key Takeaway: Built to attract new users with best-in-class loyalty program
Best Feature: Welcome Bonus
MI bonus: Bonus bet up to $1,250, plus 1,000 tier and reward credits
Founded: 1966
Legal States: 17
App Rating: 4.6 (iOS), 4.4 (Android)
Early Cash Out: Yes

SI Sportsbook

Sports Illustrated took over the betting license originally controlled by TwinSpires, and partnered with reputable European outlet 888 Sport. The Sports Illustrated brand is among the most notable in the sports betting world thanks to the long-time industry leading sports magazine the name comes from.

As one of the newer operators in the state, SI doesn’t have as big of a client base as some of the more nationally-recognized sportsbooks. However, it has a solid reputation for boosts and bonuses as well as security.

Welcome Bonus

SI has one of the smaller bonuses, but it still offers a chance to make some real money with your first few bets. Bettors can score up to $200 when they get just $20 and the first bet wins. These betting credits will not be available for cash out, and must be used within SI Sportsbook.

Notable features

For a new operator on the Michigan sports betting scene, SI Sportsbook has established itself well in a competitive territory. SI’s mobile app offers simplicity and is among the most user-friendly in the state.

The unique welcome offer listed above also offers something different for a Michigan bettor eyeing a new Sportsbook. There are consistent odds boosts and promotions and a wide range of markets available in a variety of sports.

One area of improvement as SI Sportsbook grows is its odds compared to competitors. For many games, better odds can be found in other sportsbooks. This should improve with time, however, as SI Sportsbook establishes more of a foothold in states around the country.

Key Takeaway: Up-and-coming sportsbook with an accessible interface
Best Feature: Daily boosts
MI bonus: Up to $200 in bonus bets if first bet of at least $20 wins
Founded: 2021
Legal States: 3
App Rating: 4.0 (iOS), 4.1 (Android)
Early Cash Out: Yes

BetRivers Sportsbook

Backed by industry titan Rush Street Gaming, BetRivers Sportsbook was one of the first operators to feature online sports betting and casino play in Michigan. BetRivers also has an in-person location in a partnership with the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians to operate the Little River Casino Resort in Manistee, Michigan.

BetRivers also wraps in its casino play with its sportsbook, allowing users looking to access it all in a single application. Although not one of the bigger names in sports betting, BetRivers remains one of the stronger sportsbooks in the Wolverine State.

Welcome Bonus

First-time users with BetRivers get a bonus bet equal to their initial stake up to $500, which is one of the smaller Second Chance Bets available in Michigan. Remember that this bonus bet only comes if you lose your first bet, as a win on your first try simply means you get the winnings from that and nothing more.

Notable features

BetRivers features a wide array of lines and props on major events, giving users plenty of options to invest in. The sign-up process for BetRivers also is simple, allowing for quick and easy placing of wagers.

Engaging promotions also are offered to bring in new bettors, and iRush Rewards is an established, tier-based system that allows users to acquire lucrative bonuses and offers through an exchange of points.

The design does come off a bit outdated with BetRivers, and the customer support is not one of the stronger features among Michigan competitors. However, BetRivers is one of the more underappreciated sportsbooks in the state and could be just what a new bettor is looking for.

Key Takeaway: Enticing sportsbook for new bettors unconcerned with flash
Best Feature: Consistent bonuses and promotions
MI bonus: Second Chance Bet up to $500
Founded: 2018
Legal States: 14
App Rating: 4.1 (iOS), 3.1 (Android)
Early Cash Out: Yes

WynnBet Sportsbook

Coming from the hospitality and gambling company Wynn Resorts, WynnBet Sportsbook is another established brand nationally in the sports betting space. Although relatively new to the online gaming realm, WynnBet’s robust backing gives it top-of-the-line customer service and support for bettors within its app.

WynnBet is partnered in Michigan with the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians, which operates 5 casinos in the northern part of the state. Michigan was the third state WynnBet was able to launch in, after New Jersey and Colorado.

Welcome Bonus

WynnBet’s Welcome Bonus is one of the least desirable in Michigan, as it requires a $100 bet with odds of at least -120 or longer. After that, only $100 in bonuses are available, with half of that coming in a $50 casino bonus.

Notable features

Although the welcome bonus might not be much to write home about, WynnBet offers great customer service and a simple mobile app that can be utilized by both first-time bettors and experienced users. WynnBet is licensed and trusted in a number of other states, and has an established reputation in the industry.

Withdrawal approval can be slower than some other sportsbooks, and promotions offered consistently are not on par with some of the competition in Michigan. The lack of livestreaming in the app also puts it behind many of the other operators in the state.

WynnBet is also the official sports betting partner of the Detroit Lions, giving it a strong local tie to Michigan customers.

Key Takeaway: Sportsbook with established brand aimed at loyal users
Best Feature: Simple mobile and desktop interface
MI bonus: $100 bonus after $100 initial bet
Founded: 2020
Legal States: 9
App Rating: 3.7 (iOS), 4.3 (Android)
Early Cash Out: Yes

Golden Nugget Sportsbook

Partnered with the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community, Golden Nugget has several established in-person sportsbooks as well as an online offering. Golden Nugget Sportsbook is known for a deep array of markets and an easy withdrawal and deposit process.

Using software from Scientific Games, Golden Nugget Sportsbook offers a sleek experience and was one of the original casinos on the Las Vegas Strip in the mid-20th century. Golden Nugget is currently only offered in four states, making it one of the smallest footprints nationally of any provider in Michigan.

Welcome Bonus

Another of the weaker sign-up bonuses in the state, Golden Nugget offers up to a $250 bonus bet if the initial bet had odds of -200 or better. The bonus bet also only comes if the user misses a strong initial bet.

Notable features

Golden Nugget Sportsbook is an award-winning operator with a long track record of fast and secure payment processes for online bettors. The user experience and customer service are also among the best in Michigan sports betting.

There is a more limited selection of sports offered with Golden Nugget in Michigan, and early cash out is not supported, a rarity in the state. It also feels from the app experience as if the casino play is much more of a priority than the sportsbook, which is also evidenced by the limited number of states it operates a sportsbook in.

Golden Nugget is built for experienced bettors shopping lines for the best price but doesn’t do much to lure in new customers as of yet.

Key Takeaway: Established brand with uninspiring experience
Best Feature: 24/7 customer support
MI bonus: Up to $250 bonus bet
Founded: 2018
Legal States: 4
App Rating: 1.9 (iOS), 3.5 (Android)
Early Cash Out: No

FOX Bet Sportsbook

A connection to the Fox Sports brand enables FoxBet users’ access to unparalleled odds and boosts on certain NFL bets weekly. A partnership with the Stars Group gives Fox Sports the chance to use its uber-popular talent to draw in a betting audience.

FoxBet is another newer player in the sports betting landscape but has risen quickly thanks to strong marketing and league partnerships.

Welcome Bonus

At just $50, FoxBet has one of the least enticing first-time user offers in the Michigan sports betting market. The bet must have certain odds and the credits if your first bet loses can only be redeemed in a single bet, unlike some other books where it can be broken up into multiple bets.

Notable features

Promotions around major events airing on Fox like the NFL and golf are some of the best in the business. Fox Sports personalities like Charissa Thompson, Clay Travis and Nick Wright also curate their own specific boosts that can generate ideal odds.

The interface for FOX Bet still has some room to improve, as users have reported crashes of the application and a cluttered view with a lot of pictures and advertisements.

Overall, FOX Bet is a solid platform that is secure and offers reliable payout times but doesn’t do much to draw in bettors outside of experienced users shopping lines.

Key Takeaway: Reliable sportsbook with plenty of room to grow
Best Feature: Payout speed
MI bonus: $50 Welcome Bonus
Founded: 2019
Legal States: 4
App Rating: 4.4 (iOS), 3.8 (Android)
Early Cash Out: Yes

Bettors in Michigan have a vast selection of different types of bets that can be placed. With so many sports offered now in major sportsbooks, users want the choice of how to wager with an amount they are comfortable with.

1. Straight Bets

The most common type of bet placed, straight bets are wagers on a single game placed in advance of it starting. There are varieties of straight bets, however, depending on how confident a bettor is. Straight bets come in the form of point spread, money line or total points bets.

Betting on a point spread means if you believe the Lions are going to win by at least 4 points against the Bears, then you’d put your money on Lions -4. 

2. Single Game Bets

Similar to a straight bet, single-game bets are limited to one event. First-time bettors eyeing a major event like the Super Bowl or the World Cup likely will rely on single-game bets.

3. Moneyline Bets 

For bettors who would prefer to simply pick a winner instead of delving into odds or totals, a moneyline bet is perfect.These bets are generally less lucrative for teams that are favored and more advantageous for underdogs.

Say the Tigers and Twins are facing off, and Minnesota is favored given it is featuring a better starting pitcher than Detroit on a given night. The moneyline odds might be +132 for the Tigers to win, meaning a bettor would win $132 on a $100 bet. On the flip side, a bet on the Twins is -161, meaning a bettor just wager $161 just to come away with $100 in winnings.

4. Teaser Bets

A teaser allows for a bettor to purchase better odds on the front end of a bet in a point spread or total wager. However, teaser bets often require two or more bets to be joined together in exchange for the improved odds. All of these bets must hit in order to win.

For example, say you liked the Warriors (-6) against Memphis and were just as confident in the Lakers (-4.5) against the Charlotte Hornets. A teaser bet would bring these odds down to -2 for the Warriors and -0.5 for the Lakers, as most books offer between a 4-6 point teaser.

5. Parlays

Similar to a teaser, parlays involve tying 2 or more bets together in an effort to increase potential winnings. These bets have a lower likelihood of winning, as all of the games must go the way the bettor picked in order to come away with a win. However, the odds on these bets can be extremely lucrative, especially as more and more games are added into the parlay.

Say you were confident the St. Louis Cardinals, Seattle Mariners and New York Yankees all were going to win their respective matchups on a given day. Betting those games individually would bring in a lower return than simply combining the 3 into a parlay.

6. Same Game Parlays

These often are offered as promotions at major sportsbooks, especially around high-profile events and championships. A same-game parlay works exactly as you’d imagine, with a wager combining multiple game and prop bets into one higher-risk but higher-reward chance.

In something like the Super Bowl, a bettor could pick a winner with the point spread, and tack on a bet on one of the starting quarterbacks throwing for over 247 passing yards as well as one of the defenses coming down with at least 1 interception. If these are combined into a single-game parlay and all come through, the bettor would come away with a lot more money than in 3 individual bets. On the other hand, if any of those don’t happen, the entire bet is ruled a loss.

7. Over/Under Bets

If a bettor isn’t sure which side will come out on top, but believes it will be a high-scoring affair, betting on the total might be the way to go. If the total on Lions-Bears stands at 45, but you believe both teams will eclipse 30 points, then taking the over on the total would be your ideal pick.

8. Prop Bets

For bettors less focused on the overall game than with specific individual competitors or events within the game, prop bets are an ideal choice. If you believe Jared Goff will throw at least 2 touchdown passes and Aidan Hutchinson will finish with at least one sack, you can place individual prop bets on both of these things happening.

Bettors should keep in mind that there are some restrictions that come with prop betting. For example, individual player props are generally not available in college athletics. This is a measure designed to maintain the integrity of the competition.

A wide range of sports are available to bet on in Michigan, both the most popular U.S. sports as well as lesser-known leagues and events. The Michigan Gaming Control Board continues to add more options, and even if your ideal event for betting isn’t in the list below, it could become available down the line. This page will be regularly updated, so check back here to see when it might be offered in MI.

• Football (NFL, NCAA Football, Canadian Football League, XFL, USFL)
• Baseball (MLB, NCAA, Nippon Professional League in Japan and KBO League in South Korea, World Baseball Classic, ChineseProfessional League)
• Basketball (NBA, Division I NCAA men’s and women’s basketball, WNBA, FIBA World Cup, EuroCup, EuroLeague, NBA Draft, The Basketball Tournament,foreign leagues)
• Hockey (NHL, NCAA, foreign leagues)
• Academy Awards (Oscars)
• Olympics (Winter and Summer Games)
• Auto Racing (NASCAR, Formula 1, IndyCar)
• Australian Rules Football
• Cricket
• Rugby (League and Union)
• Soccer (Premier League, Ligue 1, La Liga, Major League Soccer, Serie A, Bundesliga, UEFA Champions League, FIFA play)
• Softball (NCAA)
• Tennis (ATP Men’s, WTA Women’s)
• Golf (PGA, LPGA, European Tour, Champions Tour, USGA, Ryder Cup)
• Drone Racing
• Ultimate Frisbee
• Billiards and Snooker
• Bowling
• Boxing
• Cornhole
• Cycling
• Eating (Nathan’s Hot Dog eating contest on 4th of July)
• Lacrosse (NCAA and Premier Lacrosse League)
• Mixed Martial Arts (UFC, Bellator, Professional Fighters League)

This list could be added to as more sports are approved by the Michigan Gaming Control Board, so check back for updates.

Michigan has one of the more vibrant sports scenes in the U.S., with four professional teams calling the Great Lakes State home. Some of the more passionate fans in America also reside in Michigan, and each of the state’s major professional teams has a vocal and die-hard fan base. 

Having such a plethora of professional teams in the state of Michigan made it a no-brainer to begin offering both in-person and online sports betting within its borders. While it isn’t mandatory to be littered with pro sports franchises in order to be a strong sports betting state, but it certainly has helped Michigan evolve into one of the country’s most competitive markets.

Although Michigan is one of the largest states in the U.S. in land mass, all of its major professional teams play within the Detroit metropolitan area. This concentration of franchises creates a center point for the state’s most passionate sports fans, and fosters a sense of community.

Detroit Lions

League: Major League Baseball
Founding: 1894
Stadium: Comerica Park
Location: Detroit
Partners/sponsors: BetMGM

One of the American League’s charter franchises, the Detroit Tigers are a mainstay within MLB. The team has won four World Series, but its last one came back in 1984.

The Tigers have advanced to the World Series in the 21st century twice (2006, 2012) but failed to bring home the hardware both times.

The team has not been competitive much in the past 10 years, but young up-and-comers like former No. 1 overall draft pick Spencer Torkelson and pitching prospect Jackson Jobe have fans optimistic about the future of the franchise.

Detroit Red Wings

League: National Hockey League
Founding: 1926
Stadium: Little Caesars Arena
Location: Detroit 
Partners/sponsors: PointsBet, PokerStars

As one of the famed Original Six franchises, the Red Wings occupy an iconic place in the NHL. No American-based NHL franchise has won as many Stanley Cup titles (11) as the Red Wings, with only the Montreal Canadiens (24) and Toronto Maple Leafs (13) having more championships.

2022-23 was a down year for the Red Wings, as the team finished second-to-last in the Metropolitan Division with just 80 points. Injuries to key players like Tyler Bertuzzi and Jakub Vrana threw the team’s lines out of whack, and a sub-par goaltending season from Ville Husso kept Detroit from reaching the postseason.

Two first-round picks in 2023 and a hefty amount of cap space mean the Red Wings shouldn’t be down for long. Detroit’s general manager Steve Yzerman has a lot on his plate entering the offseason.

Detroit Pistons

League: National Basketball Association
Founding: 1937
Stadium: Little Caesars Arena
Location: Detroit 
Partners/sponsors: PointsBet

One of the NBA’s oldest franchises, the Pistons have a storied history in the league. The franchise has won three NBA titles, most recently in 2004.

The team has struggled to maintain relevance since then, however, as the Motor City has seen a lot more lottery draft picks than playoff appearances in the past decade.

Detroit selected Ausar Thompson in the 2023 NBA Draft and are bringing him into one of the youngest rosters in the league. Other former top picks like Cade Cunningham, Jalen Duren, Jaden Ivey, and James Wiseman give Detroit a hopeful future if that group can reach its full potential.

Both the University of Michigan and Michigan State University are two of the most successful college athletic programs in the U.S., especially when it comes to football and men’s basketball. The two regularly pursue BIG 10 titles and national championships in just about every sport they field.

The rivalry between Michigan and Michigan State is fierce, and has gotten even more contentious in recent years. A fight in the tunnel between players from both teams led to criminal charges for one MSU football player and reported serious injuries for a UM player. The atmosphere around this rivalry is quite intense. Michigan has a larger rival in Ohio State University, which is annually one of the most highly-anticipated college football games of the season.

College football betting in MI

Two of the nation’s strongest college football programs reside in Michigan, as well as three squads that regularly put strong teams on upset alert.

Michigan Wolverines Football

League: BIG 10 Conference
Founding: 1879
Stadium: Michigan Stadium
Location: Ann Arbor

Generally the strongest program in the state, Michigan is coming off one of its best seasons in school history in 2022. Under former quarterback Jim Harbaugh as head coach, Michigan earned a spot in the prestigious College Football Playoff for the first time since it was introduced.

Michigan has a rich history, with more wins than any other school in the country. Its winged helmets and massive stadium, known as the “Big House,” are as iconic as anything in college football. Over 107,000 people pack into Michigan Stadium for any home game, and there isn’t a better atmosphere anywhere in the state for college athletics.

Michigan State Spartans Football

League: BIG 10 Conference
Founding: 1896
Stadium: Spartan Stadium
Location: East Lansing

Under head coach Mel Tucker, it has been a mixed bag for the Michigan State football program. The team last advanced to the College Football Playoff in 2015 with then-head coach Mark Dantonio, where the Spartans were disassembled by the Alabama Crimson Tide.

However, MSU still produces dozens of NFL players and plays in a handful of high-profile games each season. Almost without fail, Michigan State finds a way once a season to knock off a team it wasn’t supposed to. The atmosphere at Spartan Stadium is among the best in college football, and the Spartans have a passionate fan base that spreads across the Great Lakes State.

Eastern Michigan Eagles Football

League: Mid-American Conference
Founding: 1891
Stadium: Rynearson Stadium
Location: Ypsilanti

Coming off a 9-4 season that included a road win over Arizona State, the Eastern Michigan program is on the rise. EMU is eyeing finally bringing home a MAC conference title, as the school has not won one since 1987.

For a smaller school, it has some very strong players representing it at the next level. Maxx Crosby has become a dominant pass-rusher for the Las Vegas Raiders, and he will be inducted into the Ring of Honor in 2023. Eastern Michigan also can be a popular team to bet on late in the season when “Maction” gets underway, with the conference playing nationally-televised games in the middle of the workweek that draw a much larger audience than many of the rest of the games.

Western Michigan Broncos Football

League: Mid-American Conference
Founding: 1906
Stadium: Waldo Stadium
Location: Kalamazoo

It wasn’t too long ago that Western Michigan was competing in a major bowl game against one of the consistently strongest programs in the country, as it completed the 2017 regular season undefeated under then-head coach P.J. Fleck.

WMU has played in 11 bowl games over its history, but it will be a challenge to get back there in 2023. Western Michigan’s win total over/under at most sportsbooks in the state is just 3.5.

Central Michigan Chippewas Football

League: Mid-American Conference
Founding: 1896
Stadium: Kelly/Shorts Stadium
Location: Mount Pleasant

Central Michigan won a national championship at the NCAA Division II level back in 1974, and are a consistently scrappy program at the D-1 level. In 2021, CMU earned a surprise upset win over the Washington State Cougars in the Sun Bowl.

Head coach Jim McElwain is one of the more notorious in college football, and gives a smaller school like CMU an edge in a remarkably competitive recruiting world. Eastern, Western and Central Michigan all compete each year as rivals in the same conference.

College Basketball Betting in MI

Basketball fans in Michigan can bet on both the Michigan Wolverines, Michigan State Spartans, Central Michigan Chippewas, Eastern Michigan Eagles, and Western Michigan Broncos. 

Michigan Wolverines Basketball

League: BIG 10 Conference
Founding: 1909
Stadium: Crisler Center
Location: Ann Arbor

The Michigan Wolverines basketball program is a storied powerhouse in college basketball, renowned for its rich history, passionate fan base, and consistent success. Led by accomplished coaches, the team excels in recruiting top-tier talent, executing a disciplined style of play, and competing at the highest level in both conference and national tournaments.

Head coach Juwan Howard, who was part of the school’s famed “Fab Five,” keeps the Wolverines competitive for conference and national championships. UM last made it to a Final Four in 2018.

Michigan State Spartans Basketball

League: BIG 10 Conference
Founding: 1898
Stadium: Breslin Center
Location: East Lansing

The Michigan State Spartans basketball program has enjoyed immense success, becoming a perennial contender in college basketball. Under the leadership of legendary coach Tom Izzo, the Spartans have consistently reached the NCAA Tournament, captured multiple Big Ten championships, and made numerous deep runs, including several Final Four appearances and a national championship in 2000.

The Spartans made it to the Sweet Sixteen in 2022-23, and hopes are high that the program can maem a run back to the Final Four in the upcoming season.

Central Michigan Chippewas Basketball

League: Mid-American Conference
Founding: 1896
Stadium: McQuirk Arena
Location: Mount Pleasant

The Central Michigan Chippewa basketball program, while not as nationally prominent as some of its counterparts, has had notable achievements within the MAC. The team has had periods of success, including conference championships and appearances in the NCAA Tournament, showcasing their competitiveness within their conference.

CMU last made the NCAA Tournament in 2003, when it knocked off Creighton before falling to Duke.

Eastern Michigan Eagles Basketball

League: Mid-American Conference
Founding: 1920
Stadium: George Gervin GameAbove Center
Location: Ypsilanti

The Eastern Michigan men's basketball program has had its ups and downs but has shown resilience and determination in the face of challenges. While not consistently in the national spotlight, the team has made notable strides, including conference tournament victories and occasional appearances in postseason tournaments, displaying their ability to compete and make an impact within their conference.

Fans might remember a notable upset of the mighty Duke Blue Devils in the 1996 NCAA Tournament, and the Eagles are entering a new era with Stan Heath taking over as head coach in 2023.

Western Michigan Broncos Basketball

League: Mid-American Conference
Founding: 1913
Stadium: University Arena
Location: Kalamazoo

The Western Michigan Broncos basketball program has faced its share of challenges but has maintained a competitive spirit and a dedicated fan base. While not consistently a powerhouse, the team has had periods of success, including conference championships and appearances in the NCAA Tournament, demonstrating their ability to make an impact on the court.

WMU is now led by longtime Michigan State assistant Dwayne Stephens, and could be a force to be reckoned with the MAC conference in 2023-24.

College Hockey Betting in MI

Hockey fans in Michigan can bet on both the Michigan and Michigan State Hockey programs. 

Michigan Wolverines Hockey

League: BIG 10 Conference
Founding: 1922
Stadium: Yost Ice Arena
Location: Ann Arbor

Michigan’s hockey program in particular is among the strongest in the country, with back-to-back appearances in the Frozen Four.

The program is just coming off having star freshman Adam Fantilli be selected No. 3 overall in the 2023 NHL Draft. The program is one of the most prolific in the nation with 9 national championships under its belt.

Michigan State Spartans Hockey

League: BIG 10 Conference
Founding: 1922
Stadium: Munn Ice Arena
Location: East Lansing

The Michigan State men's hockey program has a storied history, known for its tradition and passionate fan base. The team has enjoyed success with multiple conference championships and numerous appearances in the NCAA Tournament, showcasing its ability to compete at a high level in collegiate hockey.

The Spartans had a pair of players drafted in the 2023 NHL Draft, including goaltender Trey Augustine going in the second round to the Detroit Red Wings.

Outside of major sports, there are a wide array of other events and leagues that Michiganders can place wagers on. Whatever a bettor’s interests are, there likely is a wager that can match it.

Quick Lane Bowl

The Quick Lane Bowl is a relatively new college football bowl game that began in 2014 and is held annually at Ford Field in Detroit. Sponsored by Quick Lane and the Detroit Lions, it often features teams from the state of Michigan and is the premier bowl game hosted within its borders.

Within the past 4 years, both Western Michigan and Eastern Michigan have been invited to the Quick Lane Bowl.

The FireKeepers Casino 400

Hosted in Brooklyn, The FireKeepers Casino 400 is an annual National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) race at the Michigan International Speedway. It is one of the faster events on the NASCAR circuit, with average speeds of over 140 miles per hour.

The race is 156 laps and covers 312 miles, and was last won by Kevin Harvick in 2022.

Outside of simply sportsbooks, there are many other opportunities for online gaming in Michigan. The state hosts over two dozen casinos, a horse racing track and online and live poker rooms.

Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) also were legalized under the Lawful Internet Gaming Act of 2019.

1. Online Casino

Three casinos are located in the Detroit Metropolitan area, and there are a total of 23 tribal casinos spead all throughout the Wolverine State. Within that, there are 13 real money online casinos where bettors can take home cash.

These online casino games include blackjack, roulette, three-card poker and craps among other table games. There also is an overwhelming abundance of slot machines, with over 31,000 options ranging from standard reel games to progressive jackpot and 3D slot machines.

2. Online Poker

There are a number of live poker rooms in Detroit as well as smaller card rooms around the state for those looking to play poker, as well as the ability to play online from anywhere. BetMGM Poker, WSOP.com, and PokerStars are among the many online providers of poker in the state.

The Multi-State Internet Gambling Agreement allows Michiganders to compete against players from Delaware, Nevada and New Jersey in online poker.

3. Horse Racing

Northville Downs is the hub for horse racing in the state of Michigan as its only track. However, the track is in its final season and will be closing down in late September.

Enthusiasts can wager both in-person at Northville Downs and online with operators TVG and TwinSpires.

4. Daily Fantasy Sports

Similar to elsewhere in the country, DFS has become one of the most popular forms of betting among sports fans. Fans can enter contests daily and compete against others to win cash prizes through reputable operators like FanDuel and DraftKings. 

Other DFS outlets in the state include Yahoo Fantasy Sports, SportsHub Games Network, Fantasy Football Players Championship, Fantasy Sports Shark, Fulltime Fantasy Sports Network, and Boom Shakalaka Inc.

Michigan sports betting is set to have another exceptional year in 2024, with an increasing number of participants joining the excitement and the total amount of wagers continuing to expand. If you're curious about important facts regarding sports betting in Michigan, look at the informative table provided below.

The Michigan Gaming Control Board is committed to ensuring the avoidance of problematic gaming, as well as promoting responsible gambling by each and every Michigander who chooses to partake. MGCB has enacted measures designed to maintain the integrity of the state’s gaming industry and protect it from fraud.

The Disassociated Persons List was created by the MGCB to allow individuals to voluntarily exclude themselves from gambling in casinos within Michigan. For those who feel they have a problem they cannot control themselves, the Disassociated Persons List allows users to protect themselves from future harm and seek assistance if needed.

The Responsible Gaming Database also maintains a list of people who have voluntarily excluded themselves from gambling in Michigan, and both in-person and online operators are privy to all the names included. The database is another support mechanism for gamblers who feel they have become a problem, and this voluntary program helps responsible gaming practices to occur as much as possible.

Individuals who feel they have an issue with gambling should consult the MGCB’s array of resources, as the board’s commitment is to maintain a safe and responsible environment for gambling in the state of Michigan.

Remote registration allows for a quick and simple process to get started betting for Michiganders and visitors. Registration can be done via desktop or mobile device, and bettors also can go in-person to one of the commercial casinos in Detroit or the litany of tribal casinos operated around the state.

1. Select a Sportsbook: Before diving into registration, bettors should read reviews of the various operators in MI and find which one will best fit their desired experience. Factors to consider in this process include betting opportunities, promotions, customer service, and ease of financial transactions.
2. Register Online: Most Michigan sportsbooks have a painless and user-friendly registration process that takes no more than a few minutes to complete. The sportsbooks will require personal and payment information to be submitted and verified before bets can be placed.
3. Claim a Bonus: Keep an eye out for any promo codes that can turn into initial credits at certain sportsbooks upon successful registration. These bonuses can be conveyed in risk-free bets, which offer a refund if your first bet does not win. Other books offer deposit matches up to a certain amount or simply bonuses for completing the registration process.
4. Choose Bets: The most popular types of bets for Michigan users include point spreads, moneyline bets, over/under bets on a total score, props and futures bets. Live betting data is also included with most sportsbooks, making in-game betting an attractive proposition for customers.
5. Deposit Funds: Real money funds should be deposited during the registration process in order to expedite the user’s experience. Before finalizing a first bet, users will often be redirected to the banking page for deposit and withdrawal option selection.
6. Start Betting: Before placing a bet, users should research lines and events to determine what they feel has the highest probability of success. It is important to have a full understanding and context around whatever game or event you’re placing a wager on before choosing to do so.
7. Withdraw Funds: Bettors looking to utilize their winnings for other things place a premium on quick and protected forms of deposit from their sportsbooks. Research is important in this regard, as every sportsbook differs slightly in the types of withdrawal options available and how long the process typically takes.

Regulation of sports betting was left up to individual states when the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) in May 2018.

A sports betting bill was passed by the Michigan State Legislature that year, but outgoing Gov. Rick Snyder vetoed it. In 2019, sports betting officially became law after new Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed HB 4916, or the Lawful Sports Betting Act.

Retail sportsbooks began opening in early 2020, but quickly ran into problems with the coronavirus pandemic. As with most sports around that time, in-person sportsbooks were closing down not long after launching. Online sportsbooks started up beginning in January 2021, when many of the state’s operators launched at the same time.

The legal age is 21, as it is in most other locales around the country. Residency in Michigan is not required to bet, but anyone looking to use a MI sportsbook must be physically located within the state to place a bet.

The state’s tax rate is 8.4% on sports betting revenue, and there is an additional 1.25% city tax for commercial casinos operating in Detroit. Licenses for operators cost $100,000, consisting of a $50,000 application fee and a $50,000 annual operating fee.

One other requirement for operators in Michigan is online sportsbooks must partner with a tribal land-based casino to be certified.

Following the overturning of PASPA, Michigan was quick to enact its own sports betting legislation, which was signed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in December 2019. The first retail sportsbooks opened in 2020, with online gaming available shortly after that.

2024

In February 2024, a groundbreaking development shook the landscape of sports betting in Michigan. The Wolverines, renowned for their illustrious sports legacy, entered into an exclusive collaboration with BetRise, a prominent sportsbook operator, marking a pioneering venture into the realm of collegiate partnerships.

2023

In January 2022, Michigan State Athletics and Caesars Sportsbook announced a unique partnership that saw Caesars become the official sports betting partner of the Spartans. 

In March 2023, however, the American Gaming Association updated its guidelines and said college athletic departments and athletes should not be signing sponsorship or marketing deals with sportsbooks. Not long after, the partnership was dissolved as public pressure mounted from staff and faculty at MSU as well as the national media.

2022

Michigan reached 15 online sportsbook operators with the launch of SI Sportsbook and Eagle Casino and Sports. SI Sportsbook partnered with 888 Sports while Eagle Casino and Sports launched Ascend Sportsbook.

Sportsbooks in Michigan generated a staggering $4.8 billion handle over the year, highlighted by $532 million just in the month of January.

2021

DraftKings and FanDuel were among the industry leaders that launched right away in January 2021 with online sportsbooks, which came at a critical time when coronavirus cases were spiking all around the country.

Nearly $4 billion was generated by the online sportsbooks just in the state’s first year of operation, one of the strongest launches any state has had to date.

2020

Greektown-Casino Hotel and MGM Grand Detroit launched in-person sportsbooks at their casinos in March. The coronavirus pandemic threw a wrench into the first year of operation for in-person sportsbooks, and the large break in major sport seasons also made it a less-than-desirable launch year.

2019

On December 20, Gov. Whitmer signed HB 4916 and HB 4308, which legalized sports betting and daily fantasy sports in Michigan. The revenue from the gaming was slated to go to the School Aid Fund and the First Responder Presumed Coverage Fund.

2018

In a landmark decision on May 14, 2018, the United States Supreme Court struck down the federal ban on sports betting, giving states the authority to legalize and regulate the activity within their own borders. The ruling effectively overturned the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) of 1992, which had prohibited sports betting in most states. This momentous decision recognized that the federal government should not dictate the states' stance on sports betting, but rather each state should have the autonomy to determine its own gambling policies.

Following the Supreme Court's ruling, many states moved swiftly to legalize sports betting within their jurisdictions. Michigan’s state legislature attempted to pass its own bill in 2018, but the outgoing Governor of the state vetoed the bill.

Explore a selection of our preferred online resources to further delve into your research on Michigan sports betting.

Michigan Gaming Control Board website

The MGCB website contains just about all of the information a prospective bettor could want on the state’s industry. Details on rules and regulations around betting, procedures to file complaints, and many more sources of information are available for Michiganders. Visit the linked website for the latest official updates around the Michigan sports betting market.

Licensed internet gambling providers from the MGCB website 

This list comes in the form of a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet, but gets much deeper into each operator in the state and information like which land-based casino every online sportsbook is partnered with. This is an accurate and comprehensive list that bettors should consult before getting into the industry.

2019 Michigan sports betting law 

HB 4916, or the Lawful Sports Betting Act, was signed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in December of 2019. Anyone looking to find more official information on the bill or the process that went into it being eventually be passed can visit the official Michigan legislative portal to learn more.

Detroit Free Press

A reliable source for local, state, and national sports coverage, the Detroit Free Press is considered the gold standard of sports journalism in Michigan. A variety of sports-related news and information for teams and leagues across the state can be found there.

Both the online and print versions of the publication are known to contain some of the most accurate and up-to-date information and analysis on sports in the state of Michigan.

Sports betting was enthusiastically adopted by the Wolverine State, and those 21-and-over in Michigan as either residents or visitors can participate. All online sportsbooks use location services, however, so residents who are temporarily out of the state will not be able to access their accounts or place bets.

The maximum number of 15 licenses for sports betting operators have been issued, with many of the nation’s top sportsbooks setting up shop in Michigan. Professional sports betting is the most popular option, but less restrictions on college sports betting than some other states have helped fuel the growth of the industry in Michigan.