DraftKings Offer Includes Free Bets for New Michigan Users

Sportsbook operators are beginning to promote registration deals for new players as Michigan nears a potential launch date for its online casino gaming and mobile sports betting platforms.

DraftKings now has a pre-launch offer for new players in Michigan. New users who sign up will receive $200 worth of bets put into their account when online gaming goes live within the state. Users will be awarded a $100 free bet and $100 in casino credits after completing the sign-up process with DraftKings.

The offer is only available to new customers who sign up for either a DraftKings or DraftKings Casino account in the state of Michigan starting today.

The offer for new players does come with certain requirements. Casino free credits can only be used on blackjack and the max payout is $100 free credits. The sportsbook free bet must also be used within seven days, and the free credits from the casino expire seven days after the DraftKings Casino launches in Michigan.

FanDuel recently posted its Michigan casino and sportsbook welcome bonus on Twitter, with the post saying, “We’re getting ready to bring legal, mobile sports betting and online casinos to the great state of Michigan very soon!”

In a third quarter earnings call on Friday, DraftKings CEO Jason Robins said he expected Michigan and Virginia to be the next two states to go live with sports betting.

DraftKings partnered with Bay Mills

DraftKings entered the Michigan market thanks to its partnership with Bay Mills Resort & Casino, a land-based casino in Brimley. Michigan became the eighth state DraftKings has a betting presence in with the app already available in Colorado, Indiana, Iowa, New Jersey, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania and West Virginia.

“Through a commitment to provide customers with a premier sports betting experience, DraftKings is happy to partner with Bay Mills Resort & Casino,” said Ezra Kucharz, DraftKings’ chief business officer, in a media release regarding the partnership. “The Great Lakes State presents a number of gaming opportunities and we look forward to collaborating with Bay Mills to provide residents with the best-in-class experience DraftKings is known for.”

In addition to online casino wagering and mobile sports betting, DraftKings’ partnership with Bay Mills also includes a DraftKings-branded sportsbook inside the casino. Michigan is the seventh state where DraftKings has a retail-branded sportsbook.

“We are excited about our new partnership with DraftKings,” said Bryan Newland, tribal chairman for the Bay Mills Indian Community. “Expanding on what entertainment options we can offer at Michigan’s longest operating gaming facility is always our goal. Our new on-site DraftKings Sportsbook will be one more great reason for Michiganders to vacation with us in the Upper Peninsula.”