How to Choose a Sportsbook for Betting on the MLS
To have the best possible experience betting on soccer, we recommend taking the time to make sure you choose a top-rated sportsbook. There are lots of excellent betting apps available, all offering odds on the latest MLS games. However, some are much better than others. Make sure you consider the following points when choosing your sportsbook:
License and Security
The most important factor to consider when choosing a sportsbook is whether it’s licensed and legal in your state. You need to make sure you’re only ever betting at licensed sites that take your security seriously.
Reputation
The best sportsbooks have an excellent reputation for fairness and user experience. You can learn more about a site’s reputation by reading reviews written by our expert review team.
Ease of Use
The betting process should always be simple when betting online. Check to see how easy it is to sign up and find the latest MLS markets before you join.
Bonuses
The best sportsbooks offer bonuses and promos to help you get more out of your bets. Always check to see what promotions are available and how easy they are to use.
Odds
You can make more profit if you have better odds. Find the best MLS odds by checking out the data in our carefully researched reviews.
Betting Markets
When you bet on the MLS, there should be a wide range of markets on every game. Live betting markets should also be available at the best betting sites.
Payments
Deposits and withdrawals should be as simple as possible. Before signing up, make sure that your preferred payment method is accepted and that there are no fees, limits, or long processing times.
Mobile Access
| All top sportsbooks are compatible with mobile devices, and most also offer apps for you to download onto your device. The app should be simple to use. |
Customer Service
Great sportsbooks also provide helpful customer support in case you ever need assistance. You should be able to get support 24/7.
Our MLS Sportsbook Reviews
Finding the best sportsbooks, odds, and promos can be difficult as there are so many different options out there. However, we’ve made it much easier for you with our online sportsbook reviews. You can find the best MLS betting apps by reading our reviews and finding out what each platform has to offer.
Our review team signs up to each sportsbook and tests them out, looking at all the most important factors to see which ones are the best. Simply read our MLS sportsbook reviews to learn the pros and cons of each option, and sign up to the one that fits you best.
MLS Sports Betting Bonuses
All of the MLS sportsbooks we’ve recommended come with betting promos, which are special offers to help you have more fun while betting. Bonuses are one of the best aspects of betting online, and you can use them to get more value out of your MLS bets. Before you claim any offers, it’s important to know what’s available and what each bonus means. Here’s a guide to some of the most common sportsbook promos you’ll find:
- Risk-free bets – This promo lets you place your first bet without worrying about whether it wins or loses. If your bet wins, you get to keep the winnings. If it loses, your stake is refunded up to a certain amount. For example, a $100 risk-free bet would give you a $100 refund if the first bet you place is $100 bet and it loses.
- Bet credits – Sometimes known as free bets, these bonuses give you a token that can be used in place of real money. To use, you simply select your bet to open the betslip and then apply the bet credits rather than using your cash. The bet credits are used up whether your bet wins or loses, but you get to keep the winnings if your bet wins.
- Matched deposit bonuses – With this MLS promo, you receive a bonus based on how much you deposit when you first open your account. For example, a 100% matched deposit bonus worth up to $500 would mean you have $1000 to bet with when you deposit $500.
- No deposit bonuses – No deposit offers are perhaps the most popular sportsbook promo, as they let you place bets without even needing to make a deposit first. Simply creating an account will mean you earn this offer, and you can use it straight away. However, you’ll normally need to deposit before you can withdraw any winnings.
- Odds boosts – With odds boosts, you can increase the potential winnings from your bet. You can apply boosts directly from your betslip or find them on selected markets. Most sites with odds boosts will let you apply them to your MLS bets, helping you find more value and hopefully win more profits.
How to Claim Your MLS Bonus
The process of claiming your MLS bonus is normally straightforward, though it can depend on the bonus you’re using and the sportsbook itself. All betting apps will provide clear instructions on how to claim and use the bonus, as well as any terms and conditions. It’s important to read through these carefully before you claim.
Here’s a quick guide to unlocking your MLS promo:
- Register with the sportsbook of your choice
- Use the promo code if needed
- Make your deposit
- Place a qualifying bet
- Claim your bonus offer
The terms and conditions will affect how you can use your promo, and understanding them will help you get the most out of any offers you claim. Here are some common MLS bonus terms you’re likely to come across:
| Terms and Conditions | Example | Explanation |
| Rollover | 10x rollover on your matched deposit bonus. | Wager your bonus ten times before you can withdraw the funds and any winnings. |
| Promo code | BONUS10 | Use this code when making your deposit to claim the bonus |
| Minimum deposit | Deposit at least $20 to claim your deposit offer. | Only deposits of $20 or more will unlock this bonus. |
| Minimum bet | Make a bet of at least $20 to claim the free bets. | Your first bet needs to be $20 or more to unlock the offer. |
| Minimum odds | Bet at -200 or higher to claim your bonus. | Your first bet needs to be at odds of -200 or more to unlock the bonus. |
How MLS Betting Works
The MLS regular season takes place between February and October, with each team playing a total of 34 games. That’s a total of 986 games and all available to bet on at online sportsbooks. In addition, you can bet on the playoffs and the Leagues Cup, where MLS teams take on Liga MX opponents. Not only that, but it’s also possible to place wagers on MLS futures, such as which team will win the MLS Cup.
To bet on the MLS, you simply need to choose a game or select a futures market. Selecting a game will bring up the list of available markets, and you can choose one to add to your betslip. From there, simply enter the stake and confirm the bet to place it. If the outcome you bet on occurs, your bet will win, and you’ll get your stake back plus the profits based on the odds at the time of your bet,
Understanding MLS Betting Odds
If you want to be successful when betting on the MLS, understanding how odds work is the first step. The sportsbooks set the odds based on the relative probability of an outcome occurring, so they’re a good indicator of what’s likely and what isn’t. In addition, you can use the odds to work out your potential profits if your bet wins.
Odds at US sportsbooks are expressed with either a “+” or “-” symbol. The way you calculate the potential profits is different depending on the symbol, and it also tells you which is the more likely outcome. The “+” symbol is used to show outcomes that are less likely, so if you’re betting on the underdogs, they’ll have a “+” sign in front of the odds. On the other hand, odds with a “-” symbol are used for outcomes that have a higher probability, so a team with these odds will be the favorite.
For example, let’s look at a game between Inter Miami CF and Charlotte FC. In this matchup, Miami are playing at home and are considered the betting favorite with odds of -200 to win. On the other hand, Charlotte are less favored by the sportsbooks and are considered the underdog with odds of +550 to win. In soccer, you also have to consider that games can be tied, which is priced at +350 for this game.
If you were to bet on Inter Miami to win the game, you’d need to be $200 in order to win $100. While if you bet $100 on Charlotte, you’d win $550 if they won. Finally, if you bet $100 on the draw, you’d win $350 if the game is a tie.
When looking at the odds, you can work out how much you can win with this simple formula:
- With odds that have a “+” sign, the number shown is how much you can win if you bet $100.
- With odds that have a “-” sign, the number shown is how much you need to bet to win $100.
MLS Betting Markets
For each MLS game, you have loads of different options to bet on. Betting markets for soccer are a little different compared to some other sports, and this can be confusing at first. Here are some of the most popular options available, with an explanation of what they mean:
| Market | Example | Explanation |
| Moneyline Two Way | New York Red Bulls -135 Tie +270 DC United +340 | A choice of which team will win, with the tie option also available to bet on. |
| Moneyline Three Way (Tie No Bet) | New York Red Bulls -290 DC United +240 | A choice of which team will win, with no tie option available. In the event of a tie, your stake is returned. |
| Correct Score | 1-0 +550 2-0 +650 0-1 +1000 0-2 +1600 | A bet on what you think the correct score will be at the final whistle. You can choose from lots of different options or select correct score combinations. |
| Over/Under X Goals | Over 2.5 goals -108 Under 2.5 goals +112 | A bet on how many goals you think will be scored in the game. If you bet on over 2.5 goals, your bet will win if 3 or more goals are scored. |
| Both Teams to Score | Yes -108 No -118 | You can bet on whether or not you think both teams will score in the game. |
| Half-Time Result | Philadelphia +110 Draw +115 FC Dallas +490 | A bet on the outcome of a particular quarter or half. The outcome is decided by how many points are scored during that part of the game. |
| Double Chance | Toronto FC and tie -270 Montreal CF and tie -170 Toronto FC and CF Montreal -340 | You can bet on two potential outcomes occurring at the end of the game. If either of the selections in your bet wins, your bet is a winner. |
| Futures | MLS Cup Winner Supporters Shield Winner Top goal scorer in regular season | Future bets are predictions of what will happen at the end of the season. This includes the winner of the MLS Cup and the top goal scorer award. |
| Game Props | FC Cincinnati to score in both halves +300 | A bet on certain outcomes happening during the game that are unrelated to which team wins. |
| Parlays | Toronto FC, New York City FC, and Chicago Fire to all win their upcoming games +2200 | Parlays are where you combine multiple bets into one, increasing the odds. Each of the bets within your parlay needs to land for it to win. |
Placing Your First MLS Bets
Now you know more about the MLS and how to bet, you’re ready to start placing your first MLS bets. Simply follow these steps to begin:
- Choose one of our recommended sportsbooks on this page
- Sign up by providing your details and verifying your ID
- Make your first deposit using your preferred payment method
- Claim your welcome bonus by following the steps given
- Search for MLS in the menu and choose a game to bet on
- Select a market to open your betslip then enter your stake and confirm
- Watch the game live or check back later to see if your bet has won!
Live MLS Betting
Betting doesn’t have to be done before the game starts. All good sportsbooks now offer live betting, where you can view updated odds and place bets during the match. Not only can you watch the game as you bet, but most sportsbooks also offer detailed stats to help you decide which markets to bet on. In addition, some sites have live streams, so you can watch it directly from your betting app and won’t have to worry about missing the game.
The best MLS sportsbooks include the following features to make live betting a better experience:
- Live stats
- Live streaming
- Instantly updated odds
- Cash out on live bets
Compared to pre-match betting, placing live bets puts you at an advantage. You can see exactly what’s going on in the game, and you have better insights into what might happen next. The odds can also move around a lot during the game, offering more opportunities to find value.
Betting on the MLS from Your Mobile
If you’re in a state with legal online betting, you can place bets wherever you go. All online sportsbooks are fully accessible on mobile devices, with apps available for you to download and install. Whether you have an iOS or Android device, you can access your sportsbook account and check the latest MLS betting markets while on the go.
We recommend trying out the mobile app experience, although it’s also possible to register and bet without downloading anything. The top-rated sportsbooks we’ve reviewed can all be accessed through your mobile browser, letting you quickly log in and check the status of bets no matter where you are.
| Advantages of Mobile Sportsbook App | Disadvantages of Mobile Sportsbook App |
| Place bets instantly | Need space on your device to download |
| Access a full range of markets and bonuses | |
| Bet from anywhere |
MLS Betting Strategies
Betting on the MLS is really easy, but making a consistent profit from your bets requires a lot of careful research and analysis. We recommend taking care when you place your bets and following a specific strategy. While there’s no single strategy that will guarantee your profit, there are things you can do to increase your chances of success with MLS betting. Here are a few pointers to help you out:
Manage Your Bankroll
The number one thing to remember when betting on any sport is that managing your bankroll is crucial. Your bankroll is the amount of money you have available to bet with, and failing to manage it could mean you spend more than you can afford. Start out by setting a budget, and then split your bankroll into units. Each bet you place should be a certain number of units depending on the odds and relative probability of the outcome.
Research Each Bet
Some bettors prefer to go with hunches or gut feelings, but those that do the research profit in the long run. Make sure you’re keeping up to date with the relevant statistics, team news, and injury reports. It’s also a good idea to compare form and head-to-head records before betting on matchups. Don’t just look at results, but also consider goals and opportunities in other betting markets.
Get the Best Odds
With so many sportsbooks offering MLS bets, there’s no excuse not to get the best odds each time you bet. Be sure to sign up to all of the available sportsbooks in your state, and always compare data on the odds before you bet. When you take the best odds every time, you increase your potential winnings in the long run. Of course, your bets still need to be successful, but when they are, you’ll be guaranteeing more profit.
MLS Betting FAQ
Is betting on the MLS legal?
That very much depends on your state. Sports betting is now available in many parts of the US, with states having the freedom to set their own regulations as of 2018. If you’re in a state that allows legal sports betting, you can sign up to a licensed online sportsbook and bet on all MLS games.
Are there MLS betting promos I can claim?
Yes, all of our recommended sportsbook offer promos and bonuses, which you can use to bet on the MLS. There are lots of different MLS promos out there, and you’ll find the best ones right here. Make sure you always read through all of the bonus terms before you claim your promo.
What’s the best strategy for betting on the MLS?
The MLS can be tricky to bet on due to the fact that fewer goals are scored compared to some other sports. This can make games unpredictable, although there are still strategies you can use to find value and profit consistently. Make sure you’re always researching your bets and managing your bankroll to bet responsibly.
Which markets should I choose when betting on the MLS?
There are lots of different markets available on MLS games, and there are no right or wrong options to bet on. Choose your bets based on what the research and data show, regardless of the market. A lot of MLS bettors prefer betting on total goals, but card and corner bets are also growing in popularity.
Sources
Author
Tom Edlin is a senior author and contributor to SportsbookPromo.com. He's been writing and reporting on the US sports betting industry for years and has crafted hundreds of in-depth reviews and guides.
