MLB Spring Training Games Are Off The Board At Michigan Sportsbooks… For Now

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In Michigan, we were blessed with sunny weather, and the eagerly awaited return of Detroit Tigers baseball will grace our radios this weekend. As February unfolds, our long-held dream of spring is gradually transforming into a tangible reality.

With the arrival of this time of year, baseball enthusiasts come alive, eagerly anticipating the onset of another Detroit summer, fueled by the news that Miguel Cabrera is currently in the best health he has been in for years.

However, Michigan sports fans who are eager to delve into daily baseball odds in the state’s freshly established sports betting scene will need to exercise patience until Opening Day arrives.

Spring training bets have not yet been approved in Michigan, unlike several other states. The Tigers will be opening their spring ball against Philadelphia on Sunday.

Why? Because, to begin with, none of the betting operators in Michigan have expressed a need for it at this point.

Michigan online sportsbooks can ask, MGCB will decide

The state’s Lawful Sports Betting Act or Internet Sports Betting Rules did not include provisions for betting on spring training, preseason, or exhibition games.

Operators must request the addition of sports and leagues to the state’s Sports Wagering Catalog for them to be approved and included.

No one has, as stated by Mary Kay Bean, spokesperson for the Michigan Gaming Control Board.

Operators and platform providers can submit requests to the MGCB for additions to the sports wagering catalog. Upon agency review and approval, the MGCB will update the catalog on their website to include the newly approved league, game, or wager.

No request to include spring training in the catalog has been received by the MGCB.

Currently, the wagering options for Major League Baseball are limited to the regular season, playoffs, and tournaments.

Nevertheless, the catalog’s guidelines provide a glimmer of hope for approval, as they explicitly allow for “pre-season, all-star games, and all-star contest betting.” However, it’s important to note that none of these sports events have been authorized in Michigan as of yet.

The possibility exists that an online sportsbook in Michigan may make the request prior to the first spring game on Sunday. However, currently, it is not available for betting both online and at the retail sportsbooks in Detroit casinos, as they are regulated by the MGCB.

Michigan tribal casinos could offer; FireKeepers won’t

On Friday afternoon, none of the tribal sportsbooks with online odds had posted spring training games, which they can offer without needing approval from the MGCB.

Jim Wise, representing FireKeepers Casino in Battle Creek, explained that their retail location will not be hosting spring training markets this year due to the implementation of rule changes, particularly those pertaining to pitching changes. Further details regarding these changes will be provided below.

FireKeepers did not provide NHL season win total bets due to the pandemic-related uncertainties surrounding the league schedule.

Illinois, Indiana, New Jersey, Pennsylvania approved spring training bets

MLB took action in 2019 by sending letters to gaming regulators in three states, urging them to discontinue accepting wagers on spring training games.

Following the incident, several responses unfolded, with certain states refusing to accept prop bets on the Grapefruit League in Florida and the Cactus League in Arizona. The major concern revolves around the participation of minor league players in these exhibition games. It is widely recognized that these games hold no significance for the overall season.

Spring training bets have been approved in four leading states for online sports betting: Illinois, Indiana, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. Additionally, Nevada has been offering preseason baseball bets for several years.

According to PlayPennsylvania, online sportsbooks in PA allow betting on spring training games.

The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board established betting restrictions and prohibited prop betting on preseason games in 2020. These regulations will continue to be enforced.

Surprisingly, the majority of online gambling sites found in Michigan are also accessible in Illinois, Indiana, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey.

MLB spring training rule changes in 2021

The preseason games this year will be different if Michigan grants approval for spring training bets.

MLB has implemented several modifications to ready pitchers for the upcoming regular season, primarily focusing on game duration adjustments.

Until March 13, games are set for seven innings but may be reduced to five or extended to nine if both teams reach an accord. Starting March 14, games will be scheduled for nine innings, but they can be shortened to seven if mutually agreed upon.

In addition, guidelines are in place for substituting and later re-inserting pitchers, enabling relief pitchers to assist in resolving challenging situations. Furthermore, teams have the option to “roll” an inning, halting its progress regardless of the number of outs, once a pitcher has thrown 20 pitches during that inning.

Pitch counts and constant calls to the bullpen, a sure sign that baseball is back and a Michigan summer is just around the corner, whether it involves spring training betting or not.

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