MLS Betting: A Guide To Bet on US Soccer Games

Whoo let’s bet on soccer, Ladies! There is a game on nearly every night during the MLS season, running from March to October. The playoff happens in October and November, ultimately culminating in the crowning of an MLS Champion. 

MLS betting, as all other betting, has its unique characteristics – we’ll cover that, and more, below.

Let’s jump in!

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How To Bet On The MLS: MLS Betting Lines And Odds

Before you bet anything, you need to understand some betting basics:

Totals: Totals represent the anticipated number of goals both teams will score in a match. You can place a bet on whether the total will be “over” or “under” that specified number. For instance, if the total for an MLS match between the LA Galaxy and the Seattle Sounders is set at 3.5 goals, betting “over” means you win if the teams collectively score 4 or more goals. These wagers generally come with odds around -110.

Goal Spread: In MLS, goal spread betting is akin to a point spread bet, where a standard goal spread of 1.5 goals is applied to the match. The favored team must win by more than 1.5 goals, while the underdog can lose by up to 1.5 goals for a bet on them to succeed. This type of bet offers the potential for higher payouts for favorites and serves as an alternative to moneyline betting when the odds for the favored team are less favorable.

Moneyline Bets: Moneyline bets are straightforward; you choose the team you believe will emerge victorious. If you encounter odds such as New York Red Bulls -200 and Atlanta United +175, it signifies that the Red Bulls are the favorites, and you would need to wager $200 to earn $100 in profit. Conversely, a $100 bet on Atlanta United would yield $175 if they secure a win as the underdogs.

Draw No Bet (Regular Time Bets): In this one, you will get betting odds for the game without a chance of the draw. A draw in the MLS is a tie at the end of the game. So, a draw would give the money back, which changes the odds for either side you are betting on.

In MLS betting, odds are presented in three formats: American, Decimal, and Fractional:

• American Odds: These are expressed as either positive or negative numbers (+125 or -125), indicating potential payouts.
• Fractional Odds: Multiply your wager by the fraction to calculate your potential profit.
• Decimal Odds: These depict the total potential payout, including your initial bet, using a single number. For example, 2.25 signifies that you would earn $2.25 for every $1 staked, while 3.35 equates to $3.35 for each $1 bet.

Other Popular MLS Betting Types

There are many other popular MLS bets to consider, including various futures odds such as:

• Odds to win the MLS Cup Title: You can place this bet before the season begins, with oddsmakers evaluating team rosters and off-season moves to assign odds for each team’s championship prospects. These odds may change during the season based on team performance.
• Odds to win Conference Title: Both the Eastern and Western Conferences have their favorites and odds, offering bettors opportunities to predict conference champions.
• Odds to win Supporters’ Shield: Similar to divisional titles, these bets focus on the team with the best regular-season record, with shorter odds due to fewer teams competing for the Supporters’ Shield.
• Odds to win Most Valuable Player (MVP Award): Bettors can wager on the player they believe will be named the MLS Most Valuable Player, either before or during the season.
• Odds to win Rookie of the Year (Rookie of the Year Award): This bet allows you to predict which rookie player will make the most significant impact in their first MLS season, often providing favorable odds on less-heralded players.

In MLS game betting, there are numerous game props to consider. These bets center around specific in-game events, such as player performances. For example, in a game between the LA Galaxy and the Seattle Sounders, you might have opportunities to bet on props like:

• Chicharito Over/Under 0.5 Goals
• Raul Ruidiaz Over/Under 1.5 Shots on Goal
• Nicolas Lodeiro Over/Under 2.5 Assists

In MLS betting, you can also explore parlays and teasers. Parlays combine multiple bets into one, potentially leading to larger payouts, but all bets within the parlay must win for the bet to be successful. Teaser bets allow bettors to adjust point spreads or totals, often involving at least two bets within the teaser, but both legs must win for the bet to pay out.

Lastly, live betting has gained popularity in MLS wagering. It requires constant monitoring of games and odds, allowing you to place bets during the game on outcomes like quarter or half-time results, total goals, or upcoming plays. While live betting offers advantages, it demands careful attention and strategy for long-term profitability.

How to Bet on MLS: Frequently Asked Questions

Betting on Major League Soccer (MLS) is no cakewalk. If it were that straightforward, there would be many individuals reaping profits from their wagers. Nevertheless, it’s crucial to recognize that MLS matches are not orchestrated to favor any particular outcome. 

While there might be occasional controversies involving officiating or player-related issues, the overall integrity of the MLS season and the league remains intact.

Participating in MLS betting requires patience, perseverance, and a well-thought-out strategy. Unless you have a direct role with the team, such as being a player, coach, or trainer, betting on MLS matches is entirely legal in the United States. 

Responsible betting within your financial means should always be a top priority. It’s worth noting that wagering with legal, domestic sportsbooks is obligatory in the United States, as offshore books are not authorized. The nation offers numerous legal and reputable sportsbooks, each with its advantages and disadvantages. 

Concerns regarding deposits and withdrawals have significantly diminished thanks to the legalization of sports betting, which has removed many previous obstacles.

As previously mentioned, key terms in MLS betting encompass:

• Moneyline: Indicating the potential winnings when betting on a specific team.
• Total: Refers to the total number of points scored in the match.
• Goal Spread: Goal spread betting in MLS is akin to a point spread bet, where a standard goal spread of 1.5 goals is applied to the game.

Top MLS Betting Sites: Best Online Sportsbooks For MLS Betting Lines

When it comes to MLS betting, one of the top strategies is to hunt for the best available lines and odds. To achieve this goal, it’s vital to discover a dependable and user-friendly sportsbook that offers easy accessibility. Furthermore, broadening your selection of sportsbook options can heighten your chances of securing advantageous odds.

The gradual expansion of sports betting’s legalization across the United States has notably improved the landscape, alleviating concerns that existed before the repeal of PASPA. The current regulatory framework assures a higher level of security and legitimacy for both sportsbooks and bettors.

Before you embark on MLS betting with a sportsbook, it’s imperative to conduct a comprehensive evaluation. Ensure that the sportsbook is fully licensed and regulated, providing robust options for deposits and withdrawals. 

Examine the array of betting opportunities they present and the quality of their customer service. Scrutinizing these facets is essential before entrusting your funds to any sportsbook.

In the United States, numerous reputable options shine in the MLS betting arena. DraftKings and FanDuel are prominent names, but others such as Caesars, BetMGM, BetRivers, WynnBet, and PointsBet offer exceptional legal alternatives. 

Availability may vary by state, so it’s vital to confirm whether a particular sportsbook operates within the legal framework in your betting jurisdiction.

Basic Tips For Becoming A Sharper MLS Bettor

When you embark on your MLS betting journey, you’ll quickly discover abundant information available. If you’re committed to becoming a successful sports bettor in the MLS, thorough research on teams and players is necessary.

Familiarize yourself with the coaches and their tactics, grasp team dynamics, and discern which teams they excel against and struggle against. Keep a close eye on player rotations and fatigue levels – are the key players well-rested, or are they pushing their limits? 

In the MLS, player injuries are significant, so stay vigilant. The key takeaway is conducting comprehensive research on both teams and players. Delve into articles, follow pertinent social media updates, watch matches firsthand, and heed expert opinions.

Effective bankroll management is another critical facet of MLS sports betting. While it’s possible to score big wins, it’s just as easy to deplete your funds rapidly. Understand that the MLS season is a marathon, not a sprint. You need not wager on every match, and daily bets are not obligatory. Establish your bankroll strategy and adhere to it – formulate your plan before you begin betting.

Steer clear of emotional betting. It’s natural to have a favorite team or be emotionally invested, but emotional bets do not contribute to long-term success in MLS betting. Do not allow personal bias or frustration to dictate your wagers. 

Likewise, do not chase after losses. Acknowledge that losses are part of the game, learn from them, and proceed with a clear head. MLS betting is about consistency over time, not quick fixes.

Lastly, meticulous record-keeping is invaluable. Document all your bets, including the amount wagered, the teams involved, and the outcome. Whether you maintain records manually or utilize online tracking tools, this practice will provide insights into your betting patterns, helping you refine your strategies and make well-informed decisions in the future.

How To Bet On The MLS Playoffs

Betting on the MLS Playoffs is a significant occasion in sports wagering. Unlike the College Football National Title or the Super Bowl, single-game events, the MLS Playoffs provide an exhilarating month-long spectacle of soccer action. 

The principles of MLS Playoff betting closely resemble those of regular MLS season betting. Much like for the players, betting on the MLS Playoffs is a demanding endeavor.

The playoffs typically commence in October, culminating with the MLS Cup Final in November. With multiple teams making the postseason, the playoffs often consist of various rounds, including knockout stages and conference championships. These rounds continue until a champion is ultimately crowned. 

Teams vying for the MLS Cup often endure several additional games in their season. Winning the MLS Cup requires a series of victories, making it a challenging yet gratifying journey for the triumphant team.

Despite these variations, the core principles still need to be made clear: emphasize prudent bankroll management and conduct thorough assessments of the teams, players, coaches, and matchups.

How Bet on MLS Games Online Legally

In more than 30 states across the United States, sports betting has gained legal recognition. It’s essential to grasp the nuances of its legality, whether conducted online or in person. In-person sports betting occurs at physical sportsbooks, where bettors place their wagers through windows or self-service kiosks.

Presently, 33 states have legalized in-person sports betting, while 25 states offer the option of online sports betting. Two states are currently in the process of simultaneously legalizing both online and in-person sports betting.

Before depositing funds with a sportsbook, conduct a brief verification to confirm that the chosen sportsbook possesses the necessary sports betting license and complies with all relevant regulations. This precautionary step ensures a secure and compliant sports betting experience.

Tips To Know Before Betting On MLS Games

Let’s delve into a few essential tips to remember before delving into Major League Soccer (MLS) Betting:

• Understand Line Movement: Pay close attention to line movements in MLS betting. These shifts happen for specific reasons, whether sportsbooks trying to sway bets in a particular direction or a surge of money on one side. Analyze these line movements and ensure you comprehend the rationale behind them. Always investigate the “why” before placing your bets and diligently follow the trends.
• Stay Updated on Injury News: Having insight into whether players will be in the lineup or not is a valuable asset when betting on Major League Soccer. This information significantly influences your betting decisions. While player late absences are not as common in MLS as in some other leagues, staying informed about potential lineup changes can present betting opportunities, especially if the sportsbook still needs to adjust the odds.

Consider Home and Away Performances: The location of the games matters. Some teams excel at home, while others face challenges on the road. Familiarize yourself with teams’ tendencies based on their home and away performances, as this can have a significant impact on the match’s outcome.

Start Small if You’re New: If you’re new to MLS sports betting, it’s prudent to begin with smaller bets until you gain confidence and a better understanding of the intricacies. Starting with modest wagers allows you to build your bankroll gradually. As you become more acquainted with MLS betting, consider adjusting your bet sizes accordingly. This approach mitigates the risk of substantial losses while you learn the ropes of MLS wagering.

So, To Sum Up …

In the broader context of things, participating in MLS betting offers not only an exciting experience but also numerous opportunities for profitability. Achieving success in MLS betting requires a combination of intelligence and savvy decision-making.

Prosperous MLS bettors place great importance on effective bankroll management strategies. They meticulously analyze teams, coaches, and players, making informed choices in their betting selections. These astute individuals diversify their sportsbook options, favoring those they are familiar with and trust, ensuring they secure the most advantageous odds. Moreover, they exercise caution, refraining from unfavorable parlays when the odds don’t align in their favor.

As you continue your journey in MLS betting, it’s vital to practice responsible betting. This involves becoming well-versed not only in team dynamics and league knowledge but also in the art of selecting and placing bets.

Embrace a philosophy of continuous learning and adaptability. With each bet you make, strive to gain new insights and adjust your approach accordingly. Sometimes, the adaptations may involve minor refinements, while at other times, a complete shift in strategy may be necessary. Nevertheless, the ultimate objective remains consistent: to profit from your MLS betting endeavors.