Michigan Sports Betting Apps & Retail Sportsbooks

If you’re looking to place a sports bet in Michigan, here’s what you need to know

Michigan offers a strong mix of online and retail sports betting, making it one of the best places to bet in the country. 

As in most states, you don’t need to be a resident to place a wager, but you have to be physically within state lines. Signing up for an online sportsbook is quick and easy, and as long as you’re 21 or older, you can start placing bets right away.

The road to legalization

Michigan was expected to be one of the first states to legalize sports betting after the federal ban was lifted, but things didn’t go as planned. In 2018, a sports betting bill passed through the state legislature, only to be vetoed by then-Governor Rick Snyder. It took another year—and a new governor—for things to move forward.

In late 2019, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed the Lawful Sports Betting Act, setting the stage for both retail and online sports betting. Retail sportsbooks launched in March 2020, but the timing was unfortunate, as the COVID-19 pandemic forced casinos to shut down almost immediately. Online sports betting didn’t launch until January 2021, but once it did, the response was massive. Within the first ten days, the total sports betting handle in Michigan surpassed $100 million.

Where to bet in Michigan

Michigan is home to three commercial casinos, all located in Detroit, and they all offer retail sports betting. Additionally, tribal casinos across the state are also allowed to accept bets, expanding options for bettors who prefer an in-person experience.

Retail sportsbooks in Michigan include:

While it can be fun to go to and bet with an actual physical sportsbook (usually the vibe there is better than that in your own living room), most bets in Michigan are still placed online. 

The way it works here is that the state allows casinos to partner with online sportsbooks, so there is a pretty long list of apps for bettors to choose from. 

Current sports betting rules in Michigan

The Michigan Gaming Control Board oversees sports betting in the state, ensuring that sportsbooks operate legally and fairly. Bettors can place wagers on both college and professional sports, and unlike some states, Michigan allows betting on in-state college teams.

One area where Michigan differs from other states is esports betting. While tribal casinos can offer esports wagers, commercial casinos are not currently permitted to do so.

Sportsbooks in Michigan pay a state tax rate of 8.4% on their sports betting revenue. However, the three commercial casinos in Detroit must pay an additional 1.5% tax to the city.

Types of bets you can make

Michigan offers a full range of betting options, giving you plenty of ways to wager:

• Moneyline – A straightforward bet on which team will win the game.
• Point spread – Betting on whether a team will win or lose by a certain margin.
• Totals (over/under) – Wagering on the combined points scored in a game.
• Parlays – Combining multiple bets into one, with all legs needing to win for a payout.
• Player and game props – Betting on specific outcomes, such as a player’s total points or which team will score first.
• Futures – Long-term bets on season outcomes, like who will win the Super Bowl or the NBA Finals.

Michigan does not allow betting on high school sports, and as mentioned earlier, esports betting is only permitted at tribal casinos.

Popular teams to bet on

The Detroit Lions are the most popular team in Michigan, with NFL betting leading the way in terms of total wagers. The Detroit Pistons bring plenty of action during basketball season, and the Detroit Red Wings continue to attract strong interest as one of the NHL’s most historic franchises.

Baseball doesn’t generate as much betting activity as football and basketball, but the Detroit Tigers still have a loyal following. Meanwhile, college sports betting is huge, with the Michigan Wolverines and Michigan State Spartans drawing a ton of wagers, especially during football and basketball season.

Michigan is also home to some big sporting events that generate plenty of betting action. The FireKeepers Casino 400, a popular NASCAR race, takes place in Michigan and adds another dimension to the state’s sports betting scene.

Strategies for first-time bettors

If you’re new to sports betting, the sheer number of options can feel overwhelming. 

As you may have noticed, we have quite a few articles on the subject - all of which help you become a better sports bettor. 

Here is a summary of few things to keep in mind:

• Start with a budget – Set aside a specific amount of money for betting and stick to it. Don’t chase losses by wagering more than you can afford.
• Take advantage of welcome offers – Most sportsbooks in Michigan offer sign-up bonuses, including deposit matches and risk-free bets. These promotions can help stretch your bankroll.
• Research before placing bets – Knowing team trends, injuries, and matchups can give you an edge over sportsbooks.
• Shop for the best odds – Different sportsbooks may offer slightly different odds, so having multiple accounts can help you get the best value.

Good luck and let us know how you get on!