Although coronavirus closures and concerns are taking center stage in American life this week, Michigan’s tribal casinos have another big development on the horizon.

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With the Detroit casinos already up and running with legalized sports betting for when sports returns, many of the state’s tribal casinos are working toward their own implementation.

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) – There’s some big news when it comes to sports betting in Michigan, especially at the Soaring Eagle Casino and Resort! Sports betting is coming to its Ascend Sports. However, the table games and poker rooms at the Soaring Eagle and the Saganing Eagles Landing Casino are closed until further notice. READ Online Casino & Sports Betting 2020 Outlook: What We Know so Far.

Earlier this month, the Michigan Gaming Control Board gave the OK for Detroit casinos to start taking action on sports. Though the MGCB has no authority over the tribal casinos, officials said they are using similar guidelines and rules.

“Wanting to have another amenity, especially a strong one like sports betting, definitely is gratifying and the state did a good job, along with the tribes working together, to get something that’s workable,” Soaring Eagle CEO Mike Bean said. “It’s something that everybody should be proud of.”

Here’s a rundown from across the state of what to expect – and when:

FireKeepers Casino Hotel

The Battle Creek casino will re-brand Dacey’s Taphouse as Dacey’s Sportsbook when it adds sports betting this spring, according to Jim Wise, vice president in sports/online gaming.

The Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi facility has partnered with Scientific Games and will offer live betting windows and self-service kiosks in Dacey’s, which has two levels.

When Will Soaring Eagle Have Sports Betting

“We think from a technology standpoint, they’re ahead of the game on the sports side,” Wise said of SG. “And whatever point this evolves into online gaming, we have a great partner there.”

Wise said the future app and online casino will have FireKeepers branding.

“We didn’t think we had to get into a position where our brand would become secondary because we were using somebody else’s national reputation,” Wise said.

Four Winds

David Gutierrez, a spokesman for Four Winds Casino, said in an email to PlayMichigan there was no information to share at this time. The Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians operates Four Winds facilities in New Buffalo, Dowagiac and Hartford in southwest Michigan.

Four Winds also operates a casino in South Bend, Ind., the only tribal casino in the Hoosier State.

Four Winds holds a Class II license which allows the operation of slot machines and a poker room. The Pokagon Band is in negotiations with the state of Indiana for Class III Gaming Compact, which would allow table games and sports betting.

Grand Traverse casinos

The Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians has partnered with William Hill for online sports betting and online gaming at Turtle Creek in Williamsburg and Leelenau Sands in Peshawbestown.

The partnership was announced in late February with an expected opening by the 2020 football season. There will be a Turtle Creek sportsbook at Onyx Sports Bar and a satellite facility at Leelenau Sands.

Originally founded in the United Kingdom in 1934, William Hill came to the United States in 2012 and has become one the largest sports betting businesses in the country.

Little River

Joanne Green, marketing manager for Little River Casino Resort in Manistee, said last week the casino plans to have sports betting but did not have any further comment.

Gun Lake

The Wayland Casino, south of Grand Rapids, has partnered with Parx Casino of Pennsylvania for the Gun Lake Casino Sportsbook and online gaming site.

Parx, which is north of Philadelphia, is Pennsylvania’s largest casino and is owned and operated by Greenwood Racing Inc.

Stage 131 Sportsbook & Lounge will be the initial home for sports betting at the Wayland facility and will feature a betting counter and self-serve kiosks.

The casino has not announced a start date for sports betting, only saying it will be a “phased approach” over time.

Gun Lake announced an expansion in October to double the size of Stage 131, adding more seating, televisions, an outdoor period and a new dining service.

Soaring Eagle

The Mount Pleasant facility, operated by the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe, is the largest tribal casino in the state and has an anticipated late spring opening for sports betting.

Sports bar Ascend opened in 2018 with plans of converting into a sportsbook lounge with 10 betting kiosks, said Bean, the property’s CEO.

There is an elevated VIP area in the about 4,000 square foot space, which seats about 120.

Bean said last week there is a partnership in place for the sportsbook’s technology, though he would not comment on the partner or branding plans for the mobile betting app.

The Saginaw Chippewa tribe also operates the Saganing Eagles Landing Casino & Hotel in Standish where the Creekside Lounge will become a sportsbook.

There also will be kiosks at the Soaring Eagle Slot Palace across the street from Soaring Eagle in Mount Pleasant.

Upper Peninsula casinos

PlayMichigan contacted all 11 casinos in the Upper Peninsula and none shared firm plans on opening dates, partnerships or facilities.

The five Kewadin Casino locations in Christmas, Hessel, Manistique, Sault Ste. Marie and St. Ignace have no public plans, nor do the pairs of Bay Mills Indian Community casinos in Brimley or the Ojibwa Casinos in Baraga and Marquette. There was nothing to report from the Island Resort & Casino in Harris, and a marketing representative from Northern Waters Casino Resort in Watersmeet said they are taking a “wait-and-see” approach.

Sports betting for Michigan Residents at land-based facilities in the state is now legal and operational, now that the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act has been repealed. The state came close to passing a sports betting bill in 2018 but the governor vetoed the bill shortly before having to give up his seat. Michigan lawmakers didn’t give up though and have passed a bill legalizing sports betting in the state. However, although the bill has passed, and the first land-based sportsbooks are open, the online infrastructure for betting over the internet is not going to be established until 2021. But that doesn’t mean that you can’t participate in legal online sports betting right now.

Michigan is full of sports fans on both the professional and collegiate levels. Lions fans, Red Wings supporters, and Tigers fans can all look forward to sportsbooks in Detroit.. Proud alumni and fans of college athletics can also find odds listed for betting on the Michigan Wolverines right now. That is because online legal sports betting for Michigan residents is available at online, offshore sportsbooks. We’ll provide all of the information you need regarding these legal sports betting opportunities. We’ll also provide you with information about the upcoming bills and sports betting laws that are introduced in the session. Here, you’ll find everything you need about legal sports betting for Michigan residents.

Legal Sports Betting Sites Accepting Michigan Residents

There are tons of legal online sportsbooks for Michigan residents, but it’s really about focusing on quality, not quantity. When it comes to betting on sports online, there are several factors that need to be considered: transaction speed, betting limits, wager types, event coverage, and of course, promotions/perks. After taking all of this into account, we have narrowed the playing field down to the final four. These sites are safe, have incredible reputations, and will provide service to Michigan Residents everywhere. You can choose one to play at, or sign up at all four. The choice is entirely yours.

Bovada - Free To Register, All Michigan Residents Eligible

Attention Michigan bettors, it's now time to rejoice in the fact that you have a great online sportsbook option for you to play. Bovada is the answer to all that you seek, by offering a ton of competitive betting lines stretching to cover just about every league and sporting event across the United States. There are even international sports betting lines as well. You’ll find the best selection of gaming options at Bovada.

Bovada has arguably the best online sports betting selection of any comparable sportsbook in the industry. Their range of game lines, prop bets, futures odds, team props, and more await those Michigan players who choose to take a step into sports betting Nirvana. You won’t want to miss out on everything that Bovada provides, from its generous welcome bonus to its incredible betting odds right out of the gate. Be sure to check Bovada out today. All it takes is a few minutes to create an account.

BetOnline - Payouts In As Few As 48 Hours

One of the most important features of any online sportsbook is their transaction speed. You don’t want to have to wait for your winnings, which is why we recommend BetOnline. This sportsbook accepts Michigan residents, and better still, pays them out faster than almost any other online book. Here, you can receive your payouts within 48 hours of requesting them, depending on the withdrawal method you choose.

They offer nearly a dozen different banking options at this sportsbook, giving you the widest selection to choose from at online sportsbooks. These options don’t just stop at banking, though. You’ll find an incredible selection of betting odds and coverage on professional and collegiate events taking place all over the country. From NFL to NBA and more, BetOnline has everything to keep even the most avid bettors on their toes.

SportsBetting - Michigan Football + More

If you’re a fan of the best Michigan teams and want to get in on the action, head on over to SportsBetting. This online sportsbook is incredible, and will always have the most betting options for Michigan football fans. This site accepts residents from all over, and all it takes is a few short minutes to create an account. If you have any trouble whatsoever, their 24/7 customer service line will be there to support you every step of the way.

SportsBetting is equipped to support any sort of bettor, from beginners to experts. If you’re just learning how to bet on sports in Michigan, SportsBetting’s in-depth how-to guide will show you the A-Z’s of gambling. You’ll find hot tips at their site as well, from expert sharks. Experts will find a wide array of betting types, incredible adjustable odds, and sky-high limits that allow them to partake in the game they love so much. Everything you need is right here at SportsBetting. What are you waiting?

Is Sports Betting Legal in Michigan?

Right now, sports betting is legal in Michigan. During a previous legislative session, lawmakers were able to pass an online gambling bill that included sports betting verbiage. Michigan not only has legal sports betting, but it is up and running at several land-based locations – just in time for the 2020 March Madness! However, their online infrastructure is not slated to be completed until 2021.

For now, if you’re looking for legal sports betting in Michigan that you can participate in right away, we suggest using online, offshore sportsbooks. These websites are completely legal for Michigan residents, as there are no laws that prevent the use of the internet for gaming. You will have access to betting opportunities on both professional and collegiate events taking place across the country. There are hundreds of these sites, so to help you get started, we’ve gone ahead and found the top four sportsbooks out there right now. They have the best reputations and accept Michigan Residents from all over the state.

Which Cities In Michigan Have Sportsbooks?

Sports betting in Michigan is currently only allowed to take place in commercial casinos. There are three commercial casinos currently operating in the Great Lakes State, and all three of them are located in Detroit. Detroit Sportsbooks would be able to open at the Greektown Casino, MGM Grand Detroit, and MotorCity Casino. This means that Lions fans wishing to place NFL bets will have to check out the casinos in Detroit or use the offshore sportsbooks.

Legal NFL Betting In Michigan

Legal NFL betting in Michigan can be done on any professional team in the league when you use the best sportsbooks. Of course, you’ll be able to bet on the home team, Detroit Lions. They’ve been playing football for the better part of a century, and they’re one of the most storied teams in the NFL. Football fans all across the country tune in each year on Thanksgiving to watch the team play, but NFL fans in the Great Lakes State watch and bet on them every Sunday in the fall. Betting on the Detroit Lions is something that Motor City residents hope to be able to do in one of the area’s casinos, but online offshore sportsbooks already come with a plethora of options to do so.

They’re always good for a spread or over/under bet, and you know the props are always going to be great. Through all their ups and downs, you don’t want to miss out on legal NFL betting in Michigan, whether you’re covering the Lions or betting they’ll choke again. Legal NFL betting can be done at any of the online, offshore sportsbooks recommended above. Wagering is open now, which means you can place futures and props before the season even begins. Expect the best offerings of wager types available throughout the season and postseason at online, offshore sportsbooks.

Mobile Sportsbooks In Michigan

Michigan has many options for mobile-based sports betting. Most of these options will be focused on the online sportsbooks, which are likely the best bet for users in Michigan to get their sports betting fix. When you use your mobile browser to navigate to a sports betting site in Michigan, the online sportsbooks will display a version of their website that is optimized for the use of mobile devices, so that you can place a bet easily. This means that Lions fans can easily wager on their hometown team no matter where they are and no matter what time it is!

Michigan Sports Betting & Gambling Laws

Sports betting is currently legal in the state of Michigan, with some exceptions. Originally, Michigan law enabled limited casino operations in the state of Michigan and allocated the revenue to fund public education. There are no laws that prevent online gambling in the state of Michigan. As of 2020, the state legislature has passed an online gambling bill that legalized online sports betting. As of March 11th, 2020, the first land-based sportsbooks were opened in the great state of Michigan. One downside here, however, is that online sports betting has been slow to make it to Michigan, and is not slated to be available in Michigan until 2021.

While you’re waiting for Michigan casinos to be allowed to offer online sports betting in addition to land-based sports betting, don’t miss out on all of the incredible action that can be found at online, offshore sportsbooks. You’ll be able to wager on all of the professional and amateur games you can find, from the NFL to the NCAA. The books recommended on this site are both safe and legal for Michigan Residents to sign up for. You’ll find a world full of sky-high betting limits, fantastic wager types, and so much more when you sign up for any one of these books. Given the current situation regarding COVID-19, it seems safer to stay indoors than to visit the brick and mortar sportsbooks.

Current Status of Sports Betting Bills in Michigan

Michigan House Bill MI HB 4311, also known as the Lawful Internet Gaming Act, passed through the Michigan State House and Senate and was signed into law by the Governor. The bill was introduced by House Representative Brandt Iden and it is essentially a copy of House Bill 4926 which he sponsored and was previously able to get passed through his legislative chamber. This time, however, the bill wasn’t vetoed, and the state of Michigan finally legalized both land-based and online sports betting. Land-based sports betting was up and running just in time for March Madness 2020, but online looks like it’ll take a bit longer – it is currently slated to start in 2021.

Legal Gambling Age For Michigan Residents

The legal gambling age for Michigan residents is 21. While some tribal casinos will allow residents, who are 18 to partake in gaming, this is not going to be the case for sports betting in Michigan. There will be one uniform age requirement to bet on sports in the state and it will be enforced at every land-based and online Michigan sportsbook. We recommend you follow this requirement when using online, offshore sportsbooks as well. This will prevent any issues when you go to collect your winnings. NFL betting season can be exciting, but it’s important to temper that excitement when you’re underage - obeying the law is paramount.

Land Based Gambling In Michigan

Currently, Michigan has 23 tribal casinos and three commercial casinos. As of March 11th, 2020, several of these casinos are now hosting sportsbooks. As the law stands now, only commercial casinos would be permitted to operate the sportsbooks, all of which are located in Detroit. That being said, by 2021, Michigan is expected to have its online gambling infrastructure up and running, and so every resident in the Great Lakes State would be able to access these sportsbooks from the comfort of their home.

Commercial Casinos (All located in Detroit):

• Motor City Casino
• Greektown Casino
• MGM Grand Detroit

Tribal Casinos:

• Bay Mills Resorts & Casino
• FireKeepers Casino
• Four Winds Casino
• Four Winds Casino Dowagiac
• Four Winds Casino Hartford
• Gun Lake Casino
• Island Resort & Casino
• Kewadin Casino
• Kewadin Casino Christmas
• Kewadin Casino Hessel
• Kewadin Casino Manistique
• Kewadin Shores Casino
• Kings Club Casino
• Lac Vieux Desert Casino
• Leelanau Sands Casino
• Little River Casino
• Odawa Casino
• Ojibwa Baraga Casino
• Ojibwa Marquette Casino II
• Saganing Eagles Landing Casino
• Soaring Eagle Casino
• Soaring Eagle Slot Palace Casino
• Turtle Creek Casino

FAQ About Online Sports Betting In Michigan

1) I was told Michigan once had a rule that makes it illegal to gamble online. What happened?

It is true that Michigan did at one point in time have prohibitive verbiage in its penal code that prevented the use of the internet to gamble. This law, however, was repealed in 2000. There are no longer any prohibitions on online gambling in Michigan. This means that you can use online, offshore sportsbooks to your heart’s content in the Great Lake State.

2) So, is it a crime to place wagers online in Michigan?

No, there are no laws that make it a crime to gamble online in the state of Michigan. In fact, Michigan lawmakers are currently attempting to legalize several different forms of online gambling in the state, to be hosted by the three commercial casinos in Detroit. As it stands now, without any laws that prevent or prohibit online gambling in the state, we feel confident in saying that using online, offshore sportsbooks is completely legal.

3) Is Bovada legal in Michigan?

Yes, Bovada is legal for Michigan Residents. This website provides a sports betting platform, as well as casino and racebook. All forms of gambling at Bovada are perfectly safe and legal for MI residents.

4) Where are Michigan's gambling laws posted on the Internet?

Michigan’s gambling laws can be found under the state statutes on their state website. For current laws, you’ll want to go to the Michigan Gaming Control and Revenue Act, originally passed in 1996. For bills that are introduced, you can use the bill tracker on the state website, to monitor its progress through Congress. See the Michigan Gambling Statutes here.

5) Do federal laws actually ban gambling on the Internet?

No, there are no federal laws that prevent gambling on the internet. There are only two federal sports betting laws in effect right now – the Wire Act and the UIGEA. The Wire Act prevents people from accepting wagers over state lines, which means you can’t place a bet at a Nevada Sportsbook unless you’re actually there in the state. The Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) is a banking regulation that prevents banks from processing transactions to known gambling sites. Neither has the authority to prevent you from gambling, and neither effect online, offshore sports betting, as those books are under the authority of their own government.

6) Can funding my account or withdrawing out of it violate the UIGEA?

No, there is no way for you to violate the UIGEA unless you are the one processing the transaction. The Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act is simply a scary sounding bank regulation. It only pertains to those who process the transaction. When you use an online, offshore sportsbook, the banks processing your transactions are located overseas, and therefore do not fall under the jurisdiction of the UIGEA. The important thing to know is that you are not breaking any laws when you fund or withdraw from your sports betting account.

Soaring Eagle Sports Betting Games

7) Why is online sports gambling not regulated in Michigan?

Soaring Eagle Sports Betting Odds

Online sports betting in Michigan is currently being worked on by the legislation but is not yet legalized. Previously, it was not permitted due to the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act. Now that that has been repealed, state lawmakers are trying to pass a law that would provide a legal platform for online sports betting for MI residents

8) How many betting sites am I allowed to join?

You are allowed to create a single account with every site you want. Each website runs independently of one another, and so you are free to join as many as you’d like. We recommend four great online sportsbooks for MI residents here, and you could potentially join each one if you so choose.

9) Is my credit card information safe when it comes to gambling on sports over the Internet?

Soaring Eagle Sports Betting Sites

Yes, your credit card information is incredibly safe when you gamble on sports over the internet. The sites that we recommend use something called an SSL, which is an encryption technology. This technology is the same used by websites like Amazon and other online shopping venues. We recommended the sites with the highest safety ratings, so you can rest easy knowing that your information is incredibly safe.

10) Where can I find a guide that will teach me about odds and sports betting?

Sports Betting Soaring Eagle Casino

When you sign up for an account with any of the online, offshore sportsbooks we’ve mentioned on this page, there is an in-depth betting guide for beginners under the “help” tab. There, you’ll find explanations on how to read odds, what the different wagering types are and how they pay out, as well as several other helpful tips that are perfect to get you going in the right direction.