Detroit City FC: Why Don’t Michigan Sportsbooks Offer Betting On NISA Matches?

Could you please rewrite the sentence you would like me to work on?

When you explore any authorized Michigan sportsbook, you’ll come across numerous soccer events available for betting. Nevertheless, if you’re familiar with the local scene, you’ll quickly realize that Detroit City FC, which is affiliated with the National Independent Soccer Association, is noticeably absent from these options.

The reason behind it is rather intriguing.

Licensed operators may consider events in that league and involving the club permissible, depending on their interpretation of MI law and sports betting regulations. The reason for their absence seems to stem from a difference of opinion.

A catch-22 for wagering on Detroit City FC

There is room for interpretation when it comes to the rules in Michigan concerning permissible events.

Betting is only allowed on the top-tier leagues of each sport and not on lower-level developmental leagues. For instance, you can place bets on MLB games but not on MiLB games. Similarly, NBA bets are allowed but not NBA G-League bets, and NHL bets are permitted while AHL bets are not allowed.

However, the challenging aspect is that the NISA is not considered a “feeder league” since it has no official connection with any Major League Soccer (MLS) clubs, which is the premier men’s league in North America. While a few players from the NISA may move on to sign with MLS teams, it is not the designated pathway. Nonetheless, sportsbooks in other regions like Illinois do offer betting opportunities for NISA events.

The league’s name itself includes the term “independent,” implying that it is not considered a top-tier establishment. However, it also distinguishes itself from being solely a developmental league. Consequently, it could potentially meet the criteria for wagering.

It appears that the Michigan Gaming Control Board is receptive to different perspectives on the matter.

According to Mary Kay Bean, the communications specialist at MGCB, she expressed her thoughts on the matter as follows:

Operators and platform providers can submit requests to the MGCB for new leagues and wagers. These requests are carefully reviewed to assess their compliance with the Lawful Sports Betting Act and related regulations.

It appears that the board is expecting a licensee to bring up the question, but licensees are hesitant and waiting for some significant development or event to occur before they take that action.

Operators seem to have made up their minds

Playinmichigan contacted various online and retail sportsbook companies in Michigan to inquire about their past or future requests for approval from the board to offer NISA betting. All the companies responded with a unanimous sense of pessimism.

“The National Independent Soccer Association is not authorized for betting in Michigan. For queries regarding this matter, it is advisable to approach the regulators as they have more information. We do our best to provide whatever assistance we can.”

Regrettably, the National Independent Soccer Association does not have approval in the state of Michigan. Although I cannot verify if we have requested approval for these markets, we adhere to the regulations set by authorities in each state.

While it may be understandable for those observing from the outside, considering it is only lower-level soccer, Detroit City FC has garnered a dedicated fan base in Metro Detroit. These fans may not be easily accessible to sports betting operators through conventional sports.

Detroit MLS team would be up for wagers on Day 1

It appears that the board is currently anticipating a request that may not be made, and the operators are waiting for regulator language that may not be favorable. Therefore, the most practical choice might be for soccer enthusiasts in Michigan to patiently await the arrival of MLS in their town.

In the past, there has been a possibility of Detroit securing an MLS expansion. Towards the end of 2019, Detroit was considered a strong contender for this opportunity. With Sacramento recently withdrawing from the league, there is a chance that Detroit’s bid may resurface.

This season, Detroit City FC fans might face disappointment if they wish to place bets on their beloved club at legal MI sportsbooks.

The addition of an MLS club in Detroit would undoubtedly lead to increased promotion and visibility for soccer in Michigan. Consequently, the availability of betting options at sportsbooks in the state would naturally be a significant aspect of this expansion.

For now, betting on Detroit City FC appears to be limited to overlooked opportunities until a change occurs.

Detroit City FC opens home slate May 1 (UPDATE THIS WITH LEGENDS CUP RESULT)

After securing two consecutive tournament-style NISA titles, Detroit City FC is riding high on their recent accomplishments. In early October, they clinched the NISA Fall Championship, and just this past Sunday, they dominated the NISA Legends Cup spring tournament by defeating Chattanooga FC with a resounding 3-0 victory.

The home season opener for Detroit City FC against the Maryland Bobcats is scheduled for May 1. Fans in the Detroit area can catch the game on TV20, while CW channels across the state will also be broadcasting the match.

Home matches for the club are held at the renowned Keyworth Stadium in Hamtramck.

The Michigan Stars, based in Washington Township of Macomb County, are proud members of the NISA.

Please rewrite your statement.