Share 
Michigan sports wagering posted one of their strongest year-over-year handle increases of 2026 in May, with newer operators such as bet365 Sportsbook continuing to help drive market growth.
According to data released Tuesday by the Michigan Gaming Control Board, Michigan online sportsbooks accepted $457.6 million in wagers during May. While handle dipped 0.7% from April’s $460.8 million, it jumped 18.5% from the $386.1 million wagered in May 2025.
The nearly $72 million increase comes as Michigan sports betting handle continues to benefit from additional competition from new operators that were not in the market last year.
bet365 emerges as Michigan growth story
The global operator launched in Michigan in April 2025, meaning May 2026 marked its first full month competing in the market. During May, bet365 generated $66.8 million in handle, ranking third among Michigan’s 13 platforms.
Being a new operator, bet365 did lose nearly $16 million in adjusted gross revenue.
While bet365 remains well behind market leaders FanDuel Sportsbook and DraftKings Sportsbook, its presence has added meaningful wagering volume to Michigan’s market.
Combined with other newer entrants such as Hard Rock Bet Sportsbook, which handled $11.3 million in wagers during May, the market has benefited from a more competitive landscape than existed a year ago.
Bet365 attracting that amount of volume is impressive. The operator is hoping it is sustainable moving forward.
Handle rises despite slower sports calendar
The annual increase is particularly notable given that May is traditionally one of the quieter months on the sports calendar.
Outside of the NBA and NHL playoffs, operators lack the volume generated by football season and March Madness. Even so, Michigan bettors wagered nearly half a billion dollars during the month.
The growth suggests bet365’s first full month in operation was a shot-in-the-arm to the market.
June is also expected to be a busier month with the FIFA World Cup in full swing, taking place all across North America, with customers taking advantage of Michigan sports betting bonuses.
FanDuel, DraftKings remain market leaders
FanDuel continued to lead Michigan with $131.0 million in handle during May, followed closely by DraftKings at $121.5 million. BetMGM Sportsbook finished fourth with $45.3 million in wagers.
Despite the strong increase in wagering volume, operator profitability declined. Michigan operators reported $23.3 million in adjusted gross receipts, down 34.6% from May 2025.
Still, the handle growth stands out as a positive sign for the market. As operators such as bet365 continue to expand and retain their customer base, operators appear well-positioned to continue generating higher wagering totals than they did a year ago.
