More than a year after Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed two bills liberalizing Michigan’s gambling laws, online casinos and sportsbooks officially launched in the state at noon on Friday. Anyone in Michigan over 21 years old can sign up with one or more operators and place legal wagers for real money. Because the apps will use geofencing, tourists or residents of neighboring states, such as Ohio, can also take advantage of Michigan’s new gambling offerings simply by crossing into the state. The apps will simply verify your location and age, then you can start winning money right away.
What Online Betting Apps Are Available in Michigan?
The Michigan Gaming Control Board approved ten casinos and their operating partners to be part of the first wave of legal, online gambling in the state. The platforms granted licenses are:
- DraftKings – through Bay Mills Indian Community
- FanDuel – through the Motor City Casino
- BetMGM – through the MGM Grand Detroit
- William Hill – through the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians
- Penn Sports Interactive/Barstool Sportsbook – through the Greektown Casino
- Wynn – through the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians
- Rush Street – through the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians
- TwinSpires – through the Hannahville Indian Community
- Golden Nugget Online Gaming – through the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community
- PointsBet – through the Lac Vieux Desert Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians
With all ten options launching at once, operators will be competing against each other to sign up every Michigan gambler. Be sure to compare each app’s sign-up bonuses, perks, and ease of use before depositing money. The Gaming Control Board also anticipates additional operators receiving licenses in the near future, so keep your eyes open for new options and promotions!
What Can You Bet on in Michigan?
At launch, nine of the ten licensed operators will offer both casino gaming and online sportsbooks. Only the Greektown Casino and its partner, Penn Sports Interactive, are starting off with just online sports wagering. Every operator will allow browser-based betting, but they will also offer the simplicity of a mobile app-based platform. Through your phone or tablet, you will be able to place wagers on this weekend’s NFL Conference Championship games. Prop bets, parlays, and teasers will also be available, so make sure to shop around and get the best odds.
Beyond online betting on football, Michiganders will also have access to the full array of sports betting. Basketball, hockey, soccer, and golf are all in action this weekend, and lines will be posted on the apps. But sports wagering is not the only gambling option available.
Contrary to states like Illinois, where recent legal changes restricted gamblers to online sports betting, Michigan will also allow regulated casino games. Residents will be able to play their favorite slots or double-down on blackjack for legal money from the comfort of their homes. Players will also find other traditional table games like craps, roulette, and baccarat. Our guides can help you perfect your strategy, maximize your winnings, and maybe even find a new favorite game.
What About Online Poker in Michigan?
While online sportsbooks and casinos are available as of noon Friday, Michigan card players will have to wait for regulated online poker. No laws still need to be changed, and the Gaming Control Board has assured potential operators they intend to authorize online poker soon, hopefully in February 2021. PokerStars and partypoker (through MGM) have already received approval to be among the options available at launch. Some good news for poker players is that Michigan recently changed its laws so it can join multi-state internet gaming agreements, which expands the potential pool of competitors beyond residents of just one state.
