The MLS is the men’s professional soccer league in the United States. Although not as popular as its European counterparts, the league has seen a host of famous footballers over the years. But the biggest break came when the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, Lionel Messi joined Inter Miami from Paris Saint Germain. But betting on MLS requires information and strategy. Read how to wager on one of the world’s fastest-growing soccer leagues and get good bonuses below.
Understanding Betting Basics
Online sports betting has the same fundamental operation, regardless of the league. At the crux, players predict an outcome, bet money, and win money when their predictions happen. You do not win money for a failed bet unless you use a sportsbook that allows flex bets. The flex option gives room for the possibility that an “X” number of games may not play as predicted. So, the sportsbook will pay even when the game spoils your bet. But you won’t get the same amount on a regular wager.
Types of Bets
There are different bet types in MLS. As a result, punters with grounded knowledge about them have a higher chance of winning. The most popular options are:
Moneyline
Moneyline or straight bet is the most common market for newcomers and expert punters. It means predicting the outright outcome of a match, where only three such is possible. The options include a home team to win (1), an away team to win (2), or a draw (X).
Spread
The spread, point, or handicap markets involve betting on the victory margin in a match. Put differently, how many goals do you think will separate the two teams at the end of the game? The sportsbook will set a point spread. Then, punters bet on a team to win by more than the specified goal counts to cover the spread or stay within it. For example, Nashville (+0.5) Vs. Austin FC (-0.5). If you wager on Austin FC, they must win the game by more than one goal. If the match ends in a 0:0 scoreline, your bet won’t win. Regardless of the result, Austin FC must win by a goal difference of at least one.
Totals (Over/Under)
The totals market is another popular option. Unlike spread, it is less complicated to understand. It involves soccer betting on the total number of goals, bookings, or corners that will happen in the game. The total market is extensive. Nonetheless, most punters use it for goals.
Using our example of Nashville Vs. Austin FC, over 1.5 translates to both teams scoring two goals in the game, regardless of who scores. Nonetheless, you can make the selection on an individual team if you want. Likewise, over 2.5 is three goals, while over 3.5 is four goals. The reverse is the case for underbets. In the handicap section, over one means the teams have to score one or two goals. But if they score only one, the bet is void, and the sportsbook will return your money. If you wager on over 2.5 bookings and 7.5 corners, it means you expect at least three bookings and eight corners in the game, respectively.
Odd Formats
Odds hold a significant position in MLS sports betting. They determine a market’s value or probability. Most sportsbooks express the odds as decimal numbers. Punters calculate returns by multiplying their money by the odds. For example, the odd is 2.0, and you put ten dollars. You will win twenty dollars when the wager is successful, including your initial capital. Bear in mind that the amount may be slightly higher for bookmakers who give gifts.
Apart from the decimal odd, some sportsbooks use fractions to represent odds. If you bet $40 on 3/3 odds, you will win $40 if the prediction is successful. That said, money lines or handicaps may be positive or negative numbers. Examples include +2, -1, and more.
Betting Lines
The sportsbook determines the odds and betting line for MLS matches after considering various criteria. They include team performance, position, or match environment. When two evenly-matched teams meet, the moneyline odds will be close. However, assume the winner of the league is facing a bottom-table team. The odds for the latter will be higher since the chances of success are slim. In this case, you may have something like 1.2 vs. 30 odds.
Top Betting Sites for MLS
There are hundreds, if not thousands, of online casino platforms that offer MLS betting odds. In this section, we will briefly explore some of the best MLS betting sites. Professional online casino experts created detailed reviews of checked American betting sites where you can choose the best betting platform for you. With this information in mind, players have more chances to win the game. Even though all of them differ in user-friendliness, available offers, and promotions for MLS matches, there is always the right choice for everyone. So, our top picks are:
Sprortaza
Sportaza holds a Curacao gaming license and has a VIP club with access to special promos, cashback, and dedicated customer service. The sportsbook offers 100% up to €500 + 200 FS bonus welcome deposit after a minimum payment of €20. Individuals wager on football, horse racing, and other sporting events. Sportaza offers iOS and Android betting apps for convenience, and the mobile site has the functionality of a regular desktop website.
Rabona
Rabona offers 100% up to €100 for new players after depositing €10. Apart from this, players enjoy a 50% weekly reload bonus, cashback, correct score free bet, and virtual esports betting. Rabona has applications for Mac OS/Windows, iOS, and Android for easy odd selections. It further supports multiple payment methods, which adds flexibility to transactions.
BC.Game
BC.Game is a crypto sportsbook with no minimum deposit. As a result, it is popular among cryptocurrency enthusiasts. The bookmaker awards up to 5 BTC welcome gifts in four batches. They include a 180% bonus on the first deposit and a 240% bonus on the second deposit. Likewise, 300% and 360% bonus on the third and fourth deposits, respectively. Apart from this, free spins up to 500 USDT. The site supports 16 languages, so reach support via live chat or email in these languages.
Related: Messi Has Been Fantastic In MLS –Klinsmann
Special Betting Offers and promotions
Online casino platforms offer unique betting bonuses and promotions to attract new users and encourage returning players. As a result, betting options vary between websites. Nonetheless, below are the most popular ones you’ll find for MLS matches or seasons:
Free Bets or Risk-Free Bets
Many sites offer free bets to new and existing customers. With this, individuals stake in MLS games without risking their money. When a wager wins, they keep the profit. Nonetheless, if it loses, the punter does not lose any money. For a risk-free bet, the sportsbook refunds a player’s capital if the prediction loses up to an amount.
Cashout and Cashback
Some sites allow punters to withdraw their pay before the match ends. Bear in mind that the amount is often smaller than the overall expected payout. The cashback promotion grants bettors a percentage of their losses as a free bet or bonus.
Price Boost
Bookmakers increase the odds on a specific MLS match outcome to allow punters to earn more from a winning bet. The offer is more common for live games and is only valid for a limited period.
Parlay and Accumulator Offers
Some sites award an additional percentage bonus on winnings, provided the parley features several MLS bets, and they are all successful. Same-game parlay lets you combine multiple bets on different MLS match aspects. For example, total corners, first goalscorer, and more. You win a large payout if all the games are correct.
Betting Strategies and Tips
The only way to succeed in learning how to bet on MLS is to adopt a strategic approach to understand the league, team, and betting markets. Follow these tips and predictions for the best results:
Dedicate Time to Research
Thoroughly research teams, their recent forms, and player performances. Explore goals scored, conceded, and possession percentages. Likewise, examine head-to-head records between teams to find notable patterns and trends. Watch team news and confirm starting lineups to note player absences, injuries, and tactical adjustments that can affect match outcomes.
Compare Odds and Bet Types
Explore odds from various sportsbooks to find the best value, as even a slight difference in prices is significant in MLS. Diversity your portfolio by exploring different bets. The reason is that some options are more suitable for certain games. Some sportsbooks offer live betting. Keep an eye out, as it offers one of the best chances for value betting.
Keep Emotions in Check
Make bets based on research, not personal bias. Set a budget and stick to it. Similarly, avoid chasing losses and only bet what you afford to lose. Be selective and wait for favorable opportunities for the best outcome. Lastly, track your bets and learn from your mistakes.
FAQ
What Types of Bets are Available for MLS Matches?
MLS has various bets. The popular ones include moneyline, point spread, and totals. Others are both teams to score, double chance, draw no bet and player props.
Are There Special Promotions and Offers Specifically for MLS Betting?
Yes, there are. We recommend you go through our MLS betting site review to find the best offers for you.
What Are the Key Factors to Consider Before Placing MLS Bets?
Evaluate team form, injuries and suspension, and head-to-head records for insights into potential outcomes. Others include venue, weather conditions, and tactics.
Got what it Takes?
Predict and Win Millions Now
