How to Choose a Sportsbook in Michigan
Sports betting in Michigan became legal in 2019. Since then, multiple sportsbooks (both online and in-person) have opened up in the state.
As of 2022, some legal and licensed sportsbooks operating in the state include:
- Caesars Sportsbook
- PointsBet
- BetMGM
- FanDuel Sportsbook
- DraftKings Sportsbook
- BetRivers
- WynnBET
- FOX Bet
- Barstool Sportsbook
- betPARX
- Golden Nugget
- TwinSpires
If you've recently developed an interest in sports betting and want to become a sports bettor, you're probably wondering which sportsbook to choose and how to identify the good ones.
This guide explains some steps you must consider to choose a good Michigan sportsbook. It also offers tips on how you can avoid a weak sportsbook.
Steps to Choosing a Sportsbook in Michigan
Establish Your Search Criteria
Start by creating a list of what you want and expect from your online sports betting experience. Do you plan on betting on a single sport or several different contests? Do you only want to bet on a single or a couple of events? Are you hoping to make a living off of gambling and sports betting?
Develop a clear understanding of what you want your chosen Michigan online sportsbook to help you achieve.
Do Not Settle
Avoid settling for a betting site that doesn't offer what you want. Create a list of deal breakers. For example, if you intend on betting on college football, you should not settle for a sportsbook that doesn't offer that. Again if the payment option you wish to use, such as Paypal, is not available on a particular platform, you should avoid that Michigan sports betting platform.
Make a Short List of Preferred Sportsbooks
Create a short list of online Michigan sportsbooks from which you can choose. Some ways of achieving this include:
Study Reviews
Study the reviews of each sportsbook you listed. You may wonder, "I already searched for the features. Why do I have to check for reviews again?"
Searching for reviews is an effective technique to get objective assessments of each sportsbook on your shortlist. You'll be able to rule out more sportsbooks from the list using the reviews.
Test the Remaining Sportsbooks
Except for placing a bet, most online sportsbooks let you browse every website page without creating an account. You must do this.
Examine the interface's feel. See if placing a bet is simple or complex. See what sports and wagering options they provide. Does the website load quickly, and do you feel at ease using it for extended periods?
Choose a Sportsbook
Now that you have done a test run of the sites, it's time to make a choice. You may have difficulties choosing between two sportsbooks, but that's okay. In Michigan, there is no law against using more than one sportsbook.
Also, remember that you can always take out your funds and start over elsewhere if you sign up for a betting site and decide you don't like it after all.
Things to Consider When Choosing a Sportsbook in Michigan
A quick search for "Sportsbook in Michigan" will reveal a wide selection of options. For newbies, this can be pretty confusing. Here are some things you should look out for when searching for a Michigan sportsbook to make that choice easier.
The Kind of Sports It Covers
The kind of sports an online Michigan sportsbook offers action on is one of the first things you'll want to learn about. You must ensure that the platform allows you to bet on your preferred teams in the sports you are familiar with.
You should also consider the variety of games they have available for each sport. If the game is somewhat small or the team is unknown, some bookies might not even bother. By banking with a constrictive sportsbook, athletes experienced at all levels of a particular sport may miss out on earning potential.
Easy to Use
Whatever sportsbook you choose should be easy to use. Placing bets should not be a rigorous process but a simple one. One of the biggest perks of betting online is convenience. But if you have to stress when you log into a particular site, you might as well just get into your car and drive down to the sportsbook.
Bonuses
A lot of sportsbooks provide bonuses to draw in clients. For instance, you can be eligible for a no-deposit bonus after you complete the registration process. Sportsbooks occasionally use this to draw in new customers.
Additionally, some may provide referral bonuses where you receive a portion of the initial deposit made by a new player. Choosing a sportsbook that offers fascinating bonuses is beneficial.
However, players should exercise caution while using bonuses, particularly if they appear rather too enticing.
Security Measures
Avoid unsecured sports betting platforms. You need to ensure that where you're putting your money with the hope of earning more is a safe and secure site.
Review the site's security. Exactly how are they safeguarding your funds? Is site encryption being used? Are their banking methods compliant with the industry's standards? To fix any dangers or vulnerabilities, are they regularly updating the website? Has a security team been put in place?
In-play Betting
In-play betting, also called in-game/live betting, offers you the chance to place bets on games that have already begun. The probabilities may change as the game unfolds. This makes it possible for you to place bets on game patterns and profit from what you notice in the game.
However, you don't need to worry about this while choosing an online sportsbook if live betting isn't your thing.
Desktop Restriction
You can use the desktop version of every online sportsbook from your personal computer. You can't, however, bet on your mobile device at every online sportsbook.
One of the qualities of a good sportsbook is that it sets up its service to be used on a computer, tablet, or phone. The website should detect your device automatically and switch to the best version that works with it.
Payment Options
A sportsbook is useless to you if it offers only one method of depositing funds into your account and that method doesn't work for you. So ensure that whatever sportsbook you select provides your preferred payment option. Also, It is wise to use additional options just in case your favorite one becomes unavailable, even for a short time.
How to Avoid a Bad Sportsbook in Michigan
Steer Clear of Sites That Delay Payments
One of the biggest warning signs you can find on websites is when they have problems paying their clients promptly. Occasionally, a unique circumstance may result in a few days' delay. However, it's typically an indication of more serious issues if a site consistently delays payouts.
Avoid Sites That Have Shady Folks on their Management Teams
It is very important to examine the management team and the company's operations while evaluating an online sports book. Check for suspect individuals that have a poor reputation from their previous affiliations with sportsbooks, casinos, or their current employer.
Occasionally, you may catch dishonest characters who quit the organization where they caused issues only to then launch their sportsbook or join another team.
If you notice shady folks on the sportsbook management team of your choice, consider looking for another sportsbook with a more reputable team.
Avoid Sites With a Tainted Record
In most cases, a stain on an online sportsbook's record is enough reason for potential players to say no. However, in incredibly rare situations, we might make an exception. The severity of the incident and whether it was an isolated or recurring occurrence all play a role in your eventual decision.
