97.1 The Ticket -- Sports fans will finally be able to place legal sports bet in Detroit casinos on Wednesday.
After working on rules and regulations for several months, the Michigan Gaming Control Board has authorized Detroit's commercial casinos to begin taking wagers at 1 p.m. Wednesday.
It comes just in time for March Madness, with dozens of conference tournaments underway this week and the NCAA Tournament starting up next week.
Here's what you need to know about the launch of legal sports betting in Michigan.
Where to bet this week
As it currently stands, it appears only two of Detroit's three casinos will have sportsbooks up and running in the immediate future. The MGM Grand is ready to convert the Moneyline Lounge into a full-on sportsbook, with more than a dozen other self-serve sports betting kiosks throughout the casino.
Moneyline, located near the hotel entrance across from the valet, features dozens of big screen TVs and a full bar, and will have live ticket windows.
Greektown Casino is preparing to open its sportsbook Wednesday, with four live betting windows and 40 self-serve kiosks. As of Tuesday morning, no kiosks had officially been installed. The sportsbook is located on the upper level of the casino near Trappers Bar.
MotorCity Casino has not yet announced any plans for a sportsbook.
Michigan has nearly two dozen tribal casinos that are not regulated by the MGCB. None of those casinos have announced firm dates for opening sportsbooks, though many say they plan to be ready to go later this year, likely in time for football season.
When to bet
MGM's Moneyline will officially open at 3 p.m. Wednesday Regular hours are scheduled to be 11 a.m. to 1:30 a.m., Monday through Sunday. MGM officials will host a VIP reception Wednesday morning before opening
Greektown's sportsbook will be open 9 a.m. to midnight Sunday through Thursday and 9 a.m. to 2 a.m. on Friday and Saturday.
Can I bet online?
No. Not yet, at least.
The MGCB is still finalizing regulations for mobile sports betting, but it hopes to have it up and running by early 2021.
