Michigan Sportsbooks - Michigan Sports Betting Sites In 2023

A competitive sports betting market is great for sports bettors (as is the case with any consumer-based industry). That is certainly the case with sports betting in Michigan, where the state's sports bettors can choose from some of the most renowned brands in online sports betting.

In addition to the names already listed, other online sportsbooks include BetRivers Michigan, WynnBET Michigan, Barstool Michigan and FOX Bet Michigan. Each online sports betting app typically offers appealing offers and bonuses for both new and existing users in an effort to attract Michigan sports bettors.

Here's a more in-depth look at the best MI betting sites.

BetMGM Michigan

BetMGM MI is a leading sportsbook brand that serves as the exclusive sports betting division of gaming giant MGM and boasts an expansive reach throughout the U.S. and Puerto Rico. BetMGM Michigan offers a robust selection of betting markets and bet types, including wagering on all major domestic and international sports.

BetMGM, which was born from a partnership between MGM International and Entain Group, one of the largest sports betting companies in the world, is available in 17 states, plus Washington, D.C.

BetMGM MI separates itself from competitors with a terrific feature called "Edit My Bet." This essentially lets you alter your wagers after you've placed them (as long as the cash out option is available). You can add to your stake, remove a bet from a parlay, increase your wager and swap out bets.

In addition to the great "Edit My Bet" feature, BetMGM MI offers great promotions and a solid MGM Rewards program tied to its hospitality arm.

The BetMGM bonus code ROTOBONUS offers a bonus first bet up to $1,000. BetMGM MI also offers a $50 bonus for every friend a user refers that opens an account and places an initial bet on the sportsbook.

BetMGM MI, which is an official sports betting partner of the Lions, opened a retail sportsbook at the MGM Grand Detroit on January 22, 2021.

Caesars Sportsbook Michigan

The Caesars name has long symbolized the gold standard in real-money gaming, and that is certainly the case now that Caesars has established a formidable presence in the U.S. legalized sports betting environment.

Caesars Sportsbook offers competitive betting markets, plus an extensive collection of bet types and odds boosts. It also stands out due to its impressive Caesars Rewards program.

Caesars Sportsbook offers plenty of competitive promotions and offers for new and existing users. The Caesars Sportsbook promo code ROTOFULL offers first-time users a first bet on Caesars worth up to $1,250.

Caesars MI is an official partner of Michigan State and will offer a lounge and tailgate area during home games. Its retail sportsbook is located at Turtle Creek Casino & Hotel in Williamsburg.

DraftKings Michigan

The DraftKings name is synonymous with cutting-edge real-money-based sports gaming, and that's only been reinforced since the company embraced the legalized sports betting market.

DraftKings MI has continued to enhance the reputation it had built as a leader in the daily fantasy sports industry within the sports betting realm by offering an impressive selection of betting markets and bet types.

The DraftKings Michigan app is extremely user-friendly thanks to its eye-pleasing green and black color scheme, an intuitive navbar and a variety of pre-selected parlays and same game parlays that are available at boosted odds for select games.

DraftKings Sportsbook has a number of appealing promotions and offers for new and existing customers. The current DraftKings Sportsbook promo code for new users offers an awesome welcome bonus.

It's important to note that there isn't an actual promo code term to enter. Just sign up by clicking "Bet Now" to get started. DraftKings MI has a partnership which makes it the official sports betting operator of the Detroit Pistons.

FanDuel Michigan

FanDuel, much like DraftKings, came into the sports betting space with a well-earned reputation as a standard bearer from its early years in the daily fantasy sports industry.

FanDuel Sportsbook has proven to be a top choice for bettors in every state it has established operations in, thanks to a world-class selection of betting markets and bet types. The FanDuel Sportsbook promo code for new users provides a generous welcome bonus in Michigan.

FanDuel's retail sportsbook is located at MotorCity Casino Hotel in Detroit. FanDuel is the official sports betting partner of the Detroit Tigers, Detroit Red Wings and Detroit Pistons.

BetRivers Michigan

BetRivers has quickly grown its presence throughout the United States in the legalized sports betting environment. BetRivers MI has become a top option for bettors in the markets it has a presence in by offering a generous selection of betting markets and bet types.

In addition to its availability in the Michigan sports betting market, BetRivers is also operating in Arizona, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, New York, Pennsylvania and Virginia.

The BetRivers bonus code brings a promotional offer for new users with $500 in second chance bets.

There are also sports-specific promotions, including a 20% profit boost for certain MLB bets each Tuesday, and a $10 bonus bet for any $25 same-game parlays placed on MLB games each Saturday.

BetRivers Michigan, which is an official partner of the Detroit Pistons, offers retail sports betting through Little River Casino and Resort in Manistee.

WynnBET Michigan

The Wynn name has long been a respected one in the gaming industry, and that's been further cemented as the company has quickly built a strong presence in the sports betting space.

WynnBET MI is a preeminent option for any sports bettor that is located within a state the platform operates in, given that it offers a leading selection of betting markets and bet types.

WynnBET MI is already a prominent part of sports betting in Michigan, and it's also available in Arizona, Colorado, Indiana, Louisiana, New Jersey, New York, Tennessee and Virginia.

For new users, the WynnBET promo code XROTO grants a $50 bonus bet credit and $50 casino bonus when they make a wager of at least $100 at odds no longer than -120 (-125 won't qualify, but +110 does). Both credit will hit your account within 24 hours. The bonus bet must be placed at odds no longer than -150.

WynnBET MI is the official sports betting partner of the Detroit Lions and thus, offer the "WynnBET Sports Bar at Ford Field" near section 222. WynnBET MI is also an official sports betting partner of the Detroit Pistons.

Barstool Sportsbook Michigan

Barstool Sportsbook is a relatively new entrant into the sports betting space, having gone live in September 2020 in Pennsylvania. The platform has progressively expanded its presence throughout the regulated U.S. market since that point and offers a competitive selection of betting markets and bet types.

In addition to being part of Michigan sports betting, Barstool Sportsbook is also available in Arizona, Colorado, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia.

Barstool Sportsbook's new player bonus offers new users a bonus bet of up to $1,000 if their initial wager is a losing one. There is also a no-deposit bonus of $10 for all new users once they register for their new account.

PointsBet Michigan

Users can also use the PointsBet promo code for yet another welcome bonus in Michigan. With their unique sports betting type called "PointsBetting" it makes for a fun and exclusive way to wager on games in Michigan.

Yes, Michigan sports betting has been legal since December 2019, and the first bets placed within the state's boundaries occurred in March 2020. Those initial wagers were placed at three retail sportsbooks in the Detroit area, but the timing of the rollout essentially coincided with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

This not only served as a significant obstacle to the early growth and success of retail Michigan sportsbooks, but it also delayed the rollout of Michigan online sports betting until January 2021.

Once Michigan online sports betting did get the green light in late January, the market began to blossom in both profits and the amount of participating online sportsbooks. Some of the biggest sports betting sites, including FanDuel MI, DraftKings MI, BetMGM MI, PointsBet MI and Caesars MI, are part of an impressive array of Michigan online sports betting apps available.

Perhaps the most invigorating experience for a new bettor is getting instant reward when they first dip their toe into staking some cash on their favorite sporting event.

While no one can naturally predict whether any given bet will be a winner, many Michigan sportsbooks have mitigated the initial risk for new users substantially through new user offers and promotions.

Taking advantage of such offers – such as promotions where the user receives a certain dollar amount in bonus bets - is a great way to set yourself up for some potential early profits as you learn the ropes. The same applies to other promotions such as deposit matches up to a certain dollar amount.

While the bonus bet offers that many Michigan sportsbooks provide require that the credits issued as part of the promotion are used for additional wagers on the sportsbook. Nevertheless, that sets users up for additional immediate opportunities to garner profits, as any winnings from the use of those bonus bets are able to be withdrawn as cash.

BetMGM Michigan Bonus

BetMGM Michigan is offering new users Bonus Code ROTOBONUS that makes their first bet, bonus up to $1,000. The bet can be used on any sport and with any bet type, and it requires users to make an initial deposit of at least $10.

An initial bet must settle as a loss to qualify for the offer. If you bet more than $50, the credits will be dispersed in five equal payments (20% increments). For instance, if you bet the max of $1,000, you'll receive five $200 bonus bets. If you bet less than $50, you'll receive a single bonus bet credit in that amount of your losing wager.

Caesars Sportsbook Michigan Promos

New Caesars Sportsbook Michigan users can access a first bet on Caesars worth up to $1,250 on their initial wager with promo code ROTOFULL. The wager can be made on any sport and using any bet type, but it must settle as a losing wager to qualify for the offer. The Caesars MI promo code ROTOFULL also requires an initial deposit of at least $10, and the bonus bet credits must be used within 14 days.

DraftKings Michigan Promos

New DraftKings Michigan users can qualify for a deposit bonus of $200 in bonus bets, as long as they bet $5 or more and win their first wager.

Remember: There isn't a specific DraftKings MI promo code needed. Just click "Bet Now" and get started.

FanDuel Michigan Promos

New FanDuel MI users can get an awesome bonus upon sign up. One important differentiator from other offers is that this offer is valid whether or not your initial bet is a win, loss or push.

You must make an initial deposit of at least $10 and must use your bonus bet credits within 14 days. You also don't need to enter a specific FanDuel promo code to get this offer.

PointsBet Michigan Promos

New PointsBet Michigan users can earn five $100 second chance bets. Each 'second chance' bet is to be used for "fixed betting." The distinction must be made because PointsBet also offers Points Betting.

Points Betting is the platform's proprietary form of wagering based on the difference between a point spread and a winning team's final margin of victory. Credits must be used within seven days of being credited to your user account.

BetRivers Michigan Promos

First-time BetRivers Michigan users will have their first deposit matched by the site up to $250. New users can get a commensurate offer on initial deposits of $25, $50 and $100 in addition to $250. There is a 1x playthrough requirement on all bonus funds.  

WynnBET Michigan Promos

New WynnBET Michigan users can use promo code XROTO to get a $50 bonus bet and $50 casino bonus when they make a wager of at least $100 at odds no longer than -120. To be clear, a bet at -110 odds will qualify, while a wager at -135 will not. You will receive the credits within 24 hours and you must use the bonus bet on a wager with odds no longer than -150.

Creating an account at a Michigan sports betting site is a simple, straightforward process, even for a novice bettor that has never played on a sportsbook before.

There are plenty of choices when it comes to both retail and online sportsbooks in the Wolverine State, and as a result, an abundance of promotional offers designed to make each platform stand out from the competition.

Once you've familiarized yourself with the array of sports betting sites operating in Michigan and decide which promotional offer for new users is best suited to your needs, you'll venture to that sportsbook's sign-up page on its website or smart device app.

You'll enter your basic identifying information, such as name, address, e-mail address and any other details that sportsbook may require. You'll also need to make an initial deposit of a certain amount in order to activate a welcome offer or bonus.

Once your account is created, you can also download the sportsbook's smart device app if you haven't already. Most, if not all, legal sportsbooks in Michigan have iOS or Android apps available for a free, easy download.

Once the app is downloaded to your device of choice and your account is funded, you'll be all set to immediately begin enjoying legal betting.

Users that can be verified as physically located within state boundaries can participate in sports betting in Michigan.

The state's significant selection of Michigan sports betting apps offer users a wide array of choices for placing all types of wagers on mobile devices or computers.

Additionally, Michigan sports betting includes plenty of retail sportsbook locations within the state's casinos where users can place their wagers in person.

There are a total of 14 active sports betting apps in Michigan, along with 20 retail sportsbooks or retail sports betting kiosks. Most physical locations are already co-branded with online sportsbooks that are licensed to operate in the state.

For example, DraftKings Sportsbook's name is on the sportsbook at Brimley's Bay Mills Resort and Casino, while BetMGM's name adorns the Sports Lounge at the MGM Grand Detroit.

Additionally, WynnBET's name is attached to five sportsbooks located within five Kewadin Casino locations throughout the state, FanDuel is connected to sportsbook at the MotorCity Casino Hotel and Barstool has naming rights for the sportsbook at Greektown Casino in Detroit.

Michigan sports betting features the luxury of access to an unrestricted, diverse selection of bet types on Michigan sportsbooks.

The variety of options affords everyone from novice to highly experienced bettors a chance to turn a profit while enjoying their favorite sporting events.

Some of the most popular bet types available at retail sportsbooks and Michigan sports betting apps are:

Spreads

Point spread betting, which is also known as run line betting in baseball and puck line betting in hockey, refers to a projected margin of victory or defeat for the teams in a head-to-head matchup. Bettors must decide whether they believe the team that is favored can not only win the game, but win it by more than the number specified in the point spread. Conversely, they can also bet on whether they believe the underdog can keep a potential margin of defeat to less than the point spread.

An example of a point spread bet is as follows: The Lions are 7-point underdogs to the Packers in an NFC North matchup. Bettors who wager on the Packers as 7-point favorites (listed as -7 at the sportsbook) will need Green Bay to win the game by at least eight points for the bet to cash. Bettors who bet on the Lions as 7-point underdogs will need Detroit to lose by six points or fewer, or win the game outright, for their bet to cash. If the Packers win by exactly seven or the Lions suffer exactly a seven-point defeat, then the bet is a push and the bettor receives back his or her original wager amount.

Totals

A totals bet is a wager on whether a game will finish with a combined number of points that is either above or below a figure preset by a sportsbook. This type of bet, also commonly known as an over/under wager, is a common pivot for bettors who may not have a particularly strong feeling on the outright winner of a game or a point spread, but who feel confident in predicting the total points.

An example of a totals bet is as follows: A Pistons-Bulls divisional clash is listed with a projected total of 211.5 points. A bettor who stakes their claim on the over needs the game to finish with a combined total of at least 212 points for the wager to be deemed a winner. On other hand, a bettor placing a wager on the under will be pulling for a combined score of 211 points or fewer in order to be able to cash a winning ticket.

Moneyline

A moneyline bet is a wager on which team will win a game outright. This is one of the most straightforward bets to make and is usually popular with novice bettors. As long as the team a bettor places a wager on wins the game, it's a winning bet. The one downside to moneyline bets when teams are heavily favored is that the "juice" – the odds attached to each team – can be very heavy for the favored team.

An example of a moneyline wager would be as follows: The Tigers are an underdog to the White Sox in an AL Central matchup. Detroit has +160 moneyline odds as the underdog, while Chicago carries -195 moneyline odds as the favorite. That means that bettors who pick the Tigers to win outright will win $160 on a $100 bet if Detroit does prevail, while those betting the Sox will have to bet $195 to win a $100 in the event of a Chicago victory.

Prop Bets

A prop bet is a wager based on whether a player or a team will exceed or fall short of a specific statistical benchmark that has been preset by the sportsbook. Prop bets are essentially like totals bets, except they're not necessarily based on total number of points scored. There can be prop bets on virtually every metric that is part of the statistical landscape within a game, either on an individual or team level.  

An example of a prop bet is as follows: Cade Cunningham has a prop on his points total in a given game of 24.5 points. A bettor who places a bet on the over will need Cunningham to score at least 25 points for the wager to cash. However, a better who goes with the Under will be pulling for Cunningham to score 24 points or fewer in the game.

Futures

A futures bet is a wager on whether a specific player or team will achieve a specific statistical benchmark, or whether a specific player or team will achieve a certain individual or team accomplishment, usually over the course of a regular season and/or postseason.

An example of a futures bet based on a player completing a specific accomplishment would be a wager on whether the Lions' D'Andre Swift will exceed 1,000 rushing yards in a given season. An example of a team-based futures bet would be a wager on whether the Wolverines football team can win the Big Ten title in the upcoming season.

Parlays

A parlay combines multiple wagers into one betslip. These can be bets involving two or more sporting events, or multiple bets involving the same game. Parlays are appealing because they will carry more favorable odds than each bet within them individually would, due to the fact that all wagers within the parlay must be winners for the bet to cash.

An example of a parlay is as follows: A bettor wagers that a late-season Tigers-Red Sox game goes over the projected total of 7.5 runs, that the Lions beat a 4.5-point spread as an underdog against the Vikings and that the game between Detroit and Minnesota finishes under 48.5 points. If all three bets turn out to be accurate, then the parlay is a winner. If only one of those scenarios doesn't come to pass, however, then the parlay will not cash.  

Teasers

A teaser has some similarity to a parlay wager in that it also involves multiple bets. However, the main difference is that a bettor is allowed to "shift" the point spread or the total in either direction to a certain degree. Typically, sportsbooks offer teasers in increments of 6-7 points Otherwise, just as with a parlay, every bet in the teaser must be a winner in order for the wager to pay out. A teaser's odds aren't as attractive as a parlay's odds because you're essentially buying points.

An example of a teaser is as follows. A bettor moves the Lions from 4.5-point to 10.5-point underdogs against the Vikings while also boosting the Packers from 7.5 to 10.5-point favorites over the Bears. If Detroit then loses by 10 points or fewer or wins outright and Green Bay wins its game by at least 11 points, the teaser will be considered a winner. Conversely, a failure of either of those outcomes to transpire will make it a losing teaser bet.

Live Betting

Live betting is a more recent phenomenon in the world of sports betting that has become increasingly popular. Live betting allows for the placing of wagers while a game is ongoing, opening up a considerable number of new betting opportunities that didn't exist prior to the advent of this option. Live betting can take virtually countless forms in what it encompasses within a live game setting.

Some examples of live bets include whether the next Pistons possession will end in a three-point basket, whether the Red Wings will score at least one goal in the first quarter of a game, whether the Lions' Jared Goff will throw a touchdown on the team's next drive and whether the Tigers will score at least one run in the upcoming inning.

The good news for Michigan sports bettors is that the state is rich with both professional and collegiate teams to wager on throughout the year.

And, there are no restrictions on wagering on college sports in Michigan sports betting law. Every major sport and league has a presence in the state as well, and both Michigan sports betting sites and retail sportsbooks offer a full array of betting markets for these teams' games.

NFL Betting in Michigan

Naturally, NFL betting has a prominent presence in Michigan, where the Detroit Lions are preparing to enter their 93rd season in 2022. While the team is still in search of its first Super Bowl, it has a rich history in the area and rewarded the faithful with four NFL titles in the pre-Super Bowl era. The NFL continues to be a proverbial cash cow for sports betting, with an estimated $100 billion wagered at legal U.S. sportsbooks alone during NFL season. Take a look at the best NFL betting sites to wager on football in Michigan.

NBA Betting in Michigan

The NBA's Detroit Pistons are another very popular area team, having established presence in the Motor City back in 1957. The Pistons have won 11 division titles, five conference titles and three NBA Finals during that span and remain popular despite the 2018-19 campaign qualifying as their last non-losing season.

The team has helped expand its visibility in the sports betting realm by forming multi-year partnerships with a pair of Michigan legal online sportsbooks, DraftKings Michigan and FanDuel Michigan.

MLB Betting in Michigan

MLB's Detroit Tigers have called the Motor City home since 1894 and have gone by their current moniker since 1901, affording the team a rich, century-plus legacy in the area. The franchise claims 11 American League pennants and four World Series titles among its accomplishments.

Attendance at the club's Comerica Park home field was 1.1 million in 2021, and just before the start of that season, the Tigers announced a multi-year sponsorship agreement with BetMGM Michigan that makes the operator the official gaming partner for the team.

NHL Betting in Michigan

As is the case with most northeastern and midwestern states, hockey is very popular in Michigan, and the relatively recent success of the NHL's Detroit Red Wings has undoubtedly helped create a new generation of fans that are now of legal age to patronize a Michigan sportsbook.

The Red Wings' run of 12 Atlantic Division titles, six Eastern Conference championships and four Stanley Cups since the 1994-95 season give them some credibility with Michigan sports fans.

The Red Wings sported an average attendance of just under 17,000 during their 2021-22 home games, are approaching their 100th anniversary season later this decade and are certainly projected to remain an integral component of Michigan sports betting. FanDuel is the official sports betting partner of the Red Wings.

College Football Betting in Michigan

College football is open for sports betting business under Michigan sports betting law, with 25 schools within the state boasting football programs across FBS, Division II, Division III and NAIA designations. Naturally, the Michigan Wolverines and Michigan State Spartans are the two most popular college football teams in the state. Caesars MI has a agreement to be the Spartans' official sports betting partner.

The Wolverines' attendance at Michigan Stadium often exceeds 100,000, and the Spartans frequently draw an average of over 70,000 fans in 75,000-seat Spartan Stadium. With its rich tradition and prolific presence in the state, college football is very popular among Michigan sports bettors at both retail sportsbooks and in online sportsbooks.

College Basketball Betting in Michigan

College basketball has an extensive fanbase and tradition in Michigan for many of the same reasons as college football, also making it a popular betting option in the state's retail and online sportsbooks.

There are a total of 34 men's and women's college basketball programs in the state across the FBS, Division II, Division III and NAIA designations. Unsurprisingly, the Michigan Wolverine's men's and women's basketball programs have an extensive track record of success.

The men's team has a lifetime .610 winning percentage and 31 NCAA Tournament appearances as of 2022, including 18 Sweet Sixteen appearances, 15 Elite Eight appearances, eight Final Four appearances, six tournament runner-up placements and one NCAA championship (1989).

The women's team has enjoyed its share of success, as evidenced by 10 NCAA Tournament appearances, two Sweet Sixteen appearances and one Elite Eight placement.

Michigan sports betting law provides the state's sports bettors no shortage of options when looking to stake some money at retail sportsbooks or Michigan sports betting apps.

That's because the state's extensive array of both professional and amateur sports teams can be bet on in person at a Michigan sportsbook such as MGM Grand Detroit or on a Michigan sports betting app without restrictions.

That not only enables sports bettors in the area to get action year-round on the Lions, Tigers, Pistons, Red Wings and even the USFL's Michigan Panthers in terms of local professional franchises, but the immensely popular Michigan Wolverines and Michigan Spartans teams in a multitude of sports, including the schools' successful football, baseball and basketball men's and women's programs.

Detroit Lions

The Lions have endured their share of struggles in recent seasons, but the NFL's vast popularity as both a spectator and sports betting phenomena, in addition to an undercurrent of optimism surrounding the franchise under the leadership of head coach Dan Campbell, has helped keep interest in the team healthy.

Michigan sports bettors are able to place an endless array of bets on each Lions preseason and regular-season game, including moneyline, point spread and totals bets. Then, Super Bowl betting, as is the case in every state with legalized sports betting, is also vastly popular in Michigan. WynnBET MI operators a retail sportsbook and bar at Ford Field, near section 222.

Detroit Red Wings

The Red Wings' aforementioned run of successes dating back to nearly three decades and the extensive NHL regular season and postseason make the team a popular option in the Michigan sports betting realm, including online sports betting. Area residents can place puck line, spread, totals and other types of bets on the Red Wings at retail sportsbooks or apps in Michigan.

The team also has a strategic multi-year partnership with PointsBet Michigan that includes a PointsBet-branded sports bar at Little Caesars Arena, which serves as home ice for the team. Once the regular season concludes, fans can also enjoy the same rich array of retail sports betting and online sports betting options during the series for the NHL's ultimate prize, the Stanley Cup.

Detroit Tigers

Baseball in Detroit has a tradition dating back more than a century, making it a ubiquitous sport in the state's history. The Tigers are naturally the most prominent representative of America's pastime within Michigan state borders, and bettors can make their wagers on the team's games via an extensive selection of bet types.

That includes moneyline, run line, totals, parlays, teasers, to cite but a few examples. With 162 regular-season games, there are ample opportunities for Michigan bettors to throw their hat in the MLB betting ring each year, followed by the same opportunity in the fall once the MLB playoffs and World Series unfold.

Michigan Wolverines

The Michigan Wolverines athletic programs have a formidable legacy in the state and have naturally evolved from being highly popular spectator events to widely bet ones as well. In addition to the successes of the football and basketball programs already described, the Wolverines' men's baseball team has also won two NCAA regional championships, made eight College World Series appearances and finished as College World Series runner-up once.

Michigan sports betting as constituted affords the state's sports fans a plethora of opportunities to wager on major amateur sports events such as the College World Series, as well other signature components of the collegiate sports calendar like March Madness, college football playoff games, the Heisman Trophy winner and the College Football Playoff National Championship.

Michigan State Spartans

While not always perceived as being on the same level as the neighboring University of Michigan Wolverines, the Spartans have carved out their own legacy in the state and are therefore also popular sports betting options. Michigan State has 21 NCAA Division 1-A varsity teams, including 10 for men and 11 for women.

The school's men's basketball team has won two National Championships and counts the legendary Magic Johnson as an alumnus. The Spartans' football team has six national championships and 10 Big Ten titles, while the baseball program claims one College World Series and four Big Ten championships.  

Western Michigan Broncos

Western Michigan University is yet another school in the state that boasts a host of Division 1 athletic programs. The Broncos have 16 varsity teams overall and compete in the Mid-America conference. Among them, the baseball team has notably made six College World Series appearances and finished as a runner-up once while also securing 15 conference championships.

Meanwhile, the Broncos' football program has four division and conference titles apiece on its resume, and the men's basketball program has two conference tournament titles and four NCAA tournament appearances to its credit, including one foray into the Sweet Sixteen. The women's basketball program has a pair of conference tournament titles and NCAA tournament appearances apiece as well.

Detroit Pistons

The Pistons may not be able to claim much recent success, but Michigan sports fans of a certain age remember memorable late-80s and mid-2000s multi-season runs that led to five Eastern Conference titles and three NBA championships.

The franchise will celebrate its 70th anniversary in Detroit later this decade, and its games have quickly become a staple of legalized sports betting in Michigan.

The state's bettors can not only place wagers on every Pistons regular-season game at Michigan sportsbooks and Michigan sports betting sites, but on the entire NBA postseason, including the NBA Finals, as well.  

Michigan sports betting has been officially legalized since 2019, with a flurry of activity occurring beginning in March 2020 with the opening of three retail sportsbooks. While the COVID-19 pandemic naturally served as a notable early bump in the road to initial growth in the state, Michigan eventually made up for lost time and officially rolled out the critical online component of its sports betting industry in January 2021.

Most of the major names in online sportsbooks had their brands up and running in Michigan in fairly short order shortly thereafter. That led to the state racking up over $100 million in handle over the first 10 days that Michigan legal online sportsbooks were operational. A handful of additional online sports betting apps have debuted over time, leading to a total of 14 being operational as of June 2022.

Below is a timeline of key moments in Michigan sports betting history:

• June 2022: DraftKings Michigan announces a forthcoming retail sportsbook at Brimley's Bay Mills Resort & Casino in the fall while also revealing plans to open a temporary version on June 22.
• April 2022: Soaring Eagle Casino becomes the latest online sports betting app to gain approval in Michigan after also opening a retail location, Ascend Sportsbook, earlier in the month.
• January 2021: Online sports betting debuts in Michigan and generates over $100 million dollars in handle over the first 10 days.
• May 2020: Retail sportsbooks begin to slowly reopen on a limited basis.
• March 2020: The first legal bets in Michigan are placed at three retail sportsbooks – MGM Grand Detroit, Greektown Casino and Motor City Casino. However, the COVID-19 pandemic shuts those locations down shortly after their March 11-12 launch.
• December 2019: Governor Gretchen Whitmer signs a comprehensive gaming bill, the Lawful Sports Betting Act, that includes legalized sports betting, online poker and online gaming.

Michigan Sports Betting Bill 

Michigan's path to the eventual comprehensive gaming bill that authorized sports betting in the state, the Lawful Sports Betting Act, was a rather circuitous one.

The state actually began working on legalizing internet gambling approximately three years before the Supreme Court struck down PASPA (Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act) in May 2018, and a bill that was passed by the legislature later that year was vetoed by the outgoing governor.

Governor Whitmer eventually passed a 2019 version of that legislation into law, setting the stage for the robust Michigan sports betting market that exists today.

Michigan sports betting law hasn't proven to be one filled with onerous requirements and restrictions, engendering one of the country's more profitable environments among states that have legalized, regulated sports betting.

Some of the essential components of the Lawful Sports Betting Act are:

• Bettors must be at least 21 years of age to open a sportsbook account.
• Wagers is legal on both professional and college sports.
• Wagering on high school sports or most non-sports entertainment events is illegal.
• Employees of college and professional sports leagues/organizations or sports teams are not allowed to place wagers.
• Any user wishing to place a bet must be physically located within state borders and be verified as such through a Michigan online casino or sports betting app's geolocation technology.
• Online sportsbooks must be partnered with a land-based casino to operate in Michigan.
• Sportsbooks must pay an 8.4 percent tax on sports betting revenue, with Detroit's land-based casinos also paying a 1.25 percent tax to the city.
• Sportsbooks must pay an initial $50,00 application fee to gain a license and then pay an operating fee of $50,000 annually.

The full text of the Lawful Sports Betting Act can be accessed here.

Michigan sports betting has quickly developed into a profitable and thriving industry within the Wolverine State. The proliferation and appealing balance between retail sportsbooks and online sports betting apps give the state's sports betting enthusiasts a widespread, flexible array of legal sports betting options.

Moreover, the state's unquestioned passion for both college and professional sports and its robust selection of teams makes betting on local favorites make for a fruitful sports betting ecosystem.