Best MLS Betting Sites 2024 – Where to Bet on American Soccer?
If you’re looking to improve your soccer betting profits, be sure to check out our MLS betting guide. It’s packed with interesting information about the Major League Soccer organization, as well as betting tips and the best online sportsbooks. Finally, we’ll walk you through how to place your first Major League Soccer bets. Okay, it’s time to kick off!
Best Online MLS SportsBooks 2024
Our posse of industry experts constantly trawls the internet to find the best online sportsbooks. Considering dozens of factors, including payment options, website security, customer support and odds, they’ve compiled the following list.
Here are the best MLS betting sites in the USA:
Code: BBCSUSA
1
First Bet
$1500
Paid Back
First Bet
$1500
Paid Back
99
points
Grab a First Bet Offer up to $1500
Excellent sports betting app available
Wide range of sports and betting options in the US
MLS (Major League Soccer) betting involves placing real money wagers on situations connected to soccer games. Most commonly, bettors are trying to predict the outcome of the match. But it’s possible to bet on an array of MLS markets, as you’ll learn later in this guide.
We won’t be talking about Daily Fantasy Sports in this article, as this is not MLS betting. We’re strictly discussing traditional soccer wagering, either in person or at an online sportsbook.
Understanding MLS Odds
Perhaps the most significant thing you’ll need in order to begin betting on the MLS is an understanding of the odds. They tell us two critical things.
First of all, the odds let us know how much we’ll win if the bet is successful. And secondly, we can use them to calculate the implied probability of the event taking place. Here’s a typical MLS moneyline that might be found at a US bookmaker.
LA Galaxy -105; Draw +235; New England Revolution +285
So what exactly does all of this mean? Well, a negative (-) symbol suggests that the outcome is most likely to happen. So we immediately realize that LA Galaxy has the best chance to win.
When calculating your returns, the number you see is the stake you’ll need in order to make a $100 profit. Therefore a $105 bet on Los Angeles would return $205 in total; $100 profit plus the original stake.
Where the odds are positive (+) the number shows the profit that will be made when you bet exactly $100. So a winning $100 wager on New England would yield $385. Why? Because the returns include $285 worth of profits, plus your initial $100 payment.
Don’t forget when betting on soccer that games can finish level. Markets are based on the result after 90 mins, excluding any overtime. If the contest ends in a tie, so be it.
International Odds Formats
In this example we’ve only dealt with the American odds format, as this is naturally the most common in the USA. But around the world, there are all kinds of different ways to display odds, as you’ll see in the below examples.
Stake
American
Decimal
Fractional
Malay
Indonesian
Hong Kong
Return
$2
+250
3.50
5/2
-0.40
2.50
2.50
$7
$5
+100
2.00
Evens (1/1)
1.00
-1.00
1.00
$10
$10
-200
1.50
1/2
0.50
-2.00
0.50
$15
How are MLS Odds Compiled?
Pricing up an MLS market is not as easy as you might think. The odds setters build complicated statistical models which take all sorts of criteria into consideration. Then an experienced compiler will cast their eye over the results, making any adjustments.
As part of the process, the sportsbook builds in a fixed profit margin when compiling odds. This is often referred to as the “vigorish” or “juice” and it’s how they lock in a long-term profit. Once the final odds are priced up, they may be adjusted as bets are placed. If bettors feel the odds setters have made an error, wagers will pile in on one side, forcing the bookies to trim the price.
Popular MLS Markets for Betting
You can’t place MLS bets if you don’t understand the most basic lines. So let’s address that right away.
Moneyline
The easiest way to bet on a Major League Soccer fixture is to play the moneyline. Unlike most US sports, a soccer moneyline has three options. Not only will you see odds for either team to win, but you can also bet on the game ending in a tie. Predict the outcome correctly and your bet is a winner!
Spreads
In order to spice up games where one team is a heavy favorite, bookmakers will offer a points spread. This is essentially a handicap that the better team must overcome in order for your bet to win. The point is to lengthen the odds, making the line much more competitive and therefore more appealing to soccer bettors.
Totals
Sometimes called “Over/Under” lines, totals markets are well-liked by soccer bettors. The most common example is Over/Under 2.5 goals. This refers to the number of goals scored in the match, by both sides combined. You only need to guess whether the real figure will be above or below the theoretical line.
Player Props
Betting on individual player events is more common in soccer than any other US sport. Backing a player to score the game’s first or last goal is the most popular player prop. But you can also bet on them scoring at any time, or combine first goalscorer bets with the exact match result.
Team Props
You may also wager on specific team events. Common examples include both teams scoring in the game, the number of goals for one team and the next team to score when betting in-play. There are even props concerning the number of penalties, yellow cards or red cards awarded.
Futures
Long term soccer bets are called futures, as the markets will not be settled for many weeks, possibly even months. Betting on the outright winner of the MLS Championship or the end of season top scorer are the most frequently played futures markets.
Live Major League Soccer Betting
It’s not possible to compile a complete guide to MLS betting without mentioning in-play, or “live” betting. Such wagers now represent the majority of an online bookmaker’s business thanks to the rise in internet access and smartphone usage.
Whether you’re watching in the stadium, at a bar or on your sofa, in-play betting allows you to bet during a game. If you sense that one team has momentum, you can fire up your favorite sportsbook and put your money where your mouth is.
Many of the best bookmakers in the US now allow you to stream events through your device. You can save money on expensive subscription services just by betting a few dollars on the big MLS game.
If the sportsbook doesn’t offer a stream for that particular contest, they will supply you with enough information to help you bet. For example, stats like the number of corners, possession and cards awarded will appear alongside a map of where the ball is currently located.
Popular Live MLS Betting Markets
The following markets are the most popular when it comes to in-play soccer betting.
Next Team To Score. All you have to do is guess which team will score the next goal. You may also bet on there being no more goals in the game.
Next Player To Score. Alternatively, you could predict which player will be next to hit the back of the net. Again, it’s possible to wager on there being no further goals.
Over/Under X Goals. Before the game starts, the Totals line will usually be 2.5 goals. But as the game progresses and goals are scored, this number updates.
Will There Be A Penalty? This is a pretty straightforward market. Do you think there will be a penalty, yes or no?
Mobile Soccer Betting Apps
It’s now possible to place MLS bets on your phone thanks to the development of sportsbook apps. No matter whether you favor an Android, iOS or Windows device, the top betting sites all provide highly optimized apps.
These pieces of software are designed to make the entire wagering process much easier. You won’t need to log in every time you open the app, for instance. Further, the app will store a lot of information and media locally, reducing your data usage when away from a Wi-Fi connection.
But best of all, the apps are specifically tailored to suit your device’s unique requirements. As such, betting data and in-play stats will refresh quickly and images are automatically displayed in the optimal resolution. The whole experience will just feel a little slicker than when accessing the sportsbook via a regular mobile browser.
Our Top 5 MLS Betting Tips
Okay, it’s time for the main event. If you want some advice on how to boost your MLS betting profits, this next section is for you.
Tip 1: No shortcuts
Sadly, a lot of new bettors are looking for a magic formula for success. But the truth is there is no shortcut to improving your results. Hard work is the secret sauce.
Analyze the stats, follow the news and above all, learn how to compile your own odds. Only then will you be well placed to spot pricing errors from the bookmakers.
Tip 2: Dodge parlays
One of the most popular ways to bet on Major League Soccer games is the humble parlay. But if you understand the mathematics behind bookmaking, you’ll see that they are bad news.
By combining multiple picks together, you will multiply the odds whenever you win. It’s those enhanced returns which are so attractive. But you are also multiplying the bookmaker’s juice, which is a long-term losing play.
Tip 3: Ignore pundits
There are lots of high profile figures in the media who are paid to have opinions. Ex-soccer players on the television and radio, journalists with newspaper columns to write and online bloggers make a lot of noise.
Learn to shut it out, do your own research and follow your instincts. Don’t be swayed by other people’s thoughts. And whatever you do, don’t pay for so-called “expert” advice!
Tip 4: Be selective
The regular MLS season sees every team play 34 matches. There is a lot of soccer taking place every week, so there’s no need to force a bet.
If you do the research and cannot find a wager that you’re happy with, simply wait for the next gameweek. And under no circumstances should you look to chase a loss. Be patient!
Tip 5: Shop around
If you wanted to buy a new phone, the first thing you’d do is compare prices at multiple stores. MLS betting is no different.
Winning bettors are notoriously price sensitive and will have accounts with dozens of different sportsbooks. After all, if you don’t bet at the biggest odds, you’re leaving money on the table.
Interesting MLS Facts
The MLS was born on December 17th 1993, as part of the USA’s successful bid to host the 1994 World Cup. However, the first season didn’t kick off until 1996 and just 10 teams took part.
DC United became the first ever winners, with LA Galaxy finishing second. Both teams have won the MLS Cup four times each, a joint MLS record. DC also won the US Open Cup the same year.
Brian McBride, who went on to collect 95 caps for the US national team, was the first MLS draft pick. He played 162 times for Columbus Crew, scoring 62 goals, before loan spells in England. Eventually, McBride secured a full-time move to Premier League side Fulham.
Freddy Adu joined DC United at just 14 years old. This made him the youngest player in MLS history and indeed, the youngest professional in any American sport.
Recent MLS Championship Winners
Year
Winners
Runners-Up
To Scorer
Goals
2021
New York City
Portland Timbers
Valentín Castellanos
19
2020
Columbus Crew
Seattle Sounders
Diego Rossi
14
2019
Seattle Sounders
Toronto FC
Carlos Vela
34
2018
Atlanta United
Portland Timbers
Josef Martínez
31
2017
Toronto FC
Seattle Sounders
Nemanja Nikolić
24
2016
Seattle Sounders
Toronto FC
Bradley Wright-Phillips
24
2015
Portland Timbers
Columbus Crew
Sebastian Giovinco &
Kei Kamara
22
2014
Los Angeles Galaxy
New England Revolution
Bradley Wright-Phillips
27
2013
Sporting Kansas City
Real Salt Lake
Camilo
22
2012
Los Angeles Galaxy
Houston Dynamo
Chris Wondolowski
27
Common MLS Bonuses and Promotions
We’ve reached the part of our MLS betting guide where we talk about bonuses, promotions and special offers. Sports betting is a competitive business and companies need to do all they can to both attract and retain customers. Which is great news for us!
Let’s take a look at some of the most common treats in store for you.
MLS Free Bets
Free bet tokens let you place bets on soccer games without subtracting a cent from your real money wallet. If your wager loses, no problem – it hasn’t cost you anything. But if you strike it lucky, you’ll be able to keep your profits. Free bets can be awarded to loyal bettors, but they are sometimes given to new customers too.
Risk-Free MLS Bets
Often used by US sportsbooks as a welcome bonus, risk-free bets offer a kind of insurance. For example, Caesars Sportsbook currently issues all new registrants with a risk-free bet of up to $1,500. Place your first real money wager and if it loses, you’ll collect a free bet token of the same value.
Deposit Match Bonuses
Those sportsbooks which don’t use risk-free bets as a signup incentive tend to run deposit matches instead. BetRivers is a good example, with their $250 welcome bonus. Load your account for the first time and however much you opt to deposit, they match it 100%. So a $75 credit would earn a bonus of $75.
Profit and Odds Boosts
Many of the top MLS betting sites in America reward their regular bettors by giving enhanced odds or profit boosts. Some pick out a list of daily specials where the usual odds are increased, either temporarily or for the entire day. Others go as far as to issue boost tokens and let you pick a number of markets to enhance yourself.
MLS Bet and Get
Bet and Get deals are fairly common at US sportsbooks today. The mechanics vary from site to site, but it usually involves placing a number of real money wagers in order to receive a reward. For example, striking three bets of $25 or more on selected MLS lines might earn you a free bet worth $25.
How To Start Betting on the MLS
We’ve shared an awful lot of information so far in this guide to Major League Soccer betting. You’re probably ready to jump in and place your first bets. But if you need a hand getting started, fear not. The following section is here to assist!
1: Select a Sportsbook
First things first, you can’t place any MLS bets online without visiting a bookmaker. With so many sportsbooks opening up in the USA, it isn’t always easy to know where to begin. But we’ve got your back, having done the research for you. If you don’t already have a favorite bookie, simply visit our number one rated site.
2: Open an Account
Next up you’ll need to fill out the registration form. Hit the button near the top of the page which will say something like “Join Now” or “Register”. When the signup form appears, add in your personal details. This is a standard procedure with any licensed betting site, so don’t worry. Our trusted betting brands will look after your data.
3: Bank a Bonus
All of our recommended sportsbooks offer generous welcome bonuses, but each one handles it differently. Many require a promo code on the final section of the registration form, while others will give you a list of options to choose from. Some apply the bonus automatically after making a deposit. So be sure to read the Ts&Cs of the welcome bonus.
4: Make a Deposit
Now that the registration process is complete, you’re almost there. Add some real money to your betting account by visiting the cashier. Find the most convenient banking method for you from the list and pay attention to the instructions. For instance, if there’s a minimum deposit limit, it will say so on the screen.
5: Place a Bet
Congratulations! You’ve successfully opened a new betting account and loaded it up with real money. The final step is to peruse the sportsbook’s MLS betting lines and make your picks. Click on any odds which seem appealing to add them to your betslip. Enter your desired stake, choose your bet type and confirm the transaction. Good luck!
Conclusion
Thank you for reading this guide to betting on Major League Soccer games. You now know the best sportsbooks, how to read soccer odds and have all the advice required to improve your results.
The only thing left to do now is kick off your MLS betting by registering with an online sportsbook. For a safe and secure wagering experience, we suggest you stick to our recommendations. Don’t forget to claim your welcome bonus for a chance to significantly boost your betting bankroll!
FAQs
Is MLS betting legal in the United States?
Probably yes, though it depends exactly where you live. At the time of writing over 30 different US states offer legal sports betting, including Major League Soccer markets.
What are the best MLS sportsbooks in the USA?
You’ll find plenty of MLS betting sites in America, as well as hundreds of offshore sportsbooks. Our team of analysts has compiled a selection of the top online bookmakers at the top of this page. They’re all safe and secure, offering rewarding bonuses and the very best odds.
How can I win when betting on MLS games?
You can find several useful tips to improve your MLS betting results elsewhere on this page.
Perhaps the most important advice of all is to be patient and extremely selective in your wagering.
What is Major League Soccer moneyline betting?
A moneyline displays the respective odds for each team to win the soccer game. The greater the probability of victory, the smaller the odds on offer. If you want to learn how to read the odds, you can do so further up this page.
How can I bet on the MLS?
MLS betting is really easy. But if you’re struggling to get going, you can follow the step-by-step guide right here on this page. You’ll first need to pick one of our top-rated online sports betting sites.
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