Michigan Sports Betting Apps 2024

Retail sportsbooks have opened their doors in Michigan, but the real fun is about to begin. Sports betting apps afford users the luxury of betting whenever and wherever they like within the confines of a legal state.

The official rollout is inching ever closer, and there will be plenty of options from which Michigan residents can choose. The appetite for legal sports betting at home is massive, and a number of top operators will be here to satisfy the hunger.

It wasn’t too long ago that the dream of having a real live sportsbook at your fingertips was nothing more than that. It’s now a reality, and it’s even better than expected. Online betting apps are a cinch to use and sign up for, and they’re jam-packed with features to boot.

We’ll be walking through everything you need to know right here, and also pointing you to the top spots to legally and safely get in the game. Read on as we take a detailed look at the best sports betting apps in Michigan.

Best Michigan sports betting apps

In order to set up shop in Michigan, sports betting operators need to hitch their wagons to one of the state’s commercial or tribal casinos. A number of the biggest names in the industry are in line to be up and running soon.

BetRivers Sportsbook app

This app is part of the Rush Street Gaming family. The company also owns and operates some brick-and-mortar casinos on a regional basis, as well as online casino platforms in other locales. When you check out the BetRivers app, it’s pretty clear that BetRivers knows what it’s doing.

It features a simple layout that’s easy to navigate. Everything is laid out in clear fashion, so you won’t have to do a lot of hunting just to find what you’re looking for. All of the main features work well. Placing bets is a snap, and adding or removing funds is really simple.

One of the nicest things about BetRivers is its loyalty program. Users are eligible to join iRush Rewards, and they can then accumulate points and climb tiers just for placing bets. BetRivers gets a big thumbs up and is worth taking the time to check out.

BetMGM Sportsbook app

If you’ve been around the sports and gambling world long enough, then there’s a good chance that you’ve heard the MGM name. This is the sports betting arm of Roar Digital, a partnership between casino giant MGM Resorts International and GVC Holdings.

There’s much more to see here beyond the well-known name. BetMGM offers up a wide range of betting markets and all of the bet types you could ask for. In our test, odds and lines for all of the major upcoming events were right in line with what the general sports betting market will support.

Overall, the BetMGM app navigation is pretty solid, but some competitors have built out smoother platforms. That said, you’ll be able to get down to business quickly and easily, and all of the main functions can be completed without issue. BetMGM brings a lot to the table, so folks in Michigan will find lots to love.

DraftKings Sportsbook app

The legal sports betting industry remains in its infancy, but there have still been several impressive success stories. DraftKings is one of them. The daily fantasy sports giant entered the world of sports betting with a plan, and the company has nailed it to date.

DraftKings has quickly become a market leader in all the states it has entered to date. We fully expect the same thing to happen here in Michigan. The platform is super smooth and slick. The features are many, but we offer a special tip of the cap to its live betting feature.

This has been a big focus for the company, and it shows the first time you put it through its paces. DraftKings is also on top of its game when it comes to promos and ongoing offers, so keep your eyes open for those. This should be one of the first sports apps you check out.

FanDuel Sportsbook app

FanDuel is another company that has been crushing it in all legal markets to date. The company also made its bones in the world of DFS, and it was one of the driving forces behind bringing that concept mainstream. FanDuel aims to do the same with sports betting, and it is off to a fantastic start.

If you like your apps to be both visually appealing and simple to use, then FanDuel is the place to go. Don’t let the ease of use be mistaken for simplicity, however. There’s a lot going on underneath the hood here. FanDuel is packed with features while also paying attention to all of the little things.

The betting slip and cashier functions are really smooth, and we can say the same about plenty of other facets of the FanDuel app. Among the highlights to look forward to are same-game parlays, an area in which FanDuel is becoming a market leader.

Caesars Sportsbook app

When you hear the name Caesars, it’s pretty normal to think of something special. The iconic casino giant has been wowing visitors to its physical properties for decades, and it has done a solid job in the world of online gambling, as well. That has now expanded into its sports betting app.

The Caesars platform isn’t as filled with as many bells and whistles as some competitors. However, it’s not lacking on the functionality front. Navigation is smooth, and everything you need is just a click or a swipe away. There’s a great selection of betting markets and all of the bet types you’d expect to see.

In addition, Caesars’ rewards program is definitely worth checking out, as you can earn points just for placing bets. There’s also a dedicated tab for promo offerings, which are also regularly emailed to users. There’s a lot to like about the Caesars betting app.

Unibet Sportsbook app

Unibet isn’t exactly a huge brand name here in the US, but it’s a different story elsewhere across the globe. The company is working toward expanding into numerous markets with its sports betting app, and early returns have been quite promising.

The Unibet platform is pretty basic. For those who prefer a little bit of glitz, it might not be for you. If you’re in the camp of those who just want a simple place to bet, it works just fine. You’ll find everything you need here, including a wide range of markets and bet types.

The Unibet app also features live betting prominently, so you’ll be able to jump right into the current and upcoming offerings without doing a ton of searching. Signing up for an account is easy, and all of the main functions were devoid of any annoying hang-ups during our test. Unibet does plenty right and could become a go-to spot in the future.

Which Michigan live casinos have sports betting apps?

Folks in Michigan have a number of options on the casino front as the state is home to a trio of commercial casinos and 23 tribal casinos. Here’s a look at the three commercial casinos and what they’ll be offering up for mobile users.

  • MGM Grand Detroit
    • Address: 1777 3rd St., Detroit, MI 48226
    • Telephone: 877-888-2121

The BetMGM Sports Lounge opened at the MGM Grand in March. The venue features a full-service bar, 60 HDTVs, and both lounge and high-top seating. Visitors can place their wagers at betting windows or self-serve kiosks, while mobile sports betting can be handled on the BetMGM app.

  • Greektown Casino
    • Address: 555 E. Lafayette St., Detroit, MI 48226
    • Telephone: 313-223-2999

Located in the upper level near Trappers Bar is what’s currently known as The Sportsbook at Greektown Casino-Hotel. Penn National handles the operation side of things, and plans call for a permanent venue bearing the Barstool Sports name. Brand names will likely be the same for mobile bettors once the app is released.

  • MotorCity Casino
    • Address: 2901 Grand River Ave., Detroit, MI 48201
    • Telephone: 866-782-9622

A two-story FanDuel Sportsbook awaits visitors to MotorCity. The massive space features dozens of HDTVs, a sports ticker, and both window service and self-serve kiosks for betting. FanDuel will also handle the mobile side of things once the app is released in the Michigan market.

How mobile sports betting works

In order to legally provide a sports betting app in Michigan, the operator needs to be able to verify that you are within state lines. So exactly how does it go about doing so? That’s thanks to geolocation tracking. Here’s how it works.

After you download an app and create an account with a legal and regulated mobile operator, you’ll be able to browse around and get a lay of the land. Before actually placing bets, you’ll have to enable the app’s geolocation tracking feature.

In a nutshell, this is a plugin that operates behind the scenes after the initial download. It’s not intrusive, and it only tracks for the purposes of verifying your location to place bets. If your location can’t be verified or the software pings you as out of state, you can’t place bets.

You’ll be able to manage your account from elsewhere, such as depositing funds or just checking out the latest odds. However, in order to legally place bets with a Michigan mobile sports betting operator, you’ll need to be back within state lines.

Benefits of mobile betting

The legal sports betting industry continues to grow and expand. Mobile betting has accounted for a large chunk of the revenue to date, and there’s nothing to suggest that trend will be subsiding. Here are just some of the reasons you may grow to love betting via app.

  • Convenience: Sports betting apps make the dream of having a legal sportsbook at your fingertips a reality. You’ll be able to log in and get down to business whenever you want without having to trek to a retail outlet.
  • Ease of use: Leading operators invest heavily on the tech side, and it shows in their product offerings. The top sports betting apps are super functional while also being easy to use.
  • Instant access: There’s no waiting around or being stuck in front of a computer to worry about. The app is with you all the time. You can bet on the go from wherever you may be. As long as you’re within state lines, you’re good to go.
  • Timing: Sports betting odds can move quickly, and appealing opportunities won’t be there forever. The ability to jump in and out whenever you like can’t be overstated. Apps let you get in and do your thing before the lines move again.
  • Account management: You can perform all of the same functions on an app as you can online or in person at a retail book. Depositing and withdrawing funds, placing bets or just checking lines, and contacting support or getting help are all available to you.

Getting started — how to download and install sportsbook apps

Operators aim to have their sports betting apps available to as many users as possible. To that end, you’ll have options on both of the major operating systems. Whether an iPhone, Galaxy or some other device is your preferred option, you’ll be covered.

To get started, the first step is to click through on our links to gain access to exclusive sign-up bonuses. Next, you’ll be prompted to begin entering some basic information. After just a few simple steps, your account will be created.

Afterward, look around on the operator website for the direct links or icons for iOS and Android options. Follow the on-screen instructions to download the app. Once you log in for the first time on mobile, you’ll be all set.

Please note that there are cases in which operators are waiting for their apps to be available for download. In situations such as this, the operator generally has its website fully optimized to work on mobile devices.

Live sports betting in Michigan

Mobile sports betting continues to gain traction, and there’s another segment of the industry that is also seeing some astronomical growth. Live betting was once a niche offering. Today, it’s a must-have option for leading sportsbooks. Here’s what you need to know.

Live betting, which can also be referred to as in play or in game betting, refers to wagers that you can place in real time. As the games and contests play out, opportunities will continually pop up. It’s a fast-moving market in which odds and offerings can go by in an instant. For many users, this only enhances the appeal.

DraftKings and FanDuel are among the operators leading the way with stellar live betting offerings, but there’s a lot to be said for what other apps are doing in this space, as well. Among the spots to put on your list to check out are BetRivers, BetMGM, Caesars and Unibet.

Live betting will be based on what’s happening on the field of play. You might see updated odds for moneyline, point spread and totals bets as the game plays out. This presents an opportunity for you to hedge your initial positions, or potentially double-down if you so choose. Here are a few examples of what else you might see.

  • Outcome of next drive in an NFL game.
  • Over/under on points for next quarter in an NBA game.
  • Result of next at-bat in an MLB game.
  • Power play result in an NHL game.
  • Head-to-head bet on golfers for next hole.
  • Winner of next game in a tennis match.

While live betting markets move fast, apps make it possible to stay on top of what’s going on. You can log in to your device prior to kicking back to watch the game, and then simply keep your eyes on the market to see if any opportunities catch your eye.

It’s a great way to remain further engaged with the games you love, and a potentially profitable one at that. However, remember not to get too swept up in the action. Always bet with your head and never over it.