The waiting is over for sports bettors in Michigan. Legal retail sports betting is now a thing, and the official online and mobile rollout is coming before too long.
Expectations are high for the legal sports betting market here at home, and a number of top operators are lining up to do business. You’ll have plenty of options to explore to legally and safely place wagers.
All of the major sports will be available for betting, and there’s a host of different bet types to consider. We have you covered with the most important information to know. From where you can play to what the rules are and all points in between, it’s all here. Let’s get to it.
In May 2018, the Supreme Court of the United States overturned PASPA, the federal law that outlawed sports betting in most of the US. The court left it up to individual states to decide for themselves. Many of them have done just that in the months and years that followed.
It took some time for things to get going here in Michigan. After an extended period of discussion, legislation to approve sports betting was signed into law in December 2019.
The first retail sportsbooks opened for business in March 2020. A handful of tribal casinos followed over the summer. Online and mobile sports betting remains a work in progress, but estimates put the official launch sometime between October 2020 and early 2021.
The general expectation is that the Michigan sports betting market will be an active one. Several of the industry’s top operators have big plans for the Wolverine State as a result. Let’s take a closer look at the new online sportsbooks we could end up seeing.
BetMGM is among the many operators with big plans in US sports betting. Beyond the instantly recognizable brand name, there’s a lot for sports bettors to get excited about.
The platform is solid overall, but some improvements on the navigation front would be nice. BetMGM is on point with betting odds and lines, and it offers up all of the markets and bet types you need.
BetRivers has debuted in several states to date with positive reviews. The company hits all of the right notes with a smooth platform, ongoing promotional offerings and a rewards program that’s open to sports bettors.
The sportsbook is simple to use while also being filled with features, which is not the easiest trick to turn. There’s a dedicated section for live betting, as well as daily house special bets.
DraftKings has been making a lot of noise in legal states, and expectations are high that it’ll do the same here in Michigan. The slick platform has been a hit with users, as has the company’s generosity with promotional offerings.
Among the top features at DraftKings is its live betting offering. Quite simply, it’s one of the best in the industry. The company places a high priority on tech and overall functionality, and it shows throughout its offerings.
FanDuel has also emerged as a top destination for sports bettors in a number of legal states. When you put together an online and mobile sportsbook that looks great and is easy to use, that tends to happen.
Ease of navigation is a huge plus, but FanDuel is also filled with features. Among the items that have really been resonating with users is its same-game parlay feature.
FOX Bet is the result of a partnership between the US media giant and The Stars Group, which has since merged to become part of Flutter Entertainment. The tag-team effort is a solid one as it brings together a gambling titan and a company with a knack for promotion.
That’s one of the top features at FOX Bet, but there’s a lot more to see. You’ll see plenty of promotional tie-ins with network personalities, but the platform is also really good. FOX Bet is a solid choice for both new and experienced sports bettors.
Australia-based PointsBet has debuted in a number of states already, and the company has its sights set on much more. The company is solely focused on sports betting for the time being and has been steadily gaining traction.
PointsBet has a regular assortment of ongoing promotional offerings, including reduced or no-juice bets on select events. The platform is functional and easy to use, and there’s a good assortment of funding options.
Retail sportsbooks opened for business in Michigan in March 2020. Here’s a look at which spots you can check out, along with which operators they have partnered up with on the online and mobile front.
There’s a wide range of betting markets available at Michigan sportsbooks. Let’s start with the ones you should be able to find at all outlets.
When it comes to smaller sports, offerings may vary by operator. However, each book generally has a solid assortment to choose from. Here’s a list of what you might find.
You’ll find all of the bet types you could ask for at legal and regulated sportsbooks. Here’s a quick refresher on the major ones and how they work.
Brand new sportsbooks looking to set up shop in Michigan have to go through a rigorous vetting and application process. There are costs to doing business, starting with a $50,000 application fee and $100,000 license fee.
Those who are granted approval are also on the hook for renewal fees, as well as stringent reporting with state tax authorities. Operators across the state are subject to an 8.4% tax rate on adjusted gross sports betting receipts.
Casinos in Detroit have to pony up an additional 1.2% in city tax. In short, it takes a lot for an operator to set up shop. The Michigan Gaming Control Board keeps a watchful eye, and it’s on standby should any problems arise.
If you’re doing business with a legal and regulated operator here in Michigan, your funds will be safe and your data will be secure. This is not the wild west of the offshore markets, as the state took its time crafting sports betting laws with an eye toward protecting consumers.
In December 2019, the Michigan Legislature gave the green light to sports betting, and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed the legislation into law soon thereafter.
To place bets, you need to be 21 or older and located within state lines. Sports betting is available at three commercial and several tribal brick-and-mortar casinos throughout the state.
Once the online and mobile rollout takes place, the same rules will apply. To confirm compliance and that you are within state lines, operators will use what’s known as geolocation tracking software to verify that you are where you say you are.