HomeMichigan Sports Betting Apps

Michigan sports betting apps

After online sports betting launched in the state in January 2021, Michigan sports betting apps surged to prominence and have remained the preferred way to place wagers ever since. According to the Associated Press, more than 80% of sports wagers are placed online with around 60% of bets placed through a mobile app.

Dan Bradley By: Dan Bradley
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Table of contents
1 Caesars
Caesars review
Second Chance Bet Up To $1000
GET BONUS
(+7)
21+ and present in MI. Play responsibly. Gambling problem? Call 800-270-7117.
2 DraftKings
DraftKings review
Bet $5 Get $250 in Bonus Bets
GET BONUS
(+7)
21+ and present in MI. Play responsibly. Gambling problem? Call 800-270-7117.
3 BetRivers
BetRivers review
Second Chance Bet Up To $500
GET BONUS
(+5)
21+ and present in MI. Play responsibly. Gambling problem? Call 800-270-7117.
4 FanDuel
FanDuel review
Bet $5 Get $150 in Bonus Bets
GET BONUS
(+5)
21+ and present in MI. Play responsibly. Gambling problem? Call 800-270-7117.
5 BetMGM
BetMGM review
Second Chance Bet Up To $1500
GET BONUS
(+7)
21+ and present in MI. Play responsibly. Gambling problem? Call 800-270-7117.

Here, we’ve highlighted the legal, licensed Michigan sports betting apps with information to know before signing up. We also have in-depth reviews available for each operator if you are looking for more specific details.

Best Michigan sports betting apps

The best Michigan sports betting apps are the ones that are licensed by the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) and operate in a fair, legal, and safe manner. Here are some quick hits on each of the best Michigan betting apps.

📱 Caesars app Michigan ⭐ Excellent in-app customer service and live streaming features
📱 DraftKings app Michigan ⭐ Best Michigan betting app overall
📱 BetRivers app Michigan ⭐ Offers the iRush Rewards Program for unique bonuses and perks
📱 FanDuel app Michigan ⭐ Lightning fast app and king of Same Game Parlays
📱 BetMGM app Michigan ⭐ Elite platform with competitive rewards program

Caesars Michigan Icon

Caesars betting app Michigan

  • Welcome bonus: Second Chance Bet Up To $1000
  • Available on: iOS and Android

The in-app customer service experience with Caesars is as good as it gets, truly an exemplary support program. Caesars regularly ranks among the highest-value bonuses in the industry and will likely become a favorite of yours in no time, and the streamlined deposit process on the mobile app makes funding your account a breeze, especially with myriad payment options.

Best feature: Caesars does an excellent job with in-app live streaming of select sporting events.

DraftKings Michigan Icon

DraftKings betting app Michigan

  • Welcome bonus: Bet $5 Get $250 in Bonus Bets & 1 Month of NFL+ Premium
  • Available on: iOS and Android

Originally a Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) operator, DraftKings is now a sports betting giant, regularly competing with FanDuel for the top spot in nearly every betting market. The sleek app design and smooth features make it fun for new users to pick up and play, and it performs well across all devices, as evidenced by its impressive ratings in both app stores.

Best feature: DraftKings boasts a tremendous array of live betting options and makes them readily available to players upon opening the app.

BetRivers Logo

BetRivers betting app Michigan

  • Welcome bonus: Second Chance Bet Up To $500
  • Available on: iOS and Android

Though BetRivers began in the casino space, its expansion into the sports betting universe has been largely successful. The login bonuses that are available throughout the sports calendar include such boons as 20% profit boosts for the NBA on Tuesdays and the NHL on Fridays. The overall promotions list is somewhat limited, but you can unlock more bonuses through the app with the iRush Rewards Program.

Best feature: Bettors will want to be sure to enroll in the iRush Rewards Program to maximize bonus earnings and unlock unique perks for every wager placed.

FanDuel Michigan

FanDuel betting app Michigan

  • Welcome bonus: Bet $5 Get $200 in Bonus Bets + 3 Week Trial of NFL Sunday Ticket
  • Available on: iOS and Android

FanDuel was the first sportsbook in Michigan to break the $3B threshold for total betting handle and is one of the most popular betting apps to use for sports betting anywhere in the country. The app is lightning fast and supremely intuitive and features a personal favorite in its dark mode display.

Best feature: FanDuel’s gigantic array of same game parlays available on any given day make it the go-to option for SGP enthusiasts.

BetMGM Michigan Icon

BetMGM betting app Michigan

  • Welcome bonus: Second Chance Bet Up To $1500
  • Available on: iOS and Android

You won’t have to travel to the MGM Grand Detroit to take advantage of one of the top sports betting platforms in the state thanks to the BetMGM app. With odds frequently available before DraftKings and FanDuel, you can pounce on a friendly line through the app as soon as the books open. In-app live streaming is another huge asset.

Best feature: Calling BetMGM’s rewards program the cream of the crop in the betting industry may be an understatement.

Other MI sports betting apps

The Michigan sports betting app scene is brimming with choices. We've spotlighted the top-tier operators first, yet the rest also bring plenty to the table:

Sports Illustrated Michigan Icon

SI betting app Michigan

One odd characteristic of the SI betting app is the lack of a chat support feature. While not required, this is somewhat of an industry standard, so it’s a surprising omission. However, outside of that, the app is entertaining and the user experience is quite enjoyable. There’s also a “Free to Play” contest where you can earn bonus bets for successful NFL picks against the spread.

Best feature: If you’re a football fan, you’ll love SI’s promotions for both NFL and college action.

ESPN Bet Michigan

ESPN Bet betting app Michigan

ESPN Bet launched in November 2023, and is one of the most exciting betting apps to launch in the last few years. They offer a great welcome bonus and have put a lot of resources into making the app as sleek as possible.

Best feature: Variety of betting markets.

Play Gun Lake Michigan

Play Gun Lake betting app Michigan

An extension of the betPARX online platform, Play Gun Lake is the first of four Michigan-based operators to make our list. Play Gun Lake combines its casino and sportsbook into one app and the transition between the two is as seamless as can be. We’d like to see sportsbook bonuses added, as the list right now is casino-only.

Best feature: Having several premade “Parlays for You” when logging in makes for fast access to gameplay.

Eagle Casino and Sports Michigan Icon

Eagle Casino & Sports betting app Michigan

Run by the Saginaw Chippewa Tribe, the Eagle Casino & Sports app was the 15th to go live in the state and is the most recent to launch. While the display is a bit difficult to read (yellow text on a white background doesn’t tend to work well), we found the app to be very responsive and easy to navigate.

Best feature: The 18 available sports on the platform are the most of any Michigan-based casino.

FireKeepers Michigan

FireKeepeers betting app Michigan

Like several others on this list, FireKeepers has rolled its casino offering and sportsbook platform into the same app. Unfortunately, the casino issues have bogged down the app’s overall score, but the sportsbook is still a good product. The available sports list is somewhat modest with nine options available to players, though the app does a good job of showing lines over the course of the week as they become available and is quick to get odds posted.

Best feature: We found the betting lines on FireKeepers to be slightly more favorable than at several of the higher-rated operators.

Fanatics Michigan Logo

Fanatics betting app Michigan

Fanatics Sportsbook launched in Michigan on February 22, 2024. The app offers a seamless experience with features like fast signup, easy betting, and transparent withdrawals. Users can earn up to 5% FanCash on bets, which can be redeemed for bonus bets or merchandise. The app also includes a Discover feed for key stats and trending bets, and advanced search functionality. Additionally, the integrated Fanatics Casino features popular games such as slots, blackjack, and roulette, with exclusive content from partners like IGT PlayDigital and Evolution.

Best feature: The Fanatics betting app is one of the best in the industry in terms of functionality.

Four Winds Michigan Logo

Four Winds betting app Michigan

Last but not least, the Four Winds app seems to be largely used by online casino players, though the sportsbook platform shouldn’t be discounted. The app launched in February 2021, just barely missing out on being part of the first wave of operators to go live in the state. Four Winds is run by the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians and has its in-person options available at the casinos of the same name in New Buffalo, Hartford, and Dowagiac.

Best feature: The app has an aesthetically pleasing display with impressive load times.

Yes, betting apps are legal in Michigan. Apps are regulated by the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) and have been available for players to use since January 22, 2021.

Betting apps are free to download and will almost always be available in both the App Store and Google Play Store so you can get them installed on the appropriate mobile device. You’ll be able to use them as long as you are at least 21 years old and physically located in Michigan.

Some sports betting apps may also be combined with a casino platform. Casino betting is legal in Michigan, so you’re welcome to play there if you wish. However, the casino may be disabled if you’re attempting to play while traveling out of state. Additionally, some apps may be Michigan-specific, so you’ll need to download another app or play in a web browser to avoid travel issues.

How to download a betting app in Michigan

Downloading a mobile betting app will follow a similar process whether you’re an Android or Apple user. Regardless of the Michigan betting app you’re downloading, you’ll need to follow these steps.

  1. Log into the app store on your mobile device.
  2. Search for the name of the sportsbook you intend to use. Note that there may be a casino component to the app, and that some apps may be specific to Michigan players. It may be helpful to include “Michigan” or “MI” in your search to ensure you get the correct version.
  3. Once you’ve found the correct version, tap “Install.”
  4. Let the download run its course.
  5. After the app is installed, tap on the app icon to log in with your existing account credentials. Otherwise, you’ll be able to create a new sportsbook account, make a deposit, and claim the welcome bonus where applicable.

Betting apps will use promos as a way to attract new players to register their sportsbook accounts and to reward returning players for their loyalty. Here are some of the popular types of Michigan sports betting promos you’ll be able to find.

  • Bonus bets: Bonus bets allow players to make new wagers without tapping into their bankroll, or to increase their profit by tacking them onto a real-money wager. They are common as part of a welcome bonus but they’ll be available from time to time for returners, too. The value of a bonus bet isn’t included in the payout on a winning wager, and you’ll want to keep an eye on their expiration date, which is typically seven days after issuance.
  • Odds boosts: Odds boosts are often available daily on select lines and parlays determined by the sportsbook. Typically, they add anywhere from +25 to +100 to a betting line, but in some cases, we’ve seen +250 or higher added (so a line that would’ve been +200 could become +300 instead, multiplying your profits in a major way).
  • Second chance bets: Sometimes marketed as “no-sweat bets,” second chance bet promos award bet credit of equal value to your original stake if that bet settles as a loss, giving you a second chance to turn a loss into a win. It is exceedingly rare to see this outside of a welcome offer, but it isn’t entirely unheard of, and it is a nice way to try to start new gamblers on a winning note.

Pros and cons of betting from your phone versus desktop sportsbooks

Both betting on your phone through a mobile app and placing a wager through a web browser hold distinct advantages over betting at a brick-and-mortar location. While things are a bit closer head to head, there are still benefits and drawbacks to each method. Here are a few of the pros and cons of betting from your phone versus from a Michigan online sportsbook site.

Pros

  • Notifications on mobile: While you may be able to set up alerts to your computer, they won’t be as frequent or reliable as a push notification from a mobile app. You’ll also find the alerts to be more customizable on your phone, whether it’s for promos, a hot betting line, or your bet settling as a win. If your browser window is closed, you may not get the notifications.
  • Mobile optimization: Because most sports wagers are placed through betting apps, operators have been working to optimize their platform for mobile devices and screens. One of the top apps in Michigan, FanDuel, has a disclaimer on its website saying the service is mobile-optimized to the point where display issues in a browser are more common than in the app, stressing how important it is to offer a reliable mobile app “irrespective of the brand or the operating system.”
  • On-the-go betting: Placing wagers from your phone is often far more convenient than booting up your computer and logging in to place a wager. On a phone, you can be anywhere in your home, at work, on the bus, train, or at the airport, and still have the freedom to make a bet.

Cons

  • Apps can drain your phone’s battery: Because of the bandwidth involved in running the mobile app, as well as the computing power to keep the display looking correct, your battery can run dry quicker through mobile betting apps than with other applications on your phone. On your desktop, as long as the computer is plugged in, you won’t have to worry about running out of battery life.
  • Mobile has a smaller display: This one is rather self-explanatory. With a bigger screen, you can read lines more easily and browse a larger array of odds more quickly on your desktop than on your phone.
  • Updates: Especially with geolocation, though applicable to other features as well, regular updates are needed to keep your app working at the highest level. When logging into the sportsbook in a web browser on your desktop, you’re guaranteed to have the most recent version of the betting software.

Ratings of Michigan betting apps

The biggest piece of advice we can give when looking at the ratings of Michigan betting apps is to take each rating with a grain of salt. App ratings tend to skew towards the negative as players are more likely to write a review after a bad loss, even if the sportsbook wasn’t at fault.

Additionally, look at the number of overall reviews and ratings, not just the score. Some of the apps that operate solely in Michigan will have more variance in their results because of the smaller number of reviews. Here are the app store ratings for Michigan betting apps among Apple and Android users.

Betting app

iOS rating

Android rating

DraftKings

4.8 ⭐

4.6 ⭐

BetMGM

4.8 ⭐

4.3 ⭐

Caesars

4.6 ⭐

4.3 ⭐

BetRivers

4.4 ⭐

2.8 ⭐

FanDuel

4.8 ⭐

4.7 ⭐

Fanatics

4.7 ⭐

4.6 ⭐

SI Sportsbook

4.0 ⭐

4.3 ⭐

ESPN Bet

4.9 ⭐

4.4 ⭐

Play Gun Lake

3.6 ⭐

3.6 ⭐

Eagle Casino and Sports

4.0 ⭐

2.9 ⭐

FireKeepers

2.0 ⭐

3.0 ⭐

Four Winds

2.7 ⭐

3.1 ⭐

FAQ

What age do I need to be to play on a betting app in Michigan?

You need to be at least 21 years of age to play on a betting app in Michigan. The age requirement applies to both sports wagering and online casino gambling.

Do Michigan betting apps have geolocations?

Yes, Michigan betting apps will have geolocation services active while you’re using the app. This feature is required to be able to play, and the app won’t let you place a bet if it can’t detect your location.

Can I download a Michigan betting app from the Google Play Store?

Yes, you can download a Michigan betting app from the Google Play Store. Licensed Michigan operators will almost always have a mobile application available for both iOS and Android users.

How can I check if a betting app in MI is licensed?

You can check is a betting app in MI is licensed by looking for a sportsbook review on MIBetting.com. Our site only works with legal operators who have obtained a license from the Michigan Gaming Control Board, so if you don’t see it mentioned on our site, it’s not a safe place to play!

Do all Michigan gambling sites have a mobile app?

Yes, all Michigan gambling sites have a mobile app. You’ll be able to find them in the appropriate app store for your mobile device and can read reviews of the apps on MIBetting.com.

Who regulates betting apps in Michigan?

The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) regulates betting apps in Michigan. Sports betting operators, online casinos, and horse race betting platforms all operate under the MGCB’s oversight and must comply with all of the Board’s standards for safety, security, and fair play.

Which is the most used betting app in MI?

The most used betting app in MI is FanDuel, with a betting handle that has so far surpassed all other operators in the state. However, DraftKings, BetMGM, and Caesars are all close behind.

Author Details

Dan Bradley

Dan Bradley

Dan Bradley, a researcher and betting specialist at MI Betting, has over a decade of experience as a hockey commentator for junior teams across Illinois, Minnesota, and Ohio. When he's not engaged in writing or co-hosting his NHL-themed podcast, 'Pod Snipe Celly', he's likely to be found at the hockey rink.