Michigan Sports Betting Laws: What's Legal in 2025

Michigan sports betting is legal for both retail and online wagering. Bettors must be 21 or older, physically present in Michigan, and use a licensed operator.

Quick Answer: Is Sports Betting Legal in Michigan?

Yes. Michigan legalized sports betting when Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed the Lawful Sports Betting Act (2019 PA 149, codified at MCL 432.401–432.419) on December 20, 2019. Retail sportsbooks at the three Detroit commercial casinos opened shortly after. Online and mobile sports betting went live on January 22, 2021.

The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) licenses and regulates all operators in the state. Consult the MGCB's official licensee registry at michigan.gov/mgcb for the current full list of licensed online sportsbooks.

Minimum age: 21. No exceptions for retail or online.

What Is Not Legal in Michigan

• Betting on individual performance prop bets for Michigan college athletes (prohibited under MCL 432.409; consult MGCB for full details)
• Placing any wager if under 21
• Using unlicensed offshore sportsbooks, which operate outside MGCB oversight and offer no consumer protection
• Placing a mobile or online bet while physically located outside Michigan's borders

The Governing Statutes: Michigan's Sports Betting Legal Framework

Michigan's sports betting market operates under a primary statute with supporting administrative rules and tribal compact amendments.

2019 PA 149 — The Lawful Sports Betting Act (MCL 432.401–432.419)

This foundational law authorizes both retail and internet/mobile sports betting. It defines licensing eligibility, sets prohibited bet types, establishes the tax structure, and grants the MGCB rulemaking and enforcement authority. All licensed sportsbooks in Michigan operate under this statute.

Commercial Casino Anchor Licenses

PA 149 links the commercial sports betting market to Michigan's three Detroit casinos: MGM Grand Detroit, MotorCity Casino Hotel, and Greektown Casino-Hotel. Each holds an operator license and may partner with online platform providers (often called "skins") to offer mobile betting under their license.

Tribal Gaming

Michigan's federally recognized tribes may offer sports betting under amended tribal-state gaming compacts. These compacts are negotiated between the tribes and the State of Michigan (administered through the Michigan Department of Attorney General) and must comply with the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act at the federal level (overseen by the National Indian Gaming Commission). Several Michigan tribes are MGCB-licensed sports betting operators. Consult the MGCB licensee registry and the Michigan Department of Attorney General for the current list of tribes operating under amended compacts, as compact terms vary by tribe.

MGCB Administrative Rules

The MGCB promulgates detailed administrative rules for sports betting. These rules govern internal controls, technical standards, integrity monitoring requirements, and day-to-day operational compliance. Operators must submit minimum internal control standards (MICS) for MGCB approval before going live. Consult the MGCB website for current administrative rules.

Prohibited Bet Types

Under MCL 432.409, operators typically may not accept:

• Prop bets on the individual performance of collegiate athletes
• Wagers on events involving Michigan-based amateur athletes
• Any wager type the MGCB determines poses an integrity risk

Consult MGCB guidance for the complete and current list of prohibited wager categories, as the board can update these by rule without legislative action.

Retail vs. Internet/Mobile Licenses

The statute distinguishes between a retail sportsbook license (wagering accepted at a physical casino location) and an internet sports betting operator license (wagering accepted via app or website). An operator can hold both. Platform technology vendors and odds providers must obtain a separate supplier license.

License Types, Requirements, and Fees

Two primary license tiers exist under 2019 PA 149.

Tier 1: Sports Betting Operator License

This license is held by the casino or tribe that anchors the operation. Requirements typically include:

• Completed application with MGCB
• Full background investigation of all principals and key employees
• Submission of minimum internal controls and technical standards
• Demonstration of financial stability and suitability

Consult the MGCB for specific requirements under MCL 432.406.

Tier 2: Internet Sports Betting Supplier/Platform License

Third-party vendors providing platform technology, odds feeds, or other integral services must obtain a supplier license. Background investigations apply to principals of these companies.

Fees

The source material available for this page does not include the MGCB's current fiscal-year fee schedule with confirmed dollar amounts. Do not rely on fee figures published on third-party sites. Consult the MGCB directly for current application fees, initial license fees, and annual renewal fees.

Contact the MGCB Licensing Division at michigan.gov/mgcb or call the board directly (see Next Steps section) to obtain the current fee schedule before budgeting an application.

Timeline

MGCB review periods vary by application complexity and background investigation scope. Consult the MGCB for current processing timelines before planning a market entry date.

Tax Rates and Revenue Allocation

Online Sports Betting

Consult MCL 432.414 and the MGCB for the confirmed online sports betting tax rate on adjusted gross sports betting receipts.

Retail Sports Betting

Consult MCL 432.414 and the MGCB for the confirmed retail tax rate. The statute addresses both channels, but the retail rate should be verified directly against the current statutory text before relying on it for financial projections.

Where the Money Goes

Under MCL 432.419, sports betting tax revenue is distributed to several funds. Consult the current statutory text at MCL 432.419 or the MGCB for the exact current allocation percentages and recipient funds, as the legislature can adjust these by amendment.

Equine Industry Fund

SB 412 (2023-2024) proposed removing the cap on revenue allocated to the Michigan Agriculture Equine Industry Development Fund under MCL 432.315 (which governs internet gaming revenue, not sports betting directly). That bill was referred to the Senate Committee on Natural Resources and Agriculture and did not advance to enactment during the 2023-2024 session. A similar proposal, HB 4823, was introduced in the 2021-2022 session and also did not pass.

SB 1194 (2023-2024) — Proposed Tax Modification

SB 1194 would have modified internet gaming tax rates under MCL 432.314 and 432.315. It was referred to the Senate Committee on Government Operations and did not pass before the 2023-2024 session ended in December 2024. The bill is not carried over automatically; it would need to be reintroduced in the 2025-2026 session to move forward. Monitor legislature.mi.gov for any successor legislation.

What Changed Recently: 2024–2025 Legislative Updates

SB 713 and SB 714 (2025-2026): Advertising and Promotion Rules

These two bills are active in the current legislative session.

SB 713 (2025-2026) amends the Lawful Internet Gaming Act (2019 PA 152, MCL 432.301–432.322) by adding section 9a to regulate advertisements and promotions for internet gaming.

SB 714 (2025-2026) is the companion bill, amending the Lawful Sports Betting Act (2019 PA 149, MCL 432.401–432.419) by adding the same section 9a framework specifically for sports betting.

Both bills were referred to the Senate Committee on Regulatory Affairs. As of the most recent update in the source data (March 18, 2026), both remain in committee. No floor vote has been scheduled.

The bill titles indicate a focus on regulating how operators advertise and run promotions. The specific restrictions, whether targeting bonus advertising, mandating responsible gambling disclosures in ads, or restricting targeting of vulnerable populations, are subject to committee amendment. Operators and their marketing teams should track these bills closely at legislature.mi.gov/bills/SB713 and legislature.mi.gov/bills/SB714.

SB 1194 (2023-2024): Dead for Now

As noted, this internet gaming tax modification bill died at the end of the 2023-2024 session. It has not been reintroduced as of the source data available for this page. Watch for a successor bill in the 2025-2026 session.

MGCB Rulemaking

The MGCB maintains an active rulemaking docket. For any administrative rule changes issued in 2024-2025, consult the MGCB rulemaking page at michigan.gov/mgcb and the Michigan Office of Regulatory Reinvention at michigan.gov/orr.

Responsible Gambling Updates

The MGCB administers Michigan's Gaming Self-Exclusion Program. Any changes to self-exclusion rules or problem gambling fund allocations in 2024-2025 should be confirmed directly with the MGCB, as these can be updated by administrative action rather than legislation.

Rules Bettors Must Know: Age, Location, and Responsible Gambling

Minimum Age: 21

Both retail and online sports betting require bettors to be at least 21 years old (MCL 432.404). Operators must verify age and identity before accepting a first wager.

Geolocation: You Must Be Inside Michigan

To place a mobile or online bet, you must be physically located within Michigan's state borders at the time the wager is placed. Licensed operators use geolocation technology to verify this in real time. If traveling out of state, your Michigan sportsbook app will not accept bets until you return.

Prohibited Bets

Under MCL 432.409, typical prohibited wager types include:

• Prop bets on the individual statistical performance of collegiate athletes (consult MGCB rule language for specific application)
• Wagers on events involving Michigan-based amateur athletes
• Any additional categories prohibited by MGCB administrative rule

For esports restrictions involving minors, consult MGCB guidance for current rule language, as this area is subject to ongoing regulatory development.

Self-Exclusion Program

Michigan's Gaming Self-Exclusion Program is administered by the MGCB. Enrolling places your name on a list that all licensed operators must check. If a licensed operator accepts a wager from an enrolled person, that operator faces regulatory penalties. To enroll or get information, contact the MGCB directly at michigan.gov/mgcb or consult MGCB rules.

Offshore Books: Real Risk, Zero Protection

Using an unlicensed offshore sportsbook is not a gray area in Michigan. These operators are not licensed under 2019 PA 149, are not subject to MGCB oversight, and offer no legal recourse if they refuse to pay out, mishandle your funds, or shut down. The MGCB has no authority to help you recover money from an offshore site. Stick to the MGCB licensee list.

Identity Verification

Licensed operators must verify your identity before accepting your first wager. This typically means submitting a government-issued ID and sometimes a Social Security number for fraud screening. This is a regulatory requirement.

Problem Gambling Resources

• Michigan Problem Gambling Helpline: 1-800-270-7117
• MGCB responsible gaming page: michigan.gov/mgcb
• Michigan Gambling Help: michigangamblinghelp.org

These resources are free and confidential.

Next Steps: How to Bet Legally or Get Licensed in Michigan

For Bettors

1. Confirm you are 21 or older.
2. Download a licensed sportsbook app or visit a licensed retail sportsbook at one of the three Detroit commercial casinos.
3. Complete the operator's identity verification process.
4. Fund your account using a supported payment method.
5. Confirm you are physically inside Michigan before placing any mobile wager.

For the current list of MGCB-licensed online sports betting operators, go directly to the MGCB licensee registry: michigan.gov/mgcb.

For Operators and Businesses Seeking a License

Start with the MGCB's sports betting licensing portal at michigan.gov/mgcb. The MGCB offers pre-application meetings for prospective licensees.

MGCB Contact Information:

Michigan Gaming Control Board 3062 W. Grand Blvd., Suite L-700 Detroit, MI 48202 Website: michigan.gov/mgcb

For current phone numbers and email contacts for the licensing division, consult the MGCB website directly.

Consult a Michigan-licensed attorney with gaming law experience before submitting a license application. The MGCB process involves detailed background disclosures and legal representations that carry regulatory consequences if inaccurate.

For Tracking SB 713 and SB 714

Both bills are active in the 2025-2026 session. Track their progress at:

legislature.mi.gov — search by bill number (SB 713, SB 714)

Sign up for bill alerts if your business would be affected by new promotional restrictions.

For Problem Gambling Help

Call 1-800-270-7117 (Michigan Problem Gambling Helpline) or visit michigangamblinghelp.org. Both are free, confidential, and available 24 hours a day.