Michigan Sports Betting: Best MI Sportsbooks and Promos 2023

Is Sports Betting Legal in Michigan?

Yes, Michigan sports betting is completely legal. Players can visit retail establishments like casinos or visit Michigan sports betting apps online, including mobile and web-based.

A 2018 court case reversed the precedent that had restricted gambling across the nation, opening the door for states to pass legislation - Michigan did just that in December 2019 when Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed a bill that paved the way for Michigan’s robust market.

Legal sportsbooks opened at casinos in 2020, and online sportsbooks joined the fray in January 2021. Now, 15 legal Michigan sports betting sites are operational, in addition to many in-person destinations.

Michigan has been able to thrive because of its sporting infrastructure with the Michigan Wolverines, Detroit Lions, Detroit Pistons, Detroit Tigers and Detroit Red Wings all providing great draws for bettors. The state has also been friendly to change, whereas other states are still reluctant to embrace gambling.

At the time of writing, there are 15 live regulated sportsbooks in Michigan, We at Usalegalbetting.com, have poured over each one of them and found their similarities, differences, and unique selling points.

Some sportsbooks pride themselves on their welcome offers, which could include deals such as “bet $5, win $200” or “win $500 if any team makes a three-pointer,” while others are revered for their diversity in betting lines and opportunities.

Regardless of which aspects allow each sportsbook to thrive, they all provide attractive offers for prospective bettors in Michigan. As we continue, you will see the benefits of each live sportsbook and betting app in the state. We have also ordered them to help illustrate which sportsbooks we think have the best overall offerings and those that are lacking in certain areas.

There is a lot to consider when ranking the best Michigan sportsbooks, including accessibility, diversity, special deals, and rewards, among many considerations. However, we have condensed all of the information into manageable synopses of each sportsbook.

Keep in mind that the best sportsbook for one person may not necessarily be the best for another. Sports betting is all about finding your niche, and that may differ by sportsbook and by app.

With that being said, this is our list of the best sportsbooks in Michigan.

1. Barstool Sportsbook Michigan - 📱Best Betting App in Michigan 
2. BetRivers Sportsbook Michigan - 💰Best for Welcome Bonuses 
3. BetMGM Sportsbook Michigan - 🔢Best for the Sharpest Odds 
4. Caesars Sportsbook Michigan - 🏀Best for Betting on Michigan Sports Teams 
5. DraftKings Sportsbook Michigan - 🎁Best Promos 
6. FanDuel Sportsbook Michigan - 🏟️Best for Top Events 
7. FOX Bet Sportsbook Michigan - 🏈Best for Fantasy Sports 
8. WynnBET Sportsbook Michigan - 📈Most Betting Markets Offered 
9. PointsBet Sportsbook Michigan - 💸Best for Instant Withdrawals 
10. Eagle Casino & Sports Michigan - ⏩Super fast registration for new users  
11. FourWinds Sportsbook Michigan - ⚙️Great for user experience 
12. Golden Nugget Sportsbook Michigan - 🤝Best for new players 
13. SI Sportsbook Michigan - 🏅Best for free pick’em contests 
14. Play Gun Lake (Parx) Sportsbook Michigan - 👩🏻‍💻Best customer support options 
15. FireKeepers Sportsbook Michigan - 🚀Offers Odd Boosts for Parlays 

📰 October 12, 2022 - Detroit casinos report $103.4 million monthly aggregate revenue in September, fall 7% for the quarter

📰 October 6, 2022 - Former Rep. Brandt Iden encourages Michigan to create a gambling court like the one in Nevada, specifically by allocating portions of tax revenue to creating rehabilitation centers

📰 October 4, 2022 - Michigan officially seizes 56 illegal gaming machines from three gas stations in Redford, Taylor, and Allen Park, as well as an arcade, recovering more than $12,700

📰 October 3, 2022 - Michigan sportsbooks took $299.8 million in bets during August. Operators generated $25.7m in revenue, sent $1.1m to the state in taxes

📰 September 28, 2022 - an out-of-state traveler won more than $440k off a $1.75 spin on a Wheel of Fortune slot machine at the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians’ Four Winds Casino in New Buffalo

📰 September 20, 2022 - Online operators in Michigan brought in nearly $155m in August, up 4.5% month-to-month, according to the Michigan Gaming Control Board. iGaming receipts totaled $130.9m and internet MI sports betting reached $24m

📰 September 15, 2022 - The Michigan Department of Attorney General led prosecutions of four Michigan residents charged with owning and operating an illegal gambling ring called “Jackpott’s” following a Michigan Gaming Control Board investigation

📰 September 12, 2022 - Michigan approved worldwide operator 888 Group to take TwinSpires’ place in the local gambling scene, allowing them to create SI Sportsbook in conjunction with Sports Illustrated

📰 September 1, 2022 - The Michigan Gaming Control Board suggested adding responsible gambling lessons to high school and college curriculums after The National Council on Problem Gambling reported that 60-80% of high schoolers had gambled over the past year

📰 August 23, 2022 - DraftKings announces that it is opening its first Sports & Social venue at the Somerset Collection in the metropolitan Detroit area, giving locals a place to causally visit and gamble while chowing down

Federal Reversal

The 2018 court decision to overturn a federal ban on gambling dealt with a decision from a case known as Murphy v. National Collegiate Athletic Association. The precedent said that states and individuals could not sponsor betting of any form on organized sporting events.

However, the 2018 decision said that the precedent violated an anti-commandeering rule of the Constitution, which prohibits the federal government from forcing states to undertake or refrain from undertaking a specific act. The court went on to nullify the rest of the decision based on the same principle and create legal sports betting states.

Michigan has mostly been a safe space for gambling since the national reversal of the rule, but the road to becoming one was not easy. Even the most jubilant states had trepidations about creating a gambling market due to the endless pitfalls that sat in wait if the sectors were not constructed properly.

Early Attempts

Former Governor Rick Snyder, who served in office from 2011-19, vehemently opposed sports gambling and refused to pass Michigan sports betting bills regardless of their support.

Then, in the summer of 2019, Governor Whitmer refused to meet with Rep. Iden, who was spearheading the drive, to negotiate a change to a series of propositions. The two parties were too far apart in their assessment of necessary tax rates.

Several bills were ultimately proposed in both chambers of the state’s congress before HB 4916 emerged as the most agreeable. Among other things, this bill called for the legalization of Michigan sports betting, daily fantasy sports (DFS), and internet gaming. It passed its first vote in the House with a 63-45 vote.

The bill called for an 8.75% tax on Michigan sports betting with a 3.25% tax on Detroit casinos. Online Michigan sports betting would start with a 4% tax and eventually increase to 23%, leading up to a projected $30m in annual revenues.

Governor Whitmer needed time to get fully on board - her main concern was that the low tax rate combined with the enticing new opportunities would draw money out of the state lottery, 25% of the proceeds of which go to funding public schools, without adequately replacing it. She countered with a 12% tax rate on daily fantasy sports and Michigan sports betting and a 2-19% tax on online gaming, depending on the game that was being played.

At the time, the 8.75% tax rate was the second-lowest in the country, behind only Nevada. For comparison, Vermont’s tax rate was 51%.

Compromise

Michigan’s legislature voted to legalize sports gambling in December 2019 with bicameral support. There were a few snafus, but Governor Whitmer ultimately compromised and agreed to a higher tax rate on i-gaming services than was initially proposed. HB 4308 also passed through to complete the offerings of daily fantasy sports, Michigan online sportsbooks, retail betting, and online gaming.

By that time, sportsbooks were already itching to make their way into the Michigan online sports betting market. Many of them had held discussions with interested parties at the state level and were already allowing users to create accounts, although they still could not place any bets.

Sportsbooks were granted a few days to adjust their apps and offerings before the market opened near the end of the year.

Official Launch

Michigan became the 20th state to legalize sports betting and the second-biggest in the Midwest, behind Illinois. That number has since grown to 36 in total (plus Washington D.C.), with five of those states having passed legislation but not yet set up their gambling ecosystem. Online sports betting in Michigan also became a model for neighboring states Ohio and Wisconsin to follow and a motivating force for lawmakers in those states to join the blossoming American sports betting market.

Since the inception of the industry, Michigan had several casinos waiting to enter partnerships with sportsbook operators. Slots quickly filled up and the gambling sphere was fully open for business.

Of course, Michigan legal sports betting market is still growing. The worldwide pandemic hit just a few months after Michigan’s gaming enterprise opened up, which significantly prolonged its development. However, tangible growth is now happening.

Michigan Sports Betting Law

Michigan sports betting is fully legal thanks to the complete launch of the online market in 2021. Bettors can visit in-person establishments such as casinos, play daily fantasy sports, or visit online sportsbooks via mobile and web apps.

The Michigan sports betting market has quickly grown into one of the largest in America, both in terms of revenue and availability of sportsbooks. It also has a tremendous infrastructure with a host of competitive professional and collegiate teams.

You must be at least 21 years old with a valid social security number to legally bet in the state of Michigan. You do not need to be a resident, however, and can place bets anywhere within state lines as long as you are not a self-excluded bettor and meet the age requirement.

You can download MI sports betting apps anywhere, but you will not be able to access Michigan’s market until you return to the state. It does not matter where your permanent address is, in no circumstances will you be eligible to bet with Michigan sportsbooks outside of the state.

So, if you are from Oregon and happen to be visiting family in Michigan and are 21 or older, you are eligible to bet on sports at any retail establishment or online sportsbook. But again, a Michigan resident traveling to a state where sports betting is not legal cannot place bets until they return to Michigan or a state with a legal sports betting market.

Michigan bettors within state lines can find a plethora of opportunities for both in-person and online sports betting.

The state takes 8.4% of Michigan sports betting revenue via tax, and an additional 1.25% in Detroit casinos. Online sportsbooks must partner with a land-based casino before they can offer their services to bettors.

Sportsbooks are also well within their flights to offer different types of promotional deals, including handing out free betting money, odds boosts, pick ‘ems, or most anything else. Bettors can find these deals in greater quantities leading up to major sports events, which is a reason why many out-of-state residents travel to Michigan and other states with legal sports betting during events such as the World Series or Kentucky Derby.

In addition, there are no federal or state laws preventing Michigan residents from wagering on offshore sportsbooks. However, there is no guaranteed protection against potential losses or problems. Still, offshore bettors will not face any chance of criminal prosecution.

Who regulates sports betting in Michigan?

The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) regulates MI betting, Michigan sports betting and gaming at casinos in Michigan. It was established in 1997 after the city of Detroit voted to approve three local casinos.

The MGCB consists of five members who are appointed by the Governor with input and oversight from the state senate. Terms last for four years each, while an executive director in charge of overseeing the board serves for six years. In 2021, Henry Williams took over as the executive director.

The MGCB is a subordinate of the state treasury. Its primary job is to set and promote the rules and guidelines for gaming in the Wolverine state for operators and players.

However, the MGCB also plays a role in sniffing out criminal syndicates, as seen in examples in the “Michigan Sports Betting: Latest News” section. In those instances, they work in conjunction with local and sometimes federal authorities to eliminate illegal gambling rings and prosecute criminal conspirers.

Attached to the MGCB’s page on Michigan.gov is a list of regulated internet gaming providers to help ensure the protection of interested parties. The board also has a section for complaints, where citizens can submit comments on a variety of charges.

According to data agency Morning Consult, more than $52.7bn was bet on sports in 2021. Retail sportsbooks in Michigan touched $310.7m, while online entities produced a total handle of $3.7bn.

DraftKings and FanDuel were the most successful online sportsbooks in 2021, each finishing with a handle of just around $120m. BetMGM was next in line with around $108m in online handle.

Meanwhile, Barstool sportsbook managed the largest in-person handle with $11.7m, while FanDuel was second. The combination of FanDuel, DraftKings, and BetMGM totaled 71.9% of Michigan sports betting’s 2021 online and in-person handle.

Unfortunately for local sportsbooks, however, the state’s monthly handle has fallen every month since March, when sportsbooks produced a handle of $477,967,947, according to PlayMichigan. The last full month at the time of writing (September 2022) finished with a total betting handle of just $128,734,447.

However, the month of September was kind to the state, which earned $34,109,086 in tax revenue. MGM Grand Detroit led the way with a revenue of $46,252,992 while MotorCity Casino Hotel, sponsored by Fanduel, came in second with $22,450,873 in revenue. Bay Mills Resort and Casino, affiliated with DraftKings, was less than $1m behind with monthly revenue of $21,882,057.

Yes, Michigan sports betting apps are available. Any paid features, including the actual wagering on sports, will occur after download as all are free-to-play.

Michigan sports betting apps have been legal since January 2021 when Governor Whitmer enacted the sports betting bills discussed above. Below, we illustrate different ways to get involved with mobile Michigan sports betting.

How do I use a Michigan sportsbook mobile app?

There are several steps that go into mobile sports betting in Michigan, but don’t fret, they are very straightforward and will not cause any headaches. To make it even easier, we have highlighted the different steps of legal sports betting app in Michigan and will elaborate on each one.

Download The App Using Our Links

You can download different legal sports betting apps in Michigan using our links. There are no out-and-out “best” universal betting apps, as they all have their different selling points. In order to make the best choice, you will want to spend time researching the different options and potentially play-testing them as well.

Sign Up

Signing up for mobile apps is not as complicated as you may have been led to believe. All that you have to do is click register and then fill in your personal information into the given boxes. Keep in mind that sportsbooks are only legal in certain states, so even if you are a Michigan resident, you have to be in Michigan or another state with legal sports betting to actually place your bets.

If you have a promo code, you will also want to enter it when prompted.

Deposit

The initial deposit validates the creation of your account. It will also enroll you in sign-up opportunities that vary depending on the sportsbook.

You can make regular deposits to your account once you have established yourself as a regular bettor, but you will only have one chance to maximize first-time deposit offers like deposit matches.

Place A Bet

Once you have completed all of the steps above, the last thing to do is place your first bet. Every sportsbook has a wide range of betting opportunities, varying both by sport and by type of bet.

Traditional lines such as the moneyline, spread, and points total will be available universally, while more exotic markets like props and teasers will come in varying degrees.

Read more about diffent kinds of bettting markets, odds, and more in our betting guides section.

Michigan has a robust sports betting market with many opportunities in different areas. Players can also find betting lines for both professional and collegiate sports, both of which have provided great intrigue in the still-developing market.

Bettors can expect to find betting opportunities in the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, NCAA Football, boxing, NCAA Basketball, Super Bowl, March Madness, PGA Tour golf, NASCAR auto racing, MMA, golf, horse betting, and daily fantasy sports. Here, we will break down the betting profiles of each.

Football

NFL

The NFL is the premier form of sports entertainment in the United States of America, and for Michigan natives, the Detroit Lions are the top draw. The league’s 17-week schedule comes with games every Sunday, plus one on Monday and Thursday, and is well-loved for its combination of gut-wrenching hits and elegant athleticism. NFL betting sites let visitors wager on games, players, champions, awards races, and many more.

Super Bowl

The Super Bowl is the championship event for the NFL. It draws more money than any other event in American sports and is a mecca for sportsbooks. Super Bowl betting sites are available in spades and frequently run lucrative promotions to reach a broader audience.

NCAA Football

NCAA Football betting is for a more hardcore crowd of football fans that treat universities like their own children. The University of Michigan and Michigan State University attract the most interest with the former being a more historic blue blood. NCAA Football betting sites don’t allow for bets on player performances but still accept wagers on game results, including spread and over/unders, as well as future outcomes in the division, conference, and nationally.

Basketball

NBA

The NBA is another top destination in Michigan sports betting. The Detroit Pistons are a popular betting favorite, although players can also gamble on the other 29 teams throughout the 82-game regular season and postseason. NBA betting sites, like the NFL, offer lines on games, season outcomes, champions, and award winners, among others.

NCAA Basketball

Amateur basketball fans, like amateur football fans, are as ruthless and committed as sports fans come. Michigan has close ties to college sports through Michigan State’s partnership with Caesars, and their top betting choices - Michigan and Michigan State - offer more than most other states. NCAA Basketball betting sites provide odds for games and conference results but also do not allow for player prop betting.

March Madness

Although March Madness is not on the same professional scale as the Super Bowl, it is just as thrilling. The single-elimination tournament whittles a bracket of 64 collegiate basketball teams down to one eventual champion despite intervention from many “Cinderella stories” every year. March Madness betting sites allow bettors to pick the results of games, project who will reach different stages in the tournament, and which team will be crowned champion.

Baseball

MLB

MLB betting can be a commitment or relaxing betting outlet, depending on the person. Michigan residents tend to bet on the Detroit Tigers and can gamble nearly every day during their 162-game regular season, or simply wait for the weekends or postseason. MLB betting sites give lines on games, player props, future champions, division finishes, and win totals.

Hockey

NHL

NHL betting is for a smaller but very committed crowd of people. The Detroit Red Wings bring the most bets in Michigan during a shorter but competitive regular season and several rounds of playoffs. NHL betting sites, like the other major leagues discussed, allow players to bet on game outcomes, player performances, future champions, series results, top scorers, and more.

Golf

PGA Tour Golf

PGA Tour golf is the go-to in golf betting. Gamblers can weigh in on the legendary tournament by picking winners of rounds and overall winners, but with a twist from most team sports as they have to pick from a field of options, not one of two participants. PGA Tour betting sites do their best to provide odds for every player in every round and will even throw props in where they can.

NASCAR Auto Racing

NASCAR betting sites are similar to PGA Tour golf sites in the sense that they encourage bettors to pick one driver from a large field. Bettors will also be able to wager on which driver will have the fastest lap, if there will be a crash, who will finish last, and many more aspects of the race.

Boxing

Fans of boxing can bet on the sport in Michigan on numerous sites. Boxing is inherently limited in betting diversity but has lines on outright winners, which round the fight will end in, method of victory, number of punches landed, and if the fight gets to the judges. Boxing betting sites do their best to drum up support during events, synonymous with “cards,” and will often put special bonuses on the line during the headlining fight, known as the “main event.”

MMA

MMA is a general term for combat sports that extend beyond boxing into wrestling, kickboxing, striking, and more. The UFC is the most popular platform for MMA, although MMA betting sites will provide lines for fights in multiple federations. Like boxing, oddsmakers provide lines on the method of victory, if the match will go the distance, who will win, and more.

Horse Racing

Once again, horse racing (and TVG betting) is a popular destination for bettors who want to pick from a field of participants. However, horse racing has a greater history in the world of sports betting thanks to the Kentucky Derby and other high-profile races that turn the day into more of an experience than simple participation.

Daily Fantasy Sports

Daily fantasy sports allow users to become quasi-general managers in various sports leagues for a determined period of time. Daily fantasy betting sites are open to fans of football, basketball, soccer, and practically every major team sport there is. Bettors flock to daily fantasy because of the short-term excitement and lack of long-term commitment that is necessary.

Professional Sports Teams in Michigan

Detroit Pistons

The Pistons have one NBA championship from the 2004 season, where they defeated Kobe Bryant, Shaquille O’Neal, and the Los Angeles Lakers. Chauncey Billups was named Finals MVP in what is remembered as one of the greatest “team” wins in league history.

The Pistons have a storied legacy in the NBA as a hard-nosed team that prides itself on defensive intensity. Fans can take in the action from any of the 20,000+ seats or kick back in the PointsBet Sports Bar inside Little Caesars arena, where they can wager on Pistons games.

• League: NBA
• Founded: 1941
• Stadium: Little Caesars Arena
• Location: 2645 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48201
• Sportsbook partners: DraftKings, BetRivers, PointsBet, WynnBet

Detroit Lions

The Lions have had legendary athletes walk through their tunnel, including all-timers such as Barry Sanders and Calvin Johnson. The 2000s have not been kind to the Lions, but they are still revered for their involvement in storied NFC North rivalries and for making regular appearances during Thanksgiving football.

In case the grueling gridiron isn’t providing enough entertainment, fans can also check out the in-arena WynnBet Sports Bar, which was established in 2021. Visitors that are at least 21 years old can find brand ambassadors, betting lines, and refreshments. The bar will also be open for major non-football events.

• League: NFL
• Founded: 1929
• Stadium: Ford Field
• Location: 2000 Brush St, Detroit, MI 48226
• Sportsbook partners: BetMGM, WynnBet

Detroit Red Wings

The Red Wings share Little Caesars Arena with the Pistons and welcome over 19,000 fans to their home games. At the time of writing, they have won more Stanley Cups - the NHL’s championship trophy - than any other North American franchise, and are third overall behind the Montreal Canadiens and Toronto Maple Leafs.

As you might expect, fans are welcome to visit the PointsBet Sports Bar during the action to access betting lines, utilize PointsBet promo codes, or just go get a bite to eat.

• League: NHL
• Founded: 1926
• Stadium: Little Caesars Arena
• Location: 2645 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48201
• Sportsbook partners: DraftKings, FanDuel, PointsBet

Detroit Tigers

The Tigers are Detroit’s longest-serving team, having been together since 1894. They housed infamous trash-talker Ty Cobb and recently captained slugger Miguel Cabrera in what has been a fruitful history for the franchise. The Tigers have also won four World Series and 11 pennants, though they have not captured The Commissioner’s Trophy since 1984.

Comerica Park seats nearly 42,000 fans at maximum and is within one mile of all three of Detroit’s casinos. The Tigers were also the first MLB franchise to join forces with a sportsbook when they signed PointsBet as a partner in mid-2020.

• League: MLB
• Founded: 1894
• Stadium: Comerica Park
• Location: 2100 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48201
• Sportsbook partners: BetMGM, FanDuel, PointsBet

College Sports Teams in Michigan

Basketball

• Michigan Wolverines Men's Basketball
• Michigan Wolverines women's basketball
• Michigan State Spartans Men's Basketball
• Eastern Michigan Eagles Men's Basketball
• Western Michigan Broncos Men's
• Central Michigan Chippewas Men's Basketball

Football

• Michigan Wolverines Football
• Michigan State Spartans Football
• Eastern Michigan Eagles Football
• Western Michigan Broncos Football
• Central Michigan Chippewas Football

Hockey

• Michigan Wolverines Men's Hockey
• Michigan State Spartans Men's Hockey

Soccer

• Michigan Wolverines women's soccer

Michigan sports betting is not restricted to online platforms - there are plenty of in-person locations ready and waiting for visitors. Here are the different options that prospective gamblers can find.

Kewadin Casino

Kewadin Casino Christmas

Fittingly located on Candy Cane Ln, Kewadin Casino Christmas recreates the extravagance of a trip to Las Vegas with a decorative interior and high-stakes gambling environment. This casino is powered by the WynnBet sportsbook and was one of three Kewadins to launch in Michigan in 1994.

Kewadin Casino Hessel

Kewadin in Hessel also joined the Michigan gambling scene in 1994 and, as you might expect, also offers betting lines from the WynnBet sportsbook. This location is not as focused on the glitz and glamor and instead focuses on providing a quality atmosphere and service for any visitors.

Kewadin Casino Manistique

Kewadin Casino Manistique is once again partnered with WynnBet to offer yet another location inside Michigan’s borders. Visitors here can try out cuisine from the popular Mariner’s Cove Restaurant or venture out to the 10,000-square-foot gambling floor, outfitted with slots, table games, and refreshment stops.

Kewadin Shores Casino

Kewadin Shores in St Ignace is the second-oldest Kewadin Michigan property with a launch date of 1987. Here, visitors can find over 800 slot machines, 26 table games, and, of course, easy access to the WynnBet sportsbook for all sports betting endeavors. The minimum gambling age on the casino floor is only 19, which is a plus for younger bettors.

Odawa Casino

Odawa Mackinaw City Casino

The first of two Odawa casinos launched in 2016 and has over 1,000 slots, table games, and a poker room. Visitors are also treated to sports betting on an in-house sportsbook via different kiosks located throughout the property.

Odawa Petoskey Casino

The other Odawa property in Michigan is in Petoskey. It is the more senior of the two, having been in operation since 2007, and has very similar offerings with slots, table games, poker, and a unique sportsbook. The betting age here is also 19 to help service younger gamblers.

Ojibwa Casino

Ojibwa Baraga Casino

Ojibwa Baraga is a great spot for late-night gamblers as the casino is open until 2:30 a.m. every night on weekends and weekdays. They have all sorts of different gaming opportunities, including blackjack, let-it-ride, roulette, craps, access to the Golden Nugget sportsbook, and more. Ojibwa Baraga has been servicing customers since 1994 and has a rich history in the area.

Ojibawa Marquette Casino II

Ojibwa’s Marquette casino only just opened in 2019 but has performed well thanks to the connection to and experience with the Baraga casino. This location also offers different table games, albeit in lesser amounts, as the Baraga casino, and uses the Golden Nugget sportsbook, owned by billionaire and Houston Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta.

Four Winds Casino

Four Winds Hartford

Four Winds Hartford launched in August 2011 and is a popular destination for residents in Van Buren County. They offer sports betting in addition to the usual casino games inside a lovely 52,00 square-foot property. The property also has a fast-food stand, bar and restaurant, and lounging area.

Four Winds New Buffalo

Four Winds New Buffalo falls under the same Four Winds tree. This location, however, was the company’s first in Michigan and is still regarded as the crown jewel in the Four Winds’ Michigan family. Visitors will be treated to table games, slots, a sportsbook, and plenty of other attractions.

Four Winds Dowagiac

The Four Winds in Dowagiac is the newest of the three mentioned, having been in operation since 2013. It is found near the southern border of Michigan and has 27,000 square feet of space for visitors to come enjoy. They have sports betting kiosks, high-definition TVs and refreshment services to spice up any day as a sports fan.

Island Resort and Casino

Island Resort and Casino is one of the older casinos on this list, as it has been in operation since 1981. It has gradually expanded its offerings over time and now offers betting lines from the SI sportsbook, and also hosts events such as poker tournaments and other crowd favorites. Visitors can grab pizza and beer from Reef Pizza as they enjoy the festivities.

Kings Club Casino

Kings Club Casino is one of many tribally-operated casinos in Michigan. It opened in 1984 and is just a mile away from Bay Mills Resorts & Casino (appearing later on the list) in a popular gambling spot near Lake Superior. It is partnered with DraftKings and offers betting lines from its sportsbook.

Leelanau Sands Casino

Located on the Leelanau Peninsula, this casino has been in operation since 1991. It is styled after a tranquil lodge and ditches the bright lights for a serene gambling experience. Visitors will be able to bet on sports through the Caesars sportsbook at any of the kiosks available on the betting floor.

Little River Casino

Little River Casino is special because it is open 24 hours on Saturday and Sunday, unlike almost every other casino out there. This property opened its doors in 1999 and offers the chance to play table games, slot machines, or bet on sports by heading over to the River Rock Sportsbook & Grill.

Northern Waters Casino Resort

Northern Water Casino Resort is one of the most unique resorts in Michigan. After previously housing a nine-hole golf course, it expanded to provide 18 holes to visitors looking to stay at the property that first opened in 1996. PointsBet Sportsbook at Northern Waters is a must-stop spot for sports gamblers in the area.

Saganing Eagles Landing Casino

Saganing Eagles Landing Casino took the 24-hour availability to a new level and is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It is more modern than most other casinos, having opened in 2007, and is stuffed with the usual betting attractions. It is also developing an online sportsbook, which it will own and operate.

Soaring Eagle Casino

Soaring Eagle also welcomes customers 24/7 - it is less than three miles from the Mount Pleasant Municipal Airport and five miles from the Indian hill Plaza. Soaring Eagle has been open since 1998 and is also working on adding Michigan sports betting to its list of offerings.

Turtle Creek Casino

Turtle Creek Casino has a massive 56,000-square-foot casino floor. It was opened by the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians in 1996 and is one of the more prominent attractions in the Michigan casino space. Patrons who want to bet on popular sports will find betting odds from the Caesars sportsbook available inside.

Bay Mills Resort & Casino

Bay Mills Resort & Casino, as mentioned before, is in close proximity to Kings Club Casino. This property opened up in 1995 and has expanded to offer table games and slots, among other attractions. It is also partnered with DraftKings sportsbook and accepts bets with the help of its sportsbook.

FireKeepers Casino Hotel

FireKeepers is yet another destination open around the clock, and inside is a gambling floor, multiple restaurants, and a hotel with rooms and suites. The establishment opened its doors in 2009 and caters to sports bettors through its native FireKeepers sportsbook.

Gun Lake Casino

Gun Lake Casino is modern, having only been around since 2011, and brings that youthful energy into the casino experience with endless promotions and gaming opportunities. Players can find betting odds from its Gun Lake sportsbook while enjoying the $300m, 32,000 square-foot space. Feel free to stay the night at the hotel as well.

MGM Grand Detroit

The MGM Grand was launched in the middle of 1999 and has maintained a standard of excellence ever since. The property invites you for the games (and betting with the BetMGM sportsbook) and lets you stay the night with an attached hotel, which is the only one of Detroit’s casinos to receive AAA Four Diamond and Forbes Four-Star awards.

MotorCity Hotel Casino

MotorCity Hotel Casino also hit the streets in 1999 just a few months later in December. It is one of three primary casinos in the heart of Detroit, Michigan’s biggest city, and is powered by sports betting giant FanDuel. The sportsbook is a whopping two floors and is open until midnight every night.

Greektown Casino Hotel

Greektown Casino Hotel is partnered with Barstool sportsbook. This location falls under the Hollywood Casino brand and is an elite option for travelers or any locals looking to get out of the house. It has been servicing customers since 200 as the third of Detroit's three casinos.

Michigan sports betting is legal and alive throughout the state at authorized casinos, stadiums, sportsbooks, online, and in mobile and web apps. Internet gambling was legalized in December 2019 and mobile sports betting in Michigan launched in January 2021.

These steps were taken thanks to the 2018 reversal of a court decision that restricted gambling nationwide. That case paved the way for states to legalize gambling within their borders, which Michigan was ultimately able to accomplish.

The road to legalization was closely contested and even forced lawmakers to go back to their respective corners without any hint of compromise - however, Governor Whitmer was able to meet state legislators in the middle of proposed tax rates, and the Michigan sports betting bills were ultimately signed into law.

Although 36 states have legalized sports betting at the time of writing, their day-to-day operations, strategies and long-term goals are very different, which is why it is so hard to get the markets up and running.

Below, we will talk about nearby states with sports betting, the differences between their market and Michigan’s, and what their outlook is. Ultimately, this will provide a comparison between the Great Lakes state and its neighbors.

Indiana

Indiana sports betting launched in casinos in September 2019 and on the internet one month later. There are 14 legal sportsbooks in Indiana, including the usual heavyweights such as FanDuel, DraftKings, and BetMGM, as well as smaller competitors like Betway and Bally Bet.

Indiana drew $265.4m in revenue in 2021, just over 9% ($25.7m) less than Michigan did during the same time frame. However, their sports betting infrastructure is not as robust, as the Indiana Pacers and Indianapolis Colts are their only major professional sports teams.

The Hoosier State does strongly support the University of Indiana, Notre Dame, and Purdue University, though none provide the same draw as the University of Michigan.

Unlike Michigan, Indiana has legislation in place to prevent the use of offshore sportsbooks, and anyone who uses these sites faces the chance of criminal prosecution. All transactions are also considered unsafe, so even if no criminal penalties result, there is a chance that players’ money is lost.

You must be 21 years old to bet in Indiana. The Indiana Gaming Commission (IGC) is in charge of monitoring and progressing gambling-related rules, creating a safe environment, and dispelling illegal operations. The IGC is considered an arm of the state government and has been in place since 1993.

Illinois

Illinois sports betting is similar to Michigan sports betting, but like Indiana, it has its differences.

For starters, Illinois has a city (Chicago) that rivals, if not outdoes Detroit in terms of population, national appeal, and sporting availability. The Chicago Bears, Chicago Bulls, Chicago White Sox, Chicago Cubs, Chicago Fire FC and Chicago Blackhawks are all major professional draws, while Northwestern University and the University of Illinois are popular in the amateur ranks.

Illinois collected $527m in sports betting revenue in 2021, significantly outperforming both of the previously-mentioned states. Its best month (November) also turned $78.2m in revenue, which was far and away the strongest month amongst the three states in 2021.

The state legalized its betting market in 2019, and retail locations opened in March 2020. The first online sportsbook, BetRivers, was authorized in June 2020. There are now seven online sportsbooks in Illinois, with BetMGM being the latest to make its mobile app available.

The Illinois Gaming Board regulates and enforces all aspects of gaming, whether that be online, in-person, or in traditional casino settings. The agency was established in February 2018 and has been instrumental in the state’s development in the gambling world.

Ohio

Ohio sports betting is actually not yet operational - however, all of the legal hurdles have been cleared, and the market is set to open on January 1, 2023. For local bettors, that means a potential chance to back the Ohio State Buckeyes in the upcoming NCAA national championship game, as well as future playoff events.

Ohio State is one of the biggest draws in all of college sports, especially among Ohio natives. They are blessed with professional talent as well, as the NFL’s Cincinnati Bengals appeared in a Super Bowl as recently as February 2022. The Cleveland Guardians (formerly the Cleveland Indians), Cleveland Cavaliers, Cleveland Browns, Cincinnati Reds, Columbus Blue Jackets, Columbus Crew and FC Cincinnati are also massive attractions.

Ohioans were hoping to get sportsbooks up and running in 2022 after Governor Mike DeWine signed a bill into law in December 2021. Unfortunately for the pro-gambling community, there were too many details that needed to be ironed out to bring everyone together ahead of the eventual deadline.

Ohio figures to be a popular betting location in a proliferating midwest betting sector. It has all of the factors needed to build a successful community, including sporting attractions and 11 casinos and racinos.

Wisconsin

Wisconsin sports betting is at a crossroads of sorts. The state legalized retail sports betting in several local casinos but did not welcome online sportsbooks, nor a majority of the other 24 in-state casinos into the fold.

The first legal sportsbook to open inside state lines was at the Oneida Casino in Green Bay in November 2021.

However, lawmakers did not cover all of their bases when drafting rules and regulations and left a gaping hole for daily fantasy sports. Although DFS is not outright illegal, lawmakers have not displayed any interest in amending their current legislation to fully support it. Regardless, major corporations such as FanDuel and DraftKings have been able to offer DFS for Wisconsin residents.

The Badger State also did not outlaw offshore betting sites, which presents another opportunity for interested parties. Again, however, offshore sportsbooks are not regulated and do not have any central protection against fraud and crime.

Wisconsin figures to be a success once it does launch its full betting market if that time ever comes. They have top-drawer sporting attractions, including the Green Bay Packers, Milwaukee Bucks, Milwaukee Brewers, the University of Wisconsin, and Marquette University.

The short answer is yes, online casinos are 100% legal in Michigan.

Governor Whitmer signed online casinos into law with the Lawful Sports Betting Act and Lawful Internet Gaming Act towards the tail end of 2019, legalizing online casinos, Michigan sports betting, and online poker. There have not been any steps backward since, and the market has grown quickly.

The legislation took until January 2021 to go into full effect, but everything is now completely live. Gamblers can frequent any of the legal, regulated MI betting sites, whether they be directly tied to local casinos or partnered with larger corporations in the Michigan sports betting industry.

Visit our Michigan online casino page will for more information.