Best Sportsbook App

Betway is not an app with a huge base of competitions as some apps on this list, but it is definitely a good one in terms of specification and bonus programs. Here you can bet on such kinds of sports like horse racing (very traditional), football, rugby, tennis, and golf. In horse racing, everything is pretty clear. Why choose FanDuel Sportsbook: Excellent mobile app. With its focus on usability, we found the FanDuel Sportsbook app to be one the best-designed apps overall. Great for bettors. High-quality live betting, variety of bets offered, and noteworthy odds are all features new and experienced bettors will appreciate.

With a population nearing 40 million people, the largest in the United
States, California is widely considered to have the biggest sporting fan base in
the country. Unsurprisingly, there is a massive number of people here that love
to bet on their favorite sports. Today, our team of experts is here to help you
find the best California sports betting sites currently operating.

There are some truly amazing online sportsbooks available here. To help out
those new to online gambling, we’re listing the most important features to look
for in internet sports betting sites. Later on, we’ll be going over the current
laws and regulations over this popular industry.

Below are five of our favorite California betting sites available
right now. Check them out to see why they’re growing more popular every year.

Features That All California Sports Betting Sites Should Have

Unlike many US states, California has not yet regulated its online gambling
market. Until it does, players here will need to find safe betting sites that
are based in other areas. Fortunately, this industry here evolved massively over
the years.

The majority of online sports betting sites in California are fantastic. Most
are completely safe and offer a huge range of different betting options. Those
new to internet sports betting may feel overwhelmed trying to choose a site to
play through for the first time. Below are four of the most important things to
look for in an online sportsbook today.

Safe and Easy Payment Options

Safety is, and always has been, the most important thing when looking for a website to bet online in California. A site may offer thousands of
incredible betting odds on every single sport, but if it doesn’t provide you
with safe payment options, it’s not even worth looking at. Fortunately, this is
an easy thing to look into.

One of the best ways to learn more about a website’s payment system is to
head over to our list of
sportsbook reviews. Our team has looked through hundreds of different sports
betting sites over the years. In each review on California betting websites,
we explain exactly which payment options are available. If any sites are caught
charging unusual fees or withholding payments, we’ll let you know about it.

Another easy way to look into a website’s cashier system is to check out the
site for yourself. All of the reputable sports betting sites in California will
clearly list exactly which forms of payment are accepted. Head on up to the
sites we recommend at the top of this page and look into the payment options
provided at each one.

We recommend joining websites that allow deposits to be made using both debit
and credit cards. Most of the online sportsbooks in CA only
allow withdrawals to be made using Bitcoin. Don’t let this scare you! Bitcoin
payouts come with extremely low fees and are processed within just a few days.
Some sites, including
Bovada sportsbook, even have entire pages that explain how Bitcoin payouts
are made.

Nothing is more important than safety when betting online in California. We feel strongly
that the first thing you should always look for in a betting website is a safe
cashier system.

Modern Design and User Interface

Some might argue that the design of an online sportsbook isn’t tremendously
important. We disagree. The style and designs of these websites will affect your
entire gambling experience. Every sportsbook has a different design, and it’s
not easy to say that one is better than another.

Almost every internet sportsbook will allow you to check them out before you
join. We recommend heading over to a few different sites and looking at their
homepages. Check to see that the sites don’t crash, and make it easy to actually
place bets.

As we just mentioned, all of the California betting sites operating
today are different. Some feature busy homepages with hundreds of odds and bonus
offers. Others are simplistic, with just a few odds on major US sporting events.

The most important thing is to find a sportsbook that fits your needs. There
are so many great options available today, so this should be easy! Spend a
little time looking at a few different site designs today.

We want to note that the sites at the top of this page are all well-known for
offering incredible designs. Each has amazing functionality that makes it
extremely easy to find the exact sport you want to bet on.

Great Customer Support System

This is, unfortunately, the most overlooked feature of gambling websites. You
would be surprised to find out how many new bettors sign up to a website without
even looking at which support options are provided. Don’t make this mistake.

The state of California will not be around to assist you if an issue arises
with your betting experience. You will need to rely on the website you play at
to help answer any questions. Today, every reputable online sportsbook will
provide members with a number of different customer service options.

The very best sports betting sites in California will offer
a live chat feature. This allows you to speak directly with a customer service
representative over text. It’s without a doubt the easiest and most convenient
way to seek help while betting online in California.

If the sites you’re looking at only offer an email support option, they are
probably not worth joining. Email support can oftentimes take weeks to actually
answer your questions. Stick to sportsbooks that offer direct customer support
options.

There’s a very good chance that you will never have to utilize the customer
support services of the betting site you join. If, however, you need a question
answered, it’s important to know that the company you are betting through will
have your back.

Wide Range of Betting Odds

You should make sure that the
US betting website
you are looking to join provides a wide range of different betting options.
Generally speaking, the more odds that a site provides to its members, the
better the entire site really is. The best California sports betting websites today
provide thousands of different betting odds every single day.

Do you love the NFL? Find a sportsbook offering betting odds on every single
team throughout the entire season. Are you a baseball fan? Look for a betting
site that provides a wide range of different MLB odds.

It’s also a good idea to compare the odds between a few different websites.
Some sports betting sites in California are known to offer better odds than
others. The better the odds are, the better your chances are to win big!

Many CA internet sportsbooks today provide members with unique betting
options on things such as politics and entertainment. Novelty betting is growing
more popular than ever. If this is something you are interested in, find a
company offering a number of different fun novelty bets!

Much like design, all California betting sites will offer different
odds. We feel that it’s always a good idea to join a betting website that
provides you with a wide range of different betting options every single day.

Why Are Sports Betting Sites in California so Popular?

California is home to many professional sports teams. As you’d probably
expect, many of the sports fans in this state have been searching for an easy
way to bet on their favorite teams for years.

There are many reasons why betting sports online in California is growing so popular. We’ve
asked a number of Californians why they love to place wagers online, and two
reasons come up time and time again.

Easiest and Safest Option Available

California legalized tribal casinos years ago. Unfortunately, lawmakers here
have not yet taken the steps to regulate sports betting. It’s unusual, as this
industry would likely bring the state millions in additional revenue every
single year.

For now, California sports betting websites are the safest and easiest option
available. As we mentioned earlier, most of the betting sites operating in this
state provide completely secure payment options to all their members. The only
other option is an illegal bookie!

Huge Range of Betting Odds

The top sports betting sites in California will always offer more betting
options than even the biggest land-based sportsbooks around the country. There
are simply more betting options available online. The huge list of betting
options is a major reason why so many people love to bet on their favorite
sports over the internet.

This doesn’t just include sports. Legit California sports betting sites will
allow you to bet on things like politics, movie outcomes, and more. You can
place bets on just about everything from anywhere in the state with an internet
connection.

Is Online Sports Betting in California Allowed?

For many years, lawmakers in California didn’t even want to talk about the
legalization of sports betting. In 2017, things took a turn. That year, Assembly
member Adam Gray introduced an amendment to California’s constitution to
regulate the sports betting market.

This amendment got much more realistic just a year later. In May of 2018, the
US Supreme Court ruled that PASPA was unconstitutional. This decision now allows
every state to set its own laws on sports gambling. Many sports fans in the
state began hoping California would begin to open this market.

As of this writing, there hasn’t been much progress made. Sports gambling remains
banned throughout the state. Most analysts predict that this industry will
become legal and regulated within just a few years.

“(a)State law prohibits commercially operated lotteries, banked or
percentage games, and gambling machines, and strictly regulates parimutuel
wagering on horse racing. To the extent that state law categorically prohibits
certain forms of gambling and prohibits gambling devices, nothing herein shall
be construed, in any manner, to reflect a legislative intent to relax those
prohibitions.

Based on this text, it would seem that all forms of gambling in this state
are banned unless specifically approved by the state government. Many experts
note that there are no specific laws here that prohibit placing sports bets over
the internet. It’s well-known that California has one of the biggest online
sports betting markets in the world, despite the legality lying in somewhat of a
gray area.

Will I Be Prosecuted for Playing at Sports Betting Sites in California?

It’s extremely unlikely. California has not taken the same anti-gambling
measures that many other states have. There are millions of people here that
make online wagers on a regular basis. We have not come across a single case of
any individuals in this state facing legal trouble for making bets online.

How Do I Stay Safe Betting on Sports in California Online?

Online gambling in the US is generally extremely safe. Even without
regulation, there are very few reports of any players dealing with payment
issues. With that being said, there are some simple steps that everyone can take
to ensure their betting experience is nothing but fun.

Even the best California sports betting sites can’t protect players from
themselves. A few of the best ways to stay safe betting online fall on your own
shoulders. Below are the five most important tips to protect yourself while
playing at sports betting sites in California.

Only Play Through Reputable Betting Websites

The easiest way to stay safe gambling online is to only make bets through
reputable websites. Make sure to take the time to find a website that provides
you with safe payment options and a solid customer support system. If you do
this, there’s a great chance you’ll never encounter an issue while betting
online.

Track How Much You Are Betting

Sports betting is extremely fun. Unfortunately, some players wager more money
than they can actually afford to lose. It’s a common issue that’s surprisingly
easy to avoid. Simply track how much you are spending! If you realize that you
are betting too much money, take a break for a month or two.

Place Wagers on Sports That You Know About

Many who are new to sports betting will instantly begin throwing money on
sports they don’t understand. This is one of the easiest ways to lose money.
It’s always a good idea to only bet money on sports you know about.

Keep Your Betting Account Information Private

This is a no-brainer. You should think of your sports betting account like a
bank account. There is real money on the line, and it’s crucial to keep your
account information private. None of the legit sports betting sites in CA
operating today will ask for your personal account information.

Be Willing to Change Sports Betting Sites

If you follow the steps that we recommend, there’s a very good chance that
you will find the perfect online sportsbook. With that being said, if you
encounter any issues with the site you are playing at, always be willing to move
onto another. There are many incredible California sports betting sites
operating today and one of them will offer the experience you’re looking for.

FAQ on Internet Sports Betting in California

What Are the Most Important Features of California Sports Betting Sites?

It’s fairly easy to spot a good betting site from a bad one nowadays. The
most important features you should look for in a betting site are safe payment
options, a modern design and user interface, solid customer support options, and
betting odds on the sports you want to wager on.

Why Are so Many People Joining Sports Betting Sites in CA?

California, like many other US states, is experiencing a huge surge in online
gambling. Most bettors that we’ve talked to here claim that online sports
wagering is the safest option available, and it offers more betting odds than
even the top land-based sportsbooks in the country.

Is Online Sports Betting in California Allowed?

California is currently working to legalize and regulate sports gambling.
There are still laws here that prohibit land-based sports betting, yet nothing
in the State Statutes specifically bans placing sports bets over the internet.
Most experts feel that California sports betting sites will become fully legal
within the next couple of years.

How Can I Stay Safe Betting Online in California?

Most of the sports betting sites in California that operate today are
perfectly safe. The best ways to ensure that your betting experience is
perfectly secure are only playing through reputable companies, tracking how much
you are betting, sticking to sports you understand, keeping your betting account
information private, and being willing to change to a different online
sportsbook.

Conclusion

Once California legalizes online gambling, it’s likely to become the biggest
sports betting market in the country. Millions of people are already placing
sports bets over the internet here. With regulation, the state government can
begin collecting taxes on this revenue being earned.

Fortunately, there are some amazing California sports betting sites available
right now. For expert predictions on major sporting events taking place around
the country, head over to our
gambling blog page. Good luck making your bets!

It’s no surprise why Michigan made online sports betting a part of its most recent gambling expansion. After all, mobile sports betting has proven to be an extremely viable and profitable offering for states that have gone before the Great Lakes State.

However, the prospect of using a Michigan sports betting app might be a bit daunting.

As Michigan residents will soon find out, technology has allowed sports betting to take a giant leap forward in terms of flexibility and opportunity. So, here is a handy guide to help Michiganders step into the world of Android and iOS sports betting apps.

Best Michigan sports betting app bonuses

You have multiple MI sports betting apps to choose from. Each of the sportsbooks featured below offers an excellent app for both iPhone and Android. So, we thought we’d give you a short preview of each site and tell you about the features that distinguish one Michigan sports betting app from another.

BetMGM sports betting app

The BetMGM sportsbook app represents gaming behemoth MGM Resorts International. Naturally, the sportsbook enters Michigan in partnership with its sister property, MGM Grand Detroit. As befitting the representative of one of the world’s largest casino companies, the BetMGM betting app has plenty of opportunities to bet and a plentiful slate of promotions.

There is one feature that allows the BetMGM sportsbook app to stand out from the crowd, however. It’s called Edit My Bet.

Many sports betting apps have a Cash Out option. This functionality allows you to end your open bets earlier than the conclusion of the match. In exchange for a reduced payout, you can settle the wager without having to sweat out the final minutes of the game.

However, Edit My Bet allows a much greater level of flexibility to the bettor by empowering you to augment your Cash Out-eligible bets in a more meaningful manner. You can cash out, of course, but you can also change the amount of your wager, add teams to the bet, or swap out pieces of the existing ticket.

The Bet MGM Android and iPhone app also maintains a healthy roster of odds boosts each day. If you are looking for a reputable company with a few quirks, BetMGM Sportsbook might be just the app for you.

BetRivers sports betting app

The BetRivers sportsbook app is a relatively new brand of sportsbook that is quickly becoming a mainstay in US sports betting states. The book is owned and operated by Rush Street Interactive, which notably runs the Rivers chain of casinos in the Midwest and New England. For its Michigan launch, BetRivers has partnered with the Little River Casino.

Best Vegas Sportsbook Apps

The Bet Rivers app distinguishes itself first and foremost in how quickly the app moves. The speed and fluidity with which the app moves from screen to screen is noteworthy and important. Seconds count with online sports betting, especially for in-game wagering, and BetRivers won’t let you down on that front.

The BetRivers mobile sportsbook, somewhat unusually, also maintains a rewards program for its sportsbook customers. The iRush Rewards program allows you to earn points for both its online merchandise and your reward tier. There’s no cost to enter, and there’s only upside if you were planning to play on BetRivers anyway.

One thing to mention, however, is that the Apple version of the app remains a bit clunky. BetRivers did not have an iOS app for many months after its Android debut, and there are still some bugs. However, there are still plenty of reasons to take a look at BetRivers.

DraftKings sports betting app

The DraftKings Sportsbook App is one of the best in existence. The DFS giant splashed onto the sportsbook scene in 2018 and has never looked back. The sportsbook operates in cooperation with Bay Mills Casino.

One of the key reasons that the DraftKings Android / iPhone app is so stellar is its betting carousel. This wheel feature proposes possible bets to each player when they log onto the site. Each bet, however, is specifically chosen based upon the player’s stated preferences and past betting history. So, everyone gets a custom experience when they play on DraftKings.

DraftKings was also the first site to offer a live ticket system to players. The ability to cash out an open bet and avoid any sort of late-game catastrophe is quickly becoming a must-have for online sportsbooks in the US. None of them have been offering this feature longer than DraftKings.

FanDuel sports betting app

FanDuel is the DFS pioneer that has joined the sports betting market in a big way. The company continues to expand its reach into both retail and online sportsbook spaces across the country. Its Michigan partner is MotorCity Casino, where it operates the retail book.

The front-and-center reason to try FanDuel app for Android and iOS is its extensive promotional framework. No other sportsbook operator approaches FanDuel when it comes to a diverse set of generous bonus offers and promos each day.

That list of promos also includes an extremely healthy dose of odds boosts. There are boosted odds available in every major market, and you can put yourself in a great spot to pick up some extra cash each day.

Like DraftKings, FanDuel also integrates its DFS and casino functions into the site. So, it’s a snap to move back and forth between the different types of games.

Between the integration and the swath of promotions available, it’s easy to see why FanDuel Sportsbook is so popular. Give it a try, and see what you think.

Fox Bet Sportsbook App

FOX Bet Sports Betting is a joint venture between two powerhouses in the gambling and sports worlds. The Stars Group, which owns the top Michigan poker site PokerStars, has joined forces with media giant Fox Sports to create this amalgamated offering. FOX Bet is partnered with the Little Traverse Bay Band of Odawa Indians.

The FOX Bet betting app has all the bells and whistles that you’d expect from a joint effort from such large companies. In fact, the Stars Group already had an existing sportsbook platform prior to its union with Fox, so the site has plenty of experience behind it.

What you’ll notice about FOX Bet, though, is the unmatched level of integration between the two aspects of its corporate ownership. There are running promotional series on the site that feature “picks” from various Fox Sports personalities.

In addition, Fox Sports now hosts content specifically designed as extra information about wagering for its clients. You can hear the explanations behind the picks and get some more ideas if you watch Fox Sports while you play on FOX Bet.

In a way, FOX Bet is ahead of its time. As you’ll see, the melding of a sportsbook operator and a media company makes all the sense in the world.

PointsBet Sportsbook App

PointsBet is an Australian sportsbook that has made quite the splash into America in the past few years. It has been one of the first to market in several states. Its Michigan partner is the Northern Waters Casino.

PointsBet is unlike any other sportsbook due to its namesake product. Points Betting is a unique innovation that puts a clever twist on the classic spread or totals bet.

You begin one of these wagers by making a selection as usual. For spreads, you pick the team you expect to beat or cover the spread. For totals, you choose over or under.

However, the distance that the outcome of the game is from PointsBet’s estimate serves as a multiplier for your winnings or losses. If you win, your payout will increase by however many points of difference that exist. Of course, if you lose, then your losses are compounded by the difference.

So, if you make a $10 bet on a game to go over and it goes over by 10 points, you will win $100. On the other hand, if the game goes under by 10 points, then you are now on the hook for $100. Needless to say, there is a high-risk, high-reward component to Points Betting, but it’s certainly a memorable way to place a bet.

PointsBet has also shown itself to be quick to recompense players in the case of unforeseen outcomes, like referee mistakes or other external errors. The site’s commitment to the players is actually palpable, and makes PointsBet worth a try.

Other sports betting apps in Michigan

There are several other sportsbooks available in Michigan right now and others that will arrive soon. We will update our list as news occurs.

• TwinSpires
• WynnBet
• Four Winds

Stay tuned. It’s an exciting time for sports betting in Michigan.

All the apps listed above are live in Michigan, but new ones could arrive in the future. There’s simply not enough data to know which company will be the next Michigan online sportsbook.

A couple wildcards exist with FireKeepers and Soaring Eagle casinos. Those two notable Native American gaming properties could launch their own sports betting apps.

However, we can safely assume that the procedures for using each app will be virtually identical.

Sports betting app instructions for Apple users

There are two main types of mobile devices that Americans use on a daily basis. The first of these types is Apple devices, which use the iOS platform to run.

The good news is that downloading and accessing a sportsbook app will be largely the same process as any other app. Here is the procedure:

• Click through our link above to access the sportsbook of your choice.
• Once there, look for the Apple download button to get started.
• The button should take you to the download site, where you can click the “Get” button to begin the process.
• However, make sure to double-check that the app you’re downloading works in Michigan. Some sportsbook apps are specific to particular states, and won’t work in Michigan.
• Once the app is downloaded to your device, click to open it as you normally would open any other app.
• If you have an existing account with the sportsbook, go ahead and log in. If not, look for a button that says “Register” or “Sign Up” to begin the process of opening a new account.
• If you are registering for a new account, make sure to check PlayMichigan for any bonus codes we might have. They could be worth hundreds of extra dollars in your account.

System requirements

Most MI sports betting apps will work with iOS version 8 or higher. However, just to be safe, it might be worth updating your phone to version 9 or above — a few sportsbook apps do require the latest updates to function properly.

Sports betting app instructions for Android users

Android users will be able to download and use betting apps in Michigan, too. However, there will be a couple of extra steps in the process.

The reason is that Google does not allow gambling apps to download from the Google Play Store. As a result, it is necessary to get the programs directly from the sportsbooks themselves. Here’s how to go about it:

• First, you will need to set your phone or device to allow downloads from other sources. You can accomplish this task by going to Settings.
• Once in Settings, select More, then the Security button. Select Unknown Sources, and you’re done.
• Then, use our link to find the sportsbook of your choice.
• The link should take you to a page with a download link and the Android logo.
• Download and install as usual. If you get any error or warning messages, go ahead and accept the terms.
• As is the case with Apple users, you can log in directly if you already have an account with your sportsbook of choice.
• If not, look for the registration function at the top right corner of the page. It will be a prominent button, and you won’t be able to miss it.
• Be sure to check our page for any bonus codes before you submit an application for a new account. We often have exclusive discounts and deals that you cannot find anywhere else.

System requirements

Usually, Android users with Version 5.1 or higher will be able to use most sportsbook apps.

Who is allowed to bet on sports in Michigan?

The gambling age in Michigan varies between 18 and 21, depending on what type of gaming it is and which casino you are at. The three Detroit casinos set the age requirement at 21 for all forms of gambling, sports included. Betting on sports at tribal casinos varies by the tribe. However, by virtue of the new law, it will be necessary to be 21 or older to bet online in the Great Lakes State.

Though it might seem obvious, it will be necessary to be physically inside the state in order to play. Neither state nor federal law permits sports betting across state lines.

Best Sportsbook App In Illinois

How would they know where I’m playing?

The short answer is that all online sportsbooks use geolocation verification software. The programs that they use create a virtual fence around Michigan to keep out those from other states and countries.

This software is quite effective at performing its stated function. Most books set the parameters of their programs to deny service a few feet inside state lines.

In other words, there is a small chance that someone who actually should be able to play would get falsely denied. There is no chance that a player across the border could slip by.

In most cases, the software uses the GPS functions of your phone to verify your location. There’s really no extra step required on the part of the user.

However, if you happen to be using a laptop or other computer, make sure that you are stationary and using a valid in-state IP address. Use of a VPN, a virtual client network, or any other connection that allows remote access could get you booted from your sportsbook of choice.

Michigan Android and iOS App Features

If you’ve never used an online sportsbook app before, you may be surprised to learn how in-depth they are. Few sportsbook apps cannot match the offerings of their land-based counterparts.

In fact, in many cases, they exceed their retail brethren in terms of the number of bets, types of bets and flexibility that they offer. Numerous features make sportsbook apps a better option than retail books much of the time.

Bonuses and promotions at Android / iPhone betting apps in Michigan

One of the first things you might notice about Android and iOS sportsbook apps is the frequency and breadth of bonuses and promotions. It is common practice for many sportsbooks to offer at least one new promotion every single day.

This practice contrasts sharply with retail sportsbooks, which might only offer one or two promos every month or so. However, mobile sportsbook in Michigan have to deal with much stiffer competition since their competitors are only a button press away.

Because of that pressure, sportsbook apps can ill afford to be stingy with their offers. There are several types of bonuses that you could encounter when you log on to your app of choice. Here are a few of those bonus types:

No deposit bonuses

No deposit bonuses are perhaps the best type of bonus that you can find. Consequently, they are also some of the rarest.

In a no deposit bonus, a player receives a perk or prize from the sportsbook for little in exchange. Usually, the bonus comes as a reward for something relatively innocuous, like signing up for a new account.

So, once the player completes the required action, he or she will find the bonus waiting in the account. It will usually come in the form of free sportsbook bets or bonus dollars, as cash bonuses are quite rare.

Bonuses in these first two formats are not eligible for withdrawal, so you will have to bet them in order to convert into any withdrawable winnings. However, since you were wanting to “test drive” the site anyway, it shouldn’t be a problem to gamble with these types of vouchers.

First deposit bonuses

Deposit bonuses are the opposite of their no-deposit cousins. For this type of bonus, you are required to place money into your sportsbook cashier account.

Once you claim the bonus and do so, the sportsbook will match a certain percentage of your deposit with its funds. The book will specify both the match percentage and the absolute limit for bonus dollars that you can receive.

The sportsbook will require you to play through your bonus amount a certain number of times before the bonus becomes eligible for withdrawal. This number of times will be a predetermined multiple of the bonus amount, and is known as the “playthrough requirement.”

Once you finish wagering the required amount, the deposit bonus money will become part of your account.

Cash back offers

A cash-back bonus is a parachute for when things go wrong. Instead of adding extra money to your account, cashback serves as insurance for any net losses that you show in a given time period or on a given bet.

As is the case with deposit bonuses, a cashback bonus will come with a specified percentage and limit for the amount of refund you can get. Although it might not be much, it can help to take the sting out of a bad day of wagering.

One thing to note, however, is the fact that cash back only activates for net losses. So, if you suffer some setbacks but still show an overall profit, you won’t receive anything extra.

Odds boosts

Odds boosts are so common to sportsbooks that they often get overlooked as bonuses. Instead, sportsbooks pull them out as a regular feature onsite.

Nevertheless, they are a promotional item, and they can help to sweeten the pot for players. The sportsbook will select various bets each day and increase the payout potential for each one.

Odds boosts are most common with moneyline wagers. They are usually denoted by a line striking through the original moneyline and the boosted line appearing next to it. So, a bet opportunity at +200 might move to +220, for instance.

The amount of the boost is usually not enough to warrant making a special bet. However, if you were already planning to make a similar wager, it might be worth a look, considering that the payoff for a successful bet is now more attractive.

What markets can I bet on using a sportsbook app in Michigan?

For those unfamiliar with sportsbook apps, you might think that a traditional retail book would outpace the electronic version in terms of different sports it could offer. However, not only are online books able to compete, but they are often able to outpace their land-based counterparts in terms of selection.

Here are the sports currently being wagered on in Michigan sports betting apps:

• Boxing (IBF/WBA/WBC/WBO)
• Division 1 NCAA men’s and women’s college basketball
• Division 1 NCAA Football – FBS only
• Major League Baseball
• Major League Soccer
• Mixed Martial Arts (UFC and Bellator)
• NASCAR
• National Basketball Association
• National Football League
• National Hockey League
• PGA/LPGA/European Tour golf
• Winter and Summer Olympic Games

What are the bet types?

Of course, all that selection would be meaningless if the online books could not offer more than a couple of types of wagers. However, this is decidedly not the case.

In fact, online sportsbook apps have pushed the envelope for what bets are available. The result is a sports betting experience that only vaguely resembles the old days of backrooms and chalkboards. Here are some of the most common types of bets on mobile betting apps:

• Point spreads
• Money lines
• Totals (over/under)
• Futures
• Propositions
• Parlays
  ○ Teasers
  ○ Pleasers
  ○ Round robins

In addition to the above selection of sports betting options available, live betting on sporting events is another form of gambling that has exploded in popularity online.

Live betting

Most of those types of bets are familiar, even to those who are not sports bettors. However, one of the biggest innovations in sports betting for the last few decades has been the rise of live betting.

Live betting, or in-game wagering, allows players to wager on events that are already underway. Instead of making a bet before the game and waiting, you can now wager throughout the course of a game.

Live bets tend to come in three distinct flavors:

• Continued pregame wagering: The book simply keeps point spreads, money lines and totals bets going as play proceeds. The only difference is that the lines become dynamic and change according to the progress of the game.
• Milestone achievement: Bets may appear about whether a player or team will achieve a given milestone by the end of the game or a certain period of play. These milestones can be any statistic of the sportsbook’s choosing, and can span the game, the season or even a career.
• Partial game results: A sportsbook may choose to offer action on the eventual outcome of a particular segment of the game. These pieces of the game can be anything from major periods of play down to single game events.

This last type of live bet, partial game results, is the source of live betting’s ascension. The technology that sportsbook apps use for live betting allows for an extreme amount of granularity in the betting options.

Bettors can bet on the outcome of single plays in a game or match. As a result, it’s not uncommon for a single game to offer more than 100 different wagers.

Naturally, the sportsbook is happy to offer as many bets as it can. Generally speaking, a sportsbook’s profit increases as the number of bets goes up.

However, bettors like this flexibility, too. Live betting offers the ability either to augment pregame selections that seem to be going well, or hedge against those that are going badly.

Cash-out option

Another feature of sports betting apps for Android and iOS is the cash-out option. Like live betting, the cash-out option yields a tremendous amount of flexibility to your wagering, and creates a situation with positives for both sportsbook and sports bettor.

The cash-out option usually takes the form of a button on the bottom of your bet slip. After you make a wager, you will have to keep an eye on the button during the game.

Should it appear that your bet is destined to win, the cash-out button may illuminate and display a dollar amount to you. In effect, the sportsbook is offering to settle the bet for that amount.

Of course, you don’t have to take the payout. It will be less than if you were to wait until the end of the game, so it’s obvious why the sportsbook would want to offer it.

However, the cash out option is a great way to guard against any kind of late collapses or roaring comebacks that might destroy your wager. Were something like that to happen, you could rest easy in the knowledge that you took a safer alternative.

Parlay bettors might be especially inclined to use the cash-out option. Given how precarious a parlay bet is, a bettor might be persuaded to forgo the final leg of the bet and accept a lower cash-out value.

Many have heard the expression that a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush. The cash-out option is sports betting’s bird in the hand.

Advantages of using a sportsbook app

Between the commercial and tribal casinos in Michigan, there are 26 locations that could potentially host a sportsbook in the near future. So you might wonder if it’s even worth fooling with the online games at all. However, there are several reasons that a sportsbook app might be a better fit for your needs.

• Convenience: Naturally, an app on your phone is more convenient than having to drive to a physical location. Almost every corner of Michigan could play host to a sports bet through online sports betting apps. In a state with such frigid winters and inclement weather, the ability to place sports bets on your phone could be the only avenue you have available — at least, some of the time. Even without weather woes, there’s no question that it’s easier to sit in a favorite chair at home and play. It’s even possible to place a bet in pajamas!
• Bonuses: Online sportsbooks are not run by stupid people. They know that you have a range of choices when it comes to looking for the best sportsbook in Michigan. So they understand the need to entice you to play. Their struggle is to your benefit. Unlike retail sportsbooks, which may not have as much direct competition due to geography, a mobile sportsbookis much more likely to offer bonuses to attract your business.
• Flexibility: There’s no question that there are more ways to wager online than in retail sportsbooks. The mere presence of live betting explodes the options beyond the capabilities of a land-based sportsbook. However, some sportsbook apps offer a live ticket system as a means of equipping bettors with greater flexibility. A live ticket system, or cash out option, allows players to cash out their open tickets under certain conditions in a game.

The option allows players to guard against any kind of late charge if their bet appears to be winning. The sportsbook can settle likely losses for less money and allow both parties to move on with their lives.

Some sportsbooks even allow players to propose their own wagers. Such a concept would be a rare thing to see in a retail sportsbook.

Disadvantages of using online sportsbook apps

Of course, nothing is perfect. There are some downsides to sportsbook app play that simply do not exist in retail settings.

Social

The most obvious ding against sportsbook apps is that they negate the social aspect of sports betting. Even if a bettor visits a retail book alone, there is a natural camaraderie between bettors who have taken the same bet on a game.

Retail sportsbooks are designed to be the most comfortable areas in the entire casino, too. It’s possible to relax and have some food and drink with friends in most land-based sportsbooks, and there are always plenty of televisions to watch.

Sportsbook apps don’t offer anything like that. Although you may be sitting comfortably at home, there’s probably nobody there to root for your chosen bets along with you.

Trust

Sportsbook apps require a certain degree of trust from their players. After all, you’re sending your personal information and banking data out into the ether to a faceless company.

In most cases, this isn’t a problem. Sportsbooks are heavily regulated and monitored, and it’s unlikely that any kind of monkey business might occur.

Nevertheless, an online sportsbook transaction is far more nebulously stressful than a bet in a retail sportsbook. In retail books, you bark out your bet to the tired staff member, hand over your cash and that’s it.

So there might be some who feel an understandable amount of reservation about online betting versus the simplicity of retail.

Complexity

Actually, the entire notion of retail sports betting is simpler than online betting. A retail sports bet is an easy transaction — it’s usually made with cash, and there’s no need for names. Structurally, it’s not much different from buying a doughnut.

Sportsbook apps, however, require much more work to move forward. You will have to provide them with a variety of personal and banking information, and God help you if you misprint a number or letter.

With so many different bets available, a sportsbook app might also seem overwhelming to the uninitiated sports bettor. So, understand that there may be a learning curve associated with using a sportsbook app.