Detroit Tigers Upset Houston Astros on Historic Odds, Deliver Las Vegas Astronomical Single-Game Win

Posted on: August 22, 2019, 08:16h. 

Last updated on: August 22, 2019, 04:27h.

Devin O'Connor @CasinoorgDevinO Read More
Expertise: Asia Pacific Gaming, Commercial Gaming, Legislation, Politics.

The Detroit Tigers 2-1 upset of the Houston Astros Wednesday night was the biggest single-game betting upset in Major League Baseball in the past 15 years.

Detroit Tigers upset Houston Astros odds
Miguel Cabrera went hitless, but his Detroit Tigers nonetheless found a way to upset the Houston Astros. (Image: David Phillip/AP)

Caesars’ sportsbook moneyline closed at +435 on the Tigers prior to Houston superstar Justin Verlander’s first pitch last night in Minute Maid Park. The line implies a winning chance of just 18.69 percent, with every $100 wagered netting $435.

According to ESPN and BetLabSports, it was the largest single-game MLB betting disparity in the last 15 years. The Astros were more than -500 favorites, with bettors needing to risk $500 to win just $100.

The nearly unthinkable happened, as the lowly 38-86 Tigers upset the 81-47 Astros. It was only Houston’s 16th loss of the entire season at home.

Verlander went all nine innings, giving up just two hits – but both were solo homers. Houston’s bats cooled at the most perfect time for Las Vegas oddsmakers and scored just one run on a solo shot from catcher Robinson Chirinos.

Las Vegas Winners

Several books reported major wins on the Tigers upset.

MGM oddsmakers reported yesterday afternoon taking a $55,000 bet on the Astros at -550 that would have net $10,000. The wager pushed the moneyline to -575. Hours later, MGM said another large bet came in from a different gambler. That ticket slip was for $63,250 on Houston at -575 to win $11,000. “Now, we are at an unprecedented -600,” oddsmakers said.

Sorry not sorry, Vegas,” the Tigers posted on their Twitter account after the win. But sorry Detroit, Las Vegas is just fine with the outcome.

MGM said it won more than six figures on the game. The Westgate SuperBook also reported a strong showing, and so did Caesars. Roughly 60 percent of all the betting tickets and 70 percent of the total money wagered last night in Las Vegas was on the Houston.

Undeterred, the SuperBook says it has already taken a $50,000 bet on the ‘Stros for tonight’s rematch. The bet was placed on -500 odds, and would net $10,000.

Odds are approaching record territory once again. FanDuel has the Astros at -550, and MGM -500 as of this writing. Some money should be expected on the underdogs late that would presumably shorten these lines.

World Series Update

Despite last night’s loss, the Astros remain the favorites to win the World Series.

MGM has Houston at 2/1, with a $100 bet netting $200. The Los Angeles Dodgers are next 5/2 (+250), and New York Yankees third at 4/1. Rounding out the top five are the Atlanta Braves at 19/2 (+950) and Minnesota Twins (18/1).

The surging New York Mets have been one of the best post-All-Star teams, going 25-10 in the second half. They’ve won four straight and are now just 1.5 games out of a NL Wild Card spot.

Plenty of New Yorkers will find the team’s current 40/1 World Series odds attractive. A simple $15 bet and a Mets title would net $600 – almost a quarter of an average monthly rental in Queens.