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An NFL postseason in Michigan without the Detroit Lions seems to have led to a significant decrease in January wagering.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.