Official Betting Apps

• Official Betting Apps List
• Official Betting Apps Free
• Official Betting Apps 2020

After the Supreme Court’s decision regarding the legality of the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992, people all over the United States are looking for innovative and easy ways to wager on their favorite game or team. Sports betting apps are the perfect way to wager you can do it from anywhere as long as you have an internet connection (imagine betting for 2020 MVP while enjoying a nice bath). Although not all states have legalized online sports betting the ones that have already have well-known Sportsbook providers that helped them step into the online punting world. Since the continuation of the Football season in 2020, NFL betting is taking over the operators that do offer online sports wagering. In this article, we will review the betting apps you could use to wager on your favorite NFL team or player.

NFL Betting Apps: Our Picks

NFL Betting Apps	Welcome Bonuses (2020)	DOWNLOAD LINKS
1. FANDUEL	Win Up to $500 Risk-Free Bet	Download Fanduel Mobile App
2. WILLIAM HILL	Bet Any, Get $50 Free	Download William Hill Mobile App
3. BETMGM	Risk-Free Sports Wager - Up to $500	Download BetMGM Mobile App

Best Iowa sports betting apps. Online sports betting launched in Iowa in August 2019. And partnerships between Iowa casinos and sportsbooks have resulted in a continually growing number of apps in the state. You can register your account without having to visit a casino and complete the entire process at home, or anywhere within the state of Iowa. Make a deposit into your ZenSports account and begin betting. The deposit can be in SPORTS tokens, USD, USDT (Tether), Bitcoin, or ICX. During your first 15 days from the date you sign up for an account, ZenSports will give you a welcome bonus in SPORTS tokens equal to 5% of your betting volume, with no maximum if you use a Referral Code (or a $250 maximum bonus if you didn’t use a Referral.

Contents

• BetMGM is a big player in the online sports betting field. They have earned their place in the US market. Ranked as one of the top apps for residents of Nevada (only Nevada, for now), the playMGM Nevada Sports app.
• Sky Bet, sponsors of the Football League, bring you the most advanced sports betting app, so you can check your accumulators, singles and the latest in-play odds anywhere. As a Sky Bet Customer you.

• 1 NFL Betting Apps: Our Picks

William Hill USA App: One of the Best

As one of the world's largest bookmakers, William Hill has already secure licenses to operate in ninety percent of the states that have legal sports betting. But you can't bet through the app in all of these states. Currently, William Hill has an official app for only three states:

• Nevada
• Iowa
• New Jersey

You can download each of these apps from the official William Hill USA website. Just find your state from the list and click the Download button. The apps are available for both Android and iOS. But before you download anything, make sure you meet the system requirements. You need to have at least Android 7.0 or newer version or iOS 10.0 or later. For Android users, the link on the website won't lead you to the Play Store like you expected. You will be redirected to another page in which you can follow the instructions and download the app. After your download is ready, sign in with your William Hill account details or create a new account if you don't have one yet.

The design of these apps is elegant and efficient. We expect nothing less from this gaming giant. The app design for the US apps is nothing new it's the same as the UK one. Through the app, you can access all the services you need for an excellent gaming experience. With the help of GeoComply, the app will only allow you to bet if you are within any of the listed states.

When it comes to mobile offers, William Hill is on top. They offer mobile-exclusive sign-up bonuses and regular offers. With the app, you have access to all the available betting markets, so you don't have to worry about missing any Football matches to bet on. Just like on the desktop version, William Hill offers a wide array of NFL betting options and markets. They even provide Special Outright markets, for example, 2020 Season MVP.

FanDuel App: Interesting Features, Definitely Recommended

Since Britain's Paddy Power acquired FanDuel, an official sportsbook was released for New Jersey and Pennsylvania. For now, the sportsbook app is only available for iOS devices. You can download it from the official App Store. The app has a lot of the features offered by the desktop version, such as:

• Cash Out
• Spreads
• Over-Unders
• Parlays
• In-Game Betting
• Futures
• Round Robins
• Props

The app design is sleek and easy-to-use. Everything you need is located in easy to find places

As an NFL fan, the available markets and promotions offered for the sports would be the first thing I look at when deciding which app to download. FanDuel offers a steady amount of markets that we guarantee you would be happy with. There are exclusive promotions for the app, which are different from the websites'. Currently, the bonuses on both the website and app are generally for betting. There are no NFL promos even though last year's estimated amount spent for Super Bowl wagers were over $150 million. Maybe in the future, they will release more NFL related promotions to attract more people.

BetMGM App: We were Impressed

BetMGM is a big player in the online sports betting field. They have earned their place in the US market. Ranked as one of the top apps for residents of Nevada (only Nevada, for now), the playMGM Nevada Sports app is available for both iOS and Android. If you're using an iPhone or iPad, go to the App Store and download the app from there. If you use an Android device, you have to visit the official MGM Resorts website and download it from there. Before you are able to download it, you need to tick off the “Unknown Sources” setting so your device can download and install the app from the website.

The playMGM app registration process is not as simple as you might think. To sign-up for an account you have to visit one of the following MGM Resorts locations in Las Vegas:

• Bellagio
• Aria
• New York New York
• Park MGM
• The Mirage
• MGM Grand
• Mandalay Bay
• Luxor
• Excalibur
• Circus Circus

Also, another registration condition is that you must pay a minimal initial deposit of $100 in person when opening the account. The next deposits can be made online, too, using the playMGM pre-paid card.

Our interests are the NFL markets and special offers. Like on the site, you can wager on all Football events, not only the NFL. You can bet on every NFL game pre-game and but you can only bet on select games in-play. You can also wager on NFL Divisions and College Football.

DraftKings Sportsbook App: Good Enough

Official Betting Apps List

As one of the most popular DFS and betting companies “on this side of the pond,” DraftKings' online sports betting is expanding every day. For now, there are only three states in which you can legally wager. These states are:

• New Jersey
• Indiana
• West Virginia

If you are physically located in any of the mentioned states, you can freely use the DK Sportsbook app to bet on your favorite NFL teams. You do not have to be a resident of any of these states to play. Even if you are just visiting for a few days, you can enjoy legal mobile sports betting by DraftKings. The app doesn't cost anything. You can get it for free. It's available for both Android and iOS. iPhone users can get it on the App Store while Android users have to get it from the official DK website. There is also a third option. Once you go to the mobile app page of the site, you can enter your phone number, and DK will send you a direct download link to your phone. This feature is something we don't see very often when it comes to sports betting.

There is also an exclusive new use bonus for mobile users. After you register and make your first deposit, you instantly get 20% of your deposit (up to $500) in bonus funds. As an additional reward, you get a risk-free bet of up to $200. All Bonuses require a turnover, though. For more details, check my account page after you sign up. DraftKings offers exclusive NFL promos. You need to check out. For example, the Offensive Defense or Football Parlay Insurance promotions. The attractive and diverse NFL markets you can bet on are:

• Team/Game Props
• Team/Player Futures
• Halves and Quarters
• Game Lines/Parlays

Official Betting Apps Free

You can also bet on fantasy football or create your fantasy football league and compete in different tournaments.

888 Sport USA App

888 Sport is another large bookmaker that offers online sports betting in America. Unfortunately, the mobile app is only available for punters physically located in the state of New Jersey. It's not necessary to be a resident to play. Like other popular apps, 888 Sport Mobile is available for both Android and iOS. You can get the links from the 888 Sports website. For fans of the iOS, the link will send you to the App Store. If you have an Android device, though, you have to download the app directly from the site. But before that, make sure that you have turned on the correct setting.

1. Go to Settings->Applications
2. Check the Unknown Sources box
3. Download the .apk file

Unlike other betting apps, you don't have to register at a physical location. You can do it from the app.

888 Sport offers a wide array of NFL markets to choose from. Some of them are:

• 2020 Season MVP
• NFL Championship Winner
• AFC Division Winner
• NFC Division Winner
• First Overall Pick in the 2020 NFL Draft

On the 888 Sport Mobile app, you can bet both pre-game and in-play. The promotions you can get on the app are the same as the site. During Football Season, there are unique and intriguing promotions you can check out. Every week, only for selected matches during the season, you have Boosted Odds on NFL games. Especially attractive is their NFL bonus called “Double Your Winnings.” Every day you have the chance to win up to $25 if you bet on ant NFL match with odds of at least +100. Check back every day or turn on your mobile notifications to get more exclusive offers.

PointsBet App

PointsBet is a relatively new but very innovative company. Despite their lack of experience, they are quickly climbing on the US online bookmaker ladder. With their innovative “points betting,” they bring you a new high-risk high-reward feature that will get you addicted even more. Currently, the app is only available for people who are physically located in New Jersey. You can download it from their website if you are an Android user (follow the instructions carefully) or from the App Store for the iOS users out there.

The company is closely affiliated with the NFL. The retired cornerback Darrelle Revis partnered up with PointsBet to bring you a library of educational betting videos. You can access it through the app too. The number of promotions that are related to the NFL is surprisingly many. Here is a list of some of them:

• Make it Rain: NFL Edition
• TNF NFL PointsBetting Promo
• NCAAF First Touchdown Early Payout
• -105 Spreads on ALL NFL Games
• First Touchdown Early Payout for Thursday Night & Monday Night NFL Games

These promos are valid for the desktop as well as the mobile app. There is also an Exclusive Rewards Program you can qualify for and get some cool rewards.

Overall the app is well-designed and easy-to-use. You can quickly place your wagers and focus on enjoying the match. The addition of Pointsbetting makes your bets even more exciting.

Unibet

Unibet is one of the most known operators worldwide. If you already have an account, your login details should work on the new website/app. There are available apps for both iOS and Android. You can download them from the website or the App Store. The app doesn't only allow you to bet on your favorite NFL games. With it, you can manage your account too. Other features include:

• Live Betting
• Live Stream
• Deposits/Withdrawals
• Claiming promotions and bonuses
• Early Cash-out feature
• Hundreds of NFL bet boosts that change daily
• Betting lessons

FOX Bet NFL wagering is diverse and accessible. You can place both single and multiple match bets as well as play on fun future/specialized markets. FOX Bet has a new exciting feature called “Custom Bets.” With it, you can even create your bet and not just pick from a pre-selected option table. Some of the most popular NFL custom bets are:

• Both Teams to Score Points in Every Quarter
• Each Defense/Special Teams to Score a TD
• Each QB +500 Passing Yards

Another fun fact is that many of the daily promotions and boosts are sponsored by a different VIP each day.

For now, FOX Bet is only available in two states – New Jersey and Pennsylvania. We expect an expansion shortly because online and mobile sports betting is booming in America right now.

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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 gaming 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.

Our Favorite 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)

Official Betting Apps 2020

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 Versus Offshore Betting Sites

With no less than 14 online sportsbooks coming to Michigan, bettors will enjoy access to an entire new world of legal sportsbooks. All state-regulated sportsbooks will 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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