The Detroit Tigers’ Remarkable Postseason Journey
Posted on: October 4, 2024, 10:37h
Last updated on: October 4, 2024, 11:23h
The Fanatics Sportsbook at Ocean Casino Resort in Atlantic City is currently not taking bets on the Detroit Tigers as they embark on their unexpected postseason journey. This decision comes in light of the casino’s ownership ties to the Tigers, which complicates the betting landscape for fans eager to wager on their team’s success.
Tigers’ Stunning Upset Over the Astros
On October 2, 2024, the Detroit Tigers pulled off a stunning upset by sweeping the Houston Astros in the American League wild-card series. This two-game victory has propelled the Tigers into the AL Division Series, where they will face off against the Cleveland Guardians in a best-of-five matchup. Just a few weeks ago, the Tigers were not even on the radar for playoff contention; on August 10, they found themselves a daunting 10 games out of a playoff spot, with a mere 0.2% chance of making it to the postseason.
However, the tides turned dramatically for Detroit. The team finished the regular season with an impressive 31-13 record, culminating in a critical win against the Baltimore Orioles on September 22 that secured their spot in the playoffs. This remarkable turnaround has not only thrilled fans but has also significantly altered the betting odds surrounding the team. In early September, sportsbooks like DraftKings had the Tigers at a staggering 600/1 to win the World Series, which translated to an implied probability of just 0.17%. Now, as they prepare for the ALDS, those odds have shortened to +950, indicating a 9.52% chance of winning it all.
Ocean Casino’s Betting Restrictions
Despite the Tigers’ thrilling postseason run, the Fanatics Sportsbook at Ocean Casino Resort is unable to accept bets on the team. This restriction stems from the casino’s ownership structure; Ocean Casino is partially owned by Ilitch Holdings, Inc., the parent company of the Tigers. The Ilitch family, known for founding the Little Caesars Pizza empire, has a significant stake in both the casino and the baseball team.
New Jersey’s sports betting regulations prohibit any entity that has a direct or indirect ownership stake of 10% or more in a sports team from placing or accepting wagers on that team’s games. Therefore, while fans at Ocean Casino are left without the option to bet on the Tigers, they can still engage in online betting through Fanatics’ mobile platform, which operates under a separate licensing agreement with Bally’s.
The Ilitch Family’s Influence
Ilitch Holdings acquired its stake in Ocean Casino Resort in 2021 for $175 million, a move that was largely aimed at revitalizing the property, which had struggled since its opening as Revel in 2012. The investment allowed for the completion of 464 hotel rooms that had remained unfinished for years. The Ilitch family’s wealth, estimated at nearly $4 billion, has enabled them to diversify their interests, including ownership of the MLB Tigers and the NHL’s Detroit Red Wings.
In contrast, the MotorCity Casino Hotel, also owned by Ilitch Holdings, operates under Michigan’s sports betting laws, which do not impose similar restrictions on team owners. As a result, the FanDuel Sportsbook at MotorCity can legally accept bets on the Tigers, providing fans in Michigan with an avenue to support their team through wagering.
Big Bets from Tigers Fans
Among the fans placing bets on the Tigers is Derek Stevens, a Michigan native and owner of Circa and The D casinos in Las Vegas. Stevens is known for his enthusiastic support of Detroit sports teams and has publicly shared his bets on the Tigers. He placed a $1,000 wager on the Tigers to win the American League, which could yield a remarkable $200,000 if they advance past the Guardians and into the American League Championship Series. Additionally, he has a $1,000 bet on the Tigers to win the World Series, which would net him an impressive $500,000.
As the Tigers prepare to face the Guardians, they enter the series as a +105 underdog. The first game of the ALDS is set to take place on Saturday, and fans are eagerly anticipating what could be another chapter in this thrilling postseason saga.