The United Soccer League playoffs are upon us, with a Michigan gaming operator as the event’s main sponsor.
The professional sports league’s two tiers (USL Championship and USL League One) start their playoffs this week, and Louisville-based TwinSpires Sportsbook has signed on to help promote both events.
The partnership, which was announced Monday, allows TwinSpires Sportsbook to offer a free-to-play “pick-‘em” game on the USL mobile app. Fans can score prizes when they make the most correct selections on playoff contests.
TwinSpires will also be offering special promotions to its Michigan online sports betting customers, as well as bettors in Arizona, Colorado, Indiana, Pennsylvania and Tennessee.
"As the sports gaming industry continues to grow across the United States, we’re excited to partner with TwinSpires for the 2021 playoffs," USL Senior Vice President of Corporate Partnerships Josh Keller said in a press release. "With the most exciting part of the USL Championship and League One seasons upon us, this partnership will allow our fans to be even more invested in every drama-filled match through different contests and promotions."
USL Championship Odds
Though Michigan does not have a USL Championship team, soccer fans in the state can still get in on the action, with the league’s playoff matches available for betting on TwinSpires’ mobile application.
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Here’s how the odds stack up for the 16 USL Championship clubs playing in the opening round of the playoffs this week:
- San Antonio FC (+110) over San Diego Loyal SC (+180), tie (+260)
- Charlotte Independence (-175) over Memphis 901 FC (+320), tie (+320)
- Tampa Bay Rowdies (-315) over FC Tulsa (+620), tie (+370)
- Louisville City (-114) over Miami FC (+210), tie (+290)
- Orange County Blues FC (+105) over Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC (+195), tie (+240)
- Phoenix Rising FC (-152) over Rio Grande Valley FC (+300), tie (+290)
- Birmingham Legion FC (-143) over Pittsburgh Riverhounds (+285), tie (+280)
TwinSpires’ History in Michigan
TwinSpires launched in the Great Lakes State in time for 2020 NFL betting, becoming the sixth state for the operator – joining New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Indiana, Mississippi, and Colorado.
The company, which was previously called BetAmerica, began operations in the state on the Upper Peninsula, where it was the first sportsbook in the region.
The wholly owned subsidiary of Churchill Downs, Inc., has sportsbook kiosks at its Michigan locations, in Sault Ste. Marie, St. Ignace, Manistique, Christmas and Hessel.
It also has its original sportsbook, located inside T.McG’s Sports Bar at the Island Resort and Casino in Harris, which has 14 kiosks where customers can place bets.
