Are Sports Betting Apps Legal

Michigan launched online sports betting on January 22, with a handful of companies offering their services in the 10th most populous state in America. I downloaded six of the sports betting apps. Each of the sports betting apps listed above is legally sanctioned to use. American bettors are not violating any US gambling laws by placing bets at these destinations. Legal sports betting in the US is growing at a rapid rate, with many states now allowing online and mobile sports betting. Thanks to mobile technology, we can now wager on real money sports betting apps in several states including New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Indiana, Illinois, Virginia, and Colorado. Without regulation from the state, these offshore betting apps can’t be counted on to pay out winnings and have been known to disappear with people’s money. Iowa sports betting revenue. Iowa sports betting revenue and wagers have been relatively low through the end of 2020, at least when compared to other states with legal online sportsbooks.

1. Best Apps For Sports Betting
2. Tennessee Sports Betting App
3. Sports Betting Apps Legal In Ny
4. Are Sports Betting Apps Legal In Texas
5. Online Sports Betting Apps

Virginia sports betting is now live. The first online sports betting app in Virginia launched on January 21, 2021. FanDuel Virginia announced its presence in Virginia as the first sportsbook to debut.BetMGM, BetRivers, and DraftKings followed within days after. One week after that, William Hill launched in Virginia.

State lawmakers passed a package of bills legalizing sports betting in the Old Dominion in July 2020. Governor Ralph Northam’s signature on those bills capped off several years of efforts from legal gambling advocates in the state.

Virginia’s sports betting laws allow for up to 12 online sports betting operator licenses. These licenses to offer mobile sports betting will go to brands approved by the Virginia Lottery.

At least four of those licenses will function as strictly mobile sportsbooks, not tied into a partnership with a land-based casino.

The other licenses could see Virginia’s planned land-based casinos launch online sports betting. A November public vote approved the construction of casinos in four Virginia cities.

Virginia’s sports betting launch drew some of the industry’s biggest brands to the state and in the first 9 days did over $58.9 million in handle

Virginia Online Sports Betting – Live Now

William Hill Virginia

Visit: William Hill Sportsbook Virginia – Get up to a $2,021 risk free bet

Another sports betting brand with a natural tie-in to the Virginia market, William Hill operates as one of the most recognizable names in the industry. William Hill US offers both retail and mobile sports betting in many US states.

Caesars Entertainment, the parent company to William Hill, is expected to construct a land-based casino in one of Virginia’s four voter-approved cities. That property is a virtual lock to include a land-based version of William Hill Sportsbook. For online bettors that means a William Hill sportsbook app that can be used anywhere in the Commonwealth.

FanDuel Virginia Sportsbook

Visit: FanDuel Sportsbook Virginia – Get up to $1000 risk free bet

Like its biggest rival, DraftKings, FanDuel is one of the brands leading the charge in the US mobile sports betting boom. The company expanded from fantasy sports into sports betting and online casino gaming over the last two years, becoming one of the biggest sports wagering brands in the US in the process.

FanDuel operates an online sportsbook in almost a dozen states. The FanDuel launch in Virginia happened just a day before its launch in Michigan.

FanDuel teams with land-based casinos to offer online sports betting in most states. Virginia laws allow FanDuel Sportsbook to operate with a casino license partner, or as an online-only app. In the end, FanDuel partnered with the Washington Football Team, which plays in Maryland but is headquartered in Virginia. This partnership allowed it a leg up in launch order over other sportsbooks who will most likely have online-only licenses.

Regardless of licensing, the first bet was placed on FanDuel Virginia on January 21, 2021, a momentous day for Virginia bettors.

BetMGM Virginia Sportsbook

Visit: BetMGM Virginia – Claim up to $600 risk free bet

BetMGM is one of the top online gambling apps in the country. With its online casino app launched in a few states, the BetMGM Sportsbook app is available in even more states. Backed by the world-renown gaming brand BetMGM, the sportsbook app offers strong odds and a wide variety of sports for Virginia bettors. The app is strong, with good reviews for being relatively glitch-free.

BetMGM was one of the first sportsbook apps to launch in Virginia. It also announced a partnership with hometown favorites the Washington Nationals and will eventually open a retail sportsbook at Nationals Park in DC.

BetRivers Virginia Sportsbook

Visit: BetRivers Virginia – Claim a 100% deposit match bonus up to $250

The BetRivers name comes from the Rivers Casino brand, owned by Rush Street Interactive. BetRivers isn’t just limited to states that host a land-based Rivers Casino property, however.

The BetRivers online sportsbook and casino app operates in several states. Within a week they launched in both Virginia and Michigan. Rush Street Interactive is expected to open a land-based casino in Virginia, but the BetRivers online sportsbook beat it to market.

BetRivers has proven a worthy competitor in the legal online sports betting market across the US and could be one of the most popular platforms in the Virginia market.

DraftKings Sportsbook Virginia

Visit: Draftkings Sportsbook Virginia – Get a $1,000 deposit bonus (20% up to $1,000)

DraftKings Sportsbook launched its mobile app in Virginia on January 24, 2021. Since expanding into sports betting in 2018, DraftKings has emerged as one of the biggest brands in the legal US sports wagering market.

DraftKings Sportsbook offers legal wagering in eleven states. The platform offers one of the most robust menus of sports and ways to bet on any mobile sportsbook in the US market. They also offer one of the strongest apps for both Apple and Android devices.

Virginia’s Online Sportsbooks: What Brands Are On The Way?

Virginia received 25 license applications in 2020, with only 12 online-only licenses available. The Virginia Lottery was tight-lipped about who applied. Local news has reported that some of the potential Virginia sports betting apps could be from BetMGM, WynnBet, or Barstool.

In the end, the first four apps to launch in Virginia were FanDuel, DraftKings, BetRivers, and BetMGM. William Hill followed a week later. Moreover, both WynnBet and Barstoool Sportsbook don’t have the same kind of history of being the first to launch in various states, but were among the first apps to launch in Michigan on January 22, 2021, the day after the Virginia launch. It is possible we will see both brands in Virginia in the future as both have strong growth plans for the US betting market.

Guide To Online Sports Betting In Virginia

Bonuses Available At Online Sportsbooks

The launch of online sports betting in Virginia marks the start of an industry that should offer a dozen different online sportsbooks at some point.

Each of the different platforms on the way to Virginia will offer welcome bonuses for new players. Some of the most common welcome offers seen at legal online sportsbooks include the following:

Deposit Match Bonuses

A deposit match bonus takes your first deposit at an online sportsbook and matches a percentage of it with bonus betting credits.

At BetRivers, for example, new players get a 100% deposit match bonus up to $250. With this bonus, you’ll earn bonus betting credits equal to the amount of your first deposit, up to $250.

Risk-Free Bets

A risk-free bet offers a rebate on your first bet (or sometimes multiple bets) made at a mobile sportsbook. The rebate is only awarded if the bet you apply the bonus to results in a loss.

At FanDuel Sportsbook, for instance, new players can enjoy a risk-free bet up to $1,000 after making an initial deposit. That offer allows you to make your first bet, up to $1,000, with no risk of losing.

No-Deposit Bonuses

A no-deposit bonus represents the most player-friendly offer of any welcome promotion on this list. This kind of bonus simply puts free betting credits in your player balance, just for signing up at a sportsbook.

Virginia’s Local Sports Teams

Virginia doesn’t host any teams from the four major US sports leagues, but it’s proximity to Washington DC makes the Old Dominion State one of the most passionate professional sports fan bases in the US.

All major domestic sports are open for betting at Virginia’s online sportsbooks. This includes professional sports teams in both Washington DC and Maryland, such as the Baltimore Ravens and Baltimore Orioles.

Wagering on Virginia’s college programs, however, isn’t permitted under Virginia’s sports betting laws. College programs like the Virginia Cavaliers and Virginia Tech Hokies will not appear on the menus of Virginia’s mobile sportsbooks.

Even without having local in-state teams, Virginia bettors are able to bet on all major domestic and international sporting events, including the Super Bowl, World Series, and March Madness. Although Virginia bettors are prohibited from betting on Virginia college teams playing in March Madness, they can bet on the Hoyas and the Terrapins. The same goes for NCAA championship games.

Washington DC Pro Sports Teams

Football represents the most popular sport for wagering in the US. The Washington Football Team enjoys a rabid fanbase in Virginia, backed up by three Super Bowl Championships and 24 playoff appearances in its nearly century-long history.

FanDuel partnered with the Washington Football team to launch the FanDuel Virginia app. It is expected the Washington Football Team will promote the FanDuel site. It is also rumored that this partnership was a sign of goodwill on behalf of the team as they consider a potential move to Virginia.

The Washington Nationals of MLB brought a World Series championship to Washington DC in 2019. Since moving to the District of Colombia from Montreal in 2005, the Nationals stand as one of Virginia’s favorite sports franchises. The Nationals partnered with BetMGM, who will eventually open a retail sportsbook at the Nationals Stadium in DC.

The NBA’s Washington Wizards and NHL’s Washington Capitals round out the lineup of Washington DC sports franchises. The nation’s capital is one of the few cities in the US with a team in all four major sports leagues.

Is Esports Betting Legal In Virginia?

The legal status of betting on esports varies significantly from state to state. Several states with legalized sports wagering don’t offer specific language on esports wagering in their sports betting bills.

Virginia’s sports betting laws, however, do permit betting on esports. Esports are rapidly growing in popularity for both spectators and bettors, and Virginia’s legal mobile sportsbooks are permitted to offer wagering on esports contests.

Sports Betting: Legal Versus Illegal

With up to a dozen legal online sportsbooks set to enter the Virginia market, illegal bookies and offshore gambling sites now take a backseat to their regulated, legal counterparts.

Virginia’s online sportsbooks operate under the regulation of the Virginia Lottery, a state-level government agency. The Virginia Lottery’s role in the state’s sports wagering industry is to ensure fair practice, prompt payouts, and a secure player experience from Virginia’s mobile sports betting products.

All approved online sportsbooks in Virginia bear the seal of approval from the Virginia Lottery. The sure way to tell that you’re playing at a state-regulated, legal sportsbook is to look for this mark on the homepage of a mobile sports betting website.

Drawbacks Of Illegal Bookmakers

Offshore betting platforms, on the other hand, won’t display the seal of approval from the Virginia Lottery or any other US gaming regulation agency. Offshore sites often function without having to answer to any gaming regulatory body.

With this in mind, it’s important to understand that offshore betting sites have no legal obligation to pay your winning when you try to cash out. When you deposit at an offshore sportsbook, you might never see that money again.

Legal sportsbooks, on the other hand, must provide prompt and fair payouts under Virginia law. In states with legal online sports betting, wagering at mobile sportsbooks provided the same level of security as playing at a legal land-based casino.

How Do I Know That Online Sportsbooks Are Fair?

Regulated By The Virginia Lottery

All states with legalized gambling operate with one or more government regulatory agencies in place. Virginia’s upcoming sportsbooks will fall under the oversight of the Virginia Lottery.

Virginia becomes one of several states in which the state lottery regulates all aspects of legal gambling within the state. Other states using this setup include West Virginia and Delaware.

The Virginia Lottery launched in 1988, and functions as a state-level government gaming agency. When sports betting eventually goes live in Virginia, players can wager knowing that state-regulated sportsbooks are overseen and regularly audited by the Virginia Lottery.

Why Can I Trust Legal Online Sportsbooks?

The launch of legal sports betting brings the world’s top sportsbook brands to the Virginia market. Multi-billion-dollar companies like DraftKings, FanDuel, and BetMGM will all compete for a piece of what will likely become a flourishing mobile sports betting market.

Other brands likely to operate in Virginia include William Hill, PointsBet, FOX Bet, and several others. All of these companies operate in multiple states and in some cases overseas.

As such, these legal sports betting brands conduct business as some of the most trusted companies in the legal gambling industry. Brands like DraftKings and FanDuel function with a keen interest in upholding their reputations as the world’s most trusted sports betting brands.

Virginia’s legal mobile sportsbooks use the highest level of security measures to protect player funds and personal information. Anything less could result in a major loss of trust for these giants in the legal gambling sphere.

How Do Online Sportsbooks Pay Me If I Win?

Virginia’s online sports betting platforms offer several convenient ways to cash out from your account. Registering for an account, depositing funds, wagering on sports, and withdrawing after you win can all be accomplished remotely.

Withdrawal methods include options like ACH/eCheck and online bank transfer, each of which involves a direct transaction from your player balance to your bank account. Most major banks facilitate transactions to and from legal sportsbooks.

PayPal presents one of the most secure options for both deposits and withdrawals. Many online sportsbooks offer a house-branded version of the Play+ Prepaid card, which links directly to your mobile sportsbook account.

Other withdrawal options include Skrill, wire transfer, and even (as a last resort) check by mail. Most of these options take 2-5 business days for the money to appear in your bank account.

Virginia Mobile Sports Betting FAQ

All major domestic and international professional sports can legally be wagered on from Virginia’s legal online sportsbooks. The selection of leagues might vary across different brands, but Virginia law allows mobile sportsbooks to offer all professional sports leagues.

Betting on Virginia-based college programs, however, is prohibited. State laws restrict wagering on programs like the Virginia Cavaliers and Virginia Tech Hokies.

Yes, but betting on Virginia’s college programs is illegal. You won’t find any available betting markets for in-state programs at Virginia’s legal mobile sportsbooks.

Betting on all other college sports teams is legal, however. The only exceptions to this are in-game betting and player prop bets on college contests, which are illegal under state law.

Yes. The package of bills outlining Virginia’s sports betting regulations contain language allowing esports wagering.

Virginia’s sportsbooks can choose whether or not to include esports as available betting markets. The undeniable popularity of esports makes it highly likely that Virginia’s sportsbooks will offer esports markets.

15%. All Virginia sportsbooks, both online and land-based, will have revenue taxed at 15% from the state. Potential operators will also pay a $250,000 licensing fee every three years. These tax rates only apply to sportsbook operators. Sports bettors also need to pay both Federal and state tax on any winnings, in accordance with tax laws.

The Virginia Lottery will approve up to 12 sportsbook operators. Four of those licenses will go to online-only operators, not connected to any land-based casino.

All other licenses can be applied for by land-based casinos and racetracks, or by other online-only operators. This is how several sports betting apps launched prior to any casino opening in Virginia.

Yes. DraftKings was the second sportsbook app to launch in Virginia. It is licensed by the Virginia lottery to operate mobile apps for both Apple and Android and a web browser.

Yes. FanDuel was the first Virginia sportsbook to announce its debut in the Commonwealth. FanDuel Sportsbook maintains a presence in virtually every legal mobile sports betting market in the US. Virginia was the next logical step in FanDuel’s expansion efforts.

Michigan online sports betting is finally a reality for bettors. The Michigan Gaming Control Board announced a online sportsbook launch on January 22, 2021.

Both retail and online sportsbooks are allowed under the Michigan Lawful Sports Betting Act. Retail sportsbooks launched in early 2020. About a dozen sportsbook apps are part of the first round of Michigan online gambling apps. FOX Bet and Four Winds launched just after the first round of apps.

Commercial and tribal casinos can launch mobile sports betting platforms. The Michigan Gaming Control Board approved 15 different potential online sports betting operators late last year. This means more sportsbook apps will launch later in 2021.

Editors Choice for Best Michigan Sports Betting Apps

• BetRivers: Best for Deposit Bonus
• WynnBet: Best for Sports & Casino Players
• William Hill: Best for New Bettors
• FanDuel: Best for iOS and Android App
• BetMGM: Best for Detroit Bettors
• DraftKings: Best for DFS Players

Michigan Sports Betting Updates

• Michigan off to a great start – Michigan’s first month with online gambling live proved to be a historic event. The state had a record-breaking launch.
• New online gambling operators join in – On February 15, the MGCB authorized Four Winds sports betting and online casino to launch. They partnered with Pala Interactive who provided the software.
• New online gambling operators join in – On January 29, the MGCB authorized FOX Bet and Poker Stars to go live with sports betting and casino gaming, respectively. Poker Stars also launched Michigan’s first online poker site. Barstool received approval to launch an online casino on the same day.
• Michigan sports betting begins with 10 sportsbooks live – 10 sportsbooks launched in the Great Lakes State on January 22, opening day for Michigan sports betting. These include BetRivers, William Hill, FanDuel, BetMGM, DraftKings, Golden Nugget, Barstool, TwinSpires, PointsBet, and Wynn.
• Michigan Gaming Control Board announced sports betting launch – On January 19, 2021, the MGCB announced that 9 sports betting apps would launch on January 22. The next day, the MGCB announced its approval of PointsBet, bringing the total number to 10.
• Michigan approves 15 online sports betting and casino licenses – The MGCB gave the green light to 15 different iGaming licenses on December 10. This action from the MGCB marks one of the final regulatory steps before Michigan’s online sportsbooks go live sometime in early 2021.
• Casinos reopen after a month-long shutdown – A COVID-19 emergency order forced Michigan’s trio of commercial casinos to shut down on November 18. The three casinos, all home to retail sportsbooks (MGM Grand Detroit, MotorCity Casino Hotel, Greektown Casino Hotel) reopened on December 21.
• Detroit Pistons partner with FanDuel, DraftKings – Michigan’s iconic NBA franchise announced simultaneous partnerships with both FanDuel and DraftKings. The agreements bring in the two top sports betting brands in the US as official sports betting partners of the Detroit Pistons.
• Barstool Sportsbook enters Michigan market – Greektown Casino Hotel announced a renovation and rebranding of its retail sportsbook. The land-based sports betting venue will be reintroduced as Barstool Sportsbook, the first retail sportsbook to bear the Barstool name.

Reviews Of Michigan’s 6 Best Sports Betting Apps & Sites

Best for Deposit Bonus

at BetRivers MI

Available On: iOS, Android, Web Browser

Best for Deposit Bonus

BetRivers Michigan

4.5

BetRivers Review

Deposit Bonus

Retail Partner

Licensed by

BetRivers expansion across the US continues with the BetRivers Sportsbook MI platform. The selection of domestic and international sports put BetRivers on par with just about any other legal sports betting site in the US.

The welcome bonus at BetRivers presents one of the most player-friendly offers of any Michigan sportsbook. New players can unlock a 100% deposit match up to $250, with just a 1x playthrough requirement.

Excellent selection of international sports, deposit via Paypal

Best for Sports & Casino Players

at WynnBet MI

Available On: iOS, Android, Web Browser

Best for Sports & Casino Players

WynnBet Michigan

4.3

WynnBet Review

Risk-Free Bet

Retail Partner

Licensed by

Back by the Wynn Casino brand, WynnBet is a relative newcomer on the market compared to other sportsbook apps in Michigan. Operating only in Michigan, Colorado, and New Jersey, it is anticipated that WynnBet will continue its expansion into other US markets. In the meantime, WynnBet offers a great alternative for Michigan bettors, including a competitive bonus offer and strong online casino offering.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS APPLY & 21+

Best for New Bettors

at William Hill MI

Available On: iOS, Android, Web Browser

States Accepted: MI, CO, IN, IA, NJ, NV, WV, VA, IL

Best for New Bettors

William Hill Michigan

4.2

Willaim Hill Review

Risk-Free Bet

Retail Partner

Licensed by

The William Hill Sportsbook in Michigan brings a century-old sports betting brand from the UK to what will be one of the top online gaming markets in the country.

William Hill really stands apart from the other options in the state with an impressive market depth for international events, and their odds are competitive across the board.

But beyond that, William Hill largely falls a bit short with a less than competitive new player bonus.

Huge market depth, unique options for international sports, simple, straightforward platform, quality odds that compete well with competitors

Best for iOS and Android App

at FanDuel Sportsbook MI

Available On: iOS, Android, Web Browser

States Accepted: MI, NJ, PA, IL, IN, IA, CO, WV, TN, VA

Best for iOS and Android App

FanDuel Sportsbook Michigan

4.4

FanDuel Sportsbook Review

Risk-Free Bet

Retail Partner

Licensed by

FanDuel Sportsbook offers just about everything a bettor could ask for in an online sportsbook. The domestic and international leagues available for wagering puts FanDuel Sportsbook in the top tier of legal mobile sports betting platforms in the US.

New players can take advantage of a risk-free bet up to $1,000 after making an initial deposit. Other unique promotions include parlay insurance, which offers up to $25 back on a five-leg or more parlay if all legs but one are winners.

Comprehensive selection of sports, ways to bet, and deposit options

Best for Detroit Bettors

at BetMGM MI

Available On: iOS, Android, Web Browser

States Accepted: MI, CO, IN, IA, NJ, NV, PA, TN, WV, VA

Best for Detroit Bettors

BetMGM Michigan

4.4

BetMGM Review

Risk-Free Bet

Retail Partner

Licensed by

BetMGM Sportsbook functions as the sports betting branch of Michigan’s largest land-based casino, MGM Grand Detroit. BetMGM brings together a comprehensive sports betting platform that belongs on the go-to list for any serious bettor.

New Michigan bettors can claim up to a $600 risk-free bet bonus offer at BetMGM Michigan.

Robust number of available sports and ways to wager

Best for DFS Players

at DraftKings Sportsbook MI

Available On: iOS, Android, Web Browser

States Accepted: MI, CO, IN, IA, NJ, NV, PA, TN, WV, VA, NH

Best for DFS Players

DraftKings Michigan

4.0

DraftKings Review

Deposit Bonus

Retail Partner

Licensed by

Michigan bettors of all experience levels should find plenty to like about DraftKings Sportsbook. The platform offers one of the most robust selections of sports among any legal online betting site.

The welcome bonus at DraftKings Sportsbook comes as a 20% deposit match up to $1,000. The sportsbook also offers a $100 bonus for each new player you refer to the site.

Wide array of sports, ways to bet, and deposit/withdrawal methods. Official sports betting partner of the Detroit Pistons.

All Michigan Online Sportsbooks Apps

Sportsbook	Welcome Bonus	Casino Partner	Launch Date
BetRivers	100% Deposit Match Up To $250	Little River Casino Resort	1/22/21
William Hill	Risk free bet up to $2,021	Turtle Creek Casino & Leelanau Sands Casino	1/22/21
FanDuel	Risk-free Bet Up To $1,000	Motor City Casino Hotel	1/22/21
BetMGM	Risk-free Bet Up To $600	MGM Grand Detroit	1/22/21
PointsBet	Two Risk-free Bets Up To $2,000	Northern Waters Casino Resort	1/22/21
DraftKings	20% Deposit Match Up To $1,000	Bay Mills Resort & Casino	1/22/21
Golden Nugget	Risk-free Bet Up To $100	Ojibwa Casino	1/22/21
Barstool	$1,000 Risk Free Bet	Greektown Casino Hotel	1/22/21
WynnBet	$1000 Risk Free Bet	Kewadin Casino	1/22/21
Twin Spires (formerly BetAmerica)	One week risk-free betting up to $1000	Island Resort & Casino	1/22/21
FOX Bet	Risk-free Bet Up To $500	Odawa Casino	1/29/21
Four Winds Sportsbook	$200 Deposit Match Bonus	Four Winds Casinos	2/15/21
Fire Keepers Sportsbook	TBA	Fire Keepers Casino And Hotel	TBA (Expected 2021)
Parx Sportsbook	Risk-free Bet Up To $500	Gun Lake Casino	TBA (Expected 2021)

How To Place A Bet In Michigan

Choosing An Online Sportsbook In Michigan

Michigan’s online sports betting market includes at least 14 mobile sportsbooks approved by the MGCB, nine of which launched on day one. Each different sportsbook offers different welcome promotions, betting markets, and odds.

Gaming Today continuously updates this page with the latest information on Michigan’s mobile sports betting apps. You can use the information here to evaluate which sportsbooks suit your preferences.

Make A Deposit

The most reliable deposit options for Michigan bettors include PayPal and ACH/eCheck. The Play+ prepaid card, available at most sportsbooks, offers another convenient and secure deposit method.

Mobile sportsbooks put several different deposit options at your fingertips, allowing you to fund your account from anywhere in the state.

Verify Your Location

Michigan’s mobile sportsbooks use geolocation technology to determine your location when you log in. You must be located within Michigan borders to place a bet at a state-regulated sportsbook.

If the geolocation service determines that you’re out-of-state, you’ll be blocked from betting until you’re back in Michigan.

How To Register An Account

Once you’ve chosen an online sportsbook, you’ll need to provide proof of age and identity before you can deposit and start betting.

The sportsbook will ask you for a valid identification document (driver’s license, state-issued ID) to confirm these details. Once your documents are verified, you can navigate to the cashier and make your first deposit.

How To Place A Bet

Michigan’s mobile sports betting apps provide unprecedented ease of access to betting markets on sports events around the globe.

Most sportsbooks offer a user-friendly interface that allows you to browse all available sports, and then leagues and games within that sport. Placing a bet requires just a couple of clicks.

Clicking on a line of your choice puts the wager on your bet slip. Once there, you’ll have to click on “Confirm” or a similar link to send your bet to the sportsbook.

Legal Sportsbooks in Michigan

With over 16 online sportsbooks that are available in Michigan, bettors enjoy access to an entire new world of legal sportsbooks. All state-regulated sportsbooks bear the seal of approval from the Michigan Gaming Control Board.

Any online sports betting site not displaying that seal is operating illegally in the US. These offshore sites can’t guarantee the same level of security and accountability as their legal counterparts.

Putting your money down on an offshore gambling site isn’t worth the risk, especially with so many legal options at the disposal of Michigan players. If you deposit at an offshore site, you might never see that money again.

Michigan Sports Betting Revenue

While online sports betting has yet to launch in Michigan, the state’s three commercial casinos all opened retail sportsbooks in 2020.

After nearly five months shut down due to a COVID-19 emergency order, the trio of Detroit-based commercial casinos reopened in early August. The casinos could only allow 15% capacity, but the land-based sportsbooks at each performed well under those conditions.

October marked the last full month of operations for the commercial sportsbooks before another shutdown in November. The three Detroit sportsbooks (MGM Grand Detroit, MotorCity Casino Hotel, Greektown Casino Hotel) brought in $7.6 million in combined revenue in October.

In leading sports betting markets like New Jersey and Pennsylvania, mobile wagering produces around 90% of overall sports betting revenue. The $7.6 million revenue figure for Michigan in October doesn’t include mobile wagering, and also excludes revenue from tribal casinos.

With all of those factors in mind, the October performance of Michigan’s commercial sportsbooks points to big things in 2021 for Michigan’s sports betting industry.

How Michigan Sports Betting Compares To Other States

Illinois

In less than a year, Illinois has emerged as the nation’s fourth-largest sports betting market in terms of overall wagering handle.

Illinois sportsbooks brought in $434 million in handle in October of last year, with more than 94% of those bets coming from mobile sportsbooks. DraftKings, BetRivers, and FanDuel dominate the Illinois online sports betting market.

The Illinois market currently includes those brands, as well as William Hill and PointsBet. Michigan bettors will enjoy access to several other different options compared to Illinois, which could lead to Michigan eclipsing Illinois in the US sports betting economy.

Indiana

Another Midwest state with a flourishing sports betting market, Indiana took nearly $231 million in handle in October 2020. The Hoosier State stands as the No. 5 sports betting market in the US, right behind Illinois.

Indiana’s land-based and online sportsbook market somewhat resembles what’s on the way in Michigan. FanDuel and DraftKings operate as the top two choices in Indiana’s mobile sports betting market, a trend that could likely carry over to Michigan.

Mobile wagering accounts for more than 75% of all bets in Indiana. Indiana’s online sportsbooks are on the way to going over the $100 million revenue mark for 2020.

Michigan Sports Betting Successes And Failures

Sports Betting Successes For Michigan

Michigan’s potential as a top-five US sports betting market attracted the industry’s biggest brands to the state. At least 14 different online sportsbooks are approved in Michigan, with 9 apps launching on the first day of online gaming.

Michigan’s attractive tax rates (8.4% on mobile and retail sports betting revenue), rich sports tradition, and the number of available land-based casino partners successfully drew the giants of the sports betting industry to the state.

DraftKings, FanDuel, BetRivers, BetMGM, and William Hill represent just a few of the companies slated to launch online sportsbooks in Michigan. Michigan’s sports betting scene will offer a selection of different online sportsbooks that rivals any US state.

What Could Improve For Michigan’s Sports Betting Industry

After sports betting legalization got the green light in late 2019, 2020 ended up as a year of uncertainty and mixed messages about the launch of online sports betting in the state.

The Michigan Gaming Control Board pushed for a late-2020 launch of online sports betting, but the year ended with mobile sportsbooks still on hold.

Every week that went by without a launch of online sports betting, Michigan’s casinos lose out on significant potential revenue. This delay was remedied by the first sports betting apps launching in time to place bets on the Super Bowl. Still, there are additional gaming apps that have been approved but are delayed in their launch.

Best Apps For Sports Betting

Sports Betting Legalization Effort In Michigan

A sports betting legalization bill passed through the state House and Senate in 2018, and it appeared that Michigan was poised to become the next US state with legal sports betting.

Needing only a signature from then-Governor Rick Snyder, however, the 2018 effort was nullified by a veto from Snyder just days before his gubernatorial term ended.

That setback reset the Michigan sports betting legalization effort back to square one. A 2019 version of a sports betting bill once again passed through the House and Senate, and this time got the final signature from new Governor Gretchen Whitmer.

Retail Sportsbooks Launch In Michigan

The sports betting bill approved both retail and online sports betting in Michigan. The state’s three Detroit-based commercial casinos all opened sportsbooks on their properties in March 2020, only to shut down just days later due to a COVID-19 emergency order.

Commercial casinos reopened in August, with all three resuming retail sportsbooks operations. Some of Michigan’s tribal casinos opened land-based sportsbooks throughout the year as well, as tribal properties aren’t bound by state-issued emergency orders.

Nine online sportsbooks launched on January 22, 2021, ending months of speculation as to when the MGCB would give Michigan sports betting the official green light to start accepting bets.

Michigan Sports Betting Timeline

• December 2018 – After passing through the state House and Senate, a sports betting bill gets vetoed by outgoing Gov. Rick Snyder.
• December 2019 – Sports betting legislation once again goes through the two state chambers, and this time gets the needed signature from Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to go into law.
• March 2020 – Michigan’s three Detroit-area commercial casinos open retail sportsbooks. All three casinos are forced to shut down just days later, however, due to COVID-19 emergency orders.
• August 2020 – Not bound by the state’s COVID-19 order, FireKeepers Casino becomes the first Michigan tribal property to open a retail sportsbook.
• August 2020 – Commercial casinos get the green light to reopen, allowing their retail sportsbooks to operate uninterrupted until a second shutdown in November.
• September 2020 – The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) finalizes rules for the state’s sports betting industry.
• November 2020 – A monthly MGCB meeting alludes to a possible early-2021 launch of online sports betting. The meeting dampens hopes of a late-2020 launch.
• January 19, 2021 – After a January 12, 2021 meeting, the MGCB officially announced that the first bets would be placed in Michigan on Friday, January 22, 2021.

Michigan’s Sports Teams

Professional Sports Franchises In Michigan

Detroit Red Wings

Detroit’s “Hockeytown” nickname comes as a result of the success and popularity of the Detroit Red Wings. The Red Wings status as 11-time Stanley Cup champions bolsters the franchise’s reputation as perhaps the most beloved Michigan professional sports franchise.

Michigan’s legal sportsbooks offer betting markets on the Red Wings throughout the NHL season. When the Red Wings make a playoff appearance, Michigan bettors can wager on the Detroit hockey franchise through the Stanley Cup Finals.

Detroit Tigers

The lineage of the Detroit Tigers goes back to 1894. Detroit’s Major League Baseball franchise boasts four World Series Championships, with the most recent of those coming in 1984.

The Tigers have made five playoff appearances and two American League championships since the turn of the century. Moneyline, run line (aka point spread), parlays, and prop bets on the Tigers are available throughout the regular season and playoffs at Michigan’s sportsbooks.

Detroit Lions

Longsuffering fans of the Detroit Lions still await the NFL franchise’s first Super Bowl appearance. The Lions lay claim to four NFL championships, but all four came in the 1950s and before the Super Bowl era.

The Lions have made three playoff appearances in the last decade. If and when the Lions do make a magical Super Bowl run, Michigan bettors will enjoy the full gamut of betting options on the Lions all the way through the championship game.

Detroit Pistons

The NBA’s Detroit Pistons stand as one of Michigan’s most successful sports franchises in the modern era. The Pistons have won three league championships since 1989, with the most recent of those coming in 2004.

The Pistons put together a string of six consecutive Eastern Conference Finals appearances from 2003-2008. The next era of greatness for the Pistons could be just around the corner, and fans will enjoy betting opportunities on the team through all rounds of the NBA Playoffs.

Michigan College Sports Teams

The Michigan Lawful Sports Betting Act permits betting on all college sports, including Michigan-based teams. In-game and player prop bets aren’t allowed, but all other kinds of betting on college sports are legal at Michigan’s sportsbooks.

Tennessee Sports Betting App

College sports loyalty throughout the state is divided between two major programs – the Michigan Wolverines and the Michigan State Spartans.

University of Michigan Wolverines

One of the most storied college football programs in the country, the Michigan Wolverines play as a perennial powerhouse in the Big Ten Conference.

The Wolverines lay claim to 11 national championships and a staggering 42 conference titles since the inception of its football program in 1879.

The University of Michigan also competes for the Big Ten men’s basketball title on a regular basis. The program’s recent history includes five Sweet Sixteen appearances in the 2010s and eight overall appearances in the NCAA Tournament in that span.

Michigan State Spartans

The Michigan State University Spartans stand as one of the main rivals to the Michigan Wolverines in virtually every sport. Big Ten basketball and football matchups between the two schools provide Michigan sports fans with some of the most hyped events on the annual athletic calendar.

The football program went to the College Football Playoff in 2015 and has earned conference championships over its more than century-long history.

Legendary head coach Tom Izzo leads the Spartans men’s basketball program to the postseason virtually every year. The Spartans have clinched a March Madness berth in 22 consecutive seasons under Izzo.

Aside from in-game and player prop bets, both major Michigan programs can be wagered on throughout the regular season and playoffs, both in football and basketball.

Other Sports To Bet On In Michigan

All major domestic sports leagues will appear on the betting menus at Michigan’s mobile sportsbooks. NASCAR, golf, tennis, MMA, MLS, and other US-based sports offer almost innumerable opportunities for Michigan sports bettors.

The NASCAR Cup comes through Michigan International Speedway each year for the FireKeepers Casino 400 race. Other major Michigan sports events include the PGA’s Rocket Mortgage Classic, which commences from the Detroit Golf Club each summer.

International sports and niche events round out the betting markets available at Michigan’s legal sportsbooks. Table tennis, rugby, cricket, Aussie Rules football, international motorsports, and even games like darts and chess are available for wagering.

Michigan Sports Betting FAQs

More Resources On Michigan Sports Betting

• Michigan Gaming Control Board: News & Reports – The latest press releases and revenue figures from Michigan’s gaming regulation agency.
• Michigan Lawful Sports Betting Act – An e-copy of the official bill outlining Michigan’s sports betting laws.
• The Fall of PASPA – Article on the overturning of the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act, and how it opened the door for legal sports betting throughout the US.
• The Detroit News – Sports section of one of Michigan’s leading news outlets.
• ESPN US Sports Betting Map – Updated map showing where each US state stands on legal sports betting.

Yes. The Michigan Lawful Sports Betting Act allows both online and retail sports betting. Ownership groups for both commercial and tribal casinos can offer online sports betting.

No less than 14 different online sportsbooks are set to launch in Michigan. State gaming regulators announced 9 of these sportsbooks were ready to launch on January 22, 2021.

Yes. Michigan sports betting laws allow for wagering on college sports, including Michigan-based programs.

The only exceptions to Michigan’s allowed wagering on college sports are a ban on in-game prop betting and player props. All other kinds of betting are legal under Michigan law.

21 or older. Michigan sports betting laws set the minimum wagering age at 21. This age applies to online sportsbooks licensed to both commercial and tribal casinos.

While some tribal casinos set the minimum age for retail sports betting at 18 or 19, all online sportsbooks mandate a minimum age of 21.

No, but you must be located within Michigan state lines at the time of a wager. Michigan’s online sportsbooks use geolocation technology to determine your location when you access your account.

If you’re in Michigan when you place your bet, that bet is legal whether you’re a Michigan resident or not.

Sports Betting Apps Legal In Ny

Yes. Most of Michigan’s upcoming online sportsbooks offer their platforms as iOS apps. These apps can be found as free downloads in the App Store.

Are Sports Betting Apps Legal In Texas

Even if you don’t have the app (or the sportsbook doesn’t offer an iOS app), you can still use the browser on your Apple device to access Michigan’s online sportsbooks.

Online Sports Betting Apps

Yes. DraftKings Sportsbook operates as a license partner of Bay Mills Resort & Casino. They launched on January 22, 2021.