The Wolverine State was ahead of the curve compared to many other states that have recently legalized sports betting. State legislators decided to legalize it in 2019, but it wasn’t until a couple of years later that we saw the first rollout of sportsbooks within the state. However, since 2022, betting activity in Michigan has thrived – and this shouldn’t come as too much of a shock to people who are privy to the immense sporting heritage in the Wolverine State, home to over 10 million people and one of the top 10 most populated states in the US.
The rise of review sites
It’s all well and good listing some of the best sportsbooks, but there’s not much point to it if there’s not much reasoning, expertise or knowledge behind it, or the site or individual providing the ranking doesn’t have the experience to flit around on the site and see what it does better than the rest.
Although many sports bettors in Michigan will have their own strategies and techniques for deciphering which platform they most like the look of, due to the increase in sportsbook providers that have emerged in this new market, there’s also an unexpected sector that has sprung up – those that review gambling platforms and sites.
Some might argue that the idea of the best sportsbook is personal to the individual who uses it. However, there are some non-negotiables that many experts believe should be adhered to before you register your details and deposit your hard-earned cash with a new sportsbook. The reputable WSN is a review site that brings together some of the market-leading experts who know what to look for. While there might be many choices, you must have a basic grasp of what constitutes a good sportsbook so that you can put some of these tips into practice yourself.
Variables that experts use
Gambling experts and industry professionals understand that all good sportsbooks share a set number of factors. While the actual substance of their business model or the look of their website or mobile app might differ, they all operate from a similar benchmark.
Customer service
Starting with one of the most obvious, a good sportsbook is one that has an ethos that emphasizes the importance of its customers. Any business or brand that overlooks the value of maintaining a strong customer reputation is not likely to have your best interests at heart.
Good customer service can come in many forms, and in a world where AI could be the main face of customer service within the next decade, this point might not be as important as it currently is. However, a good sportsbook will have a 24/7, multi-pronged set of customer service options, and a personable, relatable feel that you’re speaking to a friendly professional who can answer your questions efficiently.
Promotions and bonuses
This intertwines with our previous point. While a good promotion might not seem as clear-cut as good customer service, having clear, fair and impressive promotional offers speaks volumes for the business model. It shows they want to get new customers on board, and more importantly, keep them, instead of just putting out hastily thrown-together offers.
Payment options
A sportsbook offering bettors a variety of payment methods is another sign that it knows what it’s doing. While a sportsbook with three or four options doesn’t necessarily mean it doesn’t have a good overall design, those that look toward the future and implement new payment methods like cryptocurrency are clearly developing a model that is looking further than just short-term profits.
Our pick for the top sportsbooks
Given that Michigan is home to some of the top sporting organizations in the USA, the prominent sportsbooks that have already made a name for themselves in other markets were keen to enter and showcase to those in the Wolverine State exactly what they could offer. FanDuel, BetMGM and Caesars are our pick of the bunch.
These operators have a revered name in the industry and used their influence and presence in other markets as a springboard for sports betting fans in Michigan to explore what’s out there.
Along with some of the components we touched on in the last section, these three providers excel in the quality of their mobile apps, the number of sports betting markets they offer and their reputation among sports bettors throughout the US.
Summary
While sportsbook regulation might be devolved on a state-by-state basis in the US, many of the top sportsbooks have made it their mission to launch as many platforms as possible.
FanDuel, BetMGM and Caesars have extensive visibility in several other rising markets throughout the US – one of the many reasons the industry is sailing toward such a propitious landscape.
Michigan was one of the key states that sportsbooks had eyed up long before other states started to regulate sports betting, and while it might not have the sort of promise that California or Texas do – with lobbyists spending major fees to try and get them to change their laws, but to no avail – Michigan is still a state that has significant potential and will certainly help sports betting companies continue growing their brand.
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