Find the Top 10 Casino Apps in 2021 - We review the best mobile online casino apps for your device. Learn how to install apps to get FREE welcome bonuses! The Best of the Best. We are commited to recruiting, retaining and developing employees who are 'the best of the best' regardless of color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, or national origin. Virtually all online casinos these days have a mobile app available. That includes social casinos, no-deposit sweepstakes casinos, and, where they’re legal, real money online casinos. In many cases, the mobile casino actually comes first. Play money apps often don’t have a desktop version at all, while some real money casinos launch the app. Apple Social Casino Apps Up first, one of the most popular types of social gambling apps are those who have been explicitly designed for use on Apple devices. No matter if you’re planning to use an iPad.
Sports wagering apps are more important than ever for sports bettors in Nevada. The various sports wagering apps can make you a smarter sports bettor. The quick access to find the best point spread or odds can be at your fingertips.
We’ll look at both scenarios and why any sports bettor visiting or living in Nevada should use a sports wagering app.
The best sports betting apps in Nevada
Nevada sports betting apps: the who and the where
The various sports wagering apps don’t offer the same number of wagers, point spreads, or odds. The only thing they may have in common is the software platform.
For example, the information on the Westgate sports wagering app may have different point spreads and odds from what you’ll find on the Station Casinos app even though they use the same software and look similar.
Some sports wagering apps also allow you to wager on horse racing. These accounts may be separate, so you’ll have to fund two accounts instead of using just one.
Here’s a list of sports wagering apps by name with casino affiliation and links to download for iOs and Android devices:
Atlantis Sports – Atlantis Sports App
Download:
- App Store
- Android
B-Connected Sports – B Connected App
Sports Betting Casino Online
Download:
- App Store
- Android (sports and horses)
Aliante, Cannery, The California, Eastside Cannery, Fremont, Gold Coast, The Orleans, Sam’s Town, Suncoast (Main Street Station does not have a sportsbook)
Caesars – Caesars App
Download:
- App Store
- Android (sports and horses)
Harrah’s Las Vegas, Flamingo Las Vegas, The Cromwell, The LINQ, Bally’s Las Vegas, Paris Las Vegas, Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino, Caesars Palace, Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino, Harrah’s Laughlin, Harvey’s Resort Hotel/Casino, Harrah’s Casino Hotel Lake Tahoe, Harrah’s Casino Hotel Reno
CG Technology
Download:
- App Store
- Android
Cosmopolitan, Hard Rock, M Resort, The Palazzo, Palms (Station operates rest of casino, but not sportsbook), Silverton, Tropicana, The Venetian
Golden Nugget – Golden Nugget App
Download:
- App Store
- Android
Golden Nugget
MGM Resorts – BetMGM App
Download:
- App Store
- Android
Aria, Bellagio, Circus Circus, Excalibur, Luxor, Mandalay Bay, MGM Grand, The Mirage, Monte Carlo, New York-New York
South Point – NV Sports App
Download:
- App Store
- Android
Cannery, Eastside Cannery, Rampart, South Point
Station Casinos – STN Sports App
Download:
- App Store
- Android (sports and horses)
Station Casinos – Boulder Station, El Cortez, Fiesta Henderson, Fiesta Rancho, Green Valley Ranch, Palace Station, Red Rock Resort, Santa Fe Station, Sunset Station, Texas Station, Wildfire Casinos
South Point – South Point App
Download:
- App Store
- Android (only horse racing)
Treasure Island – TI Sports App
Download:
- App Store
- Android
Treasure Island
Westgate – Westgate Superbook App
Download:
- App Store
- Android
Westgate Las Vegas
William Hill – William Hill App
Download:
- App Store
- Android
Binion’s, The D, Downtown Grand, Ellis Island, Four Queens, Hooters, Plaza, Silver Sevens, SLS Las Vegas, Tuscany and more
Wynn – Wynn App
Download:
- App Store
- Android
Encore, Wynn
Sports betting is on the rise
There has been sort of a boon in sportsbook upgrades and renovations in the past five years.
Sportsbook operators and casinos in Las Vegas upgraded no fewer than 10 sportsbooks in 2016 alone. There will be even more sportsbook upgrades and renovations in 2018. These renovations are making the sportsbook a more comfortable place to watch the games.
When the sportsbook experience becomes better more people will spend time in the sportsbook. On a semi-related note, some sportsbooks are so nice that the operators are charging a premium for seats during busy days like NFL Sunday, March Madness, and the Super Bowl.
Chances are good that when someone visits a casino to watch a game that they will wager on the game.
The amount of money wagered on sports has increased every year since 2004 and shows no sign of slowing down.
The Nevada Gaming Control Board is approving more and more wagering opportunities for sportsbooks. The casinos and sportsbook operators are taking full advantage of the opportunity to the satisfaction of bettors and the casino bean counters.
More people in the sportsbook means more people betting and more business for the operator. This also means longer lines to wager on a regular basis.
Become a better sports bettor with apps
Not all sportsbooks offer the same point spreads and odds.
Funding multiple sports betting accounts allows you the ability to shop around for the best odds without hopping in your car and driving to multiple casinos to get current numbers. Even if you do want to visit a casino and wager in person, you can compare odds on your mobile device to choose the best sportsbook to place a wager.
Betting on sports isn’t easy. The 10 percent advantage for the sportsbook operator means that you’ll have to win 52.4 percent of your wagers just to break even.
Winning is even more difficult. Why not take advantage of technology and become a better sports bettor?
Why use sports wagering apps in Nevada?
The convenience of sports betting apps is helpful on busy sports weekends like the Super Bowl, March Madness, and any NFL Sunday. However, that’s not the only time the mobile apps come in handy.
The advantage of employing an app spills over to everyday sports betting since there are more people betting in Nevada than ever.
Nevada locals no longer have to drive to the casino to wager on a game. You’ll just need to be inside Nevada state lines. Heck, you can place a wager from your seat in the sportsbook if you’re comfortable and don’t want to walk to the counter to place a wager.
The majority of sports wagering app users live in Nevada. However, tourists should find the convenience of the sports wagering apps useful too. There’s more reason to use sports wagering apps since more people are visiting Las Vegas and Nevada for major events like the Super Bowl.
Who can use a sports wagering app in Nevada?
You must be at least 21 years old (legal gambling age in Nevada). In order to place a wager, you must be inside the state of Nevada. Signals are triangulated using both satellite and GPS to ensure you’re in Nevada.
Setting up a sports betting app and account
The process to set up a sports wagering account is painless but may take a few minutes.
The accounts must be set up in person at a sportsbook. You will need a casino players club card when you fill out the basic information form. The process takes about 3-4 minutes each for both the customer and representative to enter the data.
Once you have an account set up, you’ll have to deposit funds. Minimum deposits range from $25-$100.
Most sportsbook operators require that you deposit cash when setting up an account.
Sportsbooks have different policies for future funding. Some sportsbook operators will allow you to deposit funds into your account remotely and others won’t. Check with the sportsbook when signing up for your account since this changes with new technology.
New customer bonuses
William Hill and Station Casinos often have promotions for new customers.
William Hill may offer extra money in your account. Station Casinos may offer Boarding Pass players club points.
Players club points
Station Casinos is currently the only sportsbook operator who reward sports bets with players club points. Since many of the sports wagering apps require a players club account, this could change in the future.
When to use NV mobile sports betting apps
We’ve looked at the who, what, where, and why you should consider using sports wagering apps. Now we’re going to look at, specifically, when you should be using the sports wagering apps.
These apps can be useful all of the time for an avid sports bettor. However, you may not see the necessity if you’re not wagering on games very often. That may be true, but there are more than a few sports events throughout the year where they come in especially handy.
Having a sports wagering app for these events will greatly improve your sportsbook and sports betting experience.
Super Bowl
Super Bowl weekend is one of the busiest of the year for sports fans in Las Vegas. There will be no fewer than an extra 300,000 people visiting Las Vegas just for Super Bowl weekend.
Not only are there more people in Las Vegas than usual, but many will be in the sportsbook.
Many people visiting Las Vegas for the Super Bowl will be wagering on the game. The Super Bowl is typically the single most wagered-on the event of the year.
Beyond the number of people wagering on the game, there are more ways to wagers on the Super Bowl than any other event. There are approximately 10 times as many different wagering opportunities available via proposition bets.
The situation for the Super Bowl in a Las Vegas sportsbook is combustible. Not only are there a lot of people wagering on the game, but many of those bettors are new. Even experienced sports bettors can get tied up choosing from hundreds of proposition bets in the sportsbook.
The best way to avoid Super Bowl chaos in the sportsbook, and lines that take up to an hour, is to use a sports wagering app.
Once the account is funded, there’s no need to stand in line to place a wager. All you have to do is open the app, look at the hundreds of options, and place your bets. If you’re a winner and don’t want your money tied up, you can simply go to the sportsbook and withdraw funds after the game.
March Madness
While the Super Bowl may be the most wagered-on event, the first weekend of March Madness might be the busiest weekend for sports fans.
The first weekend of games begin on a Thursday and continues through Sunday night. The first game will tip off shortly after 9 a.m. every day. The games will end sometime around 9 p.m.
There are 32 college basketball games to wager on Thursday and Friday. There are another 16 games played on Saturday and Sunday.
You’ll find a line at the sportsbook to place wagers all day and night for all four days of the weekend.
Since March Madness brings out a lot of younger college basketball fans, either in college or just out of college, there are a lot of inexperienced bettors. The lines to place wagers are often much slower than usual.
More than one basketball bettor will be standing in a lengthy and sluggish line and miss getting in a last minute wager in before tip-off.
In additional to the long lines, a free seat in a sportsbook isn’t easy to come by during the first weekend of March Madness. Holding seats for a long time is frowned upon. If you have to wait in line for too long, you might lose your seat.
Not only will a sports wagering app help keep your seat in the sportsbook, but they’re are the best way to avoid lines during the first weekend of March Madness.
NFL Sunday
Football wagers comprise more revenue for casinos than all other sportscombined.
Not only is there a lot of money on the line, but there are a lot of people betting. Some football bettors are people who wager on football whenever they have time before the games.
However, not everyone will place wagers before game day.
Many football bettors wait for the last day to place wagers. Not only are they waiting until the day of the game to wager, but they often wait until an hour before the game(s). On Sundays, the NFL schedule has three time slots.
In Las Vegas games begin around 10 a.m., 1 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. Since the first time slot has the most games, there are usually more people looking to place wagers.
There are lines beginning to form as early as 8 a.m. on an NFL Sunday. No matter how fast the staff may work before kickoff, the lines to place wagers on the early Sunday games can take up to 30 minutes.
Once again, sports wagering apps can help you avoid the time crunch and get your wagers completed in time. You can even wager from your house or hotel room if you’re not ready to leave the bed.
Sports wagering apps are always an advantageous way to wager on sports in Nevada. They’re especially useful during the Super Bowl, March Madness, and football season.
Having an active account can come in handy for these events even if you’re not an avid sports bettor.
Image credit: f11photo / Shutterstock, Inc.
Michigan online sports betting is finally a reality for bettors. The Michigan Gaming Control Board announced a online sportsbook launch on January 22, 2021.
Both retail and online sportsbooks are allowed under the Michigan Lawful Sports Betting Act. Retail sportsbooks launched in early 2020. About a dozen sportsbook apps are part of the first round of Michigan online gaming apps. FOX Bet and Four Winds launched just after the first round of apps.
Commercial and tribal casinos can launch mobile sports betting platforms. The Michigan Gaming Control Board approved 15 different potential online sports betting operators late last year. This means more sportsbook apps will launch later in 2021.
Our Favorite Michigan Sports Betting Apps
- BetRivers: Best for Deposit Bonus
- WynnBet: Best for Sports & Casino Players
- William Hill: Best for New Bettors
- FanDuel: Best for iOS and Android App
- BetMGM: Best for Detroit Bettors
- DraftKings: Best for DFS Players
Michigan Sports Betting Updates
- Michigan off to a great start – Michigan’s first month with online gambling live proved to be a historic event. The state had a record-breaking launch.
- New online gambling operators join in – On February 15, the MGCB authorized Four Winds sports betting and online casino to launch. They partnered with Pala Interactive who provided the software.
- New online gambling operators join in – On January 29, the MGCB authorized FOX Bet and Poker Stars to go live with sports betting and casino gaming, respectively. Poker Stars also launched Michigan’s first online poker site. Barstool received approval to launch an online casino on the same day.
- Michigan sports betting begins with 10 sportsbooks live – 10 sportsbooks launched in the Great Lakes State on January 22, opening day for Michigan sports betting. These include BetRivers, William Hill, FanDuel, BetMGM, DraftKings, Golden Nugget, Barstool, TwinSpires, PointsBet, and Wynn.
- Michigan Gaming Control Board announced sports betting launch – On January 19, 2021, the MGCB announced that 9 sports betting apps would launch on January 22. The next day, the MGCB announced its approval of PointsBet, bringing the total number to 10.
- Michigan approves 15 online sports betting and casino licenses – The MGCB gave the green light to 15 different iGaming licenses on December 10. This action from the MGCB marks one of the final regulatory steps before Michigan’s online sportsbooks go live sometime in early 2021.
- Casinos reopen after a month-long shutdown – A COVID-19 emergency order forced Michigan’s trio of commercial casinos to shut down on November 18. The three casinos, all home to retail sportsbooks (MGM Grand Detroit, MotorCity Casino Hotel, Greektown Casino Hotel) reopened on December 21.
- Detroit Pistons partner with FanDuel, DraftKings – Michigan’s iconic NBA franchise announced simultaneous partnerships with both FanDuel and DraftKings. The agreements bring in the two top sports betting brands in the US as official sports betting partners of the Detroit Pistons.
- Barstool Sportsbook enters Michigan market – Greektown Casino Hotel announced a renovation and rebranding of its retail sportsbook. The land-based sports betting venue will be reintroduced as Barstool Sportsbook, the first retail sportsbook to bear the Barstool name.
Reviews Of Michigan’s 6 Best Sports Betting Apps & Sites
Best for Deposit Bonus
at BetRivers MI
Available On: iOS, Android, Web Browser
Best for Deposit Bonus
BetRivers Michigan
4.5
BetRivers ReviewDeposit Bonus
Retail Partner
Licensed by
BetRivers expansion across the US continues with the BetRivers Sportsbook MI platform. The selection of domestic and international sports put BetRivers on par with just about any other legal sports betting site in the US.
The welcome bonus at BetRivers presents one of the most player-friendly offers of any Michigan sportsbook. New players can unlock a 100% deposit match up to $250, with just a 1x playthrough requirement.
Excellent selection of international sports, deposit via Paypal
Best for Sports & Casino Players
at WynnBet MI
Available On: iOS, Android, Web Browser
Best for Sports & Casino Players
WynnBet Michigan
4.3
WynnBet ReviewRisk-Free Bet
Retail Partner
Licensed by
Back by the Wynn Casino brand, WynnBet is a relative newcomer on the market compared to other sportsbook apps in Michigan. Operating only in Michigan, Colorado, and New Jersey, it is anticipated that WynnBet will continue its expansion into other US markets. In the meantime, WynnBet offers a great alternative for Michigan bettors, including a competitive bonus offer and strong online casino offering.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS APPLY & 21+
Best for New Bettors
at William Hill MI
Available On: iOS, Android, Web Browser
States Accepted: MI, CO, IN, IA, NJ, NV, WV, VA, IL
Best for New Bettors
William Hill Michigan
4.2
Willaim Hill ReviewRisk-Free Bet
Retail Partner
Licensed by
The William Hill Sportsbook in Michigan brings a century-old sports betting brand from the UK to what will be one of the top online gaming markets in the country.
William Hill really stands apart from the other options in the state with an impressive market depth for international events, and their odds are competitive across the board.
But beyond that, William Hill largely falls a bit short with a less than competitive new player bonus.
Huge market depth, unique options for international sports, simple, straightforward platform, quality odds that compete well with competitors
Best for iOS and Android App
at FanDuel Sportsbook MI
Available On: iOS, Android, Web Browser
States Accepted: MI, NJ, PA, IL, IN, IA, CO, WV, TN, VA
Best for iOS and Android App
FanDuel Sportsbook Michigan
4.4
FanDuel Sportsbook ReviewRisk-Free Bet
Retail Partner
Licensed by
FanDuel Sportsbook offers just about everything a bettor could ask for in an online sportsbook. The domestic and international leagues available for wagering puts FanDuel Sportsbook in the top tier of legal mobile sports betting platforms in the US.
New players can take advantage of a risk-free bet up to $1,000 after making an initial deposit. Other unique promotions include parlay insurance, which offers up to $25 back on a five-leg or more parlay if all legs but one are winners.
Comprehensive selection of sports, ways to bet, and deposit options
Best for Detroit Bettors
at BetMGM MI
Available On: iOS, Android, Web Browser
States Accepted: MI, CO, IN, IA, NJ, NV, PA, TN, WV, VA
Best for Detroit Bettors
BetMGM Michigan
4.4
BetMGM ReviewRisk-Free Bet
Retail Partner
Licensed by
BetMGM Sportsbook functions as the sports betting branch of Michigan’s largest land-based casino, MGM Grand Detroit. BetMGM brings together a comprehensive sports betting platform that belongs on the go-to list for any serious bettor.
New Michigan bettors can claim up to a $600 risk-free bet bonus offer at BetMGM Michigan.
Robust number of available sports and ways to wager
Best for DFS Players
at DraftKings Sportsbook MI
Available On: iOS, Android, Web Browser
States Accepted: MI, CO, IN, IA, NJ, NV, PA, TN, WV, VA, NH
Best for DFS Players
DraftKings Michigan
4.0
DraftKings ReviewDeposit Bonus
Retail Partner
Licensed by
Michigan bettors of all experience levels should find plenty to like about DraftKings Sportsbook. The platform offers one of the most robust selections of sports among any legal online betting site.
The welcome bonus at DraftKings Sportsbook comes as a 20% deposit match up to $1,000. The sportsbook also offers a $100 bonus for each new player you refer to the site.
Wide array of sports, ways to bet, and deposit/withdrawal methods. Official sports betting partner of the Detroit Pistons.
All Michigan Online Sportsbooks Apps
| Sportsbook | Welcome Bonus | Casino Partner | Launch Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| BetRivers | 100% Deposit Match Up To $250 | Little River Casino Resort | 1/22/21 |
| William Hill | Risk free bet up to $2,021 | Turtle Creek Casino & Leelanau Sands Casino | 1/22/21 |
| FanDuel | Risk-free Bet Up To $1,000 | Motor City Casino Hotel | 1/22/21 |
| BetMGM | Risk-free Bet Up To $600 | MGM Grand Detroit | 1/22/21 |
| PointsBet | Two Risk-free Bets Up To $2,000 | Northern Waters Casino Resort | 1/22/21 |
| DraftKings | 20% Deposit Match Up To $1,000 | Bay Mills Resort & Casino | 1/22/21 |
| Golden Nugget | Risk-free Bet Up To $100 | Ojibwa Casino | 1/22/21 |
| Barstool | $1,000 Risk Free Bet | Greektown Casino Hotel | 1/22/21 |
| WynnBet | $1000 Risk Free Bet | Kewadin Casino | 1/22/21 |
| Twin Spires (formerly BetAmerica) | One week risk-free betting up to $1000 | Island Resort & Casino | 1/22/21 |
| FOX Bet | Risk-free Bet Up To $500 | Odawa Casino | 1/29/21 |
| Four Winds Sportsbook | $200 Deposit Match Bonus | Four Winds Casinos | 2/15/21 |
| Fire Keepers Sportsbook | TBA | Fire Keepers Casino And Hotel | TBA (Expected 2021) |
| Parx Sportsbook | Risk-free Bet Up To $500 | Gun Lake Casino | TBA (Expected 2021) |
How To Place A Bet In Michigan
Choosing An Online Sportsbook In Michigan
Michigan’s online sports betting market includes at least 14 mobile sportsbooks approved by the MGCB, nine of which launched on day one. Each different sportsbook offers different welcome promotions, betting markets, and odds.
Gaming Today continuously updates this page with the latest information on Michigan’s mobile sports betting apps. You can use the information here to evaluate which sportsbooks suit your preferences.
Make A Deposit
The most reliable deposit options for Michigan bettors include PayPal and ACH/eCheck. The Play+ prepaid card, available at most sportsbooks, offers another convenient and secure deposit method.
Mobile sportsbooks put several different deposit options at your fingertips, allowing you to fund your account from anywhere in the state.
Verify Your Location
Michigan’s mobile sportsbooks use geolocation technology to determine your location when you log in. You must be located within Michigan borders to place a bet at a state-regulated sportsbook.
If the geolocation service determines that you’re out-of-state, you’ll be blocked from betting until you’re back in Michigan.
How To Register An Account
Once you’ve chosen an online sportsbook, you’ll need to provide proof of age and identity before you can deposit and start betting.
The sportsbook will ask you for a valid identification document (driver’s license, state-issued ID) to confirm these details. Once your documents are verified, you can navigate to the cashier and make your first deposit.
How To Place A Bet
Michigan’s mobile sports betting apps provide unprecedented ease of access to betting markets on sports events around the globe.
Most sportsbooks offer a user-friendly interface that allows you to browse all available sports, and then leagues and games within that sport. Placing a bet requires just a couple of clicks.
Clicking on a line of your choice puts the wager on your bet slip. Once there, you’ll have to click on “Confirm” or a similar link to send your bet to the sportsbook.
Legal Sportsbooks Versus Offshore Betting Sites
With no less than 14 online sportsbooks coming to Michigan, bettors will enjoy access to an entire new world of legal sportsbooks. All state-regulated sportsbooks will bear the seal of approval from the Michigan Gaming Control Board.
Any online sports betting site not displaying that seal is operating illegally in the US. These offshore sites can’t guarantee the same level of security and accountability as their legal counterparts.
Putting your money down on an offshore gambling site isn’t worth the risk, especially with so many legal options at the disposal of Michigan players. If you deposit at an offshore site, you might never see that money again.
Michigan Sports Betting Revenue
While online sports betting has yet to launch in Michigan, the state’s three commercial casinos all opened retail sportsbooks in 2020.
After nearly five months shut down due to a COVID-19 emergency order, the trio of Detroit-based commercial casinos reopened in early August. The casinos could only allow 15% capacity, but the land-based sportsbooks at each performed well under those conditions.
October marked the last full month of operations for the commercial sportsbooks before another shutdown in November. The three Detroit sportsbooks (MGM Grand Detroit, MotorCity Casino Hotel, Greektown Casino Hotel) brought in $7.6 million in combined revenue in October.
In leading sports betting markets like New Jersey and Pennsylvania, mobile wagering produces around 90% of overall sports betting revenue. The $7.6 million revenue figure for Michigan in October doesn’t include mobile wagering, and also excludes revenue from tribal casinos.
With all of those factors in mind, the October performance of Michigan’s commercial sportsbooks points to big things in 2021 for Michigan’s sports betting industry.
How Michigan Sports Betting Compares To Other States
Illinois
In less than a year, Illinois has emerged as the nation’s fourth-largest sports betting market in terms of overall wagering handle.
Illinois sportsbooks brought in $434 million in handle in October of last year, with more than 94% of those bets coming from mobile sportsbooks. DraftKings, BetRivers, and FanDuel dominate the Illinois online sports betting market.
The Illinois market currently includes those brands, as well as William Hill and PointsBet. Michigan bettors will enjoy access to several other different options compared to Illinois, which could lead to Michigan eclipsing Illinois in the US sports betting economy.
Indiana
Another Midwest state with a flourishing sports betting market, Indiana took nearly $231 million in handle in October 2020. The Hoosier State stands as the No. 5 sports betting market in the US, right behind Illinois.
Indiana’s land-based and online sportsbook market somewhat resembles what’s on the way in Michigan. FanDuel and DraftKings operate as the top two choices in Indiana’s mobile sports betting market, a trend that could likely carry over to Michigan.
Mobile wagering accounts for more than 75% of all bets in Indiana. Indiana’s online sportsbooks are on the way to going over the $100 million revenue mark for 2020.
Michigan Sports Betting Successes And Failures
Sports Betting Successes For Michigan
Michigan’s potential as a top-five US sports betting market attracted the industry’s biggest brands to the state. At least 14 different online sportsbooks are approved in Michigan, with 9 apps launching on the first day of online gaming.
Michigan’s attractive tax rates (8.4% on mobile and retail sports betting revenue), rich sports tradition, and the number of available land-based casino partners successfully drew the giants of the sports betting industry to the state.
DraftKings, FanDuel, BetRivers, BetMGM, and William Hill represent just a few of the companies slated to launch online sportsbooks in Michigan. Michigan’s sports betting scene will offer a selection of different online sportsbooks that rivals any US state.
What Could Improve For Michigan’s Sports Betting Industry
After sports betting legalization got the green light in late 2019, 2020 ended up as a year of uncertainty and mixed messages about the launch of online sports betting in the state.
The Michigan Gaming Control Board pushed for a late-2020 launch of online sports betting, but the year ended with mobile sportsbooks still on hold.
Every week that went by without a launch of online sports betting, Michigan’s casinos lose out on significant potential revenue. This delay was remedied by the first sports betting apps launching in time to place bets on the Super Bowl. Still, there are additional gaming apps that have been approved but are delayed in their launch.
Sports Betting Legalization Effort In Michigan
A sports betting legalization bill passed through the state House and Senate in 2018, and it appeared that Michigan was poised to become the next US state with legal sports betting.
Needing only a signature from then-Governor Rick Snyder, however, the 2018 effort was nullified by a veto from Snyder just days before his gubernatorial term ended.
That setback reset the Michigan sports betting legalization effort back to square one. A 2019 version of a sports betting bill once again passed through the House and Senate, and this time got the final signature from new Governor Gretchen Whitmer.
Retail Sportsbooks Launch In Michigan
The sports betting bill approved both retail and online sports betting in Michigan. The state’s three Detroit-based commercial casinos all opened sportsbooks on their properties in March 2020, only to shut down just days later due to a COVID-19 emergency order.
Commercial casinos reopened in August, with all three resuming retail sportsbooks operations. Some of Michigan’s tribal casinos opened land-based sportsbooks throughout the year as well, as tribal properties aren’t bound by state-issued emergency orders.
Nine online sportsbooks launched on January 22, 2021, ending months of speculation as to when the MGCB would give Michigan sports betting the official green light to start accepting bets.
Michigan Sports Betting Timeline
- December 2018 – After passing through the state House and Senate, a sports betting bill gets vetoed by outgoing Gov. Rick Snyder.
- December 2019 – Sports betting legislation once again goes through the two state chambers, and this time gets the needed signature from Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to go into law.
- March 2020 – Michigan’s three Detroit-area commercial casinos open retail sportsbooks. All three casinos are forced to shut down just days later, however, due to COVID-19 emergency orders.
- August 2020 – Not bound by the state’s COVID-19 order, FireKeepers Casino becomes the first Michigan tribal property to open a retail sportsbook.
- August 2020 – Commercial casinos get the green light to reopen, allowing their retail sportsbooks to operate uninterrupted until a second shutdown in November.
- September 2020 – The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) finalizes rules for the state’s sports betting industry.
- November 2020 – A monthly MGCB meeting alludes to a possible early-2021 launch of online sports betting. The meeting dampens hopes of a late-2020 launch.
- January 19, 2021 – After a January 12, 2021 meeting, the MGCB officially announced that the first bets would be placed in Michigan on Friday, January 22, 2021.
Michigan’s Sports Teams
Professional Sports Franchises In Michigan
Detroit Red Wings
Detroit’s “Hockeytown” nickname comes as a result of the success and popularity of the Detroit Red Wings. The Red Wings status as 11-time Stanley Cup champions bolsters the franchise’s reputation as perhaps the most beloved Michigan professional sports franchise.
Casino Betting Apps Free
Michigan’s legal sportsbooks offer betting markets on the Red Wings throughout the NHL season. When the Red Wings make a playoff appearance, Michigan bettors can wager on the Detroit hockey franchise through the Stanley Cup Finals.
Detroit Tigers
The lineage of the Detroit Tigers goes back to 1894. Detroit’s Major League Baseball franchise boasts four World Series Championships, with the most recent of those coming in 1984.
The Tigers have made five playoff appearances and two American League championships since the turn of the century. Moneyline, run line (aka point spread), parlays, and prop bets on the Tigers are available throughout the regular season and playoffs at Michigan’s sportsbooks.
Detroit Lions
Longsuffering fans of the Detroit Lions still await the NFL franchise’s first Super Bowl appearance. The Lions lay claim to four NFL championships, but all four came in the 1950s and before the Super Bowl era.
The Lions have made three playoff appearances in the last decade. If and when the Lions do make a magical Super Bowl run, Michigan bettors will enjoy the full gamut of betting options on the Lions all the way through the championship game.
Detroit Pistons
The NBA’s Detroit Pistons stand as one of Michigan’s most successful sports franchises in the modern era. The Pistons have won three league championships since 1989, with the most recent of those coming in 2004.
The Pistons put together a string of six consecutive Eastern Conference Finals appearances from 2003-2008. The next era of greatness for the Pistons could be just around the corner, and fans will enjoy betting opportunities on the team through all rounds of the NBA Playoffs.
Michigan College Sports Teams
The Michigan Lawful Sports Betting Act permits betting on all college sports, including Michigan-based teams. In-game and player prop bets aren’t allowed, but all other kinds of betting on college sports are legal at Michigan’s sportsbooks.
College sports loyalty throughout the state is divided between two major programs – the Michigan Wolverines and the Michigan State Spartans.
University of Michigan Wolverines
One of the most storied college football programs in the country, the Michigan Wolverines play as a perennial powerhouse in the Big Ten Conference.
The Wolverines lay claim to 11 national championships and a staggering 42 conference titles since the inception of its football program in 1879.
The University of Michigan also competes for the Big Ten men’s basketball title on a regular basis. The program’s recent history includes five Sweet Sixteen appearances in the 2010s and eight overall appearances in the NCAA Tournament in that span.
Michigan State Spartans
The Michigan State University Spartans stand as one of the main rivals to the Michigan Wolverines in virtually every sport. Big Ten basketball and football matchups between the two schools provide Michigan sports fans with some of the most hyped events on the annual athletic calendar.
The football program went to the College Football Playoff in 2015 and has earned conference championships over its more than century-long history.
Legendary head coach Tom Izzo leads the Spartans men’s basketball program to the postseason virtually every year. The Spartans have clinched a March Madness berth in 22 consecutive seasons under Izzo.
Aside from in-game and player prop bets, both major Michigan programs can be wagered on throughout the regular season and playoffs, both in football and basketball.
Other Sports To Bet On In Michigan
All major domestic sports leagues will appear on the betting menus at Michigan’s mobile sportsbooks. NASCAR, golf, tennis, MMA, MLS, and other US-based sports offer almost innumerable opportunities for Michigan sports bettors.
The NASCAR Cup comes through Michigan International Speedway each year for the FireKeepers Casino 400 race. Other major Michigan sports events include the PGA’s Rocket Mortgage Classic, which commences from the Detroit Golf Club each summer.
International sports and niche events round out the betting markets available at Michigan’s legal sportsbooks. Table tennis, rugby, cricket, Aussie Rules football, international motorsports, and even games like darts and chess are available for wagering.
Michigan Sports Betting FAQs
More Resources On Michigan Sports Betting
- Michigan Gaming Control Board: News & Reports – The latest press releases and revenue figures from Michigan’s gaming regulation agency.
- Michigan Lawful Sports Betting Act – An e-copy of the official bill outlining Michigan’s sports betting laws.
- The Fall of PASPA – Article on the overturning of the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act, and how it opened the door for legal sports betting throughout the US.
- The Detroit News – Sports section of one of Michigan’s leading news outlets.
- ESPN US Sports Betting Map – Updated map showing where each US state stands on legal sports betting.
Yes. The Michigan Lawful Sports Betting Act allows both online and retail sports betting. Ownership groups for both commercial and tribal casinos can offer online sports betting.
No less than 14 different online sportsbooks are set to launch in Michigan. State gaming regulators announced 9 of these sportsbooks were ready to launch on January 22, 2021.
Yes. Michigan sports betting laws allow for wagering on college sports, including Michigan-based programs.
Station Casinos Betting App
The only exceptions to Michigan’s allowed wagering on college sports are a ban on in-game prop betting and player props. All other kinds of betting are legal under Michigan law.
Casino Betting Apps Online
21 or older. Michigan sports betting laws set the minimum wagering age at 21. This age applies to online sportsbooks licensed to both commercial and tribal casinos.
While some tribal casinos set the minimum age for retail sports betting at 18 or 19, all online sportsbooks mandate a minimum age of 21.
No, but you must be located within Michigan state lines at the time of a wager. Michigan’s online sportsbooks use geolocation technology to determine your location when you access your account.
Casino Betting Apps
If you’re in Michigan when you place your bet, that bet is legal whether you’re a Michigan resident or not.
Best Casino Betting Apps
Yes. Most of Michigan’s upcoming online sportsbooks offer their platforms as iOS apps. These apps can be found as free downloads in the App Store.
Even if you don’t have the app (or the sportsbook doesn’t offer an iOS app), you can still use the browser on your Apple device to access Michigan’s online sportsbooks.
Yes. DraftKings Sportsbook operates as a license partner of Bay Mills Resort & Casino. They launched on January 22, 2021.