Is Online Sports Betting Legal in Michigan?

Online Sports Betting Michigan: How It Started

Michigan passed the Lawful Sports Betting Act in December 2019. This legislation allowed both retail and online wagering.

• Retail sportsbooks opened in March 2020.
  
  
• Online sports betting online launched on January 22, 2021.
  
  

That quick adoption made Michigan one of the earliest states to fully embrace both forms of sports betting legal. The move gave fans access to a safe, regulated way to bet while keeping revenue in-state.

Read more: Looking for the ultimate guide to NFL betting this season? We've got you covered right here!

Is Sports Betting Legal Online in Michigan?

Yes. Sports betting legal online is fully available across Michigan. You must be at least 21 and physically located within state borders. Licensed sportsbook apps use geolocation to confirm this before wagers are placed.

The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) regulates the market. It issues licenses, enforces rules, and ensures fair play for bettors. This setup makes Michigan one of the safest markets on the online sports betting USA map.

Online Sports Betting Apps in Michigan

Michigan is home to one of the most competitive markets in the country. There are around 12–15 online sports betting apps, including:

• DraftKings
  
  
• FanDuel
  
  
• BetMGM
  
  
• Caesars
  
  
• BetRivers
  
  
• ESPN BET
  
  
• Fanatics
  
  

Example: A Lions fan in Detroit can log into BetMGM, bet on the Lions to cover the spread, add a Jared Goff passing yards prop, and parlay it with the game total going over. That’s a fully legal wager placed on a phone or computer.

Competition between online sports betting apps leads to plenty of promos, odds boosts, and sign-up bonuses for players.

Online Sports Betting How To: Step by Step

Getting started with online sports betting Michigan apps is simple:

1. Choose a licensed sportsbook app like FanDuel or DraftKings.
   
   
2. Download it on iOS or Android.
   
   
3. Create an account and verify your identity.
   
   
4. Deposit funds via debit card, PayPal, or online banking.
   
   
5. Browse markets—NFL betting, NBA spreads, MLB totals, or college football moneylines.
   
   
6. Select your wager type: moneyline, spread, parlay, or prop.
   
   
7. Confirm and place your bet.
   
   

That’s it. With sports betting legal online in Michigan, the process is quick and secure.

Taxes, Regulation, and Market Performance

Michigan taxes online sports betting revenue at 8.4%, with additional local taxes for Detroit casinos. Tribal operators also contribute revenue under state agreements.

The numbers are massive. By late 2024, Michigan’s lifetime betting handle had surpassed $20 billion, with monthly handles topping $600 million. NFL betting season continues to drive the highest volumes.

Funds from betting support education, public programs, and responsible gaming initiatives.

What You Can Bet On in Michigan

Michigan bettors have a wide menu of options. Legal bets include:

• NFL betting and other professional sports (NBA, MLB, NHL, MLS).
  
  
• College sports, including Michigan Wolverines and Michigan State Spartans games.
  
  
• International leagues and tournaments.
  
  

There’s one key restriction: individual college player prop bets are banned. You can still bet on college spreads, totals, and team outcomes, but not whether a player hits a stat milestone.

Michigan Compared to Other Sports Gambling Legal States

Michigan is one of the strongest markets in the Midwest. Compared to smaller neighbors like Indiana or Iowa, Michigan offers more online sports betting apps and higher betting volume.

Its market rivals giants like New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and New York. While the tax rate is lower than some states, it still brings in significant revenue thanks to the sheer size of the market.

This balance of competition, player access, and state regulation makes Michigan a leader among online sports betting USA markets.

Online Sports Betting Example: Wolverines vs. Buckeyes

Picture this: Michigan is playing Ohio State in “The Game.” A bettor in Ann Arbor opens DraftKings, bets Michigan -3.5, adds the over on total points, and parlay it with the Wolverines to score first.

That three-leg parlay is legal in Michigan. Even with player prop restrictions on college athletes, fans can still wager on spreads, totals, and team markets. NFL betting and pro leagues add even more options year-round.

Retail Sports Betting in Michigan

Beyond apps, retail sportsbooks are available at Detroit casinos and tribal casinos across the state. Players can bet in person while watching games on-site.

Still, like most sports gambling legal states, the majority of wagers come through online sports betting apps. Mobile betting dominates because of its convenience and promos.

The Future of Online Sports Betting Michigan

Michigan’s market is mature but still growing. New operators may join, partnerships with pro teams could expand, and betting tech like in-play wagering will continue to evolve.

The MGCB will keep regulating the industry to ensure fairness, protect players, and maintain consumer confidence. With NFL betting and basketball driving huge numbers, Michigan is set to stay one of the busiest sports gambling legal states in the country.

Final Thoughts on Online Sports Betting Michigan

Online sports betting Michigan is legal, competitive, and thriving. With retail and mobile sportsbooks fully live, bettors can place wagers on NFL betting, college sports, NBA action, and more.

Michigan’s market has already crossed billions in wagers, with a strong regulatory system and plenty of sportsbook apps to choose from. It’s one of the most successful examples of sports betting legal online in the United States.

Check out our full betting toolset to start spotting profitable lines.