Michigan Sports Betting
Both retail and online sports betting have been legal in Michigan since 2020. Since then, Michigan sports betting has become a booming business, with sportsbooks offering enticing promos and the Michigan Gaming Control Board overseeing a fair betting environment. We here at oddschecker want you to be the most informed sports bettor in the Wolverine State. You’ll want to bookmark this page to discover the best Michigan sportsbooks, the various welcome bonuses, and MI promotions that are on offer.
Best Michigan Sports Betting Sites
Here is a short guide to the best Michigan sports betting sites in terms of welcome bonuses.
1. Caesars Sportsbook
Offers up to a $1,000 bonus bet if the customer’s first real money wager is graded as a loss.
Terms and conditions apply.
Promo Code: OC1000
2. FanDuel Sportsbook Michigan
Offers new users $200 in bonus bets as soon as a $5 bet has been placed. This bonus is guaranteed, so the first bet does not need to settle as a winner.
New customers only. Deposit min. $5. Place the first bet of $5 or more and get $200 in Bonus Bets if the bet wins (within 72 hours).
No Code Needed
3. DraftKings Sportsbook
Offers Michigan bettors up to $250 in bonus bets instantly, even if the first $5 bet goes on to lose
Terms and conditions apply.
No Code Needed
4. BetRivers Sportsbook
Awards Michigan bettors up to a $500 2nd Chance Bet on a minimum losing wager of $10.
Terms and conditions apply.
No Code Needed
5. BetMGM Michigan
Has a bonus for new accounts of up to $1,500 if the first wager of up to $1,500 is graded a loser.
Bonus bets will expire in seven days. One new customer offers only. Additional terms and conditions apply.
Promo Code: OCMAX1500
6. Fanatics Sportsbook
Offers new Michigan users up to $100 in bonus bets per day (up to ten days) on a minimum daily $10 bet.
Terms and conditions apply.
No Code Needed
Best Sportsbook Betting Sites in Michigan
It can be a daunting task finding the best Michigan sportsbooks, so oddschecker has done the work for you. OddsChecker has thoroughly researched all of the legal Michigan sportsbooks to find the best, based on the MI sportsbook welcome bonuses, promotions, ease of registration, app functionality as well as the financial transaction speed. Here are some of the best Michigan sportsbook betting sites and apps located within the Great Lakes State.
1. Caesars Sportsbook Michigan
Caesars Sportsbook Michigan has a sterling international reputation and partners with the Michigan State Spartans. The Caesars sign-up bonus is one of the best the Great Lakes State has on offer with a strong rewards program to go along with world-class customer service fit for an Emperor or a Michigander.
2. FanDuel Sportsbook Michigan
Daily fantasy sports giant FanDuel has seamlessly transitioned into the sports betting world. FanDuel Michigan enjoys strong partnerships with the Detroit Red Wings and Detroit Tigers with easy-to-use mobile and desktop versions and numerous parlays. It's easy to see why FanDuel Michigan is a top destination for Michigan sports bettors.
3. DraftKings Sportsbook Michigan
DraftKings Michigan boasts an endless array of live betting and same-game-parlay betting options with a basic design for its well-functioning app and desktop versions. DraftKings Michigan is fully integrated with its Rewards Program and its Daily Fantasy Sports platform to give Michigan sports bettors the earliest daily betting odds in the state.
4. BetRivers Sportsbook Michigan
BetRivers Michigan is partnered with the Detroit Pistons and boasts some of the most competitive odds in the Great Lakes State. BetRivers 2nd Chance Bet promotion and iRush Rewards are as solid as any other competitor has on offer, and their odds boosts are some of the best available in the state of Michigan.
5. BetMGM Sportsbook Michigan
BetMGM Sportsbook Michigan is the second internationally known online sportsbook operating in MI. It offers exceptional customer service alongside a rewards program that extends to all its MGM Resorts properties. BetMGM offers Michigan sports bettors a solid welcome bonus and a fast, reliable, and easy-to-use app where they will find an exceptional sports betting catalog along with an attractive number of futures betting markets.
6. Fanatics Sportsbook Michigan
Fanatics Sportsbook Michigan is a new player on the MI sports betting block. The app-only sportsbook has a sleek design with an abundance of in-game or live betting and SGP markets. Fanatics Sportsbook allows new MI sports betting accounts to receive up to one $200 bonus bet per day equal to the Michigan sports bettors daily bet, for the first five days the MI online betting account is active.
Is Sports Betting Legal in Michigan?
Yes, sports betting is legal in Michigan. Voters approved the ballot proposition, and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed HB4916 into law on Dec. 19, 2019. Retail sportsbooks opened in March 2020 with MI online sports betting following in January 2023.
Legal Sportsbooks in Michigan
There are several legal Michigan sportsbook operators accepting sports betting wagers in the state of Michigan. A partial list includes:
- BetMGM Sportsbook Michigan
- Fanatics Sportsbook Michigan
- BetRivers Sportsbook Michigan
- DraftKings Sportsbook Michigan
- FanDuel Sportsbook Michigan
- Caesars Sportsbook Michigan
What Are the Legal Requirements for Sports Betting in Michigan?
While the laws vary from state to state, Michigan requires sports bettors to be at least 21 years of age to legally place a sports bet at a retail or an online MI sportsbook. Here are some other laws that Michigan sports bettors need to know before placing a wager at a Michigan sportsbook.
Age Requirements
State law requires Michigan sports bettors to be a minimum of 21 years old and be able to prove it with either a valid state-issued ID, driver's license, government military ID, or a valid passport. This applies to both retail and online sports betting; however, some tribal casinos will allow patrons ages 18 or 19 to gamble on slot machines.
Remote Registration
State law allows Michigan residents to register for and fund their betting accounts online without having to physically enter a casino or Michigan sportsbook. Valid identification is required to sign up for a new Michigan online sports betting account, which also includes a valid Social Security card.
Betting by Proxy Is Prohibited
State gaming law prohibits MI sports bettors from opening more than one MI online betting account per sportsbook. The law further states that MI online sports bettors may not share their sports betting accounts with other Michigan sports bettors, nor are they allowed to wager on behalf of others or have someone other than the account holder place bets on their behalf.
Within Michigan Borders
Michigan sports betting law requires customers to be located within MI borders at the time the online wager is placed. MI sports betting law also states a sports bettor must be within Michigan borders to fund or withdraw any winnings.
Gaming Loss Deductions
Michigan law allows MI sports bettors and casino gamblers to claim a deduction for gambling losses that have been reported on their federal tax form. The law further states any losses claimed can’t exceed any winnings claimed.
How to Bet in Michigan
Take the following steps to complete your Michigan sports betting journey, which includes placing your first bet at an online MI sportsbook.
1). Choose a Michigan Sportsbook
Please visit our oddschecker page to find the best online Michigan betting sites. You’ll want to consider several factors including ease of financial transactions, welcome bonuses and sports betting markets available.
2). Register Your Michigan Betting Account
Once you’ve chosen the best Michigan sportsbook, you must register your MI sports betting account. It takes a matter of minutes to do so. Be sure to have a valid state-issued ID or driver's license and your Social Security card handy when registering for an MI sports betting account online.
3). Claim a Bonus or Promotion
Once your Michigan sports betting account has been registered, it’s time to claim a sports betting bonus or promotion. MI sports betting apps typically provide some sort of prompt when making a deposit, and you’ll want to be sure to enter any codes or “opt-in” prompts to activate any type of welcome bonus. Some MI sportsbook bonuses allow for live or “in-game” wagering, so be sure to look for that option before placing your wager.
4). Place a Wager
Once the registration process is completed and the bonus is selected, it’s time for you to make a bet. Michigan sports bettors typically favor wagering on point spreads, moneylines, prop bets, same-game parlays, and over/under or totals markets.
We at oddschecker strongly advise you to research the individual player and team statistics as well as any relevant event-specific trends prior to making any real-money wager.
5). Collect Your Winnings
The final step in the MI online sports betting process is to collect any winnings you may have earned! Be sure and fully understand the terms and conditions of all welcome bonuses as policies may determine how long it takes to withdraw your funds from your best online MI sportsbook.
What Can I Bet on in Michigan?
Michigan gambling law sets forth what people can and cannot make a bet on. Here is a list of allowed sporting and other types of events:
- Academy Awards
- American Cornhole League
- American Ultimate Disc League
- Australian Rules Football
- Badminton
- Baseball
- Basketball
- Billiards and Snooker
- Bowling
- Boxing
- Cricket
- Cycling
- Drone Racing
- Emmy Awards
- NFL
- Golden Globe Awards
- Golf
- Hockey
- Lacrosse
- MMA
- Motorsports
- Nathan's Famous Fourth of July Hot Dog Eating Contest
- NCAA Baseball
- NCAA Basketball
- NCAA Football
- NCAA Golf
- NCAA Hockey
- NCAA Lacrosse
- NCAA Soccer
- NCAA Softball
- NCAA Tennis
- NCAA Volleyball
- NCAA Wrestling
- Olympics (Winter and Summer)
- Pickleball
- Rugby League
- Rugby Union
- Sailing
- Skateboarding
- Soccer
- Softball
- Table Tennis
- Tennis
- Track and Field
- Volleyball
Michigan sports bettors are prohibited from betting on any election results, whether federal, state, or local.
Michigan Sports Teams
Michigan has professional sports teams in each of the major leagues: the NFL’s Detroit Lions, MLB’s Detroit Tigers, NHL’s Detroit Red Wings, and NBA’s Detroit Pistons.
Alongside its professional teams, collegiate sports are also popular in the Great Lakes State. The University of Michigan’s Wolverines and Michigan State University’s Spartans attract significant interest from college football and basketball bettors and fans. Below is an overview of some of Michigan’s sports teams.
As a member of the American League Central Division, Detroit Tigers was founded in 1894 as a member of the minor league Western League before moving to the American League (AL) as a charter member in 1901. They are the oldest one-name, one-city franchise in the AL.
The Tigers initially played at Burns Park for its inaugural American League season in 1901 but moved to its long-time home, Tiger Stadium, in 1912. Detroit would continue its home games at Tiger Stadium until 1999 when the Tigers moved to Comerica Park.
Since the Tigers began to compete in the major leagues in 1901, they have won four World Series championships in 1935, 1945, and 1968, with its last win coming under the stewardship of George “Sparky” Anderson in 1984. They’ve also won eleven AL pennants, four AL Central, and three AL East divisional titles.
Detroit Lions compete in the National Football League’s NFC North Division and have been a member of the NFL since 1928. Founded as Portsmouth Spartans in 1928, George Richards purchased the Spartans for $8,000 in 1934 and moved the team to Detroit. Richards named them the Lions because he wanted the team to be the “King of the NFL” as the lion is the “King of the Jungle.”
Initially, the side was tremendously successful, winning its first NFL championship in its second season in 1935. That year, Detroit became the “City of Champions” – as the Tigers and Red Wings had won the 1935 World Series and 1936 Stanley Cup, respectively.
Despite that, the Lions began to struggle after 1939. The struggles peaked in the late 1940s, winning just five games between 1946 and 1948. The team had a revival in the 1950s, winning the 1954 and 1957 NFL championships, but this would be the team’s last championship.
Since the 1957 win, Detroit has only won a single playoff game in 1991. They hold the league’s longest postseason win drought and are the only NFC team to never appear in a Super Bowl. The Detroit Lions have played its home games at Ford Field since 2002.
One of the “Original Six” NHL teams present before the 1967 NHL Expansion, the Detroit Red Wings are one of the most successful and storied franchises in professional ice hockey.
A member of the Atlantic Division in the Eastern Conference, they were founded as Detroit Cougars in 1926 and became the Falcons in 1930. They finally settled on the Red Wings name in 1932.
The Red Wings have won the most Stanley Cup championships of any NHL team in the United States, with eleven wins. Despite its success, the Red Wings have had periods of success and disappointment; while they only missed the playoffs four times between 1931 and 1966, they only made the playoffs twice between 1967 and 1983. After 1983, they made the playoffs 30 times in 32 seasons.
Alongside its eleven Stanley Cup wins, the Red Wings have won six conference championships, six Presidents’ Trophies, and nineteen divisional championships. Having played for 52 years at Olympia Stadium, Detroit moved to Joe Louis Arena in 1979 and, in 2018, moved to its current home, Little Caesars Arena.
Detroit Pistons are a member of the NBA’s Eastern Conference Central Division. Workers at the Zollner Corporation founded the Pistons as a works team in 1937. In 1941, the team ended its works team status and joined the National Basketball League (NBL), winning the 1944 and 1945 championships.
In 1948, the team joined the Basketball Association of America (BAA). The Pistons owner, Fred Zollner, brokered a merger agreement between the BAA and NBL at his kitchen table in 1949 to form the National Basketball Association (NBA). Despite a solid local following, the Pistons moved from Fort Wayne in 1957 to nearby Detroit. In 1974, Zollner sold the team to Bill Davison, who owned the team until his death.
The Pistons became a series contender when the Pistons drafted Isiah Thomas from Indiana and recruited Vinnie Johnson in a trade with the SuperSonics. They reached the playoffs in 1984, 1985, and 1986. After adding star player Dennis Rodman in 1986, the team won its first NBA championships in 1989 and 1990.
Detroit had another lean spell of success throughout the 1990s after the loss of Rodman to Chicago but would bounce back with six consecutive Conference Finals appearances in the early 2000s. They would win another NBA championship against Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant’s LA Lakers in 2004.
In 2017, the Pistons moved to its current home, Little Caesars Arena.
FAQs
Yes, sports betting is legal in Michigan. The first retail sportsbooks opened in March 2020, with online sportsbooks launching in January 2021. To legally bet on sports in MI, you must be 21 or older and within state lines.
All major league professional sports are available at Michigan sportsbooks. State law also allows you to bet on college sports. You can bet on totals, over/under, points lines, futures, and player props on both professional and collegiate events. However, you cannot wager on high-school sports.
Of course, you can bet on college sports in Michigan. There is no restriction on in-state teams or the types of bets you can place on collegiate events.
Absolutely - you can enter DFS contests in Michigan. In December 2019, Gov. Whitmer signed expanded gambling legislation that included regulation and taxation of fantasy contests. The Michigan Gaming Control Board licenses DFS operators. This legislation means you can use popular DFS operators like FanDuel and DraftKings, but you must be 18 or older and within state lines to use a DFS operator in MI.
Only betting sites licensed by the MGCB (Michigan Gaming Control Board) operate legally within Michigan. Other sportsbooks not authorized by the MGCB are not regulated or permitted to provide Great Lakes State bettors with a safe and secure environment.
You sure can use Caesars Sportsbook in Michigan as the MGCB licenses the site. Caesars also has a retail sportsbook at the Turtle Creek Casino and will open a second at Leelanau Sands Casino in Peshawbestown.
Yes, FanDuel Sportsbook is available for bettors in Michigan. You can access its sportsbook through its mobile app, desktop site, or retail location at MotorCity Casino Hotel in Detroit.
You’ll need to be over 21 and within state lines to bet for mobile betting in MI. In addition, you’ll usually have to verify your age with your ID or social security number when registering for a mobile sports betting site.