Legal Sports Betting For Michigan Residents

When looking to entertain yourself, many have been wondering how to engage in legal sports betting for Michigan residents. If you are one of those people, you have come to the right place. We provide an overview of the sports betting laws in Michigan as well as some general questions you may have about the industry. With the majority of the country moving towards legalization, state laws are changing, keeping many residents out of the loop. Michigan is one of these states and there are still some restrictions you must be made aware of before laying your money down.

First, you must be knowledgeable about the former federal law known as PASPA. This set the precedent for sports betting in the country, as it originally banned states from entering into their own sportsbook industry. In 2018, it was overturned, which gave states like Michigan complete control to start up the industry. Keep reading for information on the future of Michigan sports betting as well as reviews for online betting sites accepting Michigan players. We even provide promotional codes that will give you free money when you sign up!

Can We Now Legally Bet On Sports In Michigan?

Being that the U.S. Supreme Court ruled to strike down PASPA, residents of the state can look forward to expanded options for legal sports betting in Michigan. The topic of sports betting in Michigan casinos is already being considered by policymakers in the state, with many lawmakers working toward legalizing both land-based and online sports gambling in MI. Detroit sportsbooks would most likely be the first to start taking action. In the meantime, the best sites for legal sports betting in Michigan are Bovada, BetOnline, and SportsBetting.

Is Online Sports Betting Legal in Michigan?

Michigan has done nothing to prevent online sports betting in the state, leaving us to believe that it is not unlawful to bet on sports online in the state. While there are plenty of tribal casinos in the state, you won’t be able to find any sportsbooks in them because sports gambling has not been legalized. Online sportsbooks provide legal Michigan sports betting opportunities for residents. Residents currently do not have to deal with any state laws regarding online gaming, and there are no federal laws that prevent individuals from using overseas sports betting sites, making online sports betting legal in Michigan.

Sports Betting Laws in Michigan

Currently, there is no language in any of Michigan’s state laws relating to sports gambling. Without any legislation either for or against sports betting in Michigan at this time, we believe that there is nothing preventing residents from betting on sports. In order to avoid any collisions with federal law, however, residents must use online, offshore sportsbooks. The state has made multiple attempts to legalize the sports betting industry in Michigan and it is likely we will see more advancement on this topic in the upcoming months. Expect legal sports betting in Michigan before 2021.

Will I Go to Jail for Online Sports Betting in Michigan?

No, you will not go to jail for betting on sports online in Michigan. There is no record of even a single arrest in the state in regards to using an online sportsbook. This is for a number of reasons. First, is that Michigan has no laws in the state that prevent the use of online gambling sites. Second, the sports betting laws that do impact Michigan residents are targeted at bookmakers, not the people placing bets. If you would like to participate in legal Michigan sports betting, stick to reputable online, offshore sportsbooks.

Legal Sports Betting Sites For Michigan Residents
Bovada Sportsbook
50% Up To $250 On First Deposit
All States ex. NY, NJ, NV, DE, MD

When we came to the different sportsbooks, we first looked at Bovada. Bovada provides their players with one of the more versatile lists of sportsbooks. They have bets on more than sports, including entertainment, political and proposition bets. Bovada's sports are many and various, offering players easy access to betting on football, basketball, baseball, and hockey, as well as cycling, NASCAR and many more. Over 12 different sports are available through Bovada's sportsbook. They have a 50%, up to $250, match bonus, which is good for a solid cash infusion. Bovada gives their players a solid set of deposit methods as well, with Bitcoin, VISA and wire transfers all available. If you decide to stick to them, we can guarantee quick, easy payouts through their service. No promo code is required for the welcoming bonus.

BetOnline Sportsbook
Unlimited 50% To $1,000
All States - ex NJ, NV, NY

BetOnline provides one of the safest frameworks for gambling online. If you join up with BetOnline you will be able to participate in some of the best sports betting online. We came to BetOnline for their deposit bonus, which is a huge 50% up to $1,000 with promo BOL1000. If you stick to BetOnline you will be able to build a substantial bankroll right off the bat. BetOnline uses VISA, e-checks, prepaid cards and wire transfers for easy deposits. If you sign up with BetOnline, expect fair odds, easy access and one of the most powerful betting cards available. Have crypto? Take advantage of their 100% initial deposit, up to $1,000. Just use the code CRYPTO100.

MyBookie Sportsbook
50% to $1,000 Welcome Bonus
All States - ex NJ, NV, NY

The thing that many sports fans here in Michigan know is that their teams are always going to fight hard in their games. The Detroit Pistons are one of the big teams here with a long history of winning a lot of games. MyBookie is one of the top online sportsbooks here for players and for the most part once they create an account here, there will be bonuses and promotions that will be offered and that’s for every player. There are features here that many players appreciate like live betting and mobile betting features. These two are huge and this is where money can be made. Make sure to sign up for Mybookie and bet on your Detroit Lions and Detroit Pistons.

Best Sports Betting Sites For Michigan Players
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Federal Laws That Impact Michigan Sports Betting

The first law that impacts sports betting in Michigan is the Wire Act. The Wire Act keeps Michigan residents from seeking a domestic online sports betting alternative. The language contained in the Wire Act states that wagers cannot be accepted over a line of communication. This doesn’t prevent betting, but it does keep bets from crossing state lines. So, a bookmaker in Nevada or Pennsylvania can’t accept a wager from someone in Michigan. This law does not target the gambler, so have no fear when using an offshore betting site.

The second law to become familiar with is the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act of 2006 (UIGEA). You may be surprised to learn that the UIGEA is only a banking law and not much else. The law requires U.S. financial institutions to monitor and prevent transactions involving unregulated gaming sites. The UIGEA is not directed toward sports bettors, but it is the reason why your credit card deposit may sometimes get declined. You can try again later, call the sportsbook’s customer support team, or use an alternative method. The easiest method is buying an international Visa Gift Card.

Legal Sports Betting Age In Michigan

Michigan gambling ages are very interesting. Most are set at 18, but when it comes to legal sports betting in Michigan, residents have to wait until they’re 21. It is always important to abide by the legal age to bet on sports in Michigan, to avoid any problems when it comes time to make a withdrawal. Online betting sites will accept residents as young as 18, but you must stick to state law if you want to receive your money.

Mobile Sports Betting In Michigan

In Michigan, legal mobile sports betting can be accessed by those who are using online, offshore sportsbooks from their smartphones or tablets. Though these sites do not have apps for download, you can engage in mobile betting by simply going to their webpage from your mobile device. Everything you would find on their main webpage will be found on the mobile-optimized site – even the ability to live bet.

Sports Betting FAQ for Michigan

What Should Michiganders Look for in an OnlineBook?

Always look for a sportsbook that posts the latest odds on all of your favorite sports. It is also beneficial to use a sports betting site that offers huge bonuses to boost your bankroll. USA-friendly sportsbooks should also have excellent customer service and plenty of secure banking options.

Are There any Traditional Sportsbooks inMichigan?

Federal laws prevented sportsbook from being operated in Michigan for over twenty years; however, this is no longer the case. Until the legislators set regulations and legality towards the industry, the only safe way to place wagers is with the use of offshore betting sites.

Are There Land-Based Sports Betting Options For Michigan Residents?

While Michigan is home to a number of well-stocked tribal casinos, you won’t find any sportsbooks in them. This is because the state has not yet legalized sports betting, but it could in the future. Without any options for brick and mortar betting, offshore online sportsbooks are your best bet for legal sports betting in Michigan.

What Should Michigan Residents Look for in an Online Sportsbook?

Michigan residents should look for an online sportsbook that accepts American players. Most books that take American bettors will accept Michigan residents with open arms. You should also look for books that have good reputations, excellent customer service, and extra promotions in addition to a generous welcome bonus.

Are Michigan Sports Betting Sites Safe?

Yes, online sportsbooks are incredibly safe as long as you stick to the ones that are owned by large companies located offshore, like the ones we list here. These websites use SSL and other encryption technology in order to keep all of your private information locked away from prying eyes. They are also licensed and regulated within their own countries and must undergo rigorous testing to meet the qualifications to remain in good standing in their countries. The sites recommended on this page are amongst the safest.

How Do You Make Deposits At Legal Michigan Sports Betting Sites?

Michigan residents have a number of legal deposit methods available to them when it comes to funding their online sports betting account. The most common method used is a credit card, as they are the easiest and fastest. Michigan residents may also use bitcoin, check, money order, or bank wire transfers to fund their account. Just follow the steps on the cashier page to successfully make a deposit at a legal Michigan sports betting site.

Professional And College Sports To Bet On In Michigan

Professional Sports Teams Located In Michigan:

  • Detroit Lions (NFL)
  • Detroit Red Wings (NHL)
  • Detroit Pistons (NBA)
  • Detroit Tigers (MLB)

Biggest College Teams Located In Michigan:

  • University of Michigan
  • Michigan State University
  • Central Michigan University
  • Eastern Michigan University
  • Western Michigan University