Best Apps To Use For Sports Betting
The Best Sports Betting Apps of 2020. SharpSide: Best App for Betting Tips & Community Picks. BettingPros: Best App for Sports Betting Line Shopping. Parlay It!: Best Parlay Calculator & Accumulator. Kelly Calculator – Best App for Sports Betting Bankroll Management. The sports betting app is easy to use, with simple navigation and full access to everything in your account, from depositing to withdrawing, single bets to special Betway offers. Bet pre-game or in-play across dozens or sports, all at just the tap of your phone. With the Betway Sports app, you never have to miss another moment.
The latest innovation in the world of sports betting is mobile sports betting apps. Mobile sportsbooks bring you the convenience of online sports betting with the flexibility of being able to use your smartphone. A Pew Research study found that 77% of Americans own smartphones, while more than 200 million people bet on sports each year. There is no denying that there is a definite demand for mobile sports betting, especially for sports fans that are consistently on the go without access to a computer. Mobile sports betting in 2021 will continue to grow as platforms are compatible with a wide range of devices, being able to bet from your iPhone, iPad, Android, or any mobile device with internet capabilities
There are things you should know when researching apps for mobile sports betting such as which apps are best suited for certain devices and how to make sure an app is secure. While apps are similar to desktop sportsbooks, there may be slight differences in functionality and feature availability. Our goal is to fill you in on what to expect when using mobile sports betting apps so that you can get the most out of your legal sports betting experience.
State-Regulated Mobile Sports Betting
Many states have regulated sports betting that offer mobile betting apps to residents and tourists. With online sports betting, mobile betting is almost always the prime focus as a bulk of online wagers are made from mobile devices. IN fact in New Jersey, over 92% of sports bets taken during the NFL season happened with mobile sportsbooks.
Regulated mobile betting usually comes in the form of downloadable sports betting app. These apps offer the full-service sportsbook in the compact app form. The app’s availability is based on a state by state basis as individual states decide their own betting laws. Sticking with NJ, in order to partake in mobile sports betting in New Jersey, you must be located in the Garden State for wagers to be processed. Bettors can access their account and view the betting lines but wagers cannot cross state lines. This is true for all regulated sportsbooks, no matter the state. That is the core difference between state-sanctioned sportsbooks and mobile online sportsbooks.
Phone Betting On Super Bowl LV
Super Bowl 55
Sunday, February 7th, 6:30 EST
Kansas City Chiefs
vs.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Super Bowl LV is coming up, and many people might be wondering how to wager on the game from their phones, so they can react in real-time to the events happening on the field. Live Super Bowl 55 betting goes right in hand with mobile betting on SB 55, and there are a lot of solid options for those who wish to take advantage of the betting opportunities. Mobile betting on SB 55 is one of the best ways to earn money wagering on the matchup between the Chiefs and the Buccaneers. Mobile bettors can bet on all the normal wagers in addition to putting money on the live lines. Make sure to take a look at the online sportsbooks that offer mobile betting from offshore locations, as they’re some of the best around.
One thing that mobile bettors will notice when betting on the Super Bowl from a mobile device is that it is as simple as betting on it from a computer or even at a land-based sportsbook. All of the odds that are found on the desktop version of these sportsbooks can be found right in the palm of your hands such as the normal moneyline odds, odds on the spread and odds on the total in addition to different Super Bowl 55 prop bets as well.
Are Mobile Sports Betting Apps Safe?
Using a mobile sports betting app is just as safe as visiting a betting site from a web browser. If a legal betting site provides a mobile betting app for its patrons then that app has the same options that would be found when visiting the betting site from a web browser. The apps are safe and secure as long as the sportsbook itself is safe and secure. You will not have to worry about your information being stolen or about unfair practices when it comes to collecting your winnings. As these apps are up to date and use some of the best technology available, you can safely wager knowing you are being protected.
If you are still worried about your information when betting with a sportsbook app, then here are some suggestions. When using the mobile betting app, make sure you are betting on a secure Wi-Fi connection. In places like bars or restaurants, you will find a plethora of public Wi-Fi hotspots available to connect with. The safest way to wager online is to avoid using any Wi-Fi connection that is not secured. Your smartphone or tablet will indicate to you whether or not a Wi-Fi connection is secure or unsecured.
Are Mobile Apps Available At All Online Sportsbooks?
When it comes to mobile betting apps, most regulated sportsbooks do offer downloadable apps that host the full betting experience. These mobile apps are usually downloadable from the App Store or the Google Play Store. International betting sites, however, tend to offer the full betting experience from the web browser of your mobile devices, forgoing the need to download an app. While these sites may not use a downloadable betting app, the full mobile betting experience is not lost as the entire website functions perfectly from the web browser. So although not all online sportsbooks offer mobile apps, they all offer a great mobile betting experience.
Does It Cost Anything To Join A Mobile Sportsbook?
There is usually no additional cost when it comes to betting on a mobile app. Once you sign up for the sportsbook, the download should be free. What you will be using real money for is strictly the wagers you are making. Other than that, you will find no entrance fee or any other fee associated with using the app. The app is a tool to help make the betting experience more convenient, and an additional fee isn’t convenient for anyone. You can bet on your favorite sports using a mobile sportsbook without the issue of paying extra to join.
Best Mobile Sports Betting Apps Of 2020
The best mobile sports betting apps share a few similarities in what they offer. For one, the mobile sportsbook will offer all of the same betting lines that you would find on the desktop site. You will still have access to the latest odds, a wide selection of sports, and all of the same wager types. You can even wager on live betting odds from your mobile device, just make sure you’ve got a strong internet connection.
Of course, your bet slip and other design elements will be simplified, but this is to ensure you can quickly navigate throughout the page. Whether making a deposit, placing a wager, or requesting a withdrawal, the mobile sportsbook will not lag and you can access your essential account features. Some of the best mobile sports betting apps in 2019 include SportsBetting, Bovada, BetOnline and BetDSI.
SportsBetting.ag Betting App – 100% Cryptocurrency Match Bonus
SportsBetting.ag has been in the industry for over a decade and is always on the cutting edge of technology. It should come as no surprise that the online sportsbook now offers one of the top mobile sports betting apps that can be accessed from your iPhone, iPad, or Android device. You will be able to bet on baseball, basketball, football, hockey, MMA, soccer, golf, and more. When you log into your mobile account, select your wager type, event, and the side you want to bet on. From there just enter your wager and confirm the amount to start winning.
SportsBetting.ag is known for having the biggest bonuses in the industry, and its 100% Cryptocurrency Match Bonus will not disappoint. The sportsbook will match your first Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Ethereum, DASH, or Litceoin deposit by 100% for up to $1,000 in free play. Just used the code CRYPTO100 and you can deposit as little as $20 or as much as $1,000 to be eligible for the bonus offer. The free plays can be used only in the sportsbook but must be used within 30 days.
Bovada.lv Mobile Sports Betting App – 50% Bonus Up To $250 + User Friendly Mobile Platform
Bovada is the most trusted name in online sports betting, and now you can also bet on your mobile phone. The Bovada mobile sportsbook is compatible with most mobile devices. From a smartphone to your tablet, you can access this website with nearly any device you have. While on the go, you can still get all of the exciting sports betting fun you are accustomed to. Bet on your favorite sports teams, or bet on entertainment and political betting odds. Your options are endless when you bet at Bovada.
Mobile sports bettors can take advantage of the $250 Welcome Bonus, exclusive to first time Bovada players only. When you make your initial deposit, the sportsbook will match the amount by 50% for up to $250 in free plays. The bonus is applied to your account within 30 minutes of your deposit being processed. With a low 5x rollover and the ability to wager on any sport, this exclusive offer is one to take advantage of. There is no promotional code for this promotion – just visit the promotions tab and make your very first deposit to redeem your Bovada offer.
BetOnline.ag Mobile App – Lifetime Bonus Guarantee
BetOnline brings all of the best sports betting action directly to the palm of your hand. When you use the BetOnline.ag mobile betting platform, you will still have access to all the essential sportsbook features. You can bet on all of your favorite sports, including NFL, MLB, NHL, NBA, and NCAA events. The same wager types are accepted on the mobile platform, including moneylines, totals, point spreads, parlays, pleasers, and other exotics.
New members are entitled to a match bonus of up to 50% of their initial deposit up to $1000 with the promo code BOL1000. After that, loyal members are given a 25% match bonus up to $500 with every single deposit they make to their account. The promo code to receive a lifetime’s worth of free money to wager with is LIFEBONUS.
BetDSI.eu Mobile Betting App – One Of The Best Mobile Betting Platforms
BetDSI brings everything that you could ask for when looking for a mobile version of a sportsbook. Their platform is lightning quick, which allows for live betting to be made even easier with access from your any one of your mobile devices. Whether you use a smartphone or tablet, you can use it to place bets on your favorite teams. They accept many deposit methods and allow wagers on NBA, Boxing, Tennis, NASCAR, Baseball, NFL, and much more.
They are running a promotion where you can earn a 100% bonus when you make your first wager, whether you win, lose, or push. Signing up is easy and the site even offers three reward levels you can choose to enter. You automatically are enrolled in the Gold Reward Level and can work your way up through Platinum to Diamond by earning BetPoints over the course of the year. Gold level allows for an extra 15% play bonus when you deposit $300 – 500. Also, in the reward programs are a free Bitcoin payout per day when you deposit with Bitcoin. Use BetDSI and you will find their sports betting mobile app is convenient, reliable, and extremely easy to navigate.
MyBookie Review – 100% Sports Welcome Bonus
MyBookie is a way to bet on your favorite sports while on the go or at home from your phone. Betting through MyBookie will allow for you to receive some of the features and promotions that come with an online sportsbook. The sports betting mobile site offers odds on numerous professional sports and athletes from around the world. Not only are you able to bet on sports through the phone but you can also use the live betting feature to bet on game bet lines in real-time.
Mobile sports bettors can also take advantage of the 100% Sports Welcome bonus offered on the MyBookie sportsbook. The sportsbook will match 100% of your first deposit up to $1000. The bonus will be credited in Free Play credit to your account by using the promo code MYB100. The promotion is only awarded to your first deposit through the sportsbook.
| Rank | Sportsbook | Bonus Offer | Play Now |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 50% Up To $250 Read Review | Visit Bovada | |
| 2 | 50% New Member Bonus!Read Review | Visit Betonline | |
| 3 | 50% Up To $1,000 Read Review | Visit MyBookie | |
| 4 | 50% Up To $1,000 Read Review | Visit Sportsbetting | |
| 5 | 100% Up To $300Read Review | Visit XBet |
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 gambling 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.
Editors Choice for Best 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 ReviewDeposit 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 ReviewRisk-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 ReviewRisk-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.
Best Sports Betting Apps Usa
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 ReviewRisk-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 ReviewRisk-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 ReviewDeposit 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) |
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.
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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.
Best Apps To Use For Sports Betting Tips
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.
What Is The Best App For Sports Betting
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.
Best Betting Apps
Yes. DraftKings Sportsbook operates as a license partner of Bay Mills Resort & Casino. They launched on January 22, 2021.