Michigan sports betting began in January 2021 after Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed HB 4916 into law. There are now 11 legal online sportsbooks in the Great Lakes State, including Caesars, BetMGM, BetRivers, and FanDuel.
This guide breaks down the legal status of online sports betting in Michigan. We will explain which bets you can place and which wagers are still prohibited. You will also learn more about how online sportsbooks are regulated in Michigan and why it is important to use legal apps and websites.
Affiliate Disclosure: If you place a bet at a sportsbook through one of our links, we may earn a commission.
21+. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
Michigan Sports Betting News and Updates
Michigan Sports Betting: Quick Facts
The Michigan sports betting industry is regularly among the top US markets. Here, we break down everything you need to know about Michigan sports gambling availability.
| Michigan Population | 10 million (2022 est.) |
|---|---|
| Legal Betting Age | 21+ |
| Sports Betting Regulator | Michigan Gaming Control Board |
| Online Sportsbooks | ✔ Available |
| Retail Sportsbooks | ✔ Available |
| College Sports Betting | ✔ Available |
| Esports Betting | ❌ Unavailable |
| Tax Rate | 8.4% for operators; variable tax rate for individuals |
Michigan Sports Betting Laws
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer officially legalized online sports betting and casino gaming when she signed HB 4916 on Dec. 20, 2019. The bill also permits retail sportsbooks at land-based casinos in Michigan.
The first brick-and-mortar sportsbooks opened at Greektown Casino-Hotel and MGM Grand Detroit on March 12, 2020. Trading was heavily impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, but visitor numbers increased toward the end of the year.
Online sportsbooks and casinos were cleared to launch in January 2021. Nine apps, including FanDuel, DraftKings, and BetMGM, launched on the opening day.
Online Sports Betting Tax in Michigan
Michigan’s online sports betting bill passed through both chambers with bipartisan support in 2019. Governor Whitmer ultimately gave HB 4916 her seal of approval, despite initially expressing concern that the tax rate was too low.
The Great Lakes State imposes an 8.4% revenue tax on online sportsbooks, which is one of the lowest tax rates in the United States.
However, Whitmer’s concerns were ultimately assuaged, and she signed the bill to show her support for the state’s education system. “My top priority in signing this legislation was protecting and investing in the School Aid Fund because our students deserve leaders who put their education first,” she said at the time.
The bill, which became the Lawful Sports Betting Act, dictates that most of the tax revenue goes toward the School Aid Fund. Meanwhile, $2 million was earmarked for the First Responder Presumed Coverage Fund, which provides cancer treatment for firefighters.
Online sportsbook operators must also pay a $50,000 application fee for a license, plus a $50,000 annual renewal fee.
Personal Sports Betting Tax Liability in Michigan
You will need to pay federal and state income tax on any gambling winnings that you earn in Michigan. The rate you pay will be dictated by your income tax bracket. Your sports betting winnings will simply be added to any other income you earn, and you will then pay tax on the total figure.
However, you may only need to pay tax if you earn a profit from all gambling activities over the course of a year. You can deduct any losses you sustain from your winnings when filing your tax return, which means you only need to pay tax if you secure an overall profit. That would require you to keep a detailed, itemized record of all gambling activities, and it would also be advisable to consult with a tax professional.
Meanwhile, any winnings of more than $5,000 will automatically be subject to a 24% withholding tax.
Legal Betting Age in Michigan
You must be 21 or older to bet on sports in Michigan. If you visit a brick-and-mortar sportsbook, you may be asked for ID.
When signing up with an online sportsbook, you will need to provide personal details, such as your name, address, and date of birth. The sportsbook will verify those details to confirm you are at least 21, so be prepared to upload an official ID card, such as your driver’s license.
Michigan Sports Betting Regulator
The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) regulates online and in-person sportsbooks in the Great Lakes State. Lawmakers established the MGCB in 1997 when they passed the Michigan Gaming Control and Revenue Act.
The MGCB was initially tasked with overseeing three commercial casinos in Detroit. In 2010, the Board became the official regulator for horse racing and pari-mutuel wagering in Michigan, and it then added charitable gaming to its remit in 2012.
Companies that wish to launch online or retail sportsbooks must obtain a license from the MGCB, which consists of five members plus an executive director appointed by the governor.
Why Use a Legal Sportsbook in Michigan?
Legal online sportsbooks must adhere to strict regulations laid down by the MGCB. That requires them to grade bets fairly, implement robust security measures, and pay out on time and in full.
Failure to do so could result in the sportsbook being fined and losing its license, so you can rely upon a fair, secure experience at legal sports betting apps and websites in Michigan.
Some unregulated sportsbooks may try to entice bettors in Michigan. These sites are based offshore, and they have no legal permission to operate in the United States, but they still target players in the Great Lakes State.
Unfortunately, you cannot trust those sites to grade your bets fairly, keep your data safe, or even pay out when you win. They do not comply with federal or state laws, so you have no legal recourse if you are scammed at offshore sportsbooks.
We recommend sticking to licensed, regulated sportsbooks in Michigan instead. You’ll find only legal and safe betting options reviewed here at Gaming Today.
Online Sports Betting Licenses in Michigan
The Lawful Sports Wagering Act permits up to 15 online sportsbooks to launch in Michigan. Each of the state’s 12 federally recognized tribes was handed a master license, and each of the three commercial casinos in Detroit also received a master license.
Each master licensee can host one online sportsbook and one online casino. These are the legal online sportsbooks in Michigan and their land-based partners:
- Caesars Sportsbook (Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians)
- BetMGM (MGM Grand Detroit)
- BetRivers (Little River Band of Ottawa Indians)
- FanDuel Sportsbook (MotorCity Casino)
- DraftKings Sportsbook (Bay Mills Indian Community)
- Fanatics Sportsbook (Lac Vieux Desert Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians)
- ESPN Bet (Hollywood Casino at Greektown)
- Four Winds Sportsbook (Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians)
- FireKeepers Sportsbook (Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi)
- Eagle Casino & Sports (Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe of Michigan)
- BetPARX (Gun Lake Tribe/Match-E-Be-Nash-She-Wish Band of Pottawatomi Indians)
At one point, there were 15 online sportsbooks in Michigan. However, a few apps have now ceased operations, including Golden Nugget Sportsbook and TwinSpires.
SI Sportsbook will leave the Great Lakes State soon, as parent company 888 Holdings is exiting the US market. WynnBET is also winding down operations in Michigan, as Wynn Resorts has sold its online sports betting division to Caesars Entertainment. That leaves 11 currently operational online sportsbooks.
MI Sports Betting Legalization Timeline
The first online sportsbooks launched in Michigan. Nine licensed sports betting apps went live on Day 1.
Legal sports wagering began in Michigan after retail sportsbooks at Greektown Casino-Hotel and MGM Grand Detroit opened for business.
Whitmer signed HB 4916 into law, authorizing online and in-person sports betting in Michigan.
The Senate voted 358-35 in favor of the sports wagering bill, sending it to Whitmer’s desk to be signed into law.
The House approved the Michigan sports betting bill with bipartisan support, 63-45. The bill was then sent to the Senate for consideration.
Brandt Iden introduced HB 4916, a bill seeking to legalize online and retail sportsbooks, plus online casinos.
What Can I Bet on in Michigan?
Michigan has one of the most expansive wagering catalogs in the country. Sportsbooks can take bets on everything from a soccer match in Cameroon Ligue 1 to a Best Actor winner on the red carpet in Hollywood.
| Wagering Type | Legal? |
|---|---|
| Pro sports betting | ✅ |
| College sports | ✅ |
| High school sports | ✖️ |
| Esports betting | ✖️ |
| Entertainment betting | ✅ |
| Politics betting | ✖️ |
College Sports Betting in Michigan
Some states prohibit prop bets on college sports. Others prevent online sportsbooks from taking bets on games featuring in-state college teams.
That is not an issue in Michigan. You can legally place straight bets and prop bets on all college action, including games featuring local teams such as Michigan and Michigan State.
MI Sports Betting Revenue and Handle
Michigan is one of the largest betting markets in the country. In 2023, online sports betting handle increased to $4.63 billion, setting a new state record, and revenue hit $420.4 million.
Michigan’s sports betting operators recorded combining retail and online sports betting handle of $285 million for the month of June 2024. Of that total, internet sports betting handle accounted for $276.8 million of the bets in the state. That total was was down by 19.5% from the $343.7 million handle recorded in May 2024.
Michigan’s April 2024 sports betting pace slowed down, with the total handle coming in at $414.4 million, according to figures from the Michigan Gaming Control Board.
Total Handle From Michigan Sports Betting Apps
| 🗓 June 2024 | 🗓 May 2024 | 🗓 April 2024 | 🗓 March 2024 | 🗓 February 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 📱Total Online: $272.75 million | 📱Total Online: $343.7 million | 📱Total Online: $399.1 million | 📱Total Online: $480.4 million | 📱Total Online: $402.6 million |
Michigan Retail Sportsbooks: Where To Bet in Michigan
If you prefer in-person betting over online options, you’ll find every retail sportsbook throughout the Great Lakes State in the table below.
| Venue | Sportsbook | Address | Opening Hours | Odds Provider |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bay Mills Resort & Casino | DraftKings Sportsbook | 11386 W Lakeshore Drive, Brimley | 24 hours | SBTech |
| FireKeepers Casino Hotel | Dacey’s Sportsbook | 11177 E Michigan Ave., Battle Creek | 24 hours | SG Digital |
| Four Winds Dowagiac | Four Winds Kiosks | 58700 M-51 S, Dowagiac | 24 hours | Kambi |
| Four Winds Hartford | Four Winds Kiosks | 68600 Red Arrow Highway, Hartford | 24 hours | Kambi |
| Four Winds New Buffalo | Four Winds Kiosks | 11111 Wilson Road, New Buffalo | 24 hours | Kambi |
| Hollywood Casino at Greektown | ESPN Bet Sportsbook | 1211 Chrysler Drive, Detroit | 24 hours | Penn Entertainment |
| Gun Lake Casino | 131 Sportsbook & Lounge | 1123 129th Ave., Wayland | 24 hours | Kambi |
| Island Resort & Casino | SI Sportsbook at Island Resort & Casino | W 399 US-2, Harris | 24 hours | Kambi |
| Kewadin Casino - Christmas | Frosty’s Pub ’n’ Grub | N7761 Candy Cane Lane, Christmas | 9 a.m.-1 a.m. | WSI |
| Kewadin Casino - Hessel | Kiosks | N 3 Mile Road, Hessel | Sun-Thu: 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Fri-Sat: 10 a.m.-1 a.m. | WSI |
| Kewadin Casino – Manistique | Team Spirit Bar | 5630 W, US-2, Manistique | 9 a.m.-1 a.m. | WSI |
| Kewadin Casino – St. Ignace | Whitetail Sports Bar | 3015 Mackinac Trail, St. Ignace | 24 hours | WSI |
| Kewadin Casino – Sault Ste. Marie | Rapids Lounge and Superior Bar | 2186 Shunk Road, Sault Ste. Marie | 24 hours | WSI |
| Leelanau Sands Casino | Caesars Sportsbook | 2521 N West Bay Shore Drive, Peshawbestown | Sun-Wed: 9 a.m.-12 a.m. Thu-Sun: 9 a.m.-2 a.m. | Caesars |
| Little River Casino and Resort | River Rock Sportsbook & Grill | 2700 Orchard Highway, Manistee | Mon: 12-2 a.m, 7 a.m.-2 a.m Tue-Fri: 7 a.m.-2 a.m. Weekends Open 24 hours. | Kambi |
| MGM Grand Detroit | BetMGM Sports Lounge | 1777 Third Ave., Detroit | 24 hours | Entain |
| Motor City Casino Hotel | FanDuel Sportsbook | 2901 Grand River Ave., Detroit | 24 hours | Flutter Entertainment |
| Saganing Eagles Landing Casino & Hotel | Creekside Lounge Sportsbook | 2690 Worth Road, Standish | 24 hours | GAN |
| Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort | Ascend Sportsbook | 6800 Soaring Eagle Blvd, Mount Pleasant | 24 hours | GAN |
| Turtle Creek Casino and Hotel | Caesars Sportsbook at Turtle Creek Casino | 7741 M-72, Williamsburg | Sun-Thu: 9 a.m.-3 a.m. Fri-Sat: 9 a.m.-4 a.m. | Caesars |
More Legal Michigan Gambling Options
Most forms of online gambling are legal in Michigan. You can bet on sports, play casino games, compete in poker tournaments, wager on horse races, and participate in fantasy sports contests online.
You can take advantage of Michigan sportsbook promos to join the action at various legal Michigan sports betting apps or get started with another platform highlighted below.
| Michigan Gambling Alternative | Legal? |
|---|---|
| Social Sportsbooks | ✅ |
| Daily Fantasy Sports | ✅ |
| Horse Race Betting | ✅ |
| Lottery | ✅ |
| Online Casinos | ✅ |
| Social Casinos | ✖️ |
| Online Poker | ✅ |
Michigan Social Sportsbooks
Social sportsbooks such as Fliff are legal in the Great Lakes State, but residents are restricted from joining sweepstakes promotions.
Those sites are mainly popular in states that have not yet legalized online sports betting, such as California and Texas. There is no real need for Michiganders to use social sportsbooks, as you can enjoy the real thing in the Great Lakes State.
Traditional online sportsbooks such as BetMGM, Caesars, and FanDuel offer sharper odds, more betting options, and larger bonuses than social sportsbooks.
Michigan Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS)
Daily fantasy sports (DFS) apps and websites are legally available in Michigan. The Fantasy Contests Consumer Protection Act of 2019 paved the way for DFS apps to operate legally in the Great Lakes State.
However, in late 2023, the Michigan Gaming Control Board updated its regulations, banning pick’em style fantasy sports contests. Operators such as PrizePicks and Underdog Fantasy, can no longer offer real money prop pick’em games, although they are permitted to offer free-to-play pick’em games, along with regular fantasy sports contests.
The Board decided that pick’em contests are too similar to the prop bets found at traditional online sportsbooks. Several other states have mounted a similar clampdown on pick’em contests.
FanDuel Fantasy
FanDuel offers a huge variety of fantasy sports contests in Michigan. The site covers NFL, NBA, NHL, MLB, college football, college basketball, WNBA, various soccer leagues, golf, tennis, and NASCAR. The app is smooth and accessible, and payouts are fast and reliable.
DraftKings Fantasy
DraftKings has also been running popular DFS contests in Michigan for many years. The app provides a similar range of options to FanDuel. You will earn Dynasty Rewards points when you enter DFS contests, bet on sports, or play casino games at DraftKings, so it is an interesting option for Michiganders who enjoy a wide range of gambling options.
Horse Race Betting in Michigan
Pari-mutuel horse racing has been legal for decades. Its roots can be traced back to the Michigan Horse Racing Law of 1995. Live and simulcast races are well-established betting options throughout the state.
You can sign up with online racebooks such as TVG, TwinSpires, and FanDuel Racing in the Great Lakes State. FanDuel’s online racebook is built into the online sportsbook, with a single wallet covering both platforms, so that could be an excellent option for Michiganders.
These horse racing apps and websites cover all the action in the United States, plus dozens of meetings around the world each day. You can bet on thoroughbred and harness racing, and your options include straight bets and exotics, such as an exacta or trifecta.
See our Horse Betting Apps pages for more information.
Michigan Lottery
You can buy lottery tickets—including scratchers, in-state draw games, and multi-state draw games like Powerball and Mega Millions—at approximately 10,500 retail locations statewide.
The official Michigan Lottery website and app offer online lottery games as well. About 63 cents of every dollar goes to prize payouts. Another 25% goes to the state education fund.
Michigan Online Casinos
Governor Whitmer established legal online casino betting by signing the Lawful Internet Gaming Act on Dec. 20, 2019. As of 2023, the online casino industry had generated more than $1 billion in tax revenue for Michigan.
Michigan now has the second-largest online casino market in the United States, behind only Pennsylvania and ahead of New Jersey. FanDuel Casino is the market leader, followed closely by BetMGM Casino.
Other popular options include BetRivers Casino, Caesars Palace Online Casino, and DraftKings Casino.
Social and Sweepstakes Casinos in Michigan
Michigan is one of just a handful of states to explicitly prohibit social and sweepstakes casino sites and apps. The Michigan Gaming Control Board sent cease and desist letters to various social and sweeps casino operators in January 2024, and they quickly left the market.
Social casino sites like Chumba Casino, WOW Vegas, and High 5 Casino often fill the void in states where legal online casino options aren’t available. However, that is unnecessary in Michigan, as you can play at a wide range of real money online casinos.
You can play most of their games for free in demo mode if you like, and you can switch to real money play at any time.
How Michigan Sports Betting Compares to Nearby Markets
Michigan has one of the largest online sports betting markets in the United States. In 2023, the Great Lakes State ranked 11th for sports wagering handle, behind only New York, New Jersey, Illinois, Nevada, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Arizona, Virginia, Colorado, and Massachusetts, and ahead of big states like Maryland, Indiana, and Tennessee.
Here’s how Michigan compares to some other legal sports betting states in the Midwest.
Illinois Sports Betting
In its first year, the Illinois sports betting market emerged as one of the nation’s largest in terms of overall wagering handle.
Initially, DraftKings saw big success in Illinois. Still, its location in East St. Louis is at a disadvantage compared to BetRivers, which has a retail sportsbook located only 15 miles from Chicago.
An in-person registration requirement also disadvantageed Illinois compared to Michigan, but this was lifted in March 2022.
With Ohio sports betting legal as of Jan. 1, 2023, there’s another new market nearby.
Indiana Sports Betting
The Indiana sports betting market somewhat resembles Michigan’s. DraftKings and FanDuel are the top two choices in Indiana’s mobile sports betting market, each bringing in an estimated $5 million of revenue per month.
Mobile wagering accounts for more than 75% of all bets in Indiana.
Pros and Cons of Michigan Sports Betting
Michigan has one of the most open and competitive sports betting markets in the country. That is good news for bettors, as it encourages rival online sportsbooks to offer attractive bonuses and appealing odds in a bid to stand out in a crowded market.
However, no online sports betting market is perfect. Here are some of the key pros and cons to consider.
Pros
Michigan has one of the lowest tax rates in the country, which encouraged many online sportsbooks to launch in the Great Lakes State. Many sportsbooks have stopped offering welcome bonuses in New York due to the high tax rate. That is not an issue in Michigan, so bettors can find many attractive promos. State law permits up to 15 online sportsbooks, which creates competition. By contrast, there are just two sportsbooks in Connecticut, and only one in New Hampshire, Oregon, and Rhode Island. There are no restrictions on college sports betting in Michigan, as is the case in other states. You can bet on entertainment markets, too. Michigan also permits online casinos, poker rooms, racebooks, and fantasy sports apps, so you can enjoy a vast range of betting options at a single site, such as BetMGM or FanDuel.
Cons
There are fewer brick-and-mortar sportsbooks in Michigan than in some states, so most bettors use online sportsbooks. Michigan has not yet legalized fixed-odds betting on horse racing, like in New Jersey and Colorado. Some states have more online sportsbooks than Michigan, including CO and NJ. A few online sportsbooks have recently left Michigan, and it remains to be seen if all 15 licenses will be occupied again.
Michigan Responsible Gaming
As you can see, online Michigan sportsbooks have much to offer, but limiting gambling to your entertainment budget is essential to responsible gaming. It shouldn’t take priority over your monthly housing costs, food budget, or utilities expenses.
- Set a betting limit. If it helps, consistently bet the same amount on each wager. Stick to a budget; don’t place a wager beyond what you can afford to lose.
- Record your wins and losses. A good ledger can help you understand which bets to avoid. Plus, the better your bet tracking is, the more likely you will stay on budget.
- Limit parlay bets. You’ll see big bet parlay wins on social media, but they also carry a high risk. Don’t let long-shot parlays eat up your whole betting budget.
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Gambling Disorder Helpline at 1-800-270-7117.
Other RG Resources
- Gam-Anon For family members and friends of the compulsive gambler.
- Gamblers Anonymous is a fellowship of men and women who share experiences, strength, and hope with each other.
- National Council on Problem Gambling, a non-profit agency, disseminates information about problem/compulsive gambling and promotes the development of services.
Michigan Sports Betting FAQ
Yes, the Michigan Lawful Sports Betting Act allows anyone who’s 21 or older to bet on sports online or in person. State law permits up to 15 online sportsbooks, and there are currently 11 to choose from.
Yes, most forms of online gambling are legal in Michigan. You can bet on sports, place pari-mutuel wagers on horse races, and enter fantasy sports contests online. Michigan has also legalized online casinos and poker rooms, and the state offers online lottery games, too.
You must be 21 or older to bet on sports, play online casino games, or enter online poker tournaments in Michigan. It is important to sign up with licensed, regulated gambling sites and apps, which adhere to strict consumer protection rules laid down by the Michigan Gaming Control Board.
Yes, DraftKings is legal in Michigan. You can bet on sports, enter fantasy sports contests, and play a huge range of casino games via the DraftKings app or the website in Michigan. DraftKings operates on the master license of Bay Mills Resort & Casino, which is run by the Bay Mills Indian Community.
Yes, anyone aged 21 or older can legally bet on sports at FanDuel in Michigan. FanDuel also runs the most popular online casino in the Great Lakes State, along with a full-service online racebook and a fantasy sports app. The company partnered with MotorCity Casino in Detroit for market access.
No, you simply need to be 21 or older and physically located within Michigan state lines at the time you place a wager. That means state residents and visitors alike can bet online. Michigan’s online sportsbooks use geolocation technology to determine your location when you access your account.
You must be at least 21 years old to place online sports bets, play online casino games, or enter online poker tournaments in Michigan. Anyone aged 18 or older can place pari-mutuel wagers or enter fantasy sports contests online in the Great Lakes State.
Caesars Sportsbook, BetMGM, BetRivers, FanDuel, and DraftKings are all legal in Michigan. Additional options include Fanatics Sportsbook, ESPN Bet, BetPARX, Four Winds Sportsbook, FireKeepers Sportsbook, Eagle Casino & Sports, and SI Sportsbook, all of which hold licenses from the Michigan Gaming Control Board.
Yes, it is legal to bet on college sports in Michigan, provided you are 21 or older. There are no restrictions on college sports wagering in the Wolverine State, so you can place straight bets and prop bets on games featuring teams located in the state and those outside the state.
Offshore sportsbooks have not gained legal permission to operate in Michigan. They do not comply with state or federal laws, so it is best to avoid those sites and stick to legal, regulated online sportsbooks such as BetMGM, FanDuel, and BetRivers.
Latest Michigan Sports Betting News
Michigan Blocks Online Casino Betting Apps From Israel, Costa Rica
Caesars Launches Horseshoe Online Casino in Michigan
Caesars Sportsbook Deposit Scheme Leads to $88 Million in Bets, Felony Charges For the Bettor
Michigan Budget Creates 14 New Gambling Oversight Positions
Bovada Blocked Out of Michigan
More Like Michigan: Sports Betting States
About the Author
