Running A Sportsbook

The runline is a form of spread betting for baseball. Similar to hockey’s puckline, the runline is not intended to handicap the game to create the opportunity for an even money wager. Instead, the runline creates a new set of odds for bettors – usually flipping the favorite and the underdog.

A sportsbook is an area or venue where gamblers can place their bets or wager on a number of different sports. Among the most common sports being waged on in a sportsbook include baseball. What is the best sports betting strategy? The answer to this question is that there isn’t a definitive best approach to betting. If there was a so-called “best sports betting strategy” then any edge it granted would quickly disappear as that information leaked to the market. What works for some bettors may not work for others. To profit consistently at sports betting, you must win more than 53% of the time. The legality of bookmaking in the United States is changing rapidly. At one time, the only legal place to bet on sports in the USA was in Las Vegas. But Delaware just legalized sports betting, and more states are sure to follow.

The runline works by adding 1.5 runs to the underdog’s final score or subtracting 1.5 runs to the favorite’s, depending on which side of the bet you take. In practice, this significantly alters the odds of the game. To win a runline bet on the (moneyline) favorite, the team would now have to win by 2 or more runs.

A Case Study For The Runline

As we can see, the New York Yankees are facing the Toronto Blue Jays. In the above we chart we see the moneyline odds and the runline odds.

In this scenario, the Blue Jays are coming in as a slight favorite at -108 moneyline odds (meaning a $108 bet would net you a $100 profit), the Yankees a slight underdog at +100 ($100 bet to win a $100 profit).

A moneyline bet is the most straightforward wager you can make. With a moneyline bet, you are simply betting on who you think will win the game.

With a runline bet, you no longer care who wins the game (at least not completely). Instead, you care about the spread. When betting the runline, you are betting on the game + or – those 1.5 extra runs. The runline can be a great way to shake things up and give you an alternate set of odds.

As we can see in the example above, the Blue Jays are the moneyline favorite at -108. But, when we look at the runline odds, the Blue Jays become the underdog at +147. This means that if you wagered $100 on the Blue Jays to win the puckline, you would have a potential profit of $147.

The runline odds also flip for the Yankees. They start as the moneyline underdog at +100. When you bet the runline, though, they become the favorite at -160. This means you would need to risk $160 for a potential profit of $100.

The odds flip when betting the runline because you are no longer betting on the simple, in-game winner. We can see that the runline is -1.5 for the Blue Jays and +1.5 for the Yankees.

This means that to win a puckline bet on the Blue Jays, they would have to cover the spread – win the game by more than 1.5 runs. Of course, there are no half runs, so they’ll need to win by 2. This is because the runline subtracts 1.5 runs from their final score.

Likewise, if you bet the runline on the Yankees, you are hoping that they will either win outright or lose by less than 2 runs since the runline adds 2 to their final score.

Let’s assume this is the outcome of the game:

If you bet the puckline on the Blue Jays, did you win?

Sadly, you didn’t. Although the Blue Jays won the game, they didn’t cover the spread of 1.5 runs. This means their “Runline Score” was really 3.5 (5 – 1.5) – less than the Yankees’ 4 runs.

Had you bet the runline on the Yankees, the result would be the opposite. Even though the Yankees lost the game, they won the runline! Their “Runline Score” would be 5.5 (4 + 1.5).

Another Example Of The Runline

In the above example, subtracting 1.5 runs from Toronto gives you a score of 2.5 – 2. This means your Toronto bet wins. As with our other example, if we add 1.5 runs on a Yankee outcome we end up with a score of 3.5 – 4, meaning your Yankees bet loses.

If this topic is still a little unclear, click over to our article about the puckline and spread betting explained, which gives you very similar examples and illustrations to this runline explanation.

What would change if this was the outcome of the game instead?

Well, betting the runline on the Blue Jays would cash! This time the Blue Jays’ 2 run victory over the Yankees is enough to cover the spread. Their “Runline Score” would be 7.5 (9 – 1.5).

Conversely, betting the runline on the Yankees would be a losing day. Their “Runline Score” would be 8.5 – still not beating the Blue Jays’ 9 runs.

Why Bet The Runline

The runline’s best asset is that it offers a new set of odds and adds excitement to the game. From our example (first chart), we see the oddsmakers think the Blue Jays and Yankees game is almost a toss-up. Betting the moneyline on either one is almost an even money bet.

Running A Sportsbook Promo Code

The runline gives you the chance to take a spicier bet. Instead of taking the favorite straight up, you can bet they’ll win by at least 2 runs. Now, you’re no longer getting -108 odds on the Blue Jays, but +147. The runline gives the confident bettor a chance to make more.

You could also be in a position where you don’t think the underdog will necessarily win, but you’re fairly certain it’ll be a close one. In that case, betting the runline on the original underdog can be a great strategy.

Indeed, you’re getting lower odds (+100 to -160), but you are also increasing your chances of cashing the bet. In our scenario, the Yankees are a slight underdog. However, when we’re adding 1.5 runs to their final score, the whole dynamic changes.

Should I Bet The Runline?

Historically, baseball bettors have done marginally better on the moneyline than the runline. This, at least in part, is because most sportsbooks take a larger vig on the runline than the moneyline. That being said, the runline is a betting option to keep in mind, especially when you’re betting on a blowout by the favorite or a close game by the underdog.

Legal sports betting arrived in Michigan in March 2020, with the first of the state’s retail sportsbooks opening for business. Michigan online sports betting apps launched on Janaury 22, 2021.

Michigan’s Lawful Sports Betting Act legalized both live and online sports betting in the state. In a situation unique to the legal US sports betting industry, Michigan’s tribal casinos, as well as commercial casinos, own and operate mobile sports betting platforms in the state.

Best Michigan Online Sports Betting Apps

• BetRivers Sportsbook
• WynnBet
• William Hill Sportsbook
• FanDuel Sportsbook
• BetMGM Sportsbook
• PointsBet
• DraftKings Sportsbook
• Golden Nugget Sportsbook
• FOX Bet Sports
• Four Winds Sportsbook

Michigan Sportsbook Apps – Bonus Offers

BetRivers Michigan

Rush Street Interactive is the parent company to BetRivers and SugarHouse, a pair of brands offering legal online sports betting platforms in multiple US states. BetRivers announced a partnership with Little River Casino to operate its retail sportsbook, online sportsbook, and the BetRivers Casino in Michigan.

The retail sportsbook at Little River Casino opened earlier in 2020, and BetRivers online sportsbook went live on Jan. 22, 2021. BetRivers offers one of the industry’s strongest sportsbook bonuses, particularly for casual bettors.

The offer includes a 100% deposit match bonus offer up to $250 with only a 1x playthrough.

WynnBET Sportsbook

The track record of internet gaming technology company GAN speaks for itself. FanDuel Sportsbook New Jersey marked the first foray into the US market for GAN, with that platform emerging as one of New Jersey’s most popular online sportsbooks.

The Salut Tribe of Chippewa Indians, which owns five Kewadin Casino-branded properties, partnered with GAN and Wynn Resorts for a mobile sports betting offering in Michigan.

WynnBET MI went live in January 2021. The WynnBET Sportsbook welcome bonus comes in the form of a risk-free bet up to $1000.

William Hill Michigan

William Hill’s status as one of the world’s most influential sports betting brands goes back decades.

A powerhouse in both retail and online sports betting, William Hill partners with the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians in Michigan. The tribe owns both the Leelanau Sands Casino and the Turtle Creek Hotel & Casino.

William Hill MI Sportsbook offers new bettors a risk-free bet up to $500 as a welcome bonus.

FanDuel Sportsbook Michigan

One of the brands leading the pack in the US legal sports betting industry, FanDuel Sportsbook expanded into Michigan with an online sportsbook launch in January 2021.

FanDuel inked a deal with Detroit’s MotorCity Casino Hotel to operate both retail and online sportsbooks. IH Gaming owns MotorCity Casino Hotel. FanDuel also signed an agreement with the Pistons to become one of their sportsbook partners.

New bettors at FanDuel Sportsbook can enjoy a risk-free bet up to $200 as a welcome bonus.

BetMGM Michigan

The BetMGM brand continues to establish itself in US states with legal online gambling. The BetMGM platform is powered by Roar Digital, a partnership between MGM Resorts and British sports betting technology brand GVC Holdings.

The Michigan version of the BetMGM online sportsbook is licensed to MGM Grand Detroit. BetMGM Sportsbook is live or has been announced in close to a dozen states. BetMGM added Michigan to that list in January 2021.

The BetMGM Sportsbook app is strong, with an easy-to-use interface, with competitive odds, and weekly Money Monday promotions. The welcome bonus at BetMGM Sportsbook comes as a $600 risk free bet offer.

PointsBet Michigan

PointsBet is an Australian sports betting company that is making great strides in the US. In July 2020, PointsBet announced a partnership with the Detroit Tigers, the first for an MLB team.

PointsBet launched online sports betting in Michigan in Janaury, 2021, through a partnership with Northern Waters Casino Resort. The PointsBet MI welcome bonus offers a risk-free fixed-odds bet up to $500, as well as a risk-free PointsBetting wager up to $1,500.

DraftKings Sportsbook Michigan

It came as no surprise when DraftKings Sportsbook entered the fray in Michigan’s legal online sports betting industry. DraftKings announced a partnership with the Pistons in late 2020 to be one of the team’s preferred sports betting partners.

DraftKings Sportsbook offers mobile sports betting in Michigan as the licensed operating partner of Bay Mill Resort & Casino. The arrangement pairs the DraftKings brand with the longest-running tribal casino in the state.

New bettors at DraftKings Sportsbook can unlock a 20% deposit match bonus up to $1,000.

Golden Nugget Michigan

One of the top names in online gaming in New Jersey, Golden Nugget is expanded into the Michigan market in January 2021. With both an online casino and a Michigan sports betting app, Golden Nugget stands to be a major player in the Michigan iGaming market.

New bettors can enjoy a $250 free bets bonus after making a deposit at Golden Nugget Casino.

Barstool Sportsbook by Penn National Gaming

Penn National Gaming stands to be one of the biggest players in the US legal sports betting market. The North American gaming giant has partnerships in place in multiple US states, with an aim to have a piece of the pie in virtually every state with legalized sports betting. In most states, they are launching under the Barstool Sportsbook brand.

Penn National Gaming partnered with Greektown Casino to launch Barstool Sportsbook in Michigan. Barstool Sportsbook welcomes new bettors with a risk-free bet up to $1,000.

TwinSpires

TwinSpires formed a partnership with the Hannahville Indian Community, owners of Island Resort and Casino in Harris.

TwinSpires’ parent company, Churchill Downs, is well-known for its prowess in the horse racing industry. The TwinSpires Michigan sportsbook launched in January 2021.

New players can enjoy a risk-free week of betting, up to $1,000, after making a deposit at TwinSpires Sportsbook.

FOX Bet

The FOX Bet online sports betting platform added Michigan to the growing list of US states in which it’s offered. Although not part of the first 10 sportsbooks to launch in Michigan, it followed the rest just a week later.

The FOX Bet brand is a collaboration between FOX Sports and the Stars Group. It is already a major presence in the US legal sports betting industry. The Stars Group also operates the Stars Casino and PokerStars in Michigan.

The Stars Group is the license partner of the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indian Gaming Authority, which owns Odawa Casino Mackinaw and Odawa Casino Petoskey.

Four Winds Sportsbook

Four Winds Casino launched its online sportsbook in February 2021 in partnership with Pala Interactive. Pala is known for its New Jersey based Pala Casinos. Four Winds became the first Michigan tribal casino to launch under its own branded name.

Other Legal Online Sportsbooks In Michigan – Coming Soon

FireKeepers Sportsbook

Scientific Games is the software company behind numerous legal online sportsbooks in the US. The Las Vegas-based brand powers the technology behind platforms like Caesars Sportsbook and BetFred in other US states.

FireKeepers Casino will utilize a partnership with Scientific Games to operate a legal online sportsbook in Michigan.

Parx Casino

Parx Casino has done well in both New Jersey and Pennsylvania and is now scheduled to come to Michigan. Parx Casino is launching both online sports betting and online casinos in Michigan through its partnership with Gun Lake Casino.

For more information see our complete Guide To Michigan Online Gambling.

What Bonuses Are Available At Michigan’s Legal Online Sportsbooks?

Risk-Free Bets

New players at many US legal online sportsbooks can take advantage of risk-free bet promotions. A risk-free bet offer refunds a player on the first bet after a deposit, up to a given amount. The bet is eligible for a refund only if it results in a loss.

Some of the online sportsbook brands operating in Michigan present risk-free bet promotions. For example, WynnBET Sportsbook offers up to a $500 risk-free bet for new players. Using that offer, new players can deposit at WynnBET, and the first bet after deposit, up to $500, is eligible for a rebate in case of a loss.

Deposit Match Bonuses

Players venturing into the world of legal US online gambling sites will notice the deposit match bonus as a commonly offered promotion. Deposit match bonuses award bonus money based on a percentage of a player deposit amount.

BetRivers Michigan offers new players one of the most generous deposit match bonuses in the industry. The sportsbook offers a 100% deposit match bonus, up to $250, with just a 1x playthrough requirement.

This playthrough requirement is commonly 20x to 30x the amount of the original deposit. The BetRivers bonus, however, stands as one of the most player-friendly offers in the industry.

What Sports Can I Bet On At Michigan Online Sports Betting Sites?

Betting On US Pro Sports

The arrival of legal sports betting in Michigan opens up an entire new world of possibilities, in a state with a rich professional sports tradition.

Detroit is on the shortlist of US cities that host teams from all four major US sports leagues.

The NFL’s Detroit Lions, the NHL’s Detroit Red Wings, the NBA’s Detroit Pistons, and Major League Baseball’s Detroit Tigers are at the heart of one of the most passionate sports fan-bases in the US. Both DraftKings and FanDuel announced partnerships with the Detroit Pistons to become their preferred sportsbooks.

Michigan’s legal online sportsbooks present opportunities to wager on all of those teams. Virtually every game on the regular and postseason schedule in the four major sports are open for betting to Michigan players.

Ways To Bet On US Pro Sports In Michigan

Ways to bet include moneyline and point spread betting on single contests, as well as parlay betting on multiple games.

Michigan’s legal online sportsbooks offer futures betting markets on all of the major US sports leagues. Prop bets on events like the NBA draft and the Super Bowl open up even more betting options for Michigan bettors.

In addition to the four major sports leagues, MMA, boxing, golf, tennis, NASCAR, and a host of other US sporting events are available to bet from Michigan’s legal online sportsbooks.

College Sports Betting In Michigan

Michigan’s professional sports tradition is equaled by the legacy of major college sports in the Wolverine State.

The Michigan Wolverines and Michigan State Spartans rule the college sports landscape in the state. State residents divide their loyalties between these two programs.

College Football

The Wolverines and the Spartans play in the Big Ten Conference, the longest-running college sports conference in the US. The Michigan versus Michigan State football rivalry goes back more than 100 years.

Both programs are perennial powerhouses in the modern era of college football. The annual rivalry game between the two is one of the biggest in-state contests of the year.

Michigan and Michigan State also matchup annually against other Big Ten rivals like the Ohio State Buckeyes, Iowa Hawkeyes, Wisconsin Badgers, and Penn State Nittany Lions. These Big Ten rivalry games are perennially some of the biggest games on the college football calendar.

College Basketball

The Michigan versus Michigan State rivalry is equally tense in college basketball. Both programs lay claim to elite status in the national landscape.

The Big Ten stands as one of college basketball’s top conferences year after year. The conference offers a loaded schedule of big games for Michigan bettors.

The Wolverines and Spartans match up annually against teams like Ohio State, Penn State, and Wisconsin. Other traditional Big Ten powerhouses include the Indiana Hoosiers, Illinois Fighting Illini, and conference newcomer Maryland Terrapins.

Other College Sports

College baseball, softball, hockey, lacrosse, and others are open for betting when Michigan’s legal online sportsbooks go live. The Lawful Sports Betting Act allows for betting on college sports with no restrictions.

What International Sports Can You Bet On In Michigan?

Michigan’s legal online sportsbooks aren’t just be limited to US professional and college sports. Fans of soccer, rugby, cycling, and other international sports leagues will enjoy a comprehensive menu of betting markets.

International Soccer Leagues

The English Premier League features clubs like Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal, and Manchester City. Massive worldwide fanbases follow these teams, creating some of the world’s biggest sporting events when they face off against each other.

Other major international soccer leagues, like the German Bundesliga and Spanish La Liga, are open for betting for Michigan players on the state’s legal mobile sports betting sites.

Other International Sports

Running A Successful Sportsbook

Major cycling events like the Tour de France are offered for betting at Michigan’s legal online sportsbooks. Tennis majors like Wimbledon and the Australian Open, as well as golf events like the British Open and Ryder Cup, are also on the menu for Michigan bettors.

International leagues and events in rugby, cricket, basketball, baseball, and auto racing add even more to the betting menus in Michigan.

Can I Bet On Esports In Michigan?

Running A Sportsbook Game

The outlook for potential esports betting at Michigan’s online sportsbooks is unknown. The Lawful Sports Betting Act doesn’t include specific language about esports betting.

The esports industry continues to rise in popularity, with abundant offshore betting markets surrounding competitive events. As the esports industry continues to grow, events surrounding games like Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, Dota 2, and Rocket League could eventually be open for betting in Michigan.

What Else Can I Bet On In Michigan?

Michigan’s online sportsbooks offer betting on competitive chess, darts, table tennis, and other non-traditional sports and games. With Michigan’s legal online sports wagering sites live in the state, these betting markets are open to in-state bettors.

Will Michigan’s Online Sportsbooks Offer Mobile Apps?

Michigan’s sports betting platforms offer access through mobile apps, as well as on a desktop computer. Online sports betting mobile apps are optimized for Android and iOS devices. This makes the mobile betting experience intuitive and convenient.

Legal mobile sports betting apps use geolocation technology to determine a user’s location at the time of use. These apps are open to anyone in the state of Michigan, as long as they’re 21 or over and located within state borders.

The ease of access and convenience of mobile sports betting has made it the method of choice for bettors in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Those two states represent two of the biggest sports betting markets in the US. In both states, mobile wagering makes up more than 80 percent of the total statewide sports betting handle.

iOS Mobile Sports Betting Apps

Platforms like BetRivers, William Hill, FanDuel Sportsbook, and BetMGM are all live in Michigan. All of these online sportsbooks are available as apps for iOS devices.

These apps can be found in the App Store on iOS devices. Downloading the apps is free, and can be done from anywhere within state borders.

Android Mobile Sports Betting Apps

Nearly all of the platforms available as iOS apps are accessible as apps for Android devices as well. Android users looking for online sportsbooks like William Hill and BetRivers are in luck.

Mobile sports betting apps for Android can only be downloaded directly from the website of the online sportsbook itself. The Google Play Store doesn’t permit the download of real-money gambling apps. As a result, players won’t find Michigan’s legal mobile sports betting apps there.

What Do I Need To Create An Online Sportsbook Account In Michigan?

New players can start betting in just a few easy steps at Michigan’s online sportsbooks:

• Download the mobile sports betting app. Apple iOS users access these apps in the App Store. Android users find these apps directly on an online sportsbook’s website. Legal online sportsbooks can also be accessed on a desktop computer, directly from the website.
• Click “Join Now” and complete the required fields for name, birthdate, valid email address, and username of choice.
• The mobile sportsbook will ask for email verification, as well as documentation of age and identity.
• After email and document verification, navigate to the cashier to deposit and begin betting.

Legal Versus Illegal Online Sportsbooks

Michigan players now enjoy unprecedented access to legal sports betting. The number of different platforms slated for Michigan operations offer bettors the opportunity to line shop and find bets among multiple outlets.

Michigan’s Regulated Casino Industry

The agencies that oversee the state’s tribal and commercial retail casinos regulate all of Michigan’s legal mobile sports betting platforms and upcoming online casinos.

The National Indian Gaming Commission operates as the governing body that regulates Michigan’s tribal casinos. The Michigan Gaming Control Board oversees the state’s commercial casinos.

The state’s tribal and commercial casinos own and operate Michigan’s legal online sportsbooks. These retail casinos are held accountable by their respective governing bodies and therefore operate with a vested interest in prompt payouts and fair play.

Placing a bet at a legal online sportsbook in Michigan offers the same level of security as placing that same bet in one of the state’s land-based casinos.

Risks With Offshore And Illegal Gambling

Offshore gambling sites operating in the US are not obliged to offer these same safeguards. Betting at an offshore sportsbook entails a much higher level of risk. This includes the possibility of depositing money and never seeing that money again.

These offshore gambling sites are illegal operations in the US. As such, playing on them could result in a criminal penalty for players.

Michigan Online Sports Betting FAQ

Running A Sportsbook Odds

The Michigan Lawful Sports Betting Act sets the minimum age for playing at 21. This minimum age requirement applies to sports betting platforms offered by both tribal and commercial casinos.

While tribal casinos may set the gambling age as low as 18 at their respective land-based properties, the legal minimum age for all state-regulated online sportsbooks is 21.

Yes. DraftKings Sportsbook launched in Michigan on Jan. 22, 2021. DraftKings works in the Michigan market through a licensing partnership with Bay Mills Casino Resort.

Yes. MotorCity Casino Hotel licenses FanDuel Sportsbook to operate in Michigan. The FanDuel Sportsbook Michigan platform launched in Janaury 2021.

Michigan bettors can access the site and place bets from anywhere within state borders.

No. Legal online sports betting sites in the US generally do not offer play on credit. To bet, players must deposit funds at a mobile sportsbook.

Some sites offer no-deposit free play bonuses. These bonuses start new players off with an amount of playing credit. Other than these free sign-up offers, credit lines are not offered at legal US online sportsbooks.

Yes. The Lawful Sports Betting Act permits betting on college sports with no restrictions. Some US states outlaw betting on in-state teams and sports contests, but no such regulations pertain to Michigan.

College sports games involving teams like the Michigan Wolverines and Michigan State Spartans are open for betting at Michigan’s legal online sportsbooks.

No. Michigan players can register and create an account at the state’s legal online sportsbooks from mobile devices and desktop computers from anywhere in the state.

Email verification, as well as documentation of age (21 and over) and identity, is required to start an account at a legal online sportsbook.

Visiting the land-based casino related to an online sportsbook is one way to open an account, but isn’t necessary.