State guide
Michigan Sports Betting Guide
Michigan is one of the most established legal sports betting markets in the Midwest. With retail sportsbooks at casinos and a strong lineup of licensed online apps, bettors in the Wolverine State can wager on a wide range of professional and college events. This guide explains which Michigan sportsbooks are legal, how to sign up, key rules on college betting and player props, how taxes work, and how to bet safely under Michigan law.
View best Michigan sportsbooksMust be 21 plus and physically located in Michigan to bet with a licensed sportsbook. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, contact the Michigan problem gambling helpline or call 1-800-GAMBLER. Help is free and confidential.
Is sports betting legal in Michigan
Yes. Sports betting is fully legal in Michigan. Lawmakers passed the Lawful Sports Betting Act in December 2019, paving the way for regulated wagering at commercial and tribal casinos across the state. Retail sportsbooks began taking bets on March 11, 2020, and online sports betting launched statewide on January 22, 2021 under the oversight of the Michigan Gaming Control Board.
Both in person and online betting are allowed. You can wager through licensed apps anywhere within Michigan borders, or visit retail sportsbooks at casinos and partner locations if you prefer to bet with cash and watch games on site.
- Sports betting law approved in 2019
- Retail betting launched March 2020
- Online betting launched January 22, 2021
- 21 plus and located in Michigan to bet
- Regulated by the Michigan Gaming Control Board
Best legal Michigan online sportsbooks
Michigan offers a strong lineup of licensed online sportsbooks. Major national brands such as DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, Caesars, BetRivers, bet365, Fanatics Sportsbook and others operate in partnership with Detroit casinos and tribal casinos around the state under Michigan Gaming Control Board regulation.
Having multiple legal options is a big advantage. Opening accounts at several books lets you compare odds, take advantage of different welcome offers and find the app that fits how you like to bet.
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Up to $1,300 New User Bonus | Deep market coverage and strong same game parlay tools. We love the the player props, live betting, golf and NFL markets. | Join | |
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Bet $1, Double Your Winnings On Next 20 Wagers | Integrated Caesars Rewards for hotel and dining value. Rewards program, promos tied to local teams and events. | Join | |
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Bet $5 Get $150 In Bonus Bets | Clean app experience and competitive odds on many sides and totals. Does a great job with same game parlays, live betting, and user friendly interface. | Join | |
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Up to $1,500 In Bonus Bets | Busy but powerful app with lots of live markets. Live betting, one game parlays, regular boosts and offers. | Join | |
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Up to $2,000 in No Sweat Bets FanCash | Fresh interfaces and aggressive promos as they build market. We like their promotions, live betting, newer features. | Join |
The lineup of Michigan sportsbooks can change as licenses are awarded or surrendered and as brands enter or leave the state. Always confirm that any app you use appears on the Michigan Gaming Control Board list of licensed sports betting operators before you deposit.
Key Michigan sports betting rules
Michigan’s sports betting framework is designed to be consumer friendly but still protect the integrity of competitions. Here are the basics that every bettor should know.
Who can bet in Michigan
- You must be at least 21 years old
- You must be physically located inside Michigan when placing a wager
- You must pass identity and age verification when you create an account
- You must bet only through your own account and cannot place wagers on behalf of others
What you can bet on
- Professional sports including NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, MLS and major international leagues
- College sports including in state teams such as Michigan and Michigan State
- Golf, tennis, motorsports, combat sports and many other approved events
- Futures like league champions, win totals and awards
- Team props, game props and live betting markets on approved events
- College player props, which are currently allowed in Michigan
What you cannot bet on
- High school sports or most youth competitions
- Events or bet types that are not approved by the Michigan Gaming Control Board
- Informal bets with unlicensed bookmakers or offshore sites that do not hold a Michigan license
As of late 2025, Michigan is one of the few states that still allows college player prop bets, including on in state programs. Regulators have discussed potential changes, so always check your sportsbook’s menu and official MGCB updates to confirm which college markets are available.
College sports betting in Michigan
Michigan is a very friendly state for college sports bettors. You can wager on in state programs like the Wolverines and Spartans as well as out of state teams, and for now both team markets and player props are available at licensed books.
Allowed on college sports
- Moneylines, spreads and totals on games involving Michigan and out of state schools
- Team futures such as conference titles and national championships
- Team props and many live betting markets where listed in the app
- College player props on individual statistics, subject to any updates from regulators or operators
Not allowed on college sports
- Wagers on high school events or lower level amateur contests
- Any college market that does not appear in the app due to regulatory or operator restrictions
- Using offshore books to place markets that are removed from licensed Michigan apps
Sports betting rules can evolve as regulators respond to integrity concerns. If a college market disappears from your app, assume it has been restricted and do not try to work around the rule with unlicensed operators.
Michigan sports betting taxes
Sports betting taxes in Michigan apply at two levels. Operators pay a wagering tax on revenue, and individual bettors are responsible for reporting taxable gambling winnings on federal and state returns.
Taxes on Michigan sportsbooks
- Sports betting revenue is generally taxed at about 8.4 percent of adjusted gross sports betting receipts
- Detroit casinos pay an additional city tax on top of the state sports betting tax
- Sports betting tax revenue helps fund state programs, education and local services
- Taxes are paid by operators based on revenue, not directly charged as a fee on each individual bet
Taxes on bettors and gambling winnings
- Sports betting winnings are taxable income at the federal level
- Michigan also taxes gambling winnings at the state income tax rate, which is about 4.25 percent
- Large wins may trigger automatic withholding and forms such as a W-2G from the sportsbook
- You are responsible for tracking and reporting your net gambling winnings when you file your taxes
This is general tax information and not personal tax advice. Talk to a tax professional about how sports betting winnings fit into your federal and Michigan tax situation, especially if you wager frequently or in larger amounts.
Retail sportsbooks in Michigan
In addition to online apps, Michigan offers retail sportsbooks at commercial casinos in Detroit and at many tribal casinos around the state. These locations often share branding and account links with the same sportsbooks that you can use from your phone.
What to expect at Michigan retail sportsbooks
- Sports lounges with large screens showing multiple live events
- Staffed betting windows and self service kiosks
- Cash deposits and withdrawals that can be linked to your online account at some locations
- On site promos for big game days and major events involving local teams
Retail locations and brand partnerships can change over time as licenses are updated. The Michigan Gaming Control Board publishes the official list of licensed casinos and their sports betting partners.
How to start betting in Michigan
Getting started with legal sports betting in Michigan is simple. You can complete the entire process from your phone or laptop in just a few minutes.
- Choose one or more licensed Michigan sportsbook apps you want to try.
- Download each app or visit the official website and select Michigan as your state.
- Create an account with your name, address, date of birth and the last four digits of your Social Security number or other requested identification.
- Enable location services so the app can verify that you are physically inside Michigan.
- Make your first deposit using online banking, debit card, credit card where allowed, or an approved wallet.
- Review the welcome offer terms so your first bet or deposit qualifies for any bonus.
- Place your first wager and track odds, results and promotions within the app.
For most bettors, having at least two or three Michigan sportsbook accounts is ideal. Multiple apps let you compare lines, shop for the best price on each bet and rotate through promotions without over betting one book.
Compare top Michigan sportsbooksSmart tips for Michigan sports bettors
A mature legal market is great for players, but it is still easy to make emotional decisions in the moment. A few simple habits can help you enjoy Michigan sportsbooks without letting betting take over your life.
Positive habits
- Set a clear weekly or monthly betting budget and stick to it
- Use multiple legal books to compare lines and odds
- Focus most of your action on sports and markets you follow closely
- Keep a simple log of bets, stakes, odds and results
- Use deposit, loss or time limits inside apps if you feel tempted to overbet
Things to avoid
- Chasing losses with bigger or more frequent bets
- Relying on unlicensed offshore books to find risky markets
- Sharing your account or letting friends bet through your login
- Letting betting interfere with work, relationships or finances
If betting stops feeling fun or you feel out of control, visit Michigan’s responsible gaming resources or call 1-800-GAMBLER. Support is available at no cost and is always confidential.
Michigan sports betting FAQ
When did sports betting become legal in Michigan
Michigan approved legal sports betting in 2019. Retail sportsbooks opened on March 11, 2020, and online and mobile betting launched statewide on January 22, 2021 under the Michigan Gaming Control Board. Since then the market has grown to include many licensed brands and both commercial and tribal partners.
How old do you have to be to bet on sports in Michigan
You must be at least 21 years old to place legal sports bets in Michigan, whether online or at a retail sportsbook. Operators verify your age and identity when you sign up and may request documents before certain withdrawals.
Do I have to live in Michigan to use Michigan sportsbooks
No. You do not need to be a Michigan resident, but you must be physically located inside the state when you place a wager. Sportsbooks use geolocation technology to confirm your location. You can still log in and check your account from out of state, but you cannot bet until you are back in Michigan.
Can you bet on Michigan college teams
Yes. Michigan allows betting on in state college teams such as Michigan and Michigan State, as well as on out of state college programs. You can wager on game lines, futures, team props and, for now, on player props as long as they appear in your licensed sportsbook app.
Are college player prop bets legal in Michigan
At this time, Michigan is one of the few states that allow college player prop betting. That means you may see markets on individual college statistics for both in state and out of state teams in licensed apps. Regulators have discussed potential changes, so always rely on the current menu in your sportsbook and official notices from the Michigan Gaming Control Board.
Do I have to pay taxes on sports betting winnings in Michigan
Yes. Sports betting winnings are taxable at both the federal and Michigan state level. The state income tax rate is about 4.25 percent, and larger wins may trigger tax forms or automatic withholding. Keep records of deposits, withdrawals and results, and consult a tax professional if you are unsure how to report gambling income.
Is it safe to use offshore sportsbooks in Michigan
Offshore and unlicensed sportsbooks are not regulated by Michigan and do not provide the same consumer protections as legal operators. If something goes wrong with your funds or bets, your options are limited. For secure payments, fair odds and access to formal dispute resolution, stick to sportsbooks that hold a Michigan sports betting license and appear on the Michigan Gaming Control Board operator list.