Michigan Sports Betting Handle Plummets in January Amid Lions-Less NFL Playoffs

Want to get more Covers content? Add us as a preferred source on your Google account here . An NFL postseason in Michigan without the Detroit Lions seems to have led to a significant decrease in January wagering.  Key Takeaways It was the lowest January handle since 2023. Revenue dipped a more significant 31% compared to the previous January. iGaming produced the second-highest gross revenue ever in Michigan.

The Michigan Gaming Control Board reported on Thursday a $502.6-million sports betting handle. The amount wagered in the first month of 2026 was down 12.6% from January 2025, when the Lions won the NFC North and entered the playoffs as a No.

1 seed with a 15-2 record in the 2024 season.  Detroit went 9-8 during the 2025 campaign and finished fourth in the division, leading to less interest, the lowest January handle since 2023, and a 31% year-over-year decrease in Michigan sports betting revenue .

Profit dip A year ago, the Lions played just one playoff game, a 45-31 loss to the Washington Commanders in the divisional round, but the Michigan sports betting operators racked up, reporting over $85.5 million in gross revenue.  Profits in the latest reported month, however, dipped to $58.8 million. Online sportsbooks made all but $789,000, which was won by retail operators on an $11.3-million handle.

After adjustments, online sportsbooks hauled in $37 million, leading to a $2.5-million tax payout to the Wolverine State.  While still an impressive win rate, January’s 11.7% hold was the first under 12% since September 2025 and well below the 14.9% produced during the same month in 2025.  FanDuel, Hard Rock Bet shine Online Operator January Handle Gross Revenue FanDuel $169.3 million $22.8 million   DraftKings $144.8 million   $16.2 million   BetMGM $61.1 million   $8.1 million Fanatics Sportsbook $44.4 million  $4.4 million Hard Rock Bet $21.9 million  $2.7 million theScore Bet $18.8 million  $1.7 million FanDuel managed to turn in a 13.5% hold on a state-leading $169.3 million that produced $22.8 million in gross revenue, a 44% year-over-year decrease.

  DraftKings was more in line with the January average, using a 11.2% win rate to gross $16.2 million from a $144.8-million handle. BetMGM produced a solid month with a 13.2% hold, while Fanatics hit right at 10% on a $44.4-million handle.  Hard Rock Bet was the only other operator to accept at least $20 million in wagers and enjoyed a healthy 12.3% hold, while theScore Bet produced a 9% win rate.

Caesars won back less than 6% of an $18.5-million handle.    iGaming stays hot  Michigan’s online casinos recorded gross revenue of $298.3 million in January. That’s a 20.2% year-over-year increase, but the first month of 2025 wasn’t able to match December 2025’s record $315.8-million mark.  January still produced the second-most iGaming revenue ever.

FanDuel reported $73.3 million in monthly profits, while BetMGM was second with $65.8 million. The state collected over $54 million in tax revenue from online casino operators. Another $20.2 million went to city and local coffers in January.  This article originally appeared on Covers.com , read the full article here and view our best betting sites or check out our top sportsbook promos .

With the Lions missing the NFL playoffs, online and retail sportsbooks produced a $502.6-million handle that was down 12.6% from January 2025. With the Lions missing the NFL playoffs, online and retail sportsbooks produced a $502.6-million handle that was down 12.6% from January 2025.