Michigan is a sports centric state in both college and professional terms. The state has four teams in each of the major American professional sports leagues—all of which hail from Detroit. There is also a fierce college rivalry between the University of Michigan and Michigan State University. With so many formidable teams, betting on sports in Michigan almost too good to pass up.
Despite some misconceptions, Michigan residents actually have some legally sanctioned options when it comes to betting on teams in their region or for betting on teams outside of the Great Lakes State. This guide will serve to help you in making informed decisions on where and how you can bet on your favorite sports teams safely and legally. If you’re a fan of Michigan sports, then this guide will be essential in helping you get a piece of the action.
Is Sports Gambling Legal in Michigan?
Michigan state laws state nothing about placing sports bets online being illegal. In fact, there are no federal laws that say anything about online sports betting being illegal. The laws that place restrictions on US based gambling such as the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA), the Federal Wire Act and the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act actually deal with US based gambling establishments, banks and payment processors. These laws do not address the act of placing a bet on sports, but rather the act of operating a gambling business within the US. These laws do not apply to legitimate offshore sportsbooks operating outside of the US. The offshore sportsbooks we recommend in this guide are legally licensed and operated, are subject to strict regulatory oversight, and they do plenty of business with American bettors. Being located outside of US borders renders them outside the jurisdiction of US gambling laws.
Trusted Online Sportsbooks For Michigan Residents
The sportsbooks listed below are all licensed, regulated and legally sanctioned to provide their betting services to fans all around the world, including those residing in the state of Michigan. We have placed each brand through an intense review process to ensure their legitimacy, level of security and the quality of their services. Their betting lines are competitive and in line with what you see coming from the Vegas oddsmakers.
| Logo | Site Name | Bonus | Rating | USA | Visit Site |
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Betonline Sportsbook | 50% Max $2500 |  |
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Sportsbetting | 75% Max $1000 | |
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Bovada Sportsbook | 50% Max $250 | |
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Federal Gambling Laws Governing Sports Betting In the US
PASPA was passed back in 1992 and aimed to stop states from legalizing sports betting. At the time, only four states already had legal sports betting: Nevada, Oregon, Delaware and Montana. These states were allowed to continue with their legal sports betting as they were grandfathered in. All other states are barred from having legal booking establishments, though as mentioned earlier, this law does not speak specifically to online betting.
The Federal Wire Act has to do with the wire transmission of bets, and includes those placed online through the Internet. The Department of Justice actually publicized a legal opinion on the Federal Wire Act in 2011 stating that the Act only applies to US based online sports betting and not any other forms of online gambling. They also clarified that each individual state has the authority to determine their own destiny regarding state licensed online casino, poker or horse race betting.
The UIGEA acts as an oversight on financial institutions processing money from gambling. It’s important to note that none of these laws make it illegal for bettors in Michigan to place bets and deposit/withdraw money. The regulatory oversight provided by the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act is designed to provide a safer and more legitimate environment for US players seeking to enjoy gambling entertainment. The law does not prohibit US residents from engaging in online sports betting at legally regulated destinations located outside of the United States. With the online sportsbooks we’ve recommended, Michigan residents can enjoy sports betting safely and legally.
Popular Sports Teams to Bet On in Michigan
The Lions finished second in the NFC North under the Green Bay Packers—not bad considering the Packers are fighting for a chance to play in the Super Bowl. Unfortunately, the Lions lost out to the Seahawks in the Wild Card round, but you can expect the Lions to come back strong in the 2017-2018 season. They’ll be pushing for another playoff berth in hopes of advancing further into the postseason.
The Pistons currently sit in 10th of the NBA’s Eastern Conference. However, there is still plenty of time for them to move up in the rankings in order to earn a playoff berth. It certainly won’t be an easy task, but Coach Stan Van Gundy and his Pistons will grind out the remaining games in hopes to claim a spot. The Pistons haven’t been all that relevant for sometime now, so it’ll be interesting to see what the Motor City basketball team does to change that.
Michigan hosts one of college football’s greatest rivalries—Michigan v. Michigan State. These two teams have been battling over the rights to call themselves the state’s best for years. Michigan won the last battle, but Michigan State will come back next year with a vengeance. In any case, both teams are a solid bet for local bettors.
NFL Teams in MI
NBA Teams in MI
MLB Teams in MI
NHL Teams in MI
Popular College Sports Teams in MI
University of Michigan Wolverines
Michigan State University Spartans
FAQ’s About Betting On Sports In Michigan
How Do I Deposit Money Into Offshore Sportsbook Sites?
The sportsbooks that we recommend for Michigan residents have various options for depositing money into your account. Once you create an account you simply just go to your account page and click the ‘Deposit’ button. You’ll be prompted to select your preferred deposit method. Some of the options include wire transfers, credit/debit cards or even electronic currency forms like Bitcoin.
Is It Difficult for Michigan Residents To Receive Their Winnings From Another Country?
Just like with deposits, bettors have options when it comes to their withdrawal methods. Checks are usually the most common form and can take anywhere between 7-10 business days to receive. In some cases, these offshore sportsbooks will restrict your withdrawal method to the same one you chose for your deposits. For example, if you chose to deposit money using Bitcoin, then you may only be able to receive your winnings through Bitcoin. Credit and debit card withdrawals are rarely an option for US players. Money transfers using Western Union, MoneyGram or similar service are also a popular withdrawal option. Be sure to check with the site’s Terms of Service to clarify.
Is It Safe To Participate In Sports Betting Online At Offshore Sportsbooks?
The offshore betting sites that accept Michigan residents listed in this guide are very safe. These sportsbooks have been around for at least 10 years and have worked to distinguish themselves as reputable and professional organizations. They have millions of customers, so customer satisfaction and security are top priorities. Your personal and financial information is kept safe through secure servers.
Has Any Player From Michigan Ever Been Arrested for Gambling on Sports?
Not to our knowledge. Since state licensed sports betting is not available in Michigan, you could get into trouble by placing bets through an illegal bookie—this is what PASPA pertains to. By using one of these sportsbooks that we’ve recommended, you can be sure that you’re betting legally because each of them is licensed, regulated and located across US borders, and is operating legally within the industry.
Do Online Sportsbooks That Accept MI Residents Offer Any Type Of Bonuses Or Incentives?
Yes. These offshore sportsbooks have plenty of promotional bonuses that keep their users flushed with what is essentially ‘free money’ to keep betting with. Your first offers comes as a welcome bonus when you sign up and your account information has been verified. There are other seasonal bonuses that may come up from time to time as well as reload bonuses and VIP rewards programs.
Are Michigan Residents Required To Pay Taxes On Sports Betting Winnings From Offshore Sportsbooks?
Michigan law states that certain gambling winnings have to be reported because they are taxable income. Failure to do so could result in legal troubles with the IRS. It would be a shame to not enjoy your winnings because you didn’t pay your taxes! We recommend that you verify the minimum threshold that is in place for reporting gambling winnings on your tax return. If you have any specific questions, be sure to consult a Michigan tax professional.
Can I Place Sports Bets Online From My Mobile Phone?
The online sportsbooks that we recommend in this guide do offer web-based mobile apps for your convenience. The mobile apps have all of the same features and services of the websites. These apps are designed to work across all types of devices and are mobile optimized for a user friendly and reliable experience. As previously stated, customer service is a top priority for these sportsbooks and these apps are another example of the services they offer.
Are There Any Sports Teams in Michigan That Have A Shot At Winning A National Title in 2017/2018?
The Lions lost their chance of winning a championship thanks to the Seattle Seahawks in the Wild Card Round. The Red Wings need to do some serious climbing in the rankings if they want a chance at the Stanley Cup. MLB fans will have to wait for a few more months before seeing the Tigers in action. The only team with a chance at a championship are the Pistons, and even then it is a slim one. If the Pistons are able to make it up two spots to #8 in the Eastern Conference, they will clinch a playoff berth. However, in that case they’d most likely have to play the top seeded Cleveland Cavaliers, limiting the Pistons’ chances at advancing.
The University of Michigan lost out on competing for a national title thanks to Ohio State, but Coach Jim Harbaugh and the Wolverines will be back next season ready to compete. Even though they are losing star player Jabrill Peppers to the Draft, Michigan will remain a strong team and fight for a playoff spot. College football can be a little more unpredictable than the NFL, so it’ll be interesting to see how the Wolverines handle next season.