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The American Gaming Association estimates Americans bet $154 billion on sports in 2016. Nearly all of those wagers were made through illegal channels, like personal bookies and offshore websites. Based upon per-capita rates of betting, New York’s 19.75 million residents likely bet around $9.38 billion on sports in 2016. This just shows that when online gambling and/or sports betting are legalized, the competition comes in quickly. Economics 101 indicates that the more competition there is the more companies will. With goals to launch both an online casino and a Michigan sports betting app, look for some top-notch offers when Golden Nugget launches in Michigan. William Hill A powerhouse in both retail and online sports betting, William Hill will partner with the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians in Michigan. Historically, its gaming and gambling were outlawed in the 70’s, meaning the state has a longstanding opposition to most gambling and, at the time of writing this, sports betting is illegal in the state of Texas. Interestingly there is no specific law about the legality of online gambling, but online casinos are effectively prohibited.

Legal sports betting arrived in Michigan in March 2020, with the first of the state’s retail sportsbooks opening for business. Michigan online sports betting apps are expected to launch as early as January 2021. Some online sportsbooks are already offering pre-launch bonus offers.

Michigan’s Lawful Sports Betting Act legalized both live and online sports betting in the state. Both tribal and commercial casinos wasted no time.

The first of Michigan’s legal, state-regulated mobile sportsbooks could launch by late 2020. These platforms will be owned by the state’s retail casinos.

In a situation unique to the legal US sports betting industry, Michigan’s tribal casinos, as well as commercial casinos, will own and operate mobile sports betting platforms in the state.

Best Michigan Online Sports Betting Apps

• BetRivers Sportsbook >> Claim $50 in free bets as a pre-launch registration offer
• FanDuel Sportsbook >> Claim $100 in free bets by registering now
• BetMGM Sportsbook >> Claim a $200 Welcome Bonus by registering now pre-launch
• DraftKings Sportsbook >> Claim $200 in free bets by registering now
• Golden Nugget Sportsbook
• William Hill Sportsbook

Legal Online Sportsbooks In Michigan – Pre-Launch Bonus Offers

BetRivers Michigan

Rush Street Interactive is the parent company to BetRivers and SugarHouse, a pair of brands offering legal online sports betting platforms in multiple US states. BetRivers announced a partnership with Little River Casino to operate its retail sportsbook, online sportsbook, and the BetRivers Casino in Michigan.

The retail sportsbook at Little River Casino opened earlier in 2020. To celebrate its online sportsbook launch, BetRivers is offering Michigan bettors who register now $50 in free bets. There is no deposit required. Even after launch, we anticipate BetRivers will offer one of the strongest sportsbook bonuses, particularly for casual bettors. The offer could include a 100% deposit match bonus offer up to $250 with only a 1x playthrough. BetRivers could be one of the first sportsbooks to launch in Michigan, as they were in Illinois.

Visit: BetRivers Michigan to claim $50 in free bets by registering now

FanDuel Sportsbook Michigan

One of the brands leading the pack in the US legal sports betting industry, FanDuel Sportsbook’s expansion will eventually include Michigan. FanDuel inked a deal with Detroit’s MotorCity Casino Hotel to operate both retail and online sportsbooks. IH Gaming owns MotorCity Casino Hotel. FanDuel also signed an agreement with the Pistons to become one of their sportsbook partners.

Similar to DraftKings, we think FanDuel will be one of the first mobile sportsbook apps to launch in Michigan. They are also offering a pre-launch registration offer. By registering now, Michigan bettors can claim $100 in free bets, which include $50 in sports bets and $50 in casino credits.

Visit: Claim $100 in free bets by registering at FanDuel Michigan now

BetMGM Michigan

The BetMGM brand continues to establish itself in US states with legal online gambling. The BetMGM platform is powered by Roar Digital, a partnership between MGM Resorts and British sports betting technology brand GVC Holdings.

The Michigan version of the BetMGM online sportsbook will be licensed to MGM Grand Detroit. BetMGM Sportsbook is live or has been announced in close to a dozen states. We anticipate that BetMGM will be one of the first sportsbook apps to launch in Michigan in early 2021.

The BetMGM Sportsbook app is strong, with an easy-to-use interface, with competitive odds, and weekly Money Monday promotions.

In anticipation of its launch in Michigan, BetMGM is offering Michigan players a $200 Welcome Bonus. By registering with BetMGM now, receive $100 in sports bets (2 x $50 bets) plus $100 in FREEPLAY casino credit.

Visit: BetMGM Michigan to claim a $200 Welcome Bonus

DraftKings Sportsbook Michigan

It came as no surprise when DraftKings Sportsbook entered the fray in Michigan’s legal online sports betting industry. DraftKings announced a partnership with the Pistons in late 2020 to be one of the team’s preferred sports betting partners.

DraftKings Sportsbook will offer mobile sports betting in Michigan as the licensed operating partner of Bay Mill Resort & Casino. The arrangement pairs the DraftKings brand with the longest-running tribal casino in the state. In addition to offering retail sports betting at Bay Mills, DraftKings will also launch their online casino in the state.

We anticipate that DraftKings Michigan will be one of the first online sports apps to launch in the state. DraftKings is currently offering Michigan bettors a pre-launch registration offer. By registering now, bettors can claim $200 in free bets, which includes a $100 sports bet and $100 in blackjack credits.

Visit: Claim $200 in free bets by registering at DraftKings Michigan now

Other Legal Online Sportsbooks In Michigan – Coming Soon

Golden Nugget Michigan

One of the top names in gaming in both New Jersey and Nevada, Golden Nugget is looking to expand quickly into the Michigan market. With goals to launch both an online casino and a Michigan sports betting app, look for some top-notch offers when Golden Nugget launches in Michigan.

William Hill

William Hill’s status as one of the world’s most influential sports betting brands goes back decades.

A powerhouse in both retail and online sports betting, William Hill will partner with the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians in Michigan. The tribe owns both the Leelanau Sands Casino and the Turtle Creek Hotel & Casino.

Barstool Sports By Penn National Gaming

Penn National Gaming stands to be one of the biggest players in the US legal sports betting market. The North American gaming giant has partnerships in place in multiple US states, with an aim to have a piece of the pie in virtually every state with legalized sports betting. In most states, they are launching under the Barstool Sports brand.

Penn National Gaming will partner with Greektown Casino to launch an online sportsbook in Michigan.

Four Winds Sportsbook

The Kambi Group has a well-earned reputation as one of the world’s top-tier gaming technology brands.

Four Winds Casino announced a sports betting partnership with Kambi in July 2020. The arrangement will launch an online sportsbook licensed to Four Winds Casino.

FireKeepers Sportsbook

Scientific Games is the software company behind numerous legal online sportsbooks in the US. The Las Vegas-based brand powers the technology behind platforms like Caesars Sportsbook and BetFred in other US states.

FireKeepers Casino will utilize a partnership with Scientific Games to operate a legal online sportsbook in Michigan.

Kewadin Sportsbook

The track record of internet gaming technology company GAN speaks for itself. FanDuel Sportsbook New Jersey marked the first foray into the US market for GAN, with that platform emerging as one of New Jersey’s most popular online sportsbooks.

The Salut Tribe of Chippewa Indians, which owns five the Kewadin Casino-branded properties, will partner with GAN for a mobile sports betting offering in Michigan.

FOX Bet

The FOX Bet online sports betting platform will add Michigan to the growing list of US states in which it’s offered. The FOX Bet brand is a collaboration between FOX Sports and the Stars Group. It is already a major presence in the US legal sports betting industry.

The Stars Group is the license partner of the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indian Gaming Authority, which owns Odawa Casino Mackinaw and Odawa Casino Petoskey.

BetAmerica

BetAmerica has formed a partnership with the Hannahville Indian Community, owners of Island Resort and Casino in Harris.

BetAmerica’s parent company, Churchill Downs, is well-known for its prowess in the horse racing industry. This deal will expand the company’s offering into the sports betting world and add to the ever-growing number of sportsbooks slated for Michigan.

PointsBet

PointsBet is an Australian sports betting company that is making great strides in the US. They announced a partnership with Northern Waters Casino Resort to launch an online sports betting app in Michigan. In July 2020, PointsBet announced a partnership with the Detroit Tigers, the first for an MLB team.

Parx Casino

Parx Casino has done well in both New Jersey and Pennsylvania and is now scheduled to come to Michigan. Parx Casino is launching both online sports betting and online casinos in Michigan through its partnership with Gun Lake Casino.

For more information see our complete Guide To Michigan Online Gambling.

What Bonuses Are Available At Michigan’s Legal Online Sportsbooks?

Risk-Free Bets

New players at many US legal online sportsbooks can take advantage of risk-free bet promotions. A risk-free bet offer refunds a player on the first bet after a deposit, up to a given amount. The bet is eligible for a refund only if it results in a loss.

Some of the online sportsbook brands coming to Michigan present risk-free bet promotions in other US states. For example, BetMGM offers up to a $500 risk-free bet for new players in New Jersey. Using that offer, new players can deposit on those sites, and the first bet after deposit, up to $500, is eligible for a rebate in case of a loss. FanDuel launched a $1000 risk-free bet bonus offer in September for bettors in NJ, PA, and IL.

Deposit Match Bonuses

Players venturing into the world of legal US online gambling sites will notice the deposit match bonus as a commonly offered promotion. Deposit match bonuses award bonus money based on a percentage of a player deposit amount.

When Rush Street Interactive (in partnership with Gun Lake Casino) debuts its online sports betting platform in Michigan, new players could be in for one of the most generous deposit match bonuses in the industry.

BetRivers and SugarHouse, both Rush Street Interactive brands, offer a 100% deposit match bonus, up to $250, in several other US states. The promotion can be applied to a new player’s first deposit on those sites.

The Rush Street Interactive platforms match that first deposit with bonus money, up to $250. Deposit match bonuses almost always require a certain amount of playthrough to unlock the bonus.

This playthrough requirement is commonly 20x to 30x the amount of the original deposit. The BetRivers/SugarHouse bonus, however, comes with only a 1x playthrough requirement, making it one of the most player-friendly offers in the industry.

Free Play Bonuses

Some sites award free wagering credits just for registering an account. These free play offers don’t require a deposit of any kind.

FOX Bet, for example, offers a $20 free play bonus to new players upon sign up. This offer awards $20 in free playing credit, which must be wagered before it can be withdrawn.

What Sports Can I Bet On At Michigan Online Sports Betting Sites?

Betting On US Pro Sports

The arrival of legal sports betting in Michigan opens up an entire new world of possibilities, in a state with a rich professional sports tradition.

Detroit is on the shortlist of US cities that host teams from all four major US sports leagues.

The NFL’s Detroit Lions, the NHL’s Detroit Red Wings, the NBA’s Detroit Pistons, and Major League Baseball’s Detroit Tigers are at the heart of one of the most passionate sports fan-bases in the US. Both DraftKings and FanDuel announced partnerships with the Detroit Pistons to become their preferred sportsbooks.

Michigan’s legal online sportsbooks will present opportunities to wager on all of those teams. Virtually every game on the regular and postseason schedule in the four major sports will be open for betting to Michigan players.

Ways To Bet On US Pro Sports In Michigan

Ways to bet include moneyline and point spread betting on single contests, as well as parlay betting on multiple games.

Michigan’s legal online sportsbooks will offer futures betting markets on all of the major US sports leagues. Prop bets on events like the NBA draft and the Super Bowl open up even more betting options for Michigan bettors.

In addition to the four major sports leagues, MMA, boxing, golf, tennis, NASCAR, and a host of other US sporting events will be available to bet from Michigan’s legal online sportsbooks.

College Sports Betting In Michigan

Michigan’s professional sports tradition is equaled by the legacy of major college sports in the Wolverine State.

The Michigan Wolverines and Michigan State Spartans rule the college sports landscape in the state. State residents divide their loyalties between these two programs.

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College Football

The Wolverines and the Spartans play in the Big Ten Conference, the longest-running college sports conference in the US. The Michigan versus Michigan State football rivalry goes back more than 100 years.

Both programs are perennial powerhouses in the modern era of college football. The annual rivalry game between the two is one of the biggest in-state contests of the year.

Michigan and Michigan State also matchup annually against other Big Ten rivals like the Ohio State Buckeyes, Iowa Hawkeyes, Wisconsin Badgers, and Penn State Nittany Lions. These Big Ten rivalry games are perennially some of the biggest games on the college football calendar.

College Basketball

The Michigan versus Michigan State rivalry is equally tense in college basketball. Both programs lay claim to elite status in the national landscape.

The Big Ten stands as one of college basketball’s top conferences year after year. The conference offers a loaded schedule of big games for Michigan bettors.

The Wolverines and Spartans match up annually against teams like Ohio State, Penn State, and Wisconsin. Other traditional Big Ten powerhouses include the Indiana Hoosiers, Illinois Fighting Illini, and conference newcomer Maryland Terrapins.

Other College Sports

College baseball, softball, hockey, lacrosse, and others will be open for betting when Michigan’s legal online sportsbooks go live. The Lawful Sports Betting Act allows for betting on college sports with no restrictions.

What International Sports Can You Bet On In Michigan?

Michigan’s legal online sportsbooks won’t just be limited to US professional and college sports. Fans of soccer, rugby, cycling, and other international sports leagues will enjoy a comprehensive menu of betting markets.

International Soccer Leagues

The English Premier League features clubs like Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal, and Manchester City. Massive worldwide fanbases follow these teams, creating some of the world’s biggest sporting events when they face off against each other.

Other major international soccer leagues, like the German Bundesliga and Spanish La Liga, will be open for betting for Michigan players on the state’s legal mobile sports betting sites.

Other International Sports

Major cycling events like the Tour de France will be offered for betting at Michigan’s legal online sportsbooks. Tennis majors like Wimbledon and the Australian Open, as well as golf events like the British Open and Ryder Cup, are also slated to be on the menu for Michigan bettors.

International leagues and events in rugby, cricket, basketball, baseball, and auto racing add even more to the betting menus that will eventually launch in Michigan.

Can I Bet On Esports In Michigan?

The outlook for potential esports betting at Michigan’s online sportsbooks is unknown. The Lawful Sports Betting Act doesn’t include specific language about esports betting.

The esports industry continues to rise in popularity, with abundant offshore betting markets surrounding competitive events. As the esports industry continues to grow, events surrounding games like Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, Dota 2, and Rocket League could eventually be open for betting in Michigan.

What Else Can I Bet On In Michigan?

In other US states, platforms like FanDuel Sportsbook offer betting on competitive chess, darts, table tennis, and other non-traditional sports and games. When Michigan’s legal online sports wagering sites go live, these betting markets will be open to in-state bettors.

Will Michigan’s Online Sportsbooks Offer Mobile Apps?

Legal mobile sports betting is live in numerous US states. In all of these states, bettors have access to multiple online platforms.

Most of these platforms offer access through mobile apps, as well as on a desktop computer. Online sports betting mobile apps are optimized for Android and iOS devices. This makes the mobile betting experience intuitive and convenient.

Legal mobile sports betting apps use geolocation technology to determine a user’s location at the time of use. These apps are open to anyone in the state of Michigan, as long as they’re 21 or over and located within state borders.

The ease of access and convenience of mobile sports betting has made it the method of choice for bettors in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Those two states represent two of the biggest sports betting markets in the US. In both states, mobile wagering makes up more than 80 percent of the total statewide sports betting handle.

iOS Mobile Sports Betting Apps

Platforms like FanDuel Sportsbook, BetMGM, and FOX Bet are all coming to Michigan. All of these online sportsbooks will be available as apps for iOS devices.

These apps will be found in the App Store on iOS devices. Downloading the apps is free, and can be done from anywhere within state borders.

Android Mobile Sports Betting Apps

Nearly all of the platforms available as iOS apps will be accessible as apps for Android devices as well. Android users looking for online sportsbooks like William Hill and BetRivers are in luck.

Mobile sports betting apps for Android can only be downloaded directly from the website of the online sportsbook itself. The Google Play Store doesn’t permit the download of real-money gambling apps. As a result, players won’t find Michigan’s legal mobile sports betting apps there.

What Do I Need To Create An Online Sportsbook Account In Michigan?

When Michigan’s online sports wagering sites go live, new players will be able to start betting in just a few easy steps:

• Download the mobile sports betting app. Apple iOS users access these apps in the App Store. Android users find these apps directly on an online sportsbook’s website. Legal online sportsbooks can also be accessed on a desktop computer, directly from the website.
• Click “Join Now” and complete the required fields for name, birthdate, valid email address, and username of choice.
• The mobile sportsbook will ask for email verification, as well as documentation of age and identity.
• After email and document verification, navigate to the cashier to deposit and begin betting.

Legal Versus Illegal Online Sportsbooks

When Michigan’s state-regulated online sportsbooks launch, Michigan players will enjoy unprecedented access to legal sports betting. The number of different platforms slated for Michigan operations will offer bettors the opportunity to line shop and find bets among multiple outlets.

Michigan’s Regulated Casino Industry

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The agencies that oversee the state’s tribal and commercial retail casinos will regulate all of Michigan’s legal mobile sports betting platforms and upcoming online casinos.

The National Indian Gaming Commission operates as the governing body that regulates Michigan’s tribal casinos. The Michigan Gaming Control Board oversees the state’s commercial casinos.

The state’s tribal and commercial casinos will own and operate Michigan’s legal online sportsbooks. These retail casinos are held accountable by their respective governing bodies and therefore operate with a vested interest in prompt payouts and fair play.

Placing a bet at a legal online sportsbook in Michigan will offer the same level of security as placing that same bet in one of the state’s land-based casinos.

Sports Gambling Betting Online Games

Risks With Offshore And Illegal Gambling

Offshore gambling sites operating in the US are not obliged to offer these same safeguards. Betting at an offshore sportsbook entails a much higher level of risk. This includes the possibility of depositing money and never seeing that money again.

These offshore gambling sites are illegal operations in the US. As such, playing on them could result in a criminal penalty for players.

Michigan Online Sports Betting FAQ

The Michigan Lawful Sports Betting Act sets the minimum age for playing at 21. This minimum age requirement applies to sports betting platforms offered by both tribal and commercial casinos.

While tribal casinos may set the gambling age as low as 18 at their respective land-based properties, the legal minimum age for all state-regulated online sportsbooks is 21.

Yes, but it hasn’t launched yet. DraftKings is preparing for the launch of Michigan sports betting. DraftKings Sportsbook entered a partnership with Bay Mills and will run the property’s online and retail sportsbooks.

DraftKings Sportsbook is one of the leading brands in the US legal sports betting industry, and it will likely become an early leader once Michigan goes live.

>> Claim $200 in free bets by registering at DraftKings Michigan now

Yes. MotorCity Casino Hotel will license FanDuel Sportsbook to operate in Michigan. The FanDuel Sportsbook Michigan platform could launch sometime in late 2020.

When it does launch, Michigan bettors will be able to access the site and place bets from anywhere within state borders.

>> Claim $100 in free bets by registering at FanDuel Michigan now

No. Legal online sports betting sites in the US generally do not offer play on credit. To bet, players must deposit funds at a mobile sportsbook.

Some sites offer no-deposit free play bonuses. These bonuses start new players off with an amount of playing credit. Other than these free sign-up offers, credit lines are not offered at legal US online sportsbooks.

Yes. The Lawful Sports Betting Act permits betting on college sports with no restrictions. Some US states outlaw betting on in-state teams and sports contests, but no such regulations pertain to Michigan.

College sports games involving teams like the Michigan Wolverines and Michigan State Spartans are open for betting at Michigan’s legal online sportsbooks.

No. Michigan players can register and create an account at the state’s legal online sportsbooks from mobile devices and desktop computers from anywhere in the state.

Email verification, as well as documentation of age (21 and over) and identity, is required to start an account at a legal online sportsbook.

Visiting the land-based casino related to an online sportsbook is one way to open an account, but isn’t necessary.