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Stadiums are closed, but Michigan's sportsbooks are open: Inside Day 1 of sports betting

Eric Adams clutched $500 in one hand and a list of bets in his other. He was the first one in line at MGM Grand Detroit on Wednesday afternoon — a moment that felt both historic and a little surreal — when it became legal to place live sports bets at casinos in Michigan.

“It’s like a dream come true,” said Adams, 38, of St. Clair Shores. “I go to Vegas all the time for the (NCAA) tournament. Now, I get to stay here.”

As Adams stood in line in front of 37 others, a group of celebrities placed the first bets.