Michigan Sports Betting Handle Jumps 64.9% in September 2026

United States.- 27 October 2026 | www.zonadeazar.com Michigan’s regulated sports betting market recorded significant growth in September 2026, with online wagering handle increasing by 64.9% compared with August.

According to figures published by the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB), online sportsbooks accepted US$544.8 million in wagers, compared with US$330.5 million during the previous month.

The increase was largely driven by the start of the NFL and college football seasons, two of the most important sporting competitions for the US betting market.

September’s Key Financial Results

The regulator’s report presented the following figures:

  • Online sports betting handle: US$544.8 million (+64.9% month-on-month).
  • Gross sports betting receipts: US$55.5 million.
  • Adjusted sports betting gross receipts: US$24.89 million (+2.9% month-on-month).
  • Year-on-year growth in adjusted betting revenue: 88.2%.
  • Online casino gross receipts: US$300.2 million.
  • Combined iGaming and sports betting gross receipts: US$355.7 million (+5.4% month-on-month).

The results confirm strong growth in betting activity, although adjusted revenue increased at a considerably slower pace.

Promotions Limit Adjusted Revenue Growth

One of the report’s main findings concerns the difference between wagering growth and adjusted revenue performance.

While betting handle increased by 64.9%, operators’ adjusted gross receipts rose by only 2.9% compared with August.

The gap between gross and adjusted receipts reached approximately US$30.6 million, compared with US$10.4 million during the previous month.

This reflects the impact of promotional credits and other deductions included in adjusted revenue calculations.

However, the difference should not be interpreted entirely as promotional expenditure, as it also includes other accounting and regulatory adjustments.

FanDuel and DraftKings Lead the Market

FanDuel and DraftKings remained Michigan’s leading online sports betting operators.

Their September results were:

FanDuel

  • Betting handle: US$186.3 million.
  • Gross revenue: US$16.7 million.
  • Adjusted revenue: US$8.3 million.

DraftKings

  • Betting handle: US$153.7 million.
  • Gross revenue: US$14.2 million.
  • Adjusted revenue: US$6.7 million.

FanDuel retained its leading position in betting handle and gross revenue, although its adjusted receipts declined compared with August.

Meanwhile, DraftKings increased adjusted revenue from US$6 million to US$6.7 million.

BetMGM and Fanatics Follow the Market Leaders

Other major operators also recorded significant activity during September.

BetMGM ranked third in betting handle, accepting US$56.6 million in wagers.

Fanatics Sportsbook followed in fourth place, with US$48.9 million.

The figures reflect a competitive marketplace, although FanDuel and DraftKings continue to account for a substantial proportion of overall wagering activity.

Online Casinos Generate Most Gaming Revenue

Despite the strong growth in sports betting, online casinos remained Michigan’s principal source of digital gambling revenue.

iGaming operators generated US$300.2 million in gross receipts, compared with US$55.5 million from online sports betting.

Combined adjusted gross receipts across both categories reached US$313.04 million.

Compared with September 2025:

  • iGaming adjusted gross receipts increased by 18.4%.
  • Sports betting adjusted gross receipts rose by 88.2%.

The difference highlights the structural importance of online casinos and the stronger seasonal fluctuations associated with sports betting.

Michigan Collects US$62.4 Million in Taxes

The report also detailed tax revenues generated during September.

Operators submitted US$62.4 million in taxes and payments to the State of Michigan, comprising:

  • US$60.6 million: iGaming taxes and payments.
  • US$1.8 million: online sports betting taxes and payments.

Meanwhile, Detroit’s three commercial casinos reported US$14 million in municipal wagering taxes and service fees associated with digital gaming activities.

These figures demonstrate that iGaming continues to account for the majority of tax revenue generated by online gambling.

Industry Impact and Next Steps

September’s growth confirms the importance of the sporting calendar to the US betting market.

The return of the NFL and college football significantly increased wagering activity, although promotional activity and other deductions limited adjusted revenue growth.

Upcoming reports will help determine whether higher betting volumes continue throughout the football season.

Michigan remains an important regulated market for assessing developments in US sports betting and online casino gaming.

Editó: @fonta

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