How to Bet on MLS Online 2024

Betting on MLS adds an exciting layer to the game. It's not like betting on European soccer or other sports.

In MLS, factors like travel distance, roster rotations, and even artificial turf can turn a match upside down.

If you are serious about betting on MLS, I will make it clear and simple, no-nonsense. We will cover the key bet types, how to place them, and the strategies I have learned.

You are betting on more than the result. It’s about understanding the teams, players, and unique league quirks. Here’s how to bet on MLS without overcomplicating it.

How to place a bet on MLS

Let me break down exactly how you can place a bet on MLS. If you are familiar with sports betting, this will feel natural.

For those who are new, I will guide you through each step.

Before you start, you'll need to choose a sportsbook. We've picked and reviewed the best MLS betting sites here.

1. Log in or sign up

First, sign in to your betting account. I use DraftKings and bet365 because they have reliable MLS options.

If you don’t have an account, registration is fast.

Fill in the required details, and you will be ready in a few minutes.

ID verification will be required—it’s standard practice.

2. Add funds

Next, deposit money into your account.

I stick with PayPal for the speed and security, but using Visa or Mastercard works as well.

Some sportsbooks give a bonus for a first deposit—look for that.

For example, a $100 deposit could mean an extra $50. Always deposit what you are comfortable betting.

3. Find the MLS section

Go to the Soccer section. Most sportsbooks list MLS there.

If you can’t find it, use the search bar and type MLS.

You will see the upcoming matches, where the real action begins.

You will find odds for each game, broken down into different bet types.

4. Pick a match and bet type

I start with a moneyline bet—picking the outright winner of the match.

Odds for MLS matches vary a lot depending on team form and home advantage, so I focus on recent performances.

Sometimes I go for the double chance bet if I want some security, especially if I am unsure about a match.

You can bet on total goals (over/under) or try something riskier, like predicting the first goalscorer.

5. Place the bet

Once you have selected the match and type of bet, it goes into your bet slip.

Check the odds—they sometimes shift right before the game starts.

I usually place bets between $20 and $50, but that depends on how confident I am.

Enter your stake, hit the button, and your bet is live.

6. Watch the match and live betting

Watching the game is key. You can learn a lot from seeing how the teams perform.

I often jump into live betting if I see an opportunity mid-game.

For example, if one team is dominating, betting on the next goal or a comeback will have good odds.

Sometimes, a slow start turns into a chance for a quick turnaround.

Understanding MLS betting odds

MLS odds are not like other sports. The league is unpredictable. Travel distances, home advantage, and squad rotations affect the odds more than expected.

Teams that look strong on paper can struggle due to these factors. If you want to bet on MLS, you need to understand how the odds reflect all this.

How to read the odds?

You will see positive or negative numbers next to each team. These numbers show two things: who is favored and how much you stand to win.

• Positive odds (+) are for the underdog. If Real Salt Lake is at +200, it means for every $100 bet, you win $200 if they pull off the win. Your total payout would be $300—your $100 stake plus $200 profit.

• Negative odds (-) state the favorite. If LAFC is at -150, you need to bet $150 to win $100. If LAFC wins, your total payout would be $250—your $150 stake plus $100 profit.

Here is an example of how this looks in a typical MLS game:

If you bet $100 on Real Salt Lake at +200, you stand to win $200. But if you bet $100 on LAFC at -150, you would win only $66.67.

What makes MLS odds different?

MLS betting has some unique angles. First, travel distance is a huge factor. Teams traveling across the country often perform worse.

For example, teams flying from the East Coast to play in Portland or Seattle often struggle. You can find value in the underdog if the odds do not reflect this.

In one of my recent bets, the New England Revolution had strong form but had to play in Portland. Despite the odds favoring them, the game ended in a draw, exactly what I bet on.

Another thing to watch for is home-field advantage. MLS teams tend to perform much better at home.

A team like Portland Timbers or Sporting Kansas City can play well above expectations when at home, especially when the odds are close to even.

The value in betting on draws

A lot of people overlook betting on draws. But in MLS, draws happen every round, especially in evenly matched games.

Odds for a draw are usually around +200 or higher, making it a valuable option if you think both teams will cancel each other out.

I have hit a few solid payouts by focusing on draws when the odds lean toward one team without good reason.

Types of MLS bets

There are a few bets I find myself placing often when it comes to MLS.

Some are basic, others more detailed, but they all make sense depending on the game.

Over/under goals

Over/under bets are about predicting how many goals the teams will combine to score.

You are not picking who wins but whether the total number of goals will go over or under a line set by the sportsbook.

If I expect both teams to go all out, I will take over. For slower games or defensive matchups, the under makes more sense.

Both teams to score (BTTS)

Here, you are betting on whether each team will score at least one goal.

You don’t care who wins the match as long as both teams find the net.

I like this bet in matches where both teams have weak defenses or strong offenses.

If I see two teams that tend to score but are shaky at the back, this can be a smart move.

Double chance

This bet gives protection because you cover two results—either one team wins or it ends in a draw. It’s a safer bet but with lower odds.

This works well in tight matchups where you are unsure about a clear winner.

Asian handicap

This bet is popular in MLS and other soccer leagues. It eliminates the possibility of a draw and gives one team a head start.

If a team is favored, the handicap levels the field by giving them a goal disadvantage.

If you bet on the Seattle Sounders with a -1 handicap, they need to win by more than one goal for the bet to win.

If they win by exactly one, your stake is returned.

First goalscorer

Pick who will score the first goal of the game. It’s a fun bet, but tricky unless you follow player form.

Backing Carlos Vela to score first in an LAFC game can pay off if you know he’s in form.

Halftime/full-time result

This bet means predicting both the score at halftime and the final result at full-time. You need to get both right, so it’s riskier but offers bigger payouts.

Betting on the New York Red Bulls to be leading at halftime but the game ending in a draw can give you solid odds.

Advanced MLS betting options

Once you get comfortable with the basics of MLS betting, like picking winners or betting on total goals, it’s time to dig into more advanced options.

These bets can give better payouts, but you need a strategy. Two options that stand out for me are parlays and live betting.

Both offer more excitement but need you to stay sharp and adjust based on how the game unfolds.

Learning how to bet on MLS with these advanced strategies has worked well for me.

Parlays

A parlay combines several bets into one. To win, all bets (or “legs”) need to be winners. This makes parlays riskier, but the potential payout is much higher.

In MLS, I usually combine moneyline bets with other bets like total goals or both teams to score. The key is balancing the risks.

If you bet on these individually, each one gives a decent return. But by combining them into a parlay, the odds multiply, and so do the potential winnings.

That said, if one leg fails, the whole parlay is done. I usually mix a safer bet with a more aggressive pick to balance risk. It is about finding value while being cautious.

Live betting

Live betting is where MLS betting gets interesting. You place bets while the match is going on, and odds shift based on what happens on the field.

I love using this during matches where things start slow, and I can see which team has the momentum.

If the Seattle Sounders are down early but controlling possession, I will place a live bet on them to come back and win.

Or, if a game is tight and I expect things to open up in the second half, I will bet on more goals being scored.

Live betting works best if you are watching the game. Momentum can shift, and you need to act fast when you see an opportunity.

One of my favorite times to jump in is after a team concedes a goal but looks ready to fight back. Odds tend to spike for them to equalize, and there’s a lot of value there.

Betting strategies for MLS

Betting on MLS is about more than picking a winner. You need to understand the unique dynamics of the league.

Over time, I have developed strategies that work, especially in a league like MLS where anything can happen.

Home and away performance

The home-field advantage in MLS is massive. Teams tend to perform much better at home. The long travel distances between games matter.

For example, Seattle Sounders dominate at home, but away form can be unpredictable. Always look at how a team performs both home and away before placing a bet.

Recent form and injuries

Form and player availability are crucial in MLS. Teams like LAFC can go on a run but lose momentum if key players are injured.

It is important to track recent games and see who is in form. I always check for any injuries or players returning from international duty before betting.

Goals and defensive trends

I have had success betting on total goals and both teams to score. High-scoring teams like Columbus Crew can turn matches into goal fests.

Teams like the Philadelphia Union are strong defensively.

Understanding how a team approaches a game helps. Some teams push for high scores, others prefer tight defense.

Props and corners

Another area that offers value is prop bets. I often bet on total corners or yellow cards. Defensive teams like Philadelphia Union tend to concede more corners.

Betting on these props has worked out in games where I expect a physical battle.

Live betting for momentum

MLS games can shift momentum quickly. I often place live bets when I see a team gaining control.

If a team concedes early but shows gumption, I place a live bet on them to equalize or score next. Atlanta United is a good team for such a bet, as they often push back after going down.

Managing your bankroll

Finally, the key to consistent betting is managing your bankroll. I spread my bets across various markets to avoid going heavy on one outcome.

Mixing smaller, safer bets like double chance with riskier wagers helps keep things balanced. This way, even if one fails, you stay in the game.

How to bet responsibly

Although knowing your sports helps, betting is primarily luck-based, so use these top tips to practice responsible gambling when placing a bet:

• Limits: Sports betting sites allow you to set betting limits, i.e. limit how much you can bet in a day, a week, or a month.

• Cashouts: You can withdraw your winnings quite easily from any betting site, which prevents you from spending all of your winnings.

• Help & resources: Betting platforms provide access to resources for problem gamblers and point them to organizations that can help with gambling addiction.

Problem gambling organizations and charities in the US

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