Michigan to Allow Online Sports Betting and Casino Games

The Michigan Gaming Control Board will allow online sports betting and casino games starting on Jan. 22.

Michigan first legalized in-person sports betting in 2019 and has since generated over $18 million in revenue. 

The state is now looking to join the ten others who have seen success with full mobile sports betting. 

• Last year, New Jersey saw the most online sports betting revenue out of any state, grossing over $301 million.
• 94% of New Jersey’s $6 billion sports betting handle was taken online in 2020.
• After launching sports betting in May 2020, Colorado took 98% of its wagers online in the first six months.

Nine operators have been authorized to begin offering online options in Michigan, backed by sportsbooks including DraftKings and FanDuel.

“We’re actually more encouraged that we think it could be a bigger marketplace than New Jersey,” FanDuel Chief Marketing Officer Mike Raffensperger said. “Given the nature of the state of Michigan, the population, the gaming apparatus it has with casinos.” 

The launch in Michigan comes as other states, including New York, are considering the benefits of a similar move. Legalization creates tax revenue and jobs for states — a much-needed lifeline as budgets reel from the pandemic.