With decades of being a top online sports betting site, Bovada is all about customer satisfaction. The sportsbook itself covers not only sports but ventures into other areas of gambling such as. Mar 29, 2020 In “The Best American Sports Writing of the Century” (1999), David Halberstam selects the 50 best sports stories of the 20th century. The three anthologies combined give you a 1,615-page head.

• Best Rated Sportsbook Online
• Best Sportsbooks Online Promotion

The year 2020 marked an exciting period for Michigan sports betting as a whole. Amendments to the state's gambling laws allow players to stake real money on the outcome of sporting events legally. You can now not only participate in this thrilling hobby at land-based bookies but also with Michigan online sportsbooks too.

The idea of getting started can seem overwhelming, especially if you're new to the world of Michigan sports betting. We're here to shed some light on the matter and offer peace of mind. Using our expertise, we hope to assist you in making the most of your MI sports betting opportunities.

We’ll take you through the current market and the future of Michigan sports betting apps. We also investigate the top-flight teams from Michigan, giving up-to-date information so that you can make a constructive decision.

Best Michigan Sports Betting Sites

There was quite a bit of shuffling going on behind the scenes in preparation for the legalization of Michigan online sports betting. Some big names have started making moves and players can already pre-register with Draftkings and Betrivers and their attractive Welcome Offers in order to be first in line when online sports betting goes live.

Updated on :

DraftKings, through its market access deal with Bay Mills Resort & Casino, will soon be bringing its online sportsbook to Michigan.

Top Michigan Sports Betting Apps

Which sportsbooks are the most likely to follow Draftkings lead and offer online sports betting when it goes live in Michigan

DraftKings

DraftKings Michigan is the next platform to join the DraftKings lineup and is now as of November 12, 2020 in pre-launch for both DraftKings Sportsbook and DraftKings Casino. DraftKings is brand that made its name in free-to-play and real-money DFS. Like FanDuel, this operator has now launched an online sports betting site as more US states legalize this pastime. Eligible users who complete the full DraftKings Sportsbook/Casino registration process & opt-in upon sign up will be awarded a $100 free bet AND $100 in Casino credits when DraftKings Sportsbook & Casino officially launches in Michigan.

Best Rated Sportsbook Online

PointsBet

PointsBet is a top sports betting site with a difference. In addition to providing traditional markets and prop bets, it also offers its proprietary Points Betting system for bettors who truly believe in their predictions. PointsBet recently signed an agreement with the Northern Waters Casino Resort in Watersmeet, Michigan to provide online sports betting. Therefore, once Michigan online sports betting gets the green light, PointsBet is ready and waiting to launch.

BetMGM

MGM is one of America’s biggest names in the gambling industry, and it just so happens that in October 2019, the MGM Grand Detroit opened its new Moneyline Sports Lounge. Equipped with 60 TVs for customers to watch all the best Michigan sports, it is currently operating purely as a sports bar. However, BetMGM - the brand’s sports wagering website - is already live in other states, so it’s there to service Michigan online sports betting enthusiasts.

FanDuel

FanDuel is one of the leading Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) providers, and it has now added a top sports betting site to its portfolio. In 2018, the Irish bookmaker Paddy Power (now called Flutter Entertainment) purchased FanDuel to help establish itself in the booming US market. For Michigan online sports betting, FanDuel already offers DFS, so it is in pole position to also introduce sports wagering.

FOX Bet

FOX Bet is a new online sports betting site that is currently available in NJ and PA. But with anticipation of online sports betting going live in 2020. It clears a path for this major brand to enter Michigan. Parent company FOX Sports has developed a unique partnership with The Stars Group in the US. This partnership brings together both media and sports wagering to bring fans closer to the game. Look for the possibility of FOX Bet entering Michigan.

William Hill

William Hill is one of the largest online sportsbooks in the world and a trusted brand. Currently, William Hill offers online sports betting in New Jersey but is starting an aggressive campaign to move into the US markets. With Michigan moving forward, it makes William Hill the perfect candidate to offer services here. The sportsbook offers access to all the major sports and accepts most payment methods.

Michigan Daily Fantasy Sports

The legalization of betting in Michigan doesn't stop with real-life events. Amendments to the act have also taken into account virtual sports. This means that you can now enjoy daily fantasy sports (DFS) betting too.

In fact, fantasy sports betting in Michigan brought in over $10 million in adjusted revenue for November 2020. This meant that the state collected around $850,000 in tax money from daily fantasy sports betting alone.

DraftKings and FanDuel make up 90% of the fantasy betting market in the USA. Both operators continue their dominance in the Great Lakes state, becoming the two most popular Michigan betting sites for DFS.

No matter how you look at it, the legalization of Michigan sports betting offers more positives than negatives. Not only does the state benefit from the new tax stream, but you can now enjoy your hobby with peace of mind.

Michigan Online Sports Betting: Events and Betting Markets

There are many great Michigan sports teams, both at college and professional level, so it’s no surprise that this State is one of the most sports-crazed in the US. Many of the 10 million residents would welcome legal Michigan online sports betting. Nothing beats a little wager on your team before kicking back and watching the action.

Common Types of Bets

When you join a top sports betting site, you have several options for the types of bets you want to place. Essentially, these can be divided into three main groups, as listed below:

Straight Bets

For new bettors, these are the wagers to start with. A straight bet is a single selection on any market which takes your fancy. You can wager on the money line, total points, or the spread, among many others. Simply pick a selection and put down your stake. If you are correct, you win. The payout is the betting odds multiplied by your stake.

Parlays

These are sometimes called multi bets. If you pick two or more selections, you can create a parlay bet. This is a single stake wager where each selection has to be correct for the bet to payout. The betting odds for each selection are multiplied together and times by your stake to give you the winnings total. Parlays offer fantastic betting value because you can bet with small stakes but win big!

System Bets

Lucky 15, Trixie, Yankee and Canadian are all forms of system bets. Essentially, a system bet is made up of straight bets and parlays. The advantage is that you are not relying on every selection to win to receive a payout. However, the flipside is because you are placing several bets, the stakes can be higher. You cannot calculate an exact payout as you don’t know the result permutations although you can estimate based on your stakes and the betting odds.

Most Popular Sports to Bet On

Michigan online sports betting websites will not only allow you to bet on action in the Wolverine State, you can also feast on the best national and international sports, too. To offer a teaser, here are the most popular sports available for betting at BetMGM.

• All US pro sports: NFL, NBA, MLB and NHL
• Soccer
• Tennis
• Golf
• MMA
• Boxing

Popular Michigan Events

As with many US states, the most popular Michigan sports events come from its pro and college teams. Ford Field, Detroit hosted Super Bowl XL, but sadly that game didn’t feature the Lions. The Tigers have delivered four World Series to the State. The same number as the Red Wings have in Stanley Cup victories.

Also, don’t forget the magic of the Pistons and their three NBA Championships. Yet, the University of Michigan football team has the most impressive record. The Wolverines have won a stellar 11 National Championships, and they hold the record for winning the most games in college football.

Betting on Pro Sports Teams in Michigan

Now that you have a firm grasp of the Michigan sports betting market, it's time to look at the area's professional teams. That way, you'll have an edge when opening up a Michigan online sports betting account.

This section focuses on Michigan's favorites in the NFL, NBA, NHL, and MLB. We'll give you an idea of each squad's current form, helping you make an informed decision regarding Michigan sports betting.

NFL Betting in Michigan

In the United States, there is more money placed on NFL matches than any other sport. This trend continues in Michigan, as residents back their local team, the Detroit Lions. Michigan sportsbooks offer a range of betting options such as spreads, moneylines, and futures.

You can participate on your Michigan sports betting app during the off-season, right through to the Super Bowl.

Detroit Lions Betting

The Detroit Lions have struggled this season, much like they did in the previous year. The team now faces a decision as to whether they should replace the head coach, Matt Patricia. Additionally, the club may also cut lose its general manager, Bob Quinn.

Fans have become apathetic with the NFL squad, as the Lions look to have another unfulfilling year. Detroit's chances of reaching the Super Bowl are increasingly unlikely, creating long odds on Michigan sports betting platforms.

If the club manages to sort out their coaching staff woes, there's a chance the Lions change things around. This means players betting in Michigan could see their team rise from the ashes.

NBA Betting in Michigan

The legalization of basketball betting in Michigan has had a positive impact on the sport. What's more, the introduction of live betting gives Michigan sportsbooks an additional, exciting feature. As far as MI sports betting in the NBA goes, the Detroit Pistons assume the top-flight club's role.

Let's take a look at the Pistons and what you can expect from them as far as Michigan sports betting goes.

Detroit Pistons Betting

Unfortunately for MI sports betting fans, the last season saw the Pistons gain the title of the third-worst team in the eastern conference. Furthermore, they had the fifth-worst results in the whole NBA league.

However, there's a bit of hope for Michigan sports betting enthusiasts for the next season. Players like Bruce Brown, Luke Kennard, and Christian Wood show promise. The club will need to ensure it doesn't lose these players to contract renewals.

NHL Betting in Michigan

Thanks to the amendments to Michigan online sports betting's legal status, experts expect a boom in NHL wagers. You have the opportunity to stake money on parlay bets, futures, moneylines and more on Michigan sportsbooks.

Another exciting prospect is the release of Michigan sports betting apps. This new addition gives you the chance to wager on Detroit Red Wings matches. Let's take a look at what you can expect from the eleven-time Stanley Cup Champions.

Detroit Red Wings Betting

The Detroit Red Wings were one of the six original NHL clubs when the league started. Since that time, the club has achieved greatness in the eyes of many ice hockey fans. The squad competes in the Eastern Conference division and is one of the most popular outfits in the league.

It's been a few years since the Red Wings rose to greatness, and like other Detroit teams, have struggled in recent seasons. Yet, they still possess the ability to surprise even the most informed betting expert.

When it comes to Michigan sports betting in the NHL, you'll notice a few differences compared to NFL games. For starters, the points scored in hockey games are significantly lower. Due to this fact, you'll see MI sports betting types like puck line, which has lower margins.

A popular type of NHL wager at Michigan betting sites is over/under. This is a solid bet if you don't want to predict the winner of a game. Instead, you can stake money on the total number of goals scored. That way, you can still back the Red Wings on your Michigan sports betting app even if they struggle to win a game.

MLB Betting in Michigan

Another league expected to benefit from the legalization of Michigan online sports betting is Major League Baseball (MLB). Enthusiastic bettors can stake money on the Detroit Tigers at licensed Michigan betting sites.

You can only wager on professional and amateur baseball matches. This means that betting on youth and high school games remains illegal. In any case, Michigan sports betting for the MLB is similar to the other leagues.

You'll find over/under, point spreads, and moneyline bets on Michigan sportsbooks. On top of that, Michigan online sports betting sites display their odds in the American format. To calculate your potential winnings, divide the odds by 100, then times that amount by how much you plan to stake.

Detroit Tigers Betting

When it comes to Michigan sports betting, you could say the Detroit Tigers have made the biggest splash. The MLB team became the first club to announce a partnership with a Michigan betting site.

The announcement came in July 2020 and allowed PointsBet to offer exclusive wagering options to fans betting in Michigan. Additionally, the Tigers fans can also use the exciting future options listed on Michigan sports betting apps. Examples of these wagers include who will hit the most home runs and the MVP of an upcoming game.

Other Michigan Teams to Bet On

It's not only professional sports leagues that you can stake real money on. You also have the option of placing wagers on college leagues for MI sports betting. In this section, we take you through some of the Michigan sports betting opportunities for college teams.

Betting on College Football in Michigan

If it's college football you're after, you'll find Michigan sports betting odds for the Wolves.

Michigan Wolves

The Michigan Wolves are currently sixth in their division, winning one of their four games so far. Like the Lions, you'll find favorable odds at Michigan betting sites in the over/under market. Plus, with the use of Michigan sports betting apps, you won't have to miss a thing.

Betting on College Basketball in Michigan

Another college team to look out for at Michigan sportsbooks this year are the Wolverines.

Michigan Wolverines

The Wolverines finished ninth in the Big Ten league last season, and Michigan online sports betting platforms expect more from the team this year. The basketball team begins their new season by taking on Bowling Green on the 25th of November.

You can place your predictions at a licensed Michigan sportsbook before the season starts. Additionally, when Michigan sports betting apps release, you can place your wagers on the go.

Michigan Betting Laws

Before diving into Michigan betting sites and teams to look out for, it helps to understand this hobby's legality. After all, the last thing you want to do is break the law. So when did it become legal to participate in Michigan sports betting?

In 1992, the United States outlawed betting except for select states such as Oregon, Delaware, and Montana. This was a result of the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA), also known as the Bradley Act.

However, in 2018, the Supreme Court ruled that parts of PASPA were unconstitutional. This ruling allowed each state to decide for themselves whether or not sports betting should become legal. Since that time, we've seen many states like New Jersey and Pennsylvania change their gambling laws.

Not all states have legalized the hobby, and many still need to review their options. Michigan sports betting, which only became legal in March of 2020. Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed gambling bills passed by the state legislature legalizing Michigan online sports betting, online casinos, and poker.

At this time, only the 23 tribal casinos, Detroit casinos, and existing Michigan betting sites can apply for gambling licenses. These permits need to go through the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MBCB). This ensures that Michigan sportsbooks adhere to the regulations set out by the authority.

The laws state that all MI sports betting operators must pay an 8% tax on their revenue. Plus, the three leading land-based casinos in Detroit must also pay an additional city tax of 1.25%. These financial terms will help the state's economy as well as regulate the industry fairly for all parties involved.

Furthermore, only players over the age of 21 can participate in Michigan sportsbooks. If you're over the age limit, you can place a bet at a Michigan sportsbook from anywhere within the borders of the state. What's more, you don't need to register at a land-based casino. Instead, you can simply create an account online.

Future of Michigan Online Sports Betting

There are still plenty of aspects that require attention. As the budding Michigan sports betting industry grows, we can look at what the future holds for the state.

One of the most exciting changes coming up is the release of Michigan sports betting apps. So far, the Michigan Gaming Control Board has announced that it projects the arrival of mobile betting in early 2021. However, it has neglected to give any official dates.

On a positive note, there are several Michigan sports betting apps expected to arrive in 2021. Each operator is limited to using a single internet betting platform. What's more, every site must connect to one of the established land-based casinos holding a valid gambling license.

Residents can look forward to some big names when it comes to Michigan betting sites. In fact, one of the operators recently signed a sponsorship deal with a Major League Baseball Team. They become the first platform to break into the MLB market and is a brilliant sign of things to come.

The future looks bright for Michigan sports betting. Analysts predict Michigan to bring in some of the largest revenue streams compared to other legal states. This is thanks to multiple top-tier athletes and teams calling Michigan their home.

Michigan Online Sports Betting FAQ

Are sports betting sites legal in the United States?

Yes, they are but only in the states that have legalized sports betting online. Currently, there are more than a dozen states, including Nevada, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Iowa and Oregan, among others. Michigan online sports betting is going to be added to this list very soon.

What do I need to register at an online betting site in Michigan?

Initially, you’ll be able to open an account with your preferred Michigan online sports betting site by providing your full name and contact details (mobile phone number and home address). However, you will be required before making a withdrawal to complete the KYC procedure. For this, you must send in a copy of your ID (Driver’s license or passport) and sometimes a utility bill with your name and home address.

Is it safe to deposit money at sports betting sites in Michigan?

Yes, without a doubt. Every top sports betting site operating here is and will be licensed and regulated with player’s safety and security being paramount.

Can I set betting limits?

You can, yes. All licensed Michigan online sports betting websites will offer this feature. It is usually in the account settings area, but this can vary depending on the platform you bet with. The simplest way to find out is to contact customer support, and they will direct you to the right area of the website.

Best Sportsbooks Online Promotion

Michigan Casinos

As we've already mentioned, Michigan sports betting platforms will need to hold a license associated with one of the current land-based casinos. Players looking to join MI sports betting platforms will have a host of options to choose from.

Furthermore, you can legally participate at one of these casinos online. You'll be able to bet on your favorite sports and casino games with these Michigan betting apps.

Common Payment Options

Michigan online betting sites make depositing funds and withdrawing winnings quick and easy. There are a host of payment methods to choose from, including:

• Credit Cards / Debit Cards
• PayPal
• Prepaid Cards
• Online Bank Transfer
• Wire Transfer
• Apple Pay
• eCheck
• Cash (at the casino’s cage)

Final Thoughts on Michigan Online Sports Betting

The legalization of Michigan sports betting in 2020 gave us hope and the upcoming release of mobile betting in Michigan is another reason to smile.

MI sports betting promises a host of advantages. In fact, you can already see some of the benefits that Michigan online sports betting brings to the table with Draftkings pre-launch. Whatever your reasons, there's never been a better time to start betting in Michigan.

Other states where you can place an online sports bet :

Colorado Illinois Indiana Iowa Nevada New Jersey Pennsylvania Tennessee Virginia West Virginia

It has been more than two years since the Supreme Court of the United States struck down PASPA. That move opened the door to legal sports betting in the US as the justices effectively handed the legislative decision over to individual states.

Since that point, we have seen a flurry of activity. Many states are now completely up and running with legal sports betting. Other states are still sorting through legalization, and more are expected to follow.

While some states have retail, mobile and online options, others require bets to be placed only in-person. There are also restrictions in place to ensure that users are within state lines while placing bets via mobile devices.

The landscape has changed dramatically in a short period of time.

Legal US sports betting apps

Not all states that allow legal sports betting will choose to use online or mobile wagering platforms. Some have rules that allow online and mobile wagering anywhere within state lines, while others require bets to be placed inside a casino.

Just because you download a sports betting app that is legal in one state doesn’t mean it will work in another. Smartphone apps will verify your location within a legal betting area before allowing you to wager. You will be rejected from betting if outside the legal borders.

Where can I place a legal online sports bet?

The list of legal online sports betting states continues to grow. Currently, it’s up to 14 states and Washington, DC, but the official launch is still pending in some spots.

* Pending launch

Colorado sports betting sites

Legal sports betting was approved by voters in Colorado in 2019. The official online and mobile rollout took place on May 1, 2020, with DraftKings, FanDuel, BetRivers and BetMGM all going live on the same day. Several other operators have since gone live in the state.

Illinois sports betting sites

Legislation was also passed in Illinois in 2019 with the official launch taking place in March 2020. Initially, only retail betting was allowed, with in-person registration required for online and mobile players. That provision has been suspended for the time being because of the COVID-19 pandemic. DraftKings, FanDuel, PointsBet and BetRivers are among the available options.

Indiana sports betting sites

Sports betting was legalized in Indiana in 2019. The rollout happened quickly, with retail options opening up in September of that year, followed by online and mobile launch in October. DraftKings and BetRivers were the first sites available, followed by FanDuel a month later. The list of available options continues to grow.

Iowa sports betting sites

Iowa was also among the states that both legalized and went live with sports betting in 2019. Legislation was passed in May, with the retail and mobile launch coming in August. Through the end of 2020, online and mobile users have to register in-person at a casino that offers sports betting. DraftKings, PointsBet and William Hill are among the operators that are live in Iowa.

Michigan sports betting sites

Sports betting was signed into law in December 2019 in Michigan. Retail sportsbooks opened up in March 2020 and mobile sportbook apps became legal for sports betting in Michigan in January 2021.

Nevada sports betting sites

Nevada’s days as the only option for legal US sports betting are over. Not much has changed for the state since the SCOTUS ruling. While more known for in-person wagering at casinos throughout Las Vegas such as Westgate and Caesars, the state also has online and mobile options available from operators like William Hill.

New Hampshire sports betting sites

Sports betting officially debuted in New Hampshire in December 2019 after being approved by the state Legislature earlier in the year. The approval covered both retail and mobile, but the situation is unique in NH. DraftKings is the exclusive provider of online and mobile wagering in the state and also the operator of the lone retail shops.

New Jersey sports betting sites

The Garden State was one of the first to act after the landmark Supreme Court ruling. Retail sports betting rolled out in June 2018. DraftKings was the first online option in August, followed by PlaySugarhouse and FanDuel. There are now more than a dozen options NJ sports betting apps on the market.

Oregon sports betting sites

Oregon legalized sports betting in August 2019. Retail wagering was introduced at one of the state’s tribal casinos the following month. In October, the Scoreboard sports betting app was launched. Run by the state lottery, this is the only mobile option available for sports bettors in Oregon.

Pennsylvania sports betting sites

Pennsylvania was among the states that moved quickly in the wake of the PASPA ruling. Retail sportsbooks opened for business in November 2018. The official online launch took place in May 2019. SugarHouse was the first site to go live, and it was soon joined by sister property BetRivers and others including DraftKings and FanDuel.

Rhode Island sports betting sites

Rhode Island sports betting legislation was approved in 2018, but it was initially for retail only at the state’s two operating casinos. The following year, a new bill was approved that gave the green light to mobile wagering with an in-person registration requirement, which has since been removed. The Rhode Island Lottery oversees things, with William Hill handling operations.

Tennessee sports betting sites

Tennessee approved sports betting in April 2019. It’s a unique situation as there are not expected to be any retail sportsbooks in the state. Sports bettors are now able to place mobile wagers as of November 2020.

Virginia sports betting sites

Sports betting was legalized in Virginia in April 2020 and officially launched its first sportsbook in January 2021. According to state law, there will be a minimum of four and as many as 12 mobile options available.

Washington, DC, sports betting sites

The city council gave its approval to sports betting in 2018, but the bill wasn’t signed into law until the following January. GambetDC, an offering run by the lottery and powered by Intralot, is the sole online and mobile option for bettors since its launch in 2020. A William Hill retail sportsbook has since opened for business at the Capital One Arena.

West Virginia sports betting sites

West Virginia also sprang into action following the Supreme Court ruling. Retail sportsbooks opened up in September 2018. BetLucky was available for a short time as a mobile option, but it shut down the following year due to a technology dispute. DraftKings and FanDuel went live in WV soon thereafter and have since been joined by other operators.

Best sports betting apps in the US

The list of options for users in legal sports betting states continues to grow. Here are some of the top options available in multiple states.

DraftKings app

The daily fantasy sports giant was among the many operators awaiting the Supreme Court ruling in 2018. The company was the first online and mobile option available in NJ. DraftKings has since expanded to a number of other states, with plans for further expansion in the works. It’s known for having a slick platform and live betting feature.

DraftKings Sportsbook is legal in: NJ, PA, IN, IL, WV, NH, IA, CO

FanDuel app

FanDuel was also ready to go soon after the SCOTUS ruling. NJ was the first point of entry for the company in sports betting, but the platform has since been unveiled in several other states. FanDuel is known for being visually appealing and user-friendly, with features like single-game parlay offerings.

FanDuel Sportsbook is legal in: PA, IN, NJ, WV, CO, IL, IA

FOX Bet app

Launched as a tag-team effort from media giant FOX Sports and The Stars Group, the platform receives great visibility throughout FOX Sports programming and has a steady stream of promotions tied in with network personalities. FOX Bet is somewhat geared toward newer bettors and is working toward launching in additional states.

FOX Bet Sportsbook is legal in: NJ, PA, CO

BetMGM app

Originally known as playMGM upon its launch in NJ, the site and app have since been rebranded. BetMGM has been making a lot of headway with its entry into multiple states and various deals with teams and media entities. The company is one of several with designs on becoming one of the top sports betting destinations across the US.

BetMGM Sportsbook is legal in: NJ, WV, CO, IN

PointsBet app

Australia-based PointsBet debuted in NJ in 2019 and has since opened its doors in other states. The site is geared toward sports bettors and features a unique betting option known as PointsBetting. The company captured a good deal of attention with its recent deal with NBC Sports and continues to aggressively pursue market share.

PointsBet Sportsbook is legal in: NJ, IA, IN, IL

William Hill app

The UK bookmaker has had a retail presence in Nevada for some time. It has since expanded into other states both physically and via online and mobile offerings. The platform itself is easy to use and filled with features. William Hill has made some headway in the US in a short period of time and appears poised to continue on that path.

William Hill Sportsbook is legal in: NJ, CO, WV, IL, RI, NV

BetRivers app

BetRivers comes our way from Rush Street Gaming, which is also the parent company of sister site PlaySugarhouse. The company also has a retail casino presence in several states. BetRivers has come to be known for having a solid offering and good loyalty program.

BetRivers Sportsbook is legal in: PA, IN, CO, WV

Other legal sports betting apps

The overall list of legal sports betting sites is a lengthy one. Here’s a look at a few more that have debuted in multiple states to date.

BetAmerica Sportsbook

Horse racing fans are familiar with BetAmerica, an offering from Churchill Downs International. The sportsbook is now up and running in three states, while users in NJ and PA can also access casino games right from the same site.

BetAmerica Sportsbook is legal in: NJ, IN, PA

Caesars Sportsbook

The iconic Caesars name is well-known to both online and brick-and-mortar casino patrons. The sportsbook has launched in a trio of states to date. It’s a basic offering, but all of the bet types and sports you could ask for are available.

Caesars Sportsbook is legal in: NJ, PA, IN

SportsBetting.com

This is a newer offering that has made its debut in the Colorado market. The company also has its sights set on entering the New Jersey, Indiana and Iowa markets as soon as possible. As the name implies, the site is solely focused on sports betting.

SportsBetting.com is legal in: CO

Unibet Sportsbook

Unibet is an international operator that has a big presence on the global scene. It’s now up and running in select states in the US with plans on entering more soon. This is a basic offering without a lot of bells and whistles, but solid for just getting down to business.

Unibet Sportsbook is legal in: NJ, PA, IN

Which states are most likely to launch sports betting sites next?

Michigan is next up on the launch watch list. The current timeline calls for MI to be live in early 2021.

The following states have passed legislation for retail sports betting at tribal casinos, but the official launch hasn’t happened yet.

• North Carolina
• Washington

Plans call for retail only in both states, but the fact that sports betting legislation has been passed in at least some form can be seen as a glimmer of hope on the online front.

Three states approved ballot measures in 2020 to make some form of sports betting legal:

• Louisiana
• Maryland
• South Dakota

A handful of states have opened up sports betting on a retail basis without launching online. Efforts to legalize online betting in these states have stalled to date, but it remains a work in progress.

• Arkansas
• Delaware*
• Mississippi
• Montana
• New Mexico
• New York

* Online legal but not launched

There are another 20 states that are at least considering some form of sports betting legislation. The list of states in which there has been absolutely no movement stands at eight.

Retail sports betting

For decades, the only state in which you could legally place a sports bet in person was Nevada. It’s a different story in the aftermath of the PASPA ruling. Here are the states (and Washington, DC) in which you’ll find retail sportsbooks.

• Delaware
• New Jersey
• Mississippi
• West Virginia
• New Mexico
• Pennsylvania
• Rhode Island
• Arkansas
• New York
• Iowa
• Oregon
• Indiana
• New Hampshire
• Illinois
• Montana
• Michigan
• Colorado
• Washington, DC

Washington and North Carolina are expected to be the next states to open brick-and-mortar sportsbooks at tribal casinos.

Which states are most likely to regulate sports betting next?

Sports betting legislation has at least been introduced in 20 states that have yet to act on the matter. While optimism is high that it’ll eventually be passed in each of these states, there’s nothing concrete that says it’s right around the corner for any of them. Here’s the list.

• Maine
• Vermont
• Massachusetts
• Connecticut
• South Carolina
• Georgia
• Alabama
• Ohio
• Kentucky
• Minnesota
• North Dakota
• Missouri
• Kansas
• Texas
• Arizona
• California
• Alaska
• Hawaii
• Florida

The next legal sports betting states are likely coming from the above list at some point. Meanwhile, these states are still holding out and have yet to introduce legislation to legalize sports betting.

• Wisconsin
• Nebraska
• Oklahoma
• Wyoming
• Idaho
• Utah

Legal vs. offshore betting

The best options available for US sports bettors come via the sites that have been approved for operations in the respective states. Gaining acceptance and approval is not easy, and those who have joined the list of approved operators have invested heavily to do so.

While there remains an active black market for sports betting via illegal offshore sites, there’s no reason to take the risk. Here are some of the main points to understand.

• The Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act was passed in 2006 to crack down on offshore operators. The law is aimed at the companies to prevent them from doing business in the US, but many still operate due to what they claim is a legal gray area.
• Offshore operators are not operating under the same rules and regulations that legal US betting sites are. There is no guarantee that your funds, data or information will be safely kept.
• Legal sports betting sites have clear terms and conditions, house rules for players to follow, a wide range of normal funding options and customer service options that can be reached easily. That’s not the case with the offshore sites.

There are a few easy ways to spot which sites are on the up and up versus those that are not. For starters, the majority of legal states maintain a running list of approved operators on their websites under the division of gambling section or its equivalent.

There’s also the eye test. When an operator is legit, it will point users to the right places for information on things such as legality and responsible gambling. That’s not something that’s high on the priority list for less-than-reputable operators.

Things you can’t legally bet on in the US

Each of the individual states is responsible for setting its own rules and regulations for sports betting. As a result, not every piece of legislation that has been passed to date reads in the exact same fashion.

The standard stuff, such as team-based professional sports and major individual competitions, are good to go at all legal and regulated sportsbooks. Each of the operators will also offer various niche sports, but the list of options may vary.

One of the biggest points of difference has been on college sports. While you can bet on college football and basketball in several states, some have expressly prohibited wagering on in-state teams or on amateur events that take place in the state.

In general, the legal sportsbooks stay away from non-sports events. That means no wagering on the weather, reality television outcomes or on elections. However, wagering on the Oscars has been allowed here and there.

Why can’t you bet on the election or weather?

While there is often chatter about the betting odds for major political events such as the US presidential election, it remains illegal to bet on the outcome of that. There may be plenty of history attached to betting on who will be the next president, but that doesn’t mean it’s legal.

Legal and regulated operators offer odds and markets on sporting events. You won’t find options to bet on the weather or reality TV at the big shops, and there’s a simple reason for that: They’re not allowed to.

Sports leagues’ stance on legal sports betting

NBA

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver took a front-facing role in advocating for legal sports betting in the US. His op-ed embracing sports betting spurred discussion on the topic long before the fall of PASPA.

Before and after the Supreme Court decision, NBA officials spent most of 2018 trying to get a cut of sports betting money from various state legislatures. They helped introduce the concept of an integrity fee in state-level legislation, claiming the league would face increased monitoring and enforcement costs in a national sports betting environment.

Silver recently added to that argument by calling NBA games the league’s “intellectual property” for which it deserves compensation.

The NBA does not permit wagering on its games through the Ontario Lottery, where the Toronto Raptors play. The same policy existed when an NBA team played in Vancouver. Provinces that do not host NBA teams offer parlay cards on games for the sport.

NHL

The NHL largely let other leagues take the lead on sports betting issues prior to signing a data and marketing agreement with MGM Resorts in November 2018. NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman also weighed in during the Stanley Cup Final in Las Vegas: the league wants federal legislation (or state-level equivalents) and a slice of sports betting money.

The NHL launched a new franchise in Las Vegas in 2017, which is the first major professional sports team for the country’s gambling hub. The Vegas Golden Knightsdrew heavy betting interest through their inaugural season.

It has no issues with the activity in Canada. Some teams participate with lotteries that sell NHL parlay cards. The NHL also opposed new sports betting legislation in Canada.

MLB

Major League Baseball is sensitive to betting on its games. In the post-PASPA world, though, MLB advocates for sports betting legislation that includes integrity fees paid to the league.

The league also signed a data and marketing deal with MGM Resorts in November 2018. It will provide the company with exclusive rights to advanced data for in-play betting.

With regard to integrity fees, MLB went as far as having top executive Joe Torrelobby Governor Andrew Cuomo directly on New York sports betting legislation. This represents a major shift from the league’s historical attitude toward gambling.

The 1919 Chicago White Sox threw a World Series, a scandal the league wants everybody to forget. Pete Rose betting on his games and the aftermath involved in that scandal is another black eye MLB never wants to see again.

While MLB joined the New Jersey lawsuit, it has no issues with betting on Toronto Blue Jays games in Ontario. The Montreal Expos were also on parlay cards when that team existed.

NFL

America’s most powerful sports league remains largely opposed to legal sports betting. The NFL publicly fought sports betting for decades and now wants federal legislation addressing it after PASPA. Interestingly, the NFL is not advocating for integrity fees.

Despite its stance on US sports betting, the NFL allowed the move of the Raiders to Las Vegas from Oakland beginning in 2020.

The NFL is the only major professional sports league with no direct investment into daily fantasy sports, although 28 of its 32 teams are involved in sponsorships.

NFL games are by far the most popular sports betting events in the US, with the Super Bowl generating close to $150 million in bets in Nevada by itself. The NFL plays games in London, where betting shops are on every corner, and the league seems to have no issues with that.

NCAA

Long the staunchest opponent of legal sports betting, the NCAA finds itself in a tricky position after the repeal of PASPA.

The organization detests sports betting despite the fact that college football and March Madness college betting are two of the largest drivers of handle. The NCAA instituted a de facto ban on national championship contests being held in states with legal sports betting, namely Nevada. But it reversed course after the Supreme Court decision, at least temporarily. That is in part because it already awarded future championships to states that will have sports betting.

The NCAA similarly does not like fantasy sports. It does not permit student-athletes to enter contests. Many conferences do not accept advertising from daily fantasy sites. The NCAA has attempted to convince sites to stop college fantasy sports contests, but DraftKings and FanDuel restarted their college contests post-PASPA.

PGA Tour

Professional golf jumped into the sports betting fray by supporting the integrity fee concept along with MLB and the NBA. The tour also wants sports betting operators to pay for official data from its ShotLink system.

The data question also comes up with other leagues, but the PGA Tour claims to have a different case with proprietary data. In-play betting that relies on data can easily be gleaned from TV broadcasts in many sports. The same can be said for golf with scoring, but anything more in-depth (driving distance, length of putts, etc.) could require official data.

How online sports betting in USA became legal

Challenge in New Jersey

New Jersey voters passed a non-binding referendum in November 2011 that instructed the state legislature to legalize sports betting. The legislature quickly passed a bill that would have regulated sports betting at New Jersey racetracks and Atlantic City casinos. Governor Chris Christie signed the bill into law.

The major sports leagues challenged New Jersey in court, claiming that the state was not exempted by PASPA; therefore it could not legalize sports betting. A lower court ruling sided with the leagues, and the Third Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed it. The US Supreme Court at that time refused to hear the case.

New Jersey tried another angle. The state attempted to deregulate and decriminalize sports betting in the same venues as before. The sports leagues returned to court and challenged the new approach to sports betting. The sports leagues prevailed in the lower court and the Third Circuit Court of Appeals.

New Jersey was able to appeal and receive a rehearing in the Third Circuit, which it also lost. The Supreme Court then agreed to hear it and New Jersey won its case in May 2018.

American Gaming Association’s stance

The American Gaming Association is the gaming industry’s lobbying group. It maintains the black market of illegal gambling is too lucrative and thrives in the unregulated environment. The AGA supported the repeal of PASPA and strongly advocates for states to be able to write their own sports betting laws.

How is daily fantasy sports different from sports betting?

Daily fantasy sports is believed to be legal in at least 40 states, according to the companies that promote the product.

There are big differences between daily fantasy sports and sports betting.

In sports betting, a bettor picks a team or multiple teams to win or cover a point spread. In daily fantasy sports, a user chooses athletes and enters a competition that computes a winner based on the statistics accumulated by the players in a sport.

Current status of daily fantasy sports

Daily fantasy sports is generally considered to be legal in about 40 states, with laws on the books in about half of those.

States that restrict DFS

Daily fantasy sports are illegal in Iowa, Montana, Louisiana, Arizona and Washington. Nevada requires a gaming license to operate a daily fantasy sports site.

Opinions from attorneys general have emphasized the legal gray area for DFS in many states. DraftKings, FanDuel and others pulled out of Idaho, Hawaii and Alabama. FanDuel does not serve Texas, but DraftKings does.

FAQ for betting sites

Is it legal to bet on sports online?

Yes, but it depends on where you are located. Legal sports betting can be done online in many of the states mentioned above. You do not have to be a resident of a state to bet there, but you do need to be physically located within the state to place a legal online sports bet.

What is the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act?

The Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act passed Congress in September 2006. It made payment processing of illegal gambling transactions a federal crime. It exempted gaming specifically legalized at the state level, horse racing and some forms of fantasy sports.

Is sports betting legal in Europe?

Online sports betting is legal throughout most of Europe including the UK. This includes betting shops, mobile apps and over the Internet. Some of the best online betting sites in Europe are now operating in the US.

Is online sports betting legal in Canada?

Canada lotteries offer parlay cards on a variety of sports, including football, basketball, baseball and hockey. There is a push to expand betting to straight wagers. Online betting sites operate in a legal gray area.

Is online sports betting legal in the US?

Yes, in some places. Sports betting has been legalized in a number of states to date, and the list is expected to continue growing in the coming years. In 2018, the Supreme Court placed the matter of legalizing sports betting into the hands of the individual states to decide on. While sports betting has since been legalized in a number of states, legislation hasn’t been passed on a federal level.

What is the safest betting site?

The safest options for sports betting online come via the legal and regulated operators. DraftKings and FanDuel are two examples of operators that have received approval to open for business in a number of states. Legal and regulated sites have to go through a lengthy application process, follow specific rules and regulations, and verify that customer funds are safe. That’s not the case with the unregulated options that may be available.

Why do some sports betting sites accept cryptocurrency?

Cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin or Ethereum, are not available as funding options at legal and regulated sportsbooks. If you see these options available, then there’s a good chance that you have stumbled upon a black-market operator that claims it can operate safely under some kind of legal gray area. A fully legal site will provide its users with standard funding options such as credit cards, PayPal and wire transfers, and you won’t have to jump through any unnecessary hoops to deposit or withdraw.

Do I have to pay taxes on my winnings?

Yes, profits obtained from sports betting or any other type of gambling are considered taxable income in the US. If you win above a certain level, operators may even provide you with a 1099-G that states your level of winnings, and the form will be filed with the IRS, as well. A complete tracking of the deposits and withdrawals you have made for gambling purposes is a good habit to get into. For specific questions in regard to your personal situation, we encourage you to consult with a tax advisor.

What legal online and mobile sports betting is available in Nevada?

Sports Connection / Station Casinos, NV Sports Books / South Point, William Hill, CG Technology, Aliante Casino, Treasure Island and Boyd Gaming all operate mobile betting apps in Nevada. Sports Connection/Station Casinos also offers a website.

Can you deposit with PayPal at legal Nevada sports betting apps?

No, at this time you cannot deposit using PayPal for any Nevada sports betting apps. You will need to deposit in person or using a pre-paid card. There are options to top off your account at some convenience stores with certain Nevada apps.

PayPal is likely to be an option for payment in other states, however.

Is it legal to play on Bovada?

No. Bovada is an unlicensed sports betting site. It is illegal for the company to operate in the US but players likely face no legal consequences.

Are there risks to betting on sports at unlicensed sites?

Offshore sportsbooks may not pay players. If a bettor gets stiffed by an unlicensed betting site, then he or she has no recourse. That does not happen at licensed sites.

Sports Betting in other countries: Australia, New Zealand