In Michigan, online sports betting is now fully legal and regulated, and at MI Gaming Review you will find honest reviews and analyses of the best MI online sportsbooks and apps. You will also find information about welcome bonuses and promotions, along with the latest news about the online gaming industry in Michigan. Before you choose to sign up for an online sportsbook in Michigan, be sure to check our reviews so you can get the best deal that is right for you!
Each Michigan online sports betting review provides information about the various aspects that will affect your experience and enjoyment. We make it easy to find out about the welcome bonuses and any ongoing promotions. You can also get the latest news and updates on what’s happening in the Great Lakes State.
Online sportsbooks launched in Michigan in January 2021. Now, sports fans in Michigan have the ability to partake in online sports betting at sites that are 100% legal and regulated. With so many amazing legal options available, Michiganders no longer have to turn to dangerous illegal offshore sites to be able to get a wager down on their favorite Michigan sports team, or any team for that matter. Instead, you can trust your wagers with vetted, legal sportsbooks that pay state taxes, which directly benefit your community. All of the sportsbooks reviewed on MI Gaming Review are 100% legal and safe, so you can focus on your bets without worrying about things like identity theft, stolen deposits, or money laundering. Read on to understand the crucial factors that will help you choose the Michigan online sports betting operator that is right for you.
And, there are also legal and regulated online casinos and online poker rooms available in Michigan for those that are looking for variety in their online gambling experience.
Types of Online Sports Betting Bonuses Available in Michigan
When looking to sign up to a Michigan online sports betting site, one of the first things you will encounter is the multitude of welcome bonus offers. It is important to understand which bonuses will provide you with the greatest value. Some will seem generous but will have tight restrictions or they might not suit your betting style. Others may seem less attractive but will be easy to claim your cash-outs and provide a boost to your bankroll.
Most sportsbooks offer three ways for customers to get something extra. The first is a welcome bonus, which you can only claim once — when you first sign up or make your first deposit. The second is through regular promotions, which are usually connected to specific events or are released on either a weekly or monthly basis.
You might also find a sports betting site with a loyalty program. The more you bet, the more points you earn. Points mean special offers and other perks that you can claim.
Here are the main types of bonuses and promotions that you can expect to find:
Deposit Bonuses
These offers are frequently seen in welcome bonus packages. They are linked to your initial deposit or first few deposits. Typically, the sportsbook will match the amount that you add, usually by 100%. For example, if you add $50 to your account, the operator will give you $50 in bonus funds or bonus bets to spend on the site.
This bonus type usually comes with wagering restrictions. You might need to use the funds on bets with odds at a certain level, and the extra bets often come with an expiration date as well. Generally, a welcome bonus is an excellent way to explore a new sportsbook without so many risks involved.
Additionally, existing players may also see these types of bonuses targeted at them from time to time. Commonly referred to as Reload Bonuses, these types of deposit bonuses are usually a great way to get some extra value out of your sports betting play.
Bonus Bets
Instead of getting bonus funds, you could be given bonus bets. These are sometimes included in the operator’s welcome package, or as part of a rewards program, or they could be part of a standalone promotion, usually triggered by placing bets on a specific event. Bonus bets allow you to place bets without using any of your real money balance.
Bonus bets usually come in set amounts. For example, you might receive $20 of extra bets in four sets of $5, which you can then use to place bets of that same designated value. They often have an expiry date but not too many other restrictions.
Insurance on Parlays
Parlays involve a combination of bets. There are more risks involved in these because, if only one of the bets that make up the parlay wins, you lose. However, there is also a high reward, as the odds are combined to give you bigger payouts.
Generous sportsbooks give you parlay insurance, which means if you lose by one leg, then you get your stake back. This helps to mitigate the risk so you can build the bets you want while trying to land that big payout.
Boosted Payouts
These are promotions that pop up frequently for different sports and bet types. When you place a parlay wager or a regular bet on a particular event — or on a specific day — and win, you can expect more than the usual amount of winnings.
The sportsbook boosts your winnings, often by as much as 20%. You receive this bonus as cash, which you can either withdraw or use to place another bet.
Refer a Friend
Many sports betting sites run referral rewards programs. When you tell your friends and family about the site and get them to sign up for an account of their own via your dedicated referral link or promo code, you get a bonus.
You usually receive this bonus in the form of bonus bets, and your friends usually get something extra too by using the special link. It is a win-win for everyone and an easy way to get a reward.
What Sports You Can Bet On in Michigan
A core part of a Michigan sportsbook is the list of available sports you will find on the operator’s website. The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) determined which sports are available for wagers, leaving the different gambling sites with plenty of choices to offer bettors.
The best sportsbooks provide a varied list of sports and a reasonable range of markets. Betting depends on your personal style, and you will want your favorites to be included, so checking the lists of sports offered in the operator review will help guide you. Beyond the big tournaments, you will also want some exciting options to keep you active all year.
Generally, you should expect all of the major leagues to be covered. The markets for soccer, football, basketball, baseball, and hockey should have some depth, including national, international, and college games. The top sportsbooks also include lesser-known sports or smaller events with at least three or four different bet types.
Because both US and international sports are included, you’re provided plenty of betting opportunities at any time of day (or night).
Here are the sports that you will see featured:
- Australian rules football
- Baseball
- Basketball
- Bowling
- Boxing
- Cycling
- Darts
- Football
- Golf
- Hockey
- Lacrosse
- MMA
- Olympics
- Rugby League
- Rugby Union
- Snooker
- Specials
- Soccer
- Softball
- Tennis
- Volleyball
Types of Sports Bets Available in Michigan
While determining which Michigan sportsbook is the best fit for you, considering the types of bets offered is just as important as the types of sports. When looking for value in a wager or finding an edge, you will want to find various aspects of a game or an event to bet on.
From the three common straight bets to other entertaining wager types, read on to learn all you need to know in our guide below.
Straight Bets
Straight bets involve one event, making them the opposite of a parlay. There are three main types, and these are usually the first odds that you see displayed for any sports game.
Point-spread
The bookmaker sets the odds in a way to separate the two teams playing, which is called the spread. For example, the favorite team might need to win by five points. If you bet on them and they win, but only by three points, then you lose the bet.
In this type of scenario, if you bet on the losing team and the winners do not meet the point spread set by the sportsbook, then you could still win your wager.
Totals
Also known as over-under bets, when you wager on totals, you need to look at more than just the odds. Listed above them will be a target score. It is then up to you to wager on whether the team will score more or less than that amount.
Money Line
The most familiar and easiest bets to understand are called money lines, which is where you simply choose which team you think will win. The crucial thing to pick up on from money line odds is how much you will need to bet to see a particular return. Minus odds, such as -140, show you that a team could be considered the favorite, and, in this example, you would need to bet $140 to win $100 in profit.
On the other hand, plus odds, such as +160, are usually given to the underdog. It means if you bet $100 and they win, you get $160 in profit.
Parlays
Instead of single or straight bets on one event, these bets combine several matches to make a series of predictions. The odds are added together to create an even bigger payout. Of course, the more events in your parlay, the more chances there are for things to go wrong.
You need each match or leg of your parlay to be successful in order to win the bet. Parlays are incredibly popular, particularly because you can bet a small amount, but still stand to win a lot. Some sportsbooks offer parlay builders or types of parlays called round robins, where bet selections are suggested based on your match inputs.
Teasers
Teasers are a type of parlay bet. You will have multiple selections and, if you include point-spread or totals bets, you will have the opportunity to adjust the lines slightly. The amount you can change the line by depends on the sport, but you can usually pick a number between four and 10.
Futures
Most bets are placed either shortly before a match takes place or once it has already started. However, with future bets, you are making predictions weeks or months ahead of an event. These wagers are usually for predicting the outright winners of tournaments or predicting the top three or four finishers.
Live In-Game Betting
You might also see live bets referred to as in-play bets. These are wagers that take place once the game or sporting event has already started. You might have an opportunity to live-stream via the sportsbook itself and, as scores and personnel change during the match, you can place new bets. The odds are updated live to reflect the current status, making it a fast-paced way to wager.
Prop Bets
These bets are a proposition. They don’t depend on the outcome of the game. Instead, they are tied to a particular action or player. It could be based on whether or not they score, the number of field goals, or any other kind of activity connected to the sport.
How to Bet on Sports Legally in Michigan
Protecting your financial details and personal data while gaming online comes above everything else. That is why finding a safe and secure sports betting site is paramount. In the Michigan online sportsbook reviews that you can find on this site, you will find out whether a site is legitimate and if you can trust it. That way, you can enjoy your gambling without any stress or headaches.
All operators featured on Mi Gaming Review are 100% legal and secure. To feel comfortable using a sportsbook, you should always make sure that it’s licensed and regulated — that means the MGCB has reviewed its processes and that the betting site is adhering to specific rules and laws set in place to protect you.
How to Tell if a Sportsbook is Legal and Regulated
There are several ways to recognize whether a sports betting site has a license, is a legal operation, and is regulated. The easiest way is to check MI Gaming Review to see if the sportsbook is featured or reviewed. If it is, you are assured that the site is 100% legal for players in Michigan. If can’t find it on MIGR, then you are most likely looking at a risky and illegal offshore betting site.
Another way to tell if an online sportsbook is legal in Michigan is to look for the seal or the name of the gaming regulator, the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB), on the site or in the app. All legal sportsbooks in Michigan will identify themselves as being licensed by the MGCB.
There will also be information (and sometimes a logo) for the Michigan land-based casino with which the online sportsbook has partnered. Seeing this information is a clear indication that you are viewing a legal online sportsbook.
In the footer of the website, you should find Responsible Gaming information specific to Michigan, along with the name of the company operating the online sportsbook, which you will recognize from reviews on this site. You will also find essential information, such as a privacy policy, terms and conditions, and license details.
You can check to see what customer support options that the site offers. Most reputable operators will include at least one contact method. Ideally, you will be able to use live chat, fill out a contact form or get an email address, and either a phone number will be listed or you’ll be able to request a callback.
How to Choose the Best Online Sportsbook in Michigan
Identifying the right sports betting app for you starts with safety. Once you are sure that the Michigan online sportsbook that you are considering has a license, you can begin to look at other criteria. Here are the primary factors that could affect your decision.
Choose a Licensed and Regulated Sports Betting App
Before you register for an account, make sure that the sportsbook that you have chosen can legally operate in Michigan. It needs to have been granted a license by the MGCB and be regulated by them in order to offer real money sports betting. The section above points out the key signs of a reputable operator.
As a shortcut, you can just look to see if there is a review for the online sporstbook you are considering on MIGamingReview.com”, as we only review completely legal and regulated online gaming sites in Michigan.
Find a Good Welcome Bonus
You will want to consider the exciting array of Michigan online sports betting bonuses before you commit to one site. In each sportsbook review, you can find out what incentives it offers to new customers.
The best sports betting sites provide a generous amount of bonus bets when you sign up or deposit. Crucially, there should not be too many restrictions on how you can use the bets or whether you can withdraw your winnings.
Make Sure There Is a Mobile App for Your Phone
A significant amount of wagers now take place on smartphones and tablets. You should take a look at the best Michigan online sports betting apps before you register for an account. If 90% of your interactions will happen on your phone, you need to know that there is an app available for your iOS or Android device.
Another important consideration is whether the app has the same bonuses and features as the desktop site. You will also want to know whether the app looks good, loads quickly, and is easy to navigate.
Rewards Program
A vital part of Michigan online sportsbook reviews is looking at the loyalty schemes. Most operators find ways to reward their customers, but you will want to know the details before you sign up. You should check to find out whether the program is based on points, how to register, and how the tier system works.
The main focus of a reward program is the perks. You can find out what benefits you get and how often they are awarded.
Look for Good Promotions
Besides the welcome bonus and the loyalty scheme, you will want to check out the Michigan online sports betting promotions. These offers give you the chance to benefit every week or month, depending on the sportsbook.
It is best to find out whether they have specific promotions linked to your favorite sports. These could be connected to big events or even based on a particular type of bet. The number of promotions is a useful gauge, but the variety, frequency, and type are equally important.
Convenient Deposit and Withdrawal Options
Real money payments make online betting possible. You will need funds to get started, and the best feeling comes from withdrawing your winnings. That is why a little time spent considering the banking options can help you choose the right Michigan sportsbook.
It should have a variety of choices for payment methods clearly listed. Included on this list should be at least one payment option that you are already familiar with and use. This will make the paying and withdrawal process much more easy and convenient for you. Other considerations are the processing times and any fees associated with deposits and withdrawals.
How to Start Placing Sports Bets Online in Michigan
The Michigan online sports betting sites are enticing, and now that you know how to choose the best one for you, you are ready to get started.
Follow this handy guide and you’ll be placing bets or setting up your first parlay in no time.
- Follow the link to register. Each review will include a direct link to the operator that takes you right to the page for signing up.
- Create an account. Sportsbook reviews also include guides on how to complete the registration process. You will need some personal details when you sign up. Be prepared by having your name, email address, address, date of birth, and the last four digits of your social security number close by. You will also need to create a username and password, which will be your credentials for accessing the site and app.
- Verify your identity. As part of the registration process, you will need to confirm that you are over 21 and that the details you have entered are correct. Your social security number digits help to verify your identity. You might also need to upload photos of your government-issued ID to prove that you are the account owner. Once that is complete, you can proceed with other activities on the site.
- Download the app. Once you know your account is up and running, you can find the sports betting app right here. Log in using the same credentials, and you’ll have hundreds of potential bets available right there in your hand.
- Make a deposit. To get started, you will need some funds. If you are interested in a welcome bonus, it is best to check the details first. That way, you know the minimum and maximum amounts to deposit in order to claim your reward. Head to the cashier page, select your desired payment method, and enter the amount.
- Register for bonuses. Some operators will give you a chance to opt-in or claim a bonus when you sign up, while others will ask you to do so when making your initial deposit. Before you click complete, check the information in the sportsbook review to see whether you need a bonus code, if you have to tick a box, or if no action is required to receive your reward.
FAQs
When did Michigan start allowing sports betting?
Sports gambling was legalized at the end of 2019. The first land-based operators emerged in 2020 and online sports betting was soon to follow. It took some time for licenses to be issued and for the structure of the apps and websites to be created. However, by January 2021, players had ten different sportsbooks to choose from and more are on the way.
Can I legally bet on sports in Michigan from my phone?
Yes. There are several mobile sports betting apps available in Michigan. You can download them to your device of choice and log in using the same account details as the desktop site. As smartphones and other devices are portable, you also need to use a geolocation application to show that you are physically in the state of Michigan when placing your bets.
Can I bet on college sports in Michigan?
Yes. While some states restrict college sports gambling, that is not the case for Michigan. All kinds of college sports bets are available, including NCAA games. You won’t find prop bets on individual players, but team proposition bets are allowed. High school sports are not available for betting.
How old do you have to be to bet on sports in Michigan?
The legal age for placing a wager online or in-person in the state of Michigan is 21 or over. You will need to prove your age using your date of birth and the last four digits of your social security number when you create an account. You will need to confirm that you are 21 or older as you complete the process. Many sites prevent minors from betting by asking users to provide photographic identification before the initial payment is processed.
