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Michigan Betting Laws & Guide

After a long wait and legislative measures, sports betting is now legal in Michigan. Being one of the largest markets in the US for sports betting, bettors can now smile as the activities are legal. They can now choose their preferred sports betting platforms, wager on their favorite sports and markets, and enjoy the process.


Is Sports Betting Legal in Michigan?


Yes. Sports betting is legal in Michigan. The state passed bills S4916 and H4311 that saw Governor Gretchen Whitmer legalize the activities in December 2019. By March 2020, Michigan allowed retail sportsbooks to launch. It was temporarily shut down during the lockdown period in a bid to contain the Covid-19 pandemic but was later opened up in August of the same year. Sports betting went live in January 2021 and has attracted a whole lot of sportsbooks from across the globe. A year after the legalization, Michigan stands tall among the biggest markets in the US in terms of the revenue from the activities and the number of sports betting applications.



Which Betting Sites are Legal in Michigan?


With sports betting now legal, hundreds of sports betting sites showed interest in offering their services in Michigan. As such, a huge range of platforms have licenses to operate in Michigan's jurisdictions. They only have to fulfill the requirements and begin offering the services. Here are some of the most popular ones with their launching dates indicated.


Michigan Sports Betting Rules and Regulations


All the gambling rules and regulations are stipulated by the Michigan Penal Code Chapter 750 Sec. 301 et seq and the Michigan Gaming Control and Revenue Act. They can all be found under the Michigan Compiled Laws, Chapter 432. While the minimum gambling age for lotteries and bingo is 18 years, the law requires that anyone participating in sports betting be at least 21.


As a bettor, you must be physically within Michigan's borders to place your wagers. To make sure that this happens, sportsbooks are required to use geolocation software to identify your location before they can allow you to bet. While you might have registered and made your deposit from anywhere, you will not be able to place your wager if the software detects that you are not in Michigan. Additionally, if you are on any gambling self-exclusion listings, you are not allowed to bet on any sports.


Michigan sports betting laws require that all gambling platforms (with licenses) participate in responsible gambling protocols. Besides barring people on self-exclusion lists, they cannot also market themselves and their services to those on these lists.


Best Mobile Sportsbooks Available in Michigan


Sports betting is meant to be fun and convenient. As such, some sportsbooks have developed mobile-friendly platforms to ensure that Michigan statespeople can bet on their preferred game on the move. These sportsbooks have apps or mobile browsers to foster convenience. Here are the best mobile sportsbooks available in Michigan.

  • BetMGM Sportsbook: For a unique and different feel

  • Caesars Sportsbook: For the best reward programs

  • DraftKings Sportsbook: For a smooth betting experience

  • FanDuel Sportsbook: For top games and events

  • PointsBet Sportsbook: For the best odds


Michigan Sports Betting Promos


With the increasing competition in the sports betting industry, sportsbooks must ensure they stay at the top of their game. Most of them do so by offering exciting incentives to both new and existing clients. Here are some sports betting promotions you can enjoy while in Michigan.

  • DraftKings Sportsbook: The betting platform offers a $50 free bet and a 20% match bonus of up to $1000.

  • Caesars Sportsbook: New bettors enjoy a first bet of up to $1250.

  • BetMGM Sportsbook: New bettors can claim a risk-free bet of up to $1000.

  • FanDuel Sportsbook: The betting site offers a no-sweat first-time free bet of up to $1000.

  • PointsBet Sportsbook: Bettors can claim a two-second chance free bet of up to $2000.

  • SI Sportsbook: The site allows you to bet $10 and get an $80 worth of betting bonus.


What are the Sports to Bet on in Michigan?


Here are some of the most popular sports to bet on.


Michigan Sports Betting Tips


Here are four tips to help you successfully bet and make the most out of the experience.


Pick the Right Sportsbook


Choosing the right sportsbook is critical in your sport betting activities. It is important to ensure that you pick a sportsbook that offers the right features, has the best odds, and allows you to reap winnings. Don't forget to check the licensing and compliance with Michigan's sports betting laws.


Understand the Sports Odds


The odds represent how likely a team is to win a game. The odds will be displayed as the Moneyline, point spread, and over/under. Understanding the odds is important in sports betting as it helps you know the amount you are likely to win.


Avoid Making Uninformed Bets


When making bets on sports, you should avoid making uninformed picks as they can lead to losses and disappointment. You should always research your favorite teams or players before placing any bet on them; doing so will help you make informed decisions in betting.


Michigan Sports Betting Tax Rates


In Michigan, the tax rates imposed on sports betting depend on one's annual income and tax bracket. The state tax rate is 4.25%. Depending on the number of your sports betting winnings, your selected sportsbook may withhold the federal and state tax, which will be indicated in a W-2G form. If you do not get this form and no tax is withheld, you are required by the law to report all your gambling winnings as you file for tax returns.


Is DraftKings Sports Betting Legal in Michigan?


Yes. DraftKings sports betting is legal and operational in Michigan. It launched on January 22, 2021, and was among the first sportsbooks to start offering services in the state. However, it is important to note that the sportsbook does not offer a physical sportsbook. Due to its partnership with Bay Mills Casino and Resort in Michigan, it will get its online sportsbook and casino licensure. The most important thing is that the sportsbook has already launched online and is available for Michigan residents.


Is FanDuel Sports Betting Legal in Michigan?


Yes. FanDuel sportsbook is legal and live in Michigan. While it began as a retail sports betting facility, it has since expanded its online market in Michigan and become one of the largest industry players in the state. While on FanDuel, bettors can wager on their favorite sports, such as professional football, soccer, basketball, boxing, and motorsports.


Michigan Sports Teams


Like most states, Michigan has a few professional sports teams, each with a fan base. Although a state doesn't need a pro team to foster a sport-specific betting market, having one enhances the momentum. Here are the five Michigan pro teams.


Latest Michigan Sports Betting News


  • December 20, 2019: Michigan's Governor, Gretchen Whitmer, signed a sports betting bill to legalize sports betting.

  • January 22, 2021: Online sports betting went live, and ten sportsbooks also opened that day.

  • June 16, 2022: The Michigan Gaming Control Board Report declares to have handled $356.1 million in May 2022.

  • September 23, 2022: The State of Michigan announced that they would name the stadium's tunnel after the former coach, Lloyd Carr.