Michigan Online Gaming & Sports Betting Launches Friday

After months of delays, Michigan’s Online Gaming market is finally set to launch this Friday.

After what has felt like an eternity of speculation, reports, and delays, online casino gaming, and mobile betting will finally make its debut in Michigan on Friday. The launch of Michigan sports betting has been timed to perfection. This weekend will see one of the NFL’s most significant days of the season as Championship Sunday approaches. Sports fans can legally wager on who they think will progress to Super Bowl LV.

Following Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signing a gaming bills package in December 2019, there has been constant speculation about when online gaming would eventually launch in the Great Lake State. Initially, bettors were hoping that the industry would be live by Fall 2020, then hopes were pushed back to Thanksgiving before then being moved back further to Christmas. Finally, the timeframe moved to a hopeful launch of early 2021, with January becoming the target.

After all of the moving around, reports, concerns, and speculation, the Michigan Gaming Control Board announced the official launch date. The board was able to confirm the launch date following prospective providers meeting all of the licensing and regulatory requirements. The news was greeted will relief and happiness. Some online comments included ‘finally’ and ‘let’s get going’ in reaction to the MGCB’s announcement.

Which Operators Will Be Available?

Nine operators have received approval to launch at noon Friday. The complete list is below, along with their partners in the state:

• DraftKings (Bay Mills Indian Community)
• Golden Nugget (Keweenaw Bay Indian Community)
• William Hill (Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians)
• TwinSpires (Hannahville Indian Community)
• FanDuel (MotorCity Casino)
• BetMGM (MGM Grand Detroit)
• WynnBET (Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians)
• Barstool Sportsbook (Greektown Casino)
• BetRivers Rush Street (Little River Band of Ottawa Indians)

All operators will launch with sports betting options available. Additionally, Barstool is the only operator from the list which will not provide online casino gaming.

Launch Comes in Time for the end of NFL Playoffs

Bettors in Michigan now have the opportunity to wager on each of the NFL conference title games. The NFC game sees the Green Bay Packers take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Lambeau Field. The Packers look strong and, being at home, go into the contest as -3.5 point favorites. The total is 51, with Green Bay -180 on the moneyline and Tampa Bay +155.

The final game of the playoffs is current Super Bowl champions, the Kansas City Chiefs against the Buffalo Bills. Kansas stands as a 2.5 point favorite, and the total is at 53.5. The Chiefs are on the moneyline at -143, with the Bills moneyline underdogs at +125. This could change through the week as the injury status of Chiefs star Quarterback Patrick Mahomes still up in the air.

After Friday, sports fans in Michigan can now participate in of the most significant betting events in the world, the Super Bowl. According to the American Gaming Association, $6.8 billion was wagered on the 2020 Super Bowl. Totals, prop bets, and the usual game spreads proved to be hugely popular with numerous sportsbooks. Super Bowl LV is scheduled to occur on February 7 in Tampa, Florida.

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