Online Sports Betting in Michigan

New to Online Sports Betting? Here’s Your Guide

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in May 2018 that each state would be able to set its laws regarding sports betting. Lawmakers in Michigan immediately got to work, and by December of 2019, sports betting was legal in Michigan.

The first sportsbooks opened in Michigan in March 2020, but they quickly slowed down their business due to COVID shutdowns. Online sports betting began in January 2021 with a handful of sportsbooks. Under state law, online sportsbooks must be partnered with a land-based casino to be eligible to operate in the state.

There are now thirteen online sports betting apps operating in Michigan. 

• Barstool Sportsbook
• BetMGM Sportsbook
• BetRivers Sportsbook
• Caesars Sportsbook
• DraftKings Sportsbook
• FanDuel Sportsbook
• FireKeepers Sportsbook
• Four Winds Sportsbook
• Fox Bet Sportsbook
• Golden Nugget Sportsbook
• Gun Lake Sportsbook
• PointsBet Sportsbook
• WynnBET Sportsbook

Who Can Legally Bet Online Sports in Michigan?

Like all states, gamblers must be at least 21 years of age to legally bet in Michigan. Though you don’t have to be a resident of Michigan to place bets, you must be within state lines while making wagers.

What Are the Most Common Sports Betting Types in Michigan?

While there are endless types of sports betting, the below subsets are the most popular in Michigan. 

Parlays

Parlays are beneficial and easy to understand, making them a top pick for sports gamblers. They involve including multiple wagers under one formal bet. If your predicted winners win, you get the benefit of each team. 

Moneylines

If you’re a sports betting beginner, moneyline bets are for you. They’re the most uncomplicated bets and only involve one wager with multiple potential outcomes. You use a moneyline bet if you only want to predict who will win the game.

Over/Under 

Over/Under bets work well if you keep up with sports statistics. However, if you aren’t up to date on your numbers, you may want to try another method. Over/Under bets work by predicting if a statistic will become lower or higher in percentage by the end of the game. 

Point Spread

Point Spread bets are similar to Moneylines in that they’re straightforward, but they have a bit more risk to them. To make a point spread bet, you note the favorite to win the game and by how much the sportsbook expects them to win. If you pick the favorite, they have to win by more than what you predict.

History of Michigan Online Sports Betting

Michigan lawmakers began introducing legalized online betting and gambling in 2015. The legislature passed a bill that would have legalized internet gambling in the state. However, the Governor at the time, Rick Snyder, vetoed the bill when it got to his desk.

In 2019, the new governor, Gretchen Whitmer signed the Lawful Sports Betting Act which paved the way for the current legalization of online sports betting and gambling.

Online gambling in Michigan finally started in 2021, with $150 million changing hands in January alone. By the end of the first year, sportsbooks were routinely handling $500 million per month in online betting.

What Sports Can I Bet On In Michigan?

If there is a sporting event taking place, chances are you can place a bet on it at any of the fourteen online sports betting apps operating in Michigan. Browsing through some of the more popular apps and you can find bets on sports such as:

• Football
• Basketball
• Baseball
• Hockey
• Golf
• Tennis
• Auto Racing
• Horse Racing
• Boxing
• Mixed Martial Arts
• Soccer
• Rugby
• Cricket
• Cycling
• Darts
• Lacrosse

Are Daily Fantasy Sports Legal in Michigan?

Yes. As part of the broader overall online gambling legalization, daily fantasy sports contests became legal as well in 2019. DraftKings and FanDuel are the two major companies providing daily fantasy sports betting in Michigan.

Can I Bet On College Sports Online in Michigan?

Yes. There is no differentiation between college and professional sports when it comes to legalized online sports betting in Michigan. There is however a restriction from betting on high school sports.

Has The Launch of Online Sports Betting in Michigan Been Successful?

Absolutely. From the beginning of online sports betting in Michigan, the growth has been undeniable. Though some months may see a dip from the previous month due to seasonal conditions, the overall arrow is steadily pointing up.

Since legalized gambling began in Michigan in 2020 there has been more than $6.5 billion in bets made in the State of Michigan. This action has generated over $500 million in revenue for the casinos and almost $17 million in tax revenue for the state. 

Who Has The Biggest Market Share in Online Sports Betting in Michigan?

Online sports betting in Michigan dipped from April to May in 2022 by about 10%. However, that number is still a 34% increase from April 2021. While the sports betting industry as a whole has been stagnant recently, the operators in Michigan still took in almost $36 million in revenue from online betting.

FanDuel continues to hold onto the top spot among online sports betting in Michigan with a 15.2% market share, followed by BetMGM and DraftKings. FanDuel finished May with $103.6 million in handle, with BetMGM at $85.4 million and DraftKings at $69 million. 

What to Do If You or Someone You Know Has A Gambling Problem

With the rise in popularity of online sports betting and gambling, there is an inevitable rise in gambling addiction. While sports betting can be a fun recreational activity for most people, it is possible to develop a gambling problem.

There are many resources available for those with gambling problems. The National Council on Problem Gambling operates the National Problem Gambling Helpline Network (1-800-522-4700). If you or someone you know develops a gambling problem, they provide the resources needed to treat and counsel gambling addicts.

Are There Any Restrictions To Online Sports Betting In Michigan?

 The restrictions on online sports betting in Michigan are the same as in other states with online gambling operations. 

• You must be 21 years or older to place sports bets online in Michigan
• You must be physically located within the state borders of Michigan when you are placing bets on sports or engaging in other online gambling activities on any of the authorized websites or apps

What Are The Most Popular Sports To Bet On In Michigan?

Some of the most diehard sports fans in America are in Michigan and they show up to bet on their teams as well. While sports like soccer, golf, Tennis, UFC, and auto racing attract respectable online gambling numbers, the four major sports are where the most action lies.

Like most states with legalized online sports betting, football is king. The hometown Detroit Lions are one of the most popular betting options in Michigan. There is also a lot of betting interest in the college ranks as Michigan and Michigan State draw a good bit of gambling activities as well.

In basketball betting, the Detroit Pistons garner the most attention for local sports bettors while the Michigan and Michigan State basketball programs are popular as well.

The hometown Detroit Tigers are the biggest draw for online baseball betting in Michigan. 

Rounding out the four major sports is the Detroit Red Wings of the NHL. The Red Wings fans are some of the most loyal in the sport and local bettors put down their fair share of money on them at the online sportsbooks in Michigan.