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Online Sports Betting Promotion

Michigan online sports betting is finally a reality for bettors. The Michigan Gaming Control Board announced a online sportsbook launch on January 22, 2021.

Both retail and online sportsbooks are allowed under the Michigan Lawful Sports Betting Act. Retail sportsbooks launched in early 2020. About a dozen sportsbook apps are part of the first round of Michigan online gambling apps. FOX Bet and Four Winds launched just after the first round of apps.

Commercial and tribal casinos can launch mobile sports betting platforms. The Michigan Gaming Control Board approved 15 different potential online sports betting operators late last year. This means more sportsbook apps will launch later in 2021.

There is an assortment of alluring promotions for DFS players with FanDuel accounts. One of the best in for all sportsbooks is FanDuel’s $500 risk free bet. Anytime you can essentially wager with $500 of house-money, that’s a smart bet. Virginia Sports Betting is Now Live. FanDuel, DraftKings, William Hill and BetMGM sportsbooks are live in Virginia! You can visit any of our reviews: FanDuel Virginia Sportsbook, DraftKings Virginia Sportsbook, William Hill Virginia or BetMGM Virginia for additional information on each book. However, after reading this page, you likely won’t need any additional information to start betting. Tennessee Online Sports Betting. Legal sports betting has arrived in the state of Tennessee. Anyone within state lines is now eligible to bet on sports using a legal, licensed sportsbook. Even those passing through for a business trip or bachelor party can place wagers during their time in the Volunteer State, no matter how brief. Boost your account with an extra 50% of free plays when making your first ever deposit at SportsBetting.ag. Enter promo code “SB1000” in the cashier and you can instantly take home up to $1,000 on top of your initial deposit. Deposit Now Terms & Conditions 25% SPORTS RELOAD BONUS. FOX Bet is the sports betting app from FOX Sports. It is currently available in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Colorado and Michigan. Let’s take a look at what you need to know about FOX’s sports betting app and how to get a FOX Bet promo code. FOX Bet offers a $500 risk-free bet as its new user signup bonus.

Editors Choice for Best Michigan Sports Betting Apps

  • BetRivers: Best for Deposit Bonus
  • WynnBet: Best for Sports & Casino Players
  • William Hill: Best for New Bettors
  • FanDuel: Best for iOS and Android App
  • BetMGM: Best for Detroit Bettors
  • DraftKings: Best for DFS Players

Michigan Sports Betting Updates

  • Michigan off to a great start – Michigan’s first month with online gambling live proved to be a historic event. The state had a record-breaking launch.
  • New online gambling operators join in – On February 15, the MGCB authorized Four Winds sports betting and online casino to launch. They partnered with Pala Interactive who provided the software.
  • New online gambling operators join in – On January 29, the MGCB authorized FOX Bet and Poker Stars to go live with sports betting and casino gaming, respectively. Poker Stars also launched Michigan’s first online poker site. Barstool received approval to launch an online casino on the same day.
  • Michigan sports betting begins with 10 sportsbooks live – 10 sportsbooks launched in the Great Lakes State on January 22, opening day for Michigan sports betting. These include BetRivers, William Hill, FanDuel, BetMGM, DraftKings, Golden Nugget, Barstool, TwinSpires, PointsBet, and Wynn.
  • Michigan Gaming Control Board announced sports betting launch – On January 19, 2021, the MGCB announced that 9 sports betting apps would launch on January 22. The next day, the MGCB announced its approval of PointsBet, bringing the total number to 10.
  • Michigan approves 15 online sports betting and casino licenses – The MGCB gave the green light to 15 different iGaming licenses on December 10. This action from the MGCB marks one of the final regulatory steps before Michigan’s online sportsbooks go live sometime in early 2021.
  • Casinos reopen after a month-long shutdown – A COVID-19 emergency order forced Michigan’s trio of commercial casinos to shut down on November 18. The three casinos, all home to retail sportsbooks (MGM Grand Detroit, MotorCity Casino Hotel, Greektown Casino Hotel) reopened on December 21.
  • Detroit Pistons partner with FanDuel, DraftKings – Michigan’s iconic NBA franchise announced simultaneous partnerships with both FanDuel and DraftKings. The agreements bring in the two top sports betting brands in the US as official sports betting partners of the Detroit Pistons.
  • Barstool Sportsbook enters Michigan market – Greektown Casino Hotel announced a renovation and rebranding of its retail sportsbook. The land-based sports betting venue will be reintroduced as Barstool Sportsbook, the first retail sportsbook to bear the Barstool name.

Reviews Of Michigan’s 6 Best Sports Betting Apps & Sites

Best for Deposit Bonus

at BetRivers MI

Available On: iOS, Android, Web Browser

Best for Deposit Bonus

BetRivers Michigan

4.5

BetRivers Review

Deposit Bonus

100% up to $250

Retail Partner

in Manistee

Licensed by

Michigan Gaming Control Board

BetRivers expansion across the US continues with the BetRivers Sportsbook MI platform. The selection of domestic and international sports put BetRivers on par with just about any other legal sports betting site in the US.

The welcome bonus at BetRivers presents one of the most player-friendly offers of any Michigan sportsbook. New players can unlock a 100% deposit match up to $250, with just a 1x playthrough requirement.

Excellent selection of international sports, deposit via Paypal

Best for Sports & Casino Players

at WynnBet MI

Available On: iOS, Android, Web Browser

Best for Sports & Casino Players

WynnBet Michigan

4.3

WynnBet Review

Risk-Free Bet

Online Sports Betting Promos

On First Bet

Retail Partner

in Marie

Licensed by

Michigan Gaming Control Board

Back by the Wynn Casino brand, WynnBet is a relative newcomer on the market compared to other sportsbook apps in Michigan. Operating only in Michigan, Colorado, and New Jersey, it is anticipated that WynnBet will continue its expansion into other US markets. In the meantime, WynnBet offers a great alternative for Michigan bettors, including a competitive bonus offer and strong online casino offering.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS APPLY & 21+

Best for New Bettors

at William Hill MI

Available On: iOS, Android, Web Browser

States Accepted: MI, CO, IN, IA, NJ, NV, WV, VA, IL

Best for New Bettors

William Hill Michigan

4.2

Willaim Hill Review

Risk-Free Bet

On First Bet

Retail Partner

in Williamsburg

Licensed by

Michigan Gaming Control Board

The William Hill Sportsbook in Michigan brings a century-old sports betting brand from the UK to what will be one of the top online gaming markets in the country.

William Hill really stands apart from the other options in the state with an impressive market depth for international events, and their odds are competitive across the board.

But beyond that, William Hill largely falls a bit short with a less than competitive new player bonus.

Huge market depth, unique options for international sports, simple, straightforward platform, quality odds that compete well with competitors

Best for iOS and Android App

at FanDuel Sportsbook MI

Available On: iOS, Android, Web Browser

States Accepted: MI, NJ, PA, IL, IN, IA, CO, WV, TN, VA

Best for iOS and Android App

FanDuel Sportsbook Michigan

4.4

FanDuel Sportsbook Review

Risk-Free Bet

On First Bet

Retail Partner

Online Sports Betting Promotion
in Detriot

Licensed by

Michigan Gaming Control Board

FanDuel Sportsbook offers just about everything a bettor could ask for in an online sportsbook. The domestic and international leagues available for wagering puts FanDuel Sportsbook in the top tier of legal mobile sports betting platforms in the US.

New players can take advantage of a risk-free bet up to $1,000 after making an initial deposit. Other unique promotions include parlay insurance, which offers up to $25 back on a five-leg or more parlay if all legs but one are winners.

Comprehensive selection of sports, ways to bet, and deposit options

Best for Detroit Bettors

at BetMGM MI

Available On: iOS, Android, Web Browser

States Accepted: MI, CO, IN, IA, NJ, NV, PA, TN, WV, VA

Best for Detroit Bettors

BetMGM Michigan

4.4

OnlineBetMGM Review

Risk-Free Bet

On First Bet

Retail Partner

in Detriot

Licensed by

Michigan Gaming Control Board

BetMGM Sportsbook functions as the sports betting branch of Michigan’s largest land-based casino, MGM Grand Detroit. BetMGM brings together a comprehensive sports betting platform that belongs on the go-to list for any serious bettor.

New Michigan bettors can claim up to a $600 risk-free bet bonus offer at BetMGM Michigan.

Robust number of available sports and ways to wager

Best for DFS Players

at DraftKings Sportsbook MI

Available On: iOS, Android, Web Browser

States Accepted: MI, CO, IN, IA, NJ, NV, PA, TN, WV, VA, NH

Best for DFS Players

DraftKings Michigan

4.0

DraftKings Review

Deposit Bonus

20% up to $1,000

Retail Partner

in Brimley

Licensed by

Michigan Gaming Control Board

Michigan bettors of all experience levels should find plenty to like about DraftKings Sportsbook. The platform offers one of the most robust selections of sports among any legal online betting site.

The welcome bonus at DraftKings Sportsbook comes as a 20% deposit match up to $1,000. The sportsbook also offers a $100 bonus for each new player you refer to the site.

Wide array of sports, ways to bet, and deposit/withdrawal methods. Official sports betting partner of the Detroit Pistons.

All Michigan Online Sportsbooks Apps

SportsbookWelcome BonusCasino PartnerLaunch Date
BetRivers100% Deposit Match Up To $250Little River Casino Resort1/22/21
William HillRisk free bet up to $2,021Turtle Creek Casino & Leelanau Sands Casino1/22/21
FanDuelRisk-free Bet Up To $1,000Motor City Casino Hotel1/22/21
BetMGMRisk-free Bet Up To $600MGM Grand Detroit1/22/21
PointsBetTwo Risk-free Bets Up To $2,000Northern Waters Casino Resort1/22/21
DraftKings20% Deposit Match Up To $1,000Bay Mills Resort & Casino1/22/21
Golden NuggetRisk-free Bet Up To $100Ojibwa Casino1/22/21
Barstool$1,000 Risk Free BetGreektown Casino Hotel1/22/21
WynnBet$1000 Risk Free BetKewadin Casino1/22/21
Twin Spires (formerly BetAmerica)One week risk-free betting up to $1000Island Resort & Casino1/22/21
FOX BetRisk-free Bet Up To $500Odawa Casino1/29/21
Four Winds Sportsbook$200 Deposit Match BonusFour Winds Casinos2/15/21
Fire Keepers SportsbookTBAFire Keepers Casino And HotelTBA (Expected 2021)
Parx SportsbookRisk-free Bet Up To $500Gun Lake CasinoTBA (Expected 2021)

How To Place A Bet In Michigan

Choosing An Online Sportsbook In Michigan

Michigan’s online sports betting market includes at least 14 mobile sportsbooks approved by the MGCB, nine of which launched on day one. Each different sportsbook offers different welcome promotions, betting markets, and odds.

Gaming Today continuously updates this page with the latest information on Michigan’s mobile sports betting apps. You can use the information here to evaluate which sportsbooks suit your preferences.

Make A Deposit

The most reliable deposit options for Michigan bettors include PayPal and ACH/eCheck. The Play+ prepaid card, available at most sportsbooks, offers another convenient and secure deposit method.

Mobile sportsbooks put several different deposit options at your fingertips, allowing you to fund your account from anywhere in the state.

Verify Your Location

Michigan’s mobile sportsbooks use geolocation technology to determine your location when you log in. You must be located within Michigan borders to place a bet at a state-regulated sportsbook.

If the geolocation service determines that you’re out-of-state, you’ll be blocked from betting until you’re back in Michigan.

How To Register An Account

Once you’ve chosen an online sportsbook, you’ll need to provide proof of age and identity before you can deposit and start betting.

The sportsbook will ask you for a valid identification document (driver’s license, state-issued ID) to confirm these details. Once your documents are verified, you can navigate to the cashier and make your first deposit.

How To Place A Bet

Michigan’s mobile sports betting apps provide unprecedented ease of access to betting markets on sports events around the globe.

Most sportsbooks offer a user-friendly interface that allows you to browse all available sports, and then leagues and games within that sport. Placing a bet requires just a couple of clicks.

Clicking on a line of your choice puts the wager on your bet slip. Once there, you’ll have to click on “Confirm” or a similar link to send your bet to the sportsbook.

Legal Sportsbooks Versus Offshore Betting Sites

With no less than 14 online sportsbooks coming to Michigan, bettors will enjoy access to an entire new world of legal sportsbooks. All state-regulated sportsbooks will bear the seal of approval from the Michigan Gaming Control Board.

Any online sports betting site not displaying that seal is operating illegally in the US. These offshore sites can’t guarantee the same level of security and accountability as their legal counterparts.

Putting your money down on an offshore gambling site isn’t worth the risk, especially with so many legal options at the disposal of Michigan players. If you deposit at an offshore site, you might never see that money again.

Michigan Sports Betting Revenue

While online sports betting has yet to launch in Michigan, the state’s three commercial casinos all opened retail sportsbooks in 2020.

After nearly five months shut down due to a COVID-19 emergency order, the trio of Detroit-based commercial casinos reopened in early August. The casinos could only allow 15% capacity, but the land-based sportsbooks at each performed well under those conditions.

October marked the last full month of operations for the commercial sportsbooks before another shutdown in November. The three Detroit sportsbooks (MGM Grand Detroit, MotorCity Casino Hotel, Greektown Casino Hotel) brought in $7.6 million in combined revenue in October.

In leading sports betting markets like New Jersey and Pennsylvania, mobile wagering produces around 90% of overall sports betting revenue. The $7.6 million revenue figure for Michigan in October doesn’t include mobile wagering, and also excludes revenue from tribal casinos.

With all of those factors in mind, the October performance of Michigan’s commercial sportsbooks points to big things in 2021 for Michigan’s sports betting industry.

How Michigan Sports Betting Compares To Other States

Illinois

In less than a year, Illinois has emerged as the nation’s fourth-largest sports betting market in terms of overall wagering handle.

Illinois sportsbooks brought in $434 million in handle in October of last year, with more than 94% of those bets coming from mobile sportsbooks. DraftKings, BetRivers, and FanDuel dominate the Illinois online sports betting market.

The Illinois market currently includes those brands, as well as William Hill and PointsBet. Michigan bettors will enjoy access to several other different options compared to Illinois, which could lead to Michigan eclipsing Illinois in the US sports betting economy.

Indiana

Another Midwest state with a flourishing sports betting market, Indiana took nearly $231 million in handle in October 2020. The Hoosier State stands as the No. 5 sports betting market in the US, right behind Illinois.

Indiana’s land-based and online sportsbook market somewhat resembles what’s on the way in Michigan. FanDuel and DraftKings operate as the top two choices in Indiana’s mobile sports betting market, a trend that could likely carry over to Michigan.

Mobile wagering accounts for more than 75% of all bets in Indiana. Indiana’s online sportsbooks are on the way to going over the $100 million revenue mark for 2020.

Michigan Sports Betting Successes And Failures

Sports Betting Successes For Michigan

Michigan’s potential as a top-five US sports betting market attracted the industry’s biggest brands to the state. At least 14 different online sportsbooks are approved in Michigan, with 9 apps launching on the first day of online gaming.

Michigan’s attractive tax rates (8.4% on mobile and retail sports betting revenue), rich sports tradition, and the number of available land-based casino partners successfully drew the giants of the sports betting industry to the state.

DraftKings, FanDuel, BetRivers, BetMGM, and William Hill represent just a few of the companies slated to launch online sportsbooks in Michigan. Michigan’s sports betting scene will offer a selection of different online sportsbooks that rivals any US state.

What Could Improve For Michigan’s Sports Betting Industry

After sports betting legalization got the green light in late 2019, 2020 ended up as a year of uncertainty and mixed messages about the launch of online sports betting in the state.

The Michigan Gaming Control Board pushed for a late-2020 launch of online sports betting, but the year ended with mobile sportsbooks still on hold.

Every week that went by without a launch of online sports betting, Michigan’s casinos lose out on significant potential revenue. This delay was remedied by the first sports betting apps launching in time to place bets on the Super Bowl. Still, there are additional gaming apps that have been approved but are delayed in their launch.

Sports Betting Legalization Effort In Michigan

A sports betting legalization bill passed through the state House and Senate in 2018, and it appeared that Michigan was poised to become the next US state with legal sports betting.

Needing only a signature from then-Governor Rick Snyder, however, the 2018 effort was nullified by a veto from Snyder just days before his gubernatorial term ended.

That setback reset the Michigan sports betting legalization effort back to square one. A 2019 version of a sports betting bill once again passed through the House and Senate, and this time got the final signature from new Governor Gretchen Whitmer.

Retail Sportsbooks Launch In Michigan

The sports betting bill approved both retail and online sports betting in Michigan. The state’s three Detroit-based commercial casinos all opened sportsbooks on their properties in March 2020, only to shut down just days later due to a COVID-19 emergency order.

Commercial casinos reopened in August, with all three resuming retail sportsbooks operations. Some of Michigan’s tribal casinos opened land-based sportsbooks throughout the year as well, as tribal properties aren’t bound by state-issued emergency orders.

Nine online sportsbooks launched on January 22, 2021, ending months of speculation as to when the MGCB would give Michigan sports betting the official green light to start accepting bets.

Michigan Sports Betting Timeline

  • December 2018 – After passing through the state House and Senate, a sports betting bill gets vetoed by outgoing Gov. Rick Snyder.
  • December 2019 – Sports betting legislation once again goes through the two state chambers, and this time gets the needed signature from Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to go into law.
  • March 2020 – Michigan’s three Detroit-area commercial casinos open retail sportsbooks. All three casinos are forced to shut down just days later, however, due to COVID-19 emergency orders.
  • August 2020 – Not bound by the state’s COVID-19 order, FireKeepers Casino becomes the first Michigan tribal property to open a retail sportsbook.
  • August 2020 – Commercial casinos get the green light to reopen, allowing their retail sportsbooks to operate uninterrupted until a second shutdown in November.
  • September 2020 – The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) finalizes rules for the state’s sports betting industry.
  • November 2020 – A monthly MGCB meeting alludes to a possible early-2021 launch of online sports betting. The meeting dampens hopes of a late-2020 launch.
  • January 19, 2021 – After a January 12, 2021 meeting, the MGCB officially announced that the first bets would be placed in Michigan on Friday, January 22, 2021.

Michigan’s Sports Teams

Professional Sports Franchises In Michigan

Detroit Red Wings

Detroit’s “Hockeytown” nickname comes as a result of the success and popularity of the Detroit Red Wings. The Red Wings status as 11-time Stanley Cup champions bolsters the franchise’s reputation as perhaps the most beloved Michigan professional sports franchise.

Michigan’s legal sportsbooks offer betting markets on the Red Wings throughout the NHL season. When the Red Wings make a playoff appearance, Michigan bettors can wager on the Detroit hockey franchise through the Stanley Cup Finals.

Detroit Tigers

The lineage of the Detroit Tigers goes back to 1894. Detroit’s Major League Baseball franchise boasts four World Series Championships, with the most recent of those coming in 1984.

The Tigers have made five playoff appearances and two American League championships since the turn of the century. Moneyline, run line (aka point spread), parlays, and prop bets on the Tigers are available throughout the regular season and playoffs at Michigan’s sportsbooks.

Detroit Lions

Longsuffering fans of the Detroit Lions still await the NFL franchise’s first Super Bowl appearance. The Lions lay claim to four NFL championships, but all four came in the 1950s and before the Super Bowl era.

The Lions have made three playoff appearances in the last decade. If and when the Lions do make a magical Super Bowl run, Michigan bettors will enjoy the full gamut of betting options on the Lions all the way through the championship game.

Detroit Pistons

The NBA’s Detroit Pistons stand as one of Michigan’s most successful sports franchises in the modern era. The Pistons have won three league championships since 1989, with the most recent of those coming in 2004.

The Pistons put together a string of six consecutive Eastern Conference Finals appearances from 2003-2008. The next era of greatness for the Pistons could be just around the corner, and fans will enjoy betting opportunities on the team through all rounds of the NBA Playoffs.

Michigan College Sports Teams

The Michigan Lawful Sports Betting Act permits betting on all college sports, including Michigan-based teams. In-game and player prop bets aren’t allowed, but all other kinds of betting on college sports are legal at Michigan’s sportsbooks.

College sports loyalty throughout the state is divided between two major programs – the Michigan Wolverines and the Michigan State Spartans.

University of Michigan Wolverines

One of the most storied college football programs in the country, the Michigan Wolverines play as a perennial powerhouse in the Big Ten Conference.

The Wolverines lay claim to 11 national championships and a staggering 42 conference titles since the inception of its football program in 1879.

The University of Michigan also competes for the Big Ten men’s basketball title on a regular basis. The program’s recent history includes five Sweet Sixteen appearances in the 2010s and eight overall appearances in the NCAA Tournament in that span.

Michigan State Spartans

The Michigan State University Spartans stand as one of the main rivals to the Michigan Wolverines in virtually every sport. Big Ten basketball and football matchups between the two schools provide Michigan sports fans with some of the most hyped events on the annual athletic calendar.

The football program went to the College Football Playoff in 2015 and has earned conference championships over its more than century-long history.

Legendary head coach Tom Izzo leads the Spartans men’s basketball program to the postseason virtually every year. The Spartans have clinched a March Madness berth in 22 consecutive seasons under Izzo.

Aside from in-game and player prop bets, both major Michigan programs can be wagered on throughout the regular season and playoffs, both in football and basketball.

Other Sports To Bet On In Michigan

All major domestic sports leagues will appear on the betting menus at Michigan’s mobile sportsbooks. NASCAR, golf, tennis, MMA, MLS, and other US-based sports offer almost innumerable opportunities for Michigan sports bettors.

The NASCAR Cup comes through Michigan International Speedway each year for the FireKeepers Casino 400 race. Other major Michigan sports events include the PGA’s Rocket Mortgage Classic, which commences from the Detroit Golf Club each summer.

International sports and niche events round out the betting markets available at Michigan’s legal sportsbooks. Table tennis, rugby, cricket, Aussie Rules football, international motorsports, and even games like darts and chess are available for wagering.

Michigan Sports Betting FAQs

More Resources On Michigan Sports Betting

  • Michigan Gaming Control Board: News & Reports – The latest press releases and revenue figures from Michigan’s gaming regulation agency.
  • Michigan Lawful Sports Betting Act – An e-copy of the official bill outlining Michigan’s sports betting laws.
  • The Fall of PASPA – Article on the overturning of the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act, and how it opened the door for legal sports betting throughout the US.
  • The Detroit News – Sports section of one of Michigan’s leading news outlets.
  • ESPN US Sports Betting Map – Updated map showing where each US state stands on legal sports betting.

Yes. The Michigan Lawful Sports Betting Act allows both online and retail sports betting. Ownership groups for both commercial and tribal casinos can offer online sports betting.

No less than 14 different online sportsbooks are set to launch in Michigan. State gaming regulators announced 9 of these sportsbooks were ready to launch on January 22, 2021.

Yes. Michigan sports betting laws allow for wagering on college sports, including Michigan-based programs.

The only exceptions to Michigan’s allowed wagering on college sports are a ban on in-game prop betting and player props. All other kinds of betting are legal under Michigan law.

How Old Do I Have To Be To Bet At Michigan’s Online Sportsbooks?

21 or older. Michigan sports betting laws set the minimum wagering age at 21. This age applies to online sportsbooks licensed to both commercial and tribal casinos.

While some tribal casinos set the minimum age for retail sports betting at 18 or 19, all online sportsbooks mandate a minimum age of 21.

Do I Need To Be A Michigan Resident To Place A Bet At An Online Sportsbook?

No, but you must be located within Michigan state lines at the time of a wager. Michigan’s online sportsbooks use geolocation technology to determine your location when you access your account.

If you’re in Michigan when you place your bet, that bet is legal whether you’re a Michigan resident or not.

Yes. Most of Michigan’s upcoming online sportsbooks offer their platforms as iOS apps. These apps can be found as free downloads in the App Store.

Even if you don’t have the app (or the sportsbook doesn’t offer an iOS app), you can still use the browser on your Apple device to access Michigan’s online sportsbooks.

Yes. DraftKings Sportsbook operates as a license partner of Bay Mills Resort & Casino. They launched on January 22, 2021.

West Virginia online sportsbooks attract new sports bettors and keep existing ones by providing bonus offers and promo codes. It is a great way of maximizing your sports betting bankroll and maximizing your investment when trying out a new sportsbook.

There are currently two online sports betting apps in West Virginia:

Sportsbook
Features
New User Bonus. T&Cs Apply.
Up to $1,000 Deposit Bonus
Risk Free Bet
Weekly Betting Promos
Risk Free Bet
$10 Free Weekly Bet
Risk Free Bet
Available on Desktop, Android & iOS

Overview

SportsbookParent companyOnline Launch date
DraftKingsDraftKingsAug. 28, 2019
FanduelPaddy Power BetfairAug. 26, 2019
William HillWilliam Hill plcTBA
FoxBetThe Stars GroupTBA
Hollywood CasinoPenn National GamingTBA

How sportsbook bonuses work

Most sign-up offers come in the form of matched deposit bonuses and free bets. The distinction between the two is blurry because the size of many free bets depends on the size of your initial payment.

Generally, a free bet allows you to place a risk-free wager and claim the winnings if it’s unsuccessful, while a matched bonus grants you a percentage of your deposit in promotional cash.

For example, if you claim a $20 free bet and place a bet at 1.50 odds (winning $30), in most cases, you will be awarded $10 (your winnings minus the initial stake). On the other hand, if you deposit $50 and claim a 50% deposit bonus, you will receive $25 that you can use on any number of bets.

Michigan Online Sports Betting Promos

Welcome promotions come with a limit on the amount you can claim. For example, if you deposit $250 and use the 50% bonus with a $100 cap, you will receive $100 in bonus money instead of $125.

Both free bets and matched bonuses tend to come with an expiry date, which means that you must meet the rollover requirements within a certain amount of time, typically between 10 and 30 days.

Rollover requirements

Rollover requirements determine how much money you need to bet before you’re allowed to withdraw your promotional winnings. They protect operators from bonus abuse, ensuring that the customers stick with the sportsbook instead of milking it for free cash.

For example, a $20 bonus with a standard 5x rollover requires you to bet at least $100 before requesting a cashout. In most cases, only the bonus itself is taken into account, but some sportsbooks apply this requirement to both the initial deposit and promotional cash.

This practice is frowned upon among bettors, and once you do the math, it’s easy to see why. A similar $20 bonus with a 50% match and 5x rollover would require you to wager 5x bonus $20 + 5x deposit $40 = $300.

While this rule isn’t set in stone, free bets tend to come with lower rollover requirements than standard deposit bonuses.

Read the fine print

The differences in rollover mentioned above aren’t the only reason you should always read the terms and conditions before claiming your bonus.

Some bonuses also carry odds-related requirements that force you to place the promotional bets on unfavorable markets. In rare cases, you might even be required to place an extremely risky bet using your own money to unlock your free bet, rendering the promotion useless for value-oriented bettors.

Remember that odds-related requirements shouldn’t always be considered a deal-breaker. If your operator requires you to take some risks but you have a reasonable chance to clear the promotional funds – go for it.

Finding a perfect promotion is nearly impossible. If the rollover is low, expect additional requirements – and vice-versa; if there are no odds-related requirements, the rollover is likely to be higher than average.

Bonus illustration

The William Hill US sign-up offer available to bettors in Nevada is an excellent example of a standard matched deposit bonus with no excessive requirements. To participate in this promotion, you need to create a new William Hill US account and deposit at least $50 to the site.

The bonus amount is always equivalent to 10% of the initial payment and comes with a $50 cap. This means that if you deposit $50, you’ll receive $5, $100 will net you $10, and so on. However, if you deposit $501 or more, you’ll only receive $50 in promotional cash.

The terms and conditions of the bonus state that it is transferred to your account as soon as you play through the initial deposit at least once. This requirement must be met within 90 days – otherwise, the entire bonus expires.

Despite the low match, this bonus is guaranteed to be useful to casual bettors because it is compatible with all kinds of betting strategies – William Hill doesn’t force you to select any specific markets or bet types.

The 1x rollover gives you some extra bang for your buck even if you get extremely unlucky and lose your entire deposit without winning any bets.

Getting the most value out of a bonus

If you’re looking for maximum value, start by checking the odds-related requirements and rollover requirements of the bonuses available to you.

Focus on the offers that allow you to place safe bets and minimize the risk factor – remember that your goal should be to clear the promotional funds for withdrawal; not to turn a long-term profit.

Nj Online Sports Betting Promotions

Playing it safe also means that you should forget about parlays – instead, play it straight for a while.

Generally, a 10% bonus with a 1x wagering requirement is better than a 30% bonus with a 5x rollover. The grind your deposit is likely to go through outweighs the benefits of receiving an extra 20% in promotional cash – unless you’re among the experienced bettors who win more than 50% of their wagers.

The rule of thumb for inexperienced bettors is to always go for the easy money.

West Virginia market snapshot

There are no licensed online sportsbooks available in West Virginia as of now. However, the operators eyeing this market are unlikely to assume a different approach than in the other iGaming-friendly states, such as Nevada or New Jersey.

This means that the value of the bonuses that will be initially available to West Virginia residents is likely to be similar to the value of the William Hill US sign-up offer discussed above.

However, as more and more companies enter the market, West Virginia sportsbooks are almost guaranteed to step up their bonus game. This mechanism could be observed on all fenced iGaming markets, and one of the most recent examples is the rivalry between poker and casino sites in New Jersey.

Unfortunately, this process usually takes some time, so don’t expect anything outstanding in the first year or two.