Michigan
The Great Lake State did not waste much time getting a sports betting bill legalized once PASPA was overturned. Now, MI has over a dozen mobile betting apps and over 20 retail locations available to residents.
Legal and licensed apps:
All legal ways to bet on in Michigan
| Is online sports betting legal in Michigan? | Yes |
| Is in-person sports betting legal? | Yes |
| Is daily fantasy sports legal? | Yes |
| Is betting on college sports legal? | Yes |
| Is horse racing betting legal? | Yes |
| Is greyhound betting legal? | No |
| Is political betting legal? | No |
| Is eSports betting legal? | No |
The Michigan Wolverines are the latest team to raise the College Football Playoff trophy, and thanks to MI sports betting rules, residents were legally allowed to wager on the Wolverines in the National Championship. Outside of betting on collegiate sports, there are also no restrictions when it comes to betting on professional sports in MI, which includes using daily fantasy sports apps.
Regarding what is illegal to bet on in Michigan, the two biggest areas are politics and eSports. However, one tribal casino does offer odds on some eSports events. Greyhound racing is also illegal in MI, but horserace betting is legal.
Online sports betting in The Wolverine State
Michigan was one of the states that acted fast when PASPA was overturned in 2018. Before this ruling, the state had already discussed legalized sports betting, but it never got the support it needed to be finalized. Most of 2019 was spent discussing what legal sports betting in MI would look like, and right before 2020, Gov. Gretchen Weimer signed off on HB 4916 and HB 4308.
Before this bill, gambling was already a big part of Michigan, as commercial and tribal casinos had been operating for many years. Thus, the launch of retail sports betting was ready to go by March 2020. As it stands now, Michigan has one of the most extensive sports betting operations in the U.S.
However, due to the unforeseen circumstances caused by the coronavirus, online sports betting did not become available in MI until January 2021. Not only did online sports betting finally launch in January 2021, but Michigan residents were rewarded for waiting with some of the biggest online operators on the market. Right off the bat, BetMGM, BetRivers, FanDuel, DraftKings, and more were available to download or access on their web platforms.
As the sports betting scene has grown in Michigan, so has the number of operators. Heading into 2024, there are currently 12 online sportsbooks available, with the potential for more shops coming and going as the year rolls on.
To obtain access to the Michigan market, these mobile operators needed to partner with one of the many retail casinos across the state. Additionally, a few of these operators have partnered with the state's professional sports teams. For example, WynnBet is the official sports betting partner of the Detroit Lions.
All legal MI sports betting apps in 2024 (from newest to oldest):
Sportsbook app | Launch date |
|---|---|
Fanatics Sportsbook | February 23, 2024 |
ESPN Bet | November 14, 2023 |
SI Sportsbook | September 7, 2022 |
Eagle Casino & Sports | April 14, 2022 |
Play Gun Lake (PARX) | August 2, 2021 |
FireKeepers | July 12, 2021 |
BetMGM | January 22, 2021 |
BetRivers | January 22, 2021 |
Caesars Sportsbook | January 22, 2021 |
DraftKings | January 22, 2021 |
FanDuel | January 22, 2021 |
Golden Nugget | January 22, 2021 |
Important details about MI online sportsbooks and wagering apps
Sportsbook | Details |
|---|---|
PrizePicks | DFS operator exited the MI market on November 10 after the Michigan Gaming Control Board banned pick'em style DFS games. |
SI Sportsbook | According to Evoke, the owner, Sports Illustrated Sportsbook will operate strictly as an online casino in MI until October, when it will shut down entirely. |
Wynnbet | Wynnbet has closed its MI sportsbook and operates only as an online casino app in the state. |
Sports betting & gambling legislation in MI
Michigan is pretty free and easy regarding what customers can bet on in the state, which is why wagers on in-state colleges are allowed. However, it is vital to remember that to place a legal wager on one of those colleges or any game in general, a bettor must be at least 21 years old.
While bettors do not need to be Michigan residents to place a legal wager in the state, they do need to be within state lines, as mobile sportsbooks in MI utilize geolocation services. The Michigan Gaming Control Board enforces this rule, along with the age limit.
Not only do bettors have an excellent selection of betting apps to choose from, but they do not have to pay a hefty tax for sports betting. All winnings in Michigan are subject to a tax rate of just 4.25%.
With online casinos, the lottery, and online poker also available in MI, the state has little else to discuss regarding gambling legislation moving forward.
| Are online casinos legal in Michigan? | Yes |
| Are retail casinos legal? | Yes |
| Are social sportsbooks legal? | Yes |
| Are sweepstakes/social casinos legal? | Yes |
| Is online poker legal? | Yes |
| Is the lottery legal? | Yes |
| The launch date of sports betting in Michigan? | In-person: March 2020, Online: January 22, 2021 |
| How many legal sports betting apps are there in MI? | 12 |
| How many legal retail betting sites are there in MI? | 15+ |
| Is remote registration allowed? | Yes |
| Legal age for sports betting in Michigan? | 21+ |
| Michigan's tax rate for betting/gambling winnings | 4.25% |
| Who regulates sports betting in Michigan? | Michigan Gaming Control Board |
Most recent updates from the MI sports betting scene
October 21, 2024: With their big road win over the Vikings, the Detroit Lions are now (+130) to win the NFC North.
October 16, 2024: Coming off a bye week, the Michigan Wolverines will head to Illinois where they are (-3.5) point favorites over the Fighting Illini.
October 14, 2024: Following their blowout win over the Cowboys, the Lions will head to Minnesota to play the Vikings as (+1.5) point favorites.
October 11, 2024: By failing to close out the series, the Detroit Tigers will head to Cleveland for game five of the ALDS. Detroit is (+400) to win the AL.
October 8, 2024: Thanks to a Kerry Carpenter three-run home run, the Tigers have evened the ALDS at 1-1. Detroit is now (-115) to win the series.
October 3, 2024: The Michigan Gaming Control Board has sent a cease and desist letter to Papaya Gaming. The gambling company based in Isreal is said to have been running illegal gambling activities in Michigan through unlicensed mobile games.
September 30, 2024: After making a miraculous run to the postseason, the Detroit Tigers will play the Houston Astros in the Wild Card. The Tigers are (+150) to win the series and (+1500) to win the AL.
September 25, 2024: In one of two Monday Night Football games for week four, the Detroit Lions will host the Seattle Seahawks as (-4) point favorites.
September 23, 2024: In a run-heavy game, the Michigan Wolverines were able to pick up their first conference win over USC. The Wolverines are currently (-8.5) point favorites over Minnesota for week five.
May 30, 2024: The Missions Gaming Control Board has issued a cease and desist letter to the popular offshore sportsbook Bovada. This is the start of them cracking down on offshore shops.
In-person sports betting sites and locations
Of the 26 casinos scattered throughout MI, 22 offer retail sports betting. These 22 casinos are a mix of commercial properties and tribal casinos. Each casino can partner with one online skin, which has also helped bring 14 mobile sportsbooks to the state.
The Michigan Gaming Control Board oversees all sports betting rules and regulations at commercial casinos, while the National Indian Gaming Commission regulates betting at tribal casinos.
Bay Mills Resort & Casino (11386 W Lakeshore Dr, Brimley)
FireKeepers Casino Hotel (11177 E Michigan Ave, Battle Creek)
Gun Lake Casino (1123 129th Ave, Wayland)
Island Resort & Casino (W 399 US-2, Harris)
Hollywood Casino at Greektown (1211 Chrysler Dr, Detroit)
Leelanau Sands Casino (2521 N West Bay Shore Dr, Peshawbestown)
Little River Casino and Resort (2700 Orchard Hwy, Manistee)
Motor City Casino Hotel (2901 Grand River Ave, Detroit)
MGM Grand Detroit (1777 3rd Ave, Detroit)
Saganing Eagles Landing Casino & Hotel (2690 Worth Rd, Standish)
Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort (6800 Soaring Eagle Blvd, Mt Pleasant)
Northern Waters Casino Resort (N5384 US-45, Watersmeet)
Turtle Creek Casino and Hotel (7741 M-72, Williamsburg)
Kewadin Casino – Christmas (N7761 Candy Cane Ln, Christmas)
Kewadin Casino – Hessel (N 3 Mile Rd, Hessel)
Kewadin Casino – Manistique (5630 W, US-2, Manistique)
Kewadin Casino – St. Ignace (3015 Mackinac Trail, St Ignace)
Kewadin Casino – Sault Ste. Marie (2186 Shunk Rd, Sault Ste. Marie)
Four Winds Dowagiac (58700 M-51 S, Dowagiac)
Four Winds Hartford (68600 Red Arrow Hwy, Hartford)
Four Winds New Buffalo (11111 Wilson Rd, New Buffalo)
Sports betting in neighboring states
If Michigan Wolverine or Michigan State Spartans fans happened to venture into neighboring states to watch their team play in a Big Ten game, they would be able to find some form of legal sports betting.
With sports betting fully legal in both online and retail capacities in Ohio and Indiana, the legislation for sports betting for Wisconsin is a bit confusing. To find out more about why, you can click on the state in the box down below.
| State | Online sports betting | Retail sports betting | DFS | Horse Race betting |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin | Legal (restricted) | Legal | Legal | Legal |
| Ohio | Legal | Legal | Legal | Legal |
| Indiana | Legal | Legal | Legal | Legal |
Sports betting revenue impact on Michigan's economy
An online operator must first partner with a casino in Michigan to obtain a license in Michigan. These licenses require an upfront $50,000 application fee and an additional $50,000 operating fee each year. The tax rate for sports betting in MI is 8.4%, and this applies to both retail and online operators.
The number of operators in Michigan has certainly helped the state turn in a large profit from sports betting. Aside from operators, though, the fact that MI is also the 10th largest state in the country in terms of population makes a big difference when it comes to sports betting handle.
Once sporting events resumed after the pandemic and the Michigan sports betting scene became fully established, the state consistently produced impressive monthly and yearly revenue numbers. In 2021 and 2022, MI surpassed over $3 billion in handle for the year, and they are well on their way to meeting that mark again in 2023.
Michigan sports betting record months:
Sports betting handle: December 2023 ($613,425,699)
Revenue: December 2023 ($65,920,318)
Tax income: December 2023 ($2,779,956)
Latest MI sports betting revenue report breakdown (September 2024)
Total betting handle: $523,776,650
Internet/mobile betting handle: $501,752,009
Retail betting handle: $22,024,641
Winnings Paid to Players: $464,560,115
Hold: 11.31%
Gross revenue: $59,216,535
Adjusted revenue: $28,317,984
Tax revenue for the state: $1,430,842
Reported by the Michigan Gaming Board.
Top Sportsbooks in the state in September 2024:
FanDuel (Handle: $180.1m, Revenue: 24.4m)
DraftKings (Handle: $155.9m, Revenue: $17.4m)
BetMGM (Handle: $74.8m, Revenue: $9.3m)
Recent revenue report data - Compared to the previous year (YoY)
Report | Total handle | Mobile handle | Gross revenue | Taxes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
September 2024 | $523,776,650 | $501,752,009 | $59,216,535 | $1,430,842 |
September 2023 | $475,772,391 | $457,695,679 | $45,606,094 | $1,310,943 |
YoY change | Up 10.09% | Up 9.63% | Up 29.84% | Up 9.15% |
MI sports betting revenue in 2024
All essential data from the Michigan Gaming Control Board's monthly 2024 reports are summed up in the table below. In addition to the state's tax income, it shows the monthly sports betting handle, operator's total revenue, and the percentage of indicates how the last two mentioned figures have evolved compared to the previous month.
Month | Handle (MoM) | Revenue (MoM) | Tax income |
|---|---|---|---|
Sep. 2024 | $523,776,650 (80.81%) | $59,216,535 (103.82%) | $1,430,842 |
Aug. 2024 | $289,680,651 (12.82%) | $29,053,190 (0.04%) | $938,516 |
Jul. 2024 | $256,764,457 (-9.96%) | $29,041,634 (-8.68%) | $1,126,522 |
Jun. 2024 | $285,170,266 (-19.63%) | $31,802,442 (-25.64%) | $1,165,761 |
May 2024 | $354,836,012 (-14.38%) | $42,766,351 (-1.54%) | $1,846,175 |
Apr. 2024 | $414,426,339 (-16.72%) | $43,437,160 (-0.22%) | $1,818,697 |
Mar. 2024 | $497,622,751 (19.67%) | $43,534,858 (-43.39%) | $1,729,141 |
Feb. 2024 | $415,816,728 (-30.88%) | $30,361,417 (-37.01%) | $927,225 |
Jan. 2024 | $601,585,143 (-1.93%) | $48,197,777 (-26.89%) | $1,341,121 |
2024 Total YTD | $3,639,678,997 | $357,411,364 | $12,324,000 |
Yearly revenue data
Year | Handle (YoY) | Revenue (YoY) | Tax income |
|---|---|---|---|
2024 YTD | $3,639,678,997 | $357,411,364 | $12,324,000 |
2023 | $4,810,903,879 (-0.07%) | $434,438,013 (3.81%) | $16,448,505 (13.55%) |
2022 | $4,814,088,494 (21.39%) | $418,493,438 (23.18%) | $14,485,889 (74.51%) |
2021 | $3,965,906,304 (2932.19%) | $339,750,780 (1758.91%) | $8,300,773 (1101.50%) |
2020 | $130,793,498 | $18,276,857 | $690,866 |
TOTALS | $16,837,594,522 | $,1509,153,917 | $50,819,191 |
Michigan - Some commonly asked questions (FAQ):
What is the legal status of sports betting in Michigan?
Sports betting has been legal in Michigan since March 2020. The state is home to over a dozen retail sports betting locations and mobile betting apps.
How profitable has sports betting been in MI?
Michigan has been one of the top states in gaining sports betting revenue. Since legalizing sports betting, MI has become one of the 12 states to have made over $1 billion in revenue.
What is Michigan's biggest sports rivalry?
One may think that the University of Michigan and Michigan State have the biggest rivalry, but in reality, the University of Michigan and Ohio State have one of the biggest rivalries in all of sports.
What is the most successful pro sports franchise in MI?
Michigan has some of the most historic franchises in all sports, but the Detroit Red Wings have been the most successful, as they’ve won 11 Stanley Cup Championships.
