All 15 legal online sportsbooks in Michigan offer betting options for Major League Baseball matches.
There are numerous opportunities for baseball betting with a 162-game regular season and a wide range of live-betting choices. Find out below how to engage in it and stay updated with the latest MLB odds.
Today’s MLB Odds at MI Online Sportsbooks
Below, you can find the daily betting lines for each MLB game and the future odds for MLB events at online sportsbooks in Michigan. To view more MLB odds boards, such as those for AL and NL pennant winners, division winners, Cy Young, Win Totals, and more, simply use the drop-down menu. By clicking on any odds, you can directly access the sportsbook, secure your bonus, and place your bet.
How to read MLB betting lines
MLB betting lines commonly feature three popular bet types: moneyline, runline, and run total. These bets are widely chosen by bettors, and sportsbooks set their lines based on their predictions to ensure balanced betting. Sportsbooks aim for an equal amount of bets on both teams to maximize their profits.
Moneyline
Many sports bettors prefer to place moneyline bets, which is the most popular type of wager. The moneyline represents an oddsmaker’s estimation of the likelihood of a team winning a game. Positive numbers indicate the underdog, whereas negative numbers indicate the favorite. The greater the distance from 100, the stronger the indication of a team being either the favorite or the underdog.
If the moneyline for the Chicago White Sox is -200, bettors would need to wager $200 in order to win $100. Conversely, if a bettor believes that the Detroit Tigers, with a moneyline of +250, will emerge victorious, they would only need to bet $100 in order to win $250. Moneyline bets are favored due to the fact that they do not necessitate a specific number of runs to be scored by the winning team; the sole criterion is for the team to secure a victory.
Runline
Runlines refer to the projected number of runs that a team is expected to win by, accompanied by the corresponding implied odds of the team successfully covering that run difference. It is worth noting that runline bets typically come with a fixed line of 1.5 runs.
The White Sox runline of -1.5 at -110 suggests that oddsmakers believe there is a 52.4% likelihood of Chicago winning the game by at least two runs. To earn a $100 profit, bettors would need to wager $110 and witness the White Sox securing a victory with a margin of two or more runs.
In contrast, the Tigers could have a runline of +1.5 at -110, meaning that in order for a bettor to win, the Marlins must either lose by one run or emerge victorious in the game.
Bettors may observe that the Tigers’ runline wagering carries a higher cost compared to their moneyline. This is due to the higher probability of Detroit losing by one run or less, rather than winning the game outright.
Totals
Totals in a game refer to the sum of runs scored by both teams. Bettors have the option to choose whether the total will surpass or fall below the number established by sportsbooks. For instance, in the White Sox vs. Tigers game, if the run total is set at 7.5, bettors can place their bets on either eight or more runs, or seven runs or less. Similar to runlines, totals typically offer comparable betting odds.
To win $100, a bettor must wager $110 if they choose the under 7.5 at -110. If the White Sox secure an 8-4 victory, the under bettor will not be successful. However, if the Tigers prevail with a 5-1 win, the under bettor will emerge victorious.
First five innings
When placing bets on a baseball game, starting pitchers are undeniably the crucial element to consider. However, it is important to note that starters typically do not pitch for the entire duration of the game. If you have confidence in the matchup between the two starting pitchers but are uncertain about the performance of the bullpen, you have the option to place a bet solely on the first five innings of the game.
This bet functions similarly to a first-half wager in football or basketball and encompasses its stated conditions. For instance, let’s suppose you place a bet on the White Sox with odds of -120 for the first five innings. If, at the end of five innings, the score is 5-4 with the White Sox in the lead, you will emerge as the winner, irrespective of Chicago’s eventual loss with a score of 10-5 in the overall game.
Innings
If certain bettors aim to further reduce the game duration, they can consider opting for inning bets. Betting on a specific inning outcome is the typical approach for an innings bet, although there are various ways in which it can be implemented. The most prevalent method involves placing a wager on a team to win a particular inning.
Instead of betting on the White Sox to win the entire game, a bettor has the option to bet on them winning the first inning at -105. This strategy, although more challenging to achieve, offers superior value. Additionally, a bettor can choose to place a wager on the total number of runs scored per inning.
If a bettor is uncertain about the outcome of the game but believes that both teams’ pitchers will allow runs, they have the option to bet on the total number of runs scored in a specific inning. For instance, in the third inning, a bettor can choose to bet on there being over 1.5 total runs. In this scenario, the bettor would win if there are two or more total runs scored in the inning, regardless of which team is responsible for scoring them.
Betting on innings makes the game shorter for bettors and offers favorable odds for favorites, but it presents a greater challenge in terms of winning due to the restricted time frame.
Series betting
Series betting is a popular strategy among MLB bettors, serving as a condensed version of futures betting. Due to the lengthy season and occasional fluctuations in starting pitching, the outcome of a baseball game is not always determined by the stronger team. As a result, the sport often conducts matches in three or four-game series.
It is highly improbable for a team to emerge victorious in every game of a series. Anticipating the specific games that a team will win in a series can be challenging, leading some bettors to prefer placing bets on the series outcome.
If a bettor is unsure about which specific games the White Sox will win against the Tigers but believes that they will be victorious overall, they may choose to bet on them winning the series instead. As long as the White Sox win at least two out of the three games played against Detroit, the bettor will win, regardless of the exact two games won by the White Sox.
If the White Sox have odds of -110 to win the series instead of -195 to win a single game, a bettor might prefer the better price. In this case, the bettor would only need to wager $110 to potentially win $100, rather than risking $195 to potentially win $100.
Betting baseball futures in Michigan
Placing futures bets in MLB is a valuable long-term investment strategy with potential for great returns. As baseball futures betting lines can fluctuate, it is advisable for MLB bettors to secure their wagers ahead of time to maximize their chances of favorable odds.
Timing plays a crucial role in futures bets. For instance, a bettor who believes in the New York Yankees’ World Series victory at the beginning of the season might choose to wager at odds of +700. However, if two months pass and the Yankees secure the top spot, their chances of winning the World Series may cause their future odds to decrease to +250.
MLB futures bets come in five common types:
- Bettors have the opportunity to choose the team they believe will emerge as the World Series champion, with odds assigned to each team at the beginning of the season. A popular betting strategy involves hedging bets on the top four teams before the season starts and reevaluating them at the end of the year. When betting on division winners, the value of the bet is not as significant as World Series bets since division favorites tend to have lower odds. The Los Angeles Dodgers’ performance in 2020 exemplifies this, as they had higher odds due to their likely division win, resulting in greater value but a more challenging prediction process. Bettors also have the chance to predict the MVP award recipients in each league, but the value of this bet decreases as the season progresses due to various factors such as injuries and winning or losing streaks. The Cy Young award is similarly awarded to pitchers. Additionally, bettors can choose the over/under win total for any team in a season through futures bets. While these bets may not offer the same level of value, they tend to be more predictable. For example, if the Yankees have a win total of 90.5 with odds of -110, bettors would need to wager $110 to win $100 if the Yankees win 91 games or more. It is important to note that these bets can only be placed before the start of the season and close once the regular season begins.
MLB Prop betting in Michigan
Prop betting is a common practice in sports betting and is especially favored by fantasy sports enthusiasts. These bets revolve around various aspects of the game, such as predicting which players will hit a home run or how many strikeouts a pitcher will achieve.
If a bettor is unsure about the outcome of the White Sox and Tigers game, but notices that Miguel Cabrera has a track record of success against the Chicago pitcher, they might choose to bet on Cabrera hitting a home run instead of betting on Detroit to win the game, as it offers better value.
If Matthew Boyd is up against a team that is having difficulty hitting the ball, a bettor may choose to bet on Boyd surpassing the strikeout total instead of risking it with a more uncertain team line. These prop bets generally offer greater value for wagering compared to predicting a team’s victory.
MLB live betting
Experienced sports bettors commonly engage in live betting, which involves placing bets on games while they are in progress. This type of betting is challenging due to the constantly shifting odds that occur with every play.
Suppose the Marlins are trailing by two runs in the eighth inning, with odds of winning at +200. A bettor who is wagering in real-time may choose to observe the progress of the eighth inning. If, all of a sudden, Miami manages to get two players on base with no outs, their odds may decrease to +110. In such a situation, a knowledgeable bettor, who has faith in the Marlins’ potential, may make the decision to place a live bet on them to win.
Both sides can benefit from this strategy. For instance, a bettor who observes the Braves’ odds decrease from -200 to -115 may choose to place a bet on Atlanta successfully navigating through the inning at a lower cost. As the count changes with each pitch, odds fluctuate, demanding live bettors to make swift and spontaneous decisions.
Is betting on baseball legal in Michigan?
Absolutely! Betting on MLB games and teams is completely legal at licensed Michigan sportsbooks. These authorized retail sportsbooks and legitimate sports betting websites provide a wide range of MLB betting options that you can enjoy throughout the entire season.
What are the best MLB betting apps?
Among the premier MLB betting apps launched in Michigan are DraftKings Sportsbook MI, FanDuel Michigan Sports Betting, and BetRivers MI Sportsbook. These top-notch sportsbooks consistently offer customers enticing daily odds boosts, like reducing a team’s odds to win from -150 to +125.
There are also daily odds boosts available for small parlays, such as the combination of the Philadelphia Phillies winning and Bryce Harper hitting a home run, with odds set at +1100.
MLB bettors are presented with a wide array of choices on these websites, catering to their preferences, be it engaging in live betting or placing bets on future outcomes in baseball. Both teams and players offer futures bets, encompassing the World Series champion, MVP winners, and team win totals.
In order to maximize your betting value, it is crucial to explore various sportsbooks that provide enticing promotions and bonuses. These offers may include rewarding bettors with a fixed sum for every run scored by their chosen team, irrespective of the final outcome. Thus, it is essential to thoroughly assess these platforms while wagering on MLB matches to secure the most beneficial promotions for your bets.
MLB season and betting opportunities
The MLB season is divided into three segments: preseason, regular season, and playoffs. Among these, two seasons offer potential for betting, yet each requires a distinct approach.
Spring training baseball can be challenging due to the non-competitive nature of the games. The preseason serves as a platform for teams to test new players and lineups. Notably, star players do not participate in every game and tend to exit early when they do play.
Currently, preseason games are not listed in Michigan’s authorized sports wagering catalog. However, if they are eventually included, it is advisable to exercise caution when placing bets on MLB spring training games.
Because of its lengthy duration, the season allows bettors to gather a substantial amount of data on the progress of various teams and players. Additionally, the MLB All-Star Break offers a prime opportunity for baseball bettors to make profitable wagers.
Series betting is a highly favored type of wager during the postseason as it offers great value for favorites to win. This type of bet allows the favored team to lose a game without negatively impacting the bettor.
In addition to its other advantages, series betting offers the opportunity for bettors to hedge their bets. For example, if a bettor chooses the Dodgers to win a series but finds them on the brink of elimination while playing at home, they can place a separate wager on the road underdog to win the game. If the road underdog is victorious, the bettor will mitigate their series bet loss. Conversely, if the Dodgers triumph in the game, the series bet remains valid.
How to bet on the World Series in Michigan
When it comes to betting on the World Series compared to a regular-season game, there is minimal disparity. Live betting remains consistent, even though each pitch carries a heightened sense of significance compared to a regular-season game.
Looking at the pitching matchup is the ideal way to start analyzing a World Series game for betting purposes. However, initiating with a series bet provides the opportunity to potentially hedge your bets as the games progress.
There is significant worth in certain prop bets during the World Series, particularly in the MVP market. It can be challenging to predict the winning player, but each player offers considerable value worth placing a few dollars on. Additionally, this presents an opportunity to safeguard your bet by hedging if it seems like your MVP selection may not be successful.
To maximize your chances of success in World Series betting, it is advisable to seek out favorable odds in series betting or prop bets. Once you have identified such opportunities, it is crucial to adjust your approach accordingly. If your initial bets seem promising as the World Series unfolds, it is wise to stick with them and see how they pan out. However, if your initial bets appear unfavorable, it might be worth exploring alternative bets that could potentially serve as a hedge.
How to watch or stream MLB games in Michigan
Baseball games from all over the country are broadcasted by national networks like FOX, ESPN, TBS, and MLB Network.
Each week, FOX Sports’ Saturday Baseball show airs some of the most prestigious MLB games. Additionally, FOX holds the exclusive broadcast rights for the World Series and rotates coverage between the American and National League Championship series on an annual basis.
ESPN broadcasts a diverse selection of games throughout the season, including the most prestigious MLB matchups every week on Monday Night Baseball, Wednesday Night Baseball, and Sunday Night Baseball.
Sunday afternoon games are nationally broadcasted by TBS, which also holds the exclusive rights to air tiebreaker games, the Division Series, and the alternating League Championship Series with FOX.
In addition to regular-season games, the MLB Network broadcasts games. Various stations also acquire the local broadcast rights from teams. For the 2021 season, Bally Sports Detroit, newly rebranded, holds the broadcast rights for the Detroit Tigers.
Live streams of MLB games are accessible on the internet as well. By subscribing to MLB.tv via MLB.com, you can gain access to both TV and radio streams for every game. Alternatively, if you prefer radio coverage only, MLB.com’s Gameday Audio offers separate subscriptions for that purpose.
Bet on the Detroit Tigers
Comerica Park in downtown Detroit is where the Detroit Tigers, Michigan’s MLB team, play their home games. They partake in the American League Central Division competition.
The Tigers, a charter franchise of the American League, have a rich history dating back to the 1890s. Over the years, Detroit has achieved significant success, with 11 American League pennants and four World Series titles under their belt, which were secured in 1935, 1945, 1968, and 1984.
For further information on betting on Detroit Tigers, please visit our dedicated pages.
- Detroit Tigers odds
- How much are the Detroit Tigers truly valued at?
The 1984 World Series Champions
In 1984, Detroit achieved their last World Series victory, with ace Jack Morris and closer Willie Hernández leading the team. Morris, who pitched a no-hitter in the fourth game of the season, played a crucial role in the Tigers’ exceptional start, helping them secure a remarkable 35-5 record in their first 40 games.
Eventually, the team achieved a franchise milestone by securing 104 regular-season victories, while Hernández emerged victorious by clinching both the Cy Young and American League MVP accolades.
With the outstanding performances from World Series MVP Alan Trammell and Kirk Gibson, the Tigers triumphed over the Kansas City Royals in the American League Championship Series, sweeping them completely. Continuing their remarkable journey, they went on to defeat the San Diego Padres in a five-game series, ultimately securing the World Series victory.
Who are the Tigers’ three biggest rivals?
- During the late 2000s and early 2010s, the Cleveland Indians and the Detroit Tigers consistently held the top two positions in the AL Central division, creating a natural geographical rivalry due to their close proximity on the map. What makes this baseball rivalry even more intriguing is the intense crossover between Michigan and Ohio State, adding another layer of competition between these teams. The Detroit Tigers have achieved a respectable position among the top four teams with the most American League pennants, boasting a total of 11. However, the New York Yankees dominate this list by a wide margin, with nearly four times as many victories. Their remarkable 40 AL pennants have earned them a polarizing reputation, either adored or despised by baseball enthusiasts. If you happen to reside in Detroit, chances are you fall into the latter category. The rivalry between the Chicago White Sox and the Detroit Tigers is one of the longest-standing in baseball history, dating back to their competition in the American League since 1901. The close proximity of these cities, just a few hours’ drive apart, further fuels this fierce regional rivalry.
Top 5 Detroit Tigers of all time
- Ty Cobb spent 22 years, from 1905 to 1926, playing for the Detroit Tigers. Throughout his time with the team, he achieved remarkable milestones, including winning an AL MVP award and securing an impressive 12 AL batting titles. Even to this day, Cobb’s career .367 batting average stands as the highest ever recorded by a player in MLB history.
- Alan Trammell is a former MLB player who spent his entire 20-year career playing shortstop for the Tigers. Even today, he holds the position of Special Assistant to the Tigers general manager. Trammell played a crucial role in leading the team to victory in the 1984 World Series, earning him the prestigious World Series MVP award. Throughout his career, he was recognized for his exceptional skills, being selected as an all-star six times, winning the Gold Glove Award four times, and receiving the Silver Slugger Award three times. In recognition of his outstanding contributions to the sport, Trammell was rightfully inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2018.
- Lou Whitaker, also known as “Sweet Lou”, had a remarkable career as the second baseman for the Detroit Tigers from 1977 to 1995. His impressive performance earned him the American League Rookie of the Year Award in 1978. For 19 years, Whitaker formed a formidable double-play combination with shortstop Alan Trammell, contributing to the Tigers’ victory in the 1984 World Series. Whitaker’s exceptional skills on the field earned him the honor of being selected as an all-star five times, winning the Gold Glove Award three times, and receiving the Silver Slugger Award four times.
- Kirk Gibson, a former MLB player, currently serves as a color commentator for the Detroit Tigers on Bally Sports Detroit. Throughout his playing career, Gibson predominantly played for the Tigers and played a pivotal role in their victorious 1984 World Series campaign. Additionally, he achieved remarkable success with the Los Angeles Dodgers, securing the 1988 NL MVP award and the 1988 World Series championship. Notably, Gibson also earned the 1984 ALCS MVP award during his time with the Tigers.
- Jack Morris had an impressive career in Major League Baseball. He played as a pitcher for the Detroit Tigers from 1977 to 1990, and later went on to pitch for the Minnesota Twins, Toronto Blue Jays, and Cleveland Indians before retiring. During his time with the Tigers, Morris played a vital role as the ace on the pitching staff that led the team to win the 1984 World Series. He achieved numerous accolades throughout his career, including being a five-time all-star, four-time World Series champion, the 1991 World Series MVP, two-time MLB wins leader, and the 1983 AL strikeout leader. Recognizing his contributions, the Tigers retired his jersey number, No. 47. In 2018, Morris was rightfully inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame.
MLB betting tips
Incorporating real-life data into your MLB betting strategy will enhance your chances of consistent winnings. Additionally, strive to:
- To enhance your ability to make informed and educated predictions, immerse yourself in the world of baseball and MLB games. Dedicate time to watch live MLB games while also delving into extensive reading materials about the sport. This comprehensive research will help you transform mere guesses into calculated picks, allowing you to identify emerging trends and exploit them to your advantage.
- Monitor weather forecasts and make predictions on how the weather will impact the outcome of games.
- Witness the immense influence that starting pitching holds over MLB games and gain insight into the reasoning behind listing starters on odds boards and why sportsbooks rely on pitching to set the lines.
- Be vigilant for team hitting streaks and analyze the statistics to gain insights that can enhance your betting strategy.
- To effectively manage your money, refrain from risking a significant amount on early-season “guaranteed” victories. The reality is that such assurances do not exist. Instead, it is advisable to wager equal amounts on each game, ensuring that you can endure any losing streaks until a winning streak commences.
- Save money throughout the season by thoroughly comparing prices for a bet you’re interested in at all licensed Michigan sportsbooks. Take the time to explore various options and choose the most favorable one.
- To prevent going broke, refrain from pursuing losses and maintain a steady approach by consistently betting the same amounts.
- Remember to consider the true nature of statistics and make informed choices based on data and information when selecting winners.
- In the end, engaging in sports betting while consuming excessive alcohol is an unwise decision. It serves no purpose to exhaust your funds when your ability to make rational decisions is compromised.
AP Photo/Paul Sancya
MLB FAQ
Michigan sportsbooks typically allow pregame MLB bets to be placed right before the first pitch. However, it is important to note that this cutoff time is just a general guideline. Additionally, Michigan sports betting apps also provide the option for live wagering during MLB games.
MLB futures predominantly revolve around predicting the victors of the World Series, individual MLB divisions, and the American or National Leagues. As the season progresses, the odds are modified accordingly. Hence, securing a wager on the winner earlier in the season tends to yield more favorable odds. Additionally, certain MLB futures offer the option to place over/under bets on team win totals.
In any sport, the underdogs have a fair chance of winning any game. This fact holds particularly true for baseball, where a typical season consists of over 160 games. It is highly unlikely for a team to win every single game in a series, making it quite probable for an underdog to emerge victorious in at least one or a few games against a favored team.
Typically, the team with the superior pitcher emerges as the victor, although this is not always the case. Like any sport, favorites can experience both victories and defeats. In the realm of baseball, underdogs are more likely to succeed due to the consecutive games played against a particular team.
MLB bettors can conveniently wager on games using mobile apps offered by sportsbooks like DraftKings and FanDuel. Michigan sportsbook apps offer several advantages, with the most prominent being the elimination of waiting in line. Unlike retail sportsbooks where bets must be placed at a desk, mobile betting allows bettors to instantly place their bets. This feature facilitates easier live betting, where odds can fluctuate within minutes.
In one convenient platform, mobile betting offers odds, statistics, and real-time coverage. The greatest advantage of mobile betting is the instant receipt of winnings, regardless of your location within state borders. No longer do you need to be physically present at a casino or queue up to collect your payouts, as they are promptly deposited into your account.
The +1.5 indicates the runline, indicating that if a team has +1.5 in front of their name, it implies that sportsbooks predict them to cover a 1.5-run spread. In simpler words, this means that the team with +1.5 can still cover your bet even if they lose by just one run.
You can place moneyline bets on MLB games at the majority of Michigan sportsbooks using either the “listed” or “action” options. By choosing the “action” option, your bet remains valid even if one or both of the starting pitchers listed don’t play.
If any of the listed starters are scratched late, choosing the “listed” option will cancel your bet.