MLS sports betting
Soccer is the most popular sport around the world and is one of the best to bet on. Major League Soccer in the United States is becoming increasingly popular among fans and gambling enthusiasts alike.
The MLS is split into the Eastern and Western Conferences. During the regular season, each team plays a total of 34 matches, and there’s always action for bettors.
The competition heats up once the season is over and teams go head to head in the Conference Quarterfinals, Semifinals, and eventually the MLS Cup.
Whether they’re wagering on individual matches or futures, MLS bettors have a range of options when it comes to putting their money on their favorite teams.
In this guide, we’ll go over the latest MLS predictions, top sportsbooks, and more about soccer betting in New Jersey.
Legal overview on Betting on MLS in New Jersey
New Jersey requires gamblers to be 21 years or older before placing bets. State residents are not allowed to wager on colleges inside New Jersey either.
Other than that, NJ sports betting online is legal.
Sports betting in New Jersey has continued to go up; the state accepted over $950 million in wagers in January and set a new state record of $82.6 million in revenue.
Types of MLS Betting Lines
Dedicated soccer fans enjoy gambling on their favorite teams. Fortunately, they’re not limited to only betting on the outright winner of the game.
There are many different types of bets you can place on various outcomes.
Main MLS Football Bets
MLS Full Time Result
MLS money lines work a little differently than they do in other sports. In addition to the favorite and underdog teams, gamblers also have the option to bet on a draw.
The draw is usually an underdog bet between +200 and +500, depending on how big the favorite is.
For example, if the New York Red Bulls were -150 against the +425 Philadelphia Union, the draw would be around +285.
MLS Spread Betting
MLS point spreads will vary based on how close the matchup is. Typically these spreads are no higher than 3.5, but in some cases, favorites will receive even bigger spreads. Let’s say the spread was set to 1.5.
This means the favorite needs to win by 2 or more goals, while the underdog can afford a 1 goal loss and still win the bet.
MLS Over/Under Goals
Bookmakers set an over/under total representing how many combined goals they expect, which leaves gamblers the option to bet if the actual total will be over or under.
The MLS odds for O/U totals usually range from 2.5 to 4.5 in the MLS.
MLS Halftime Markets
In addition to full game betting, you also have the option to bet on the first or second half. These bets will adjust the point spread, money line, and over/under total.
For example, a -225 favorite may be offered at even odds for a first-half bet.
MLS Future Bets
MLS League Winner Outright
Championship futures are a fan favorite in all sports, and there’s no exception with MLS. Sportsbooks offer unique odds for each team to win it all.
With BETMGM, the current favorites to win the 2021 MLS League is Los Angeles FC (+500), Seattle Sounders (+800), Columbus Crew (+900), New York City (+1000), Toronto FC (+1200), Philadelphia Union (+1200), and Sporting Kansas City (+1,600).
MLS Player Props
Player to score First
Similar to other sports, you are able to bet on which player will score first. As usual, the odds are based on the player. Stars like Carlos Vela may offer favorite odds.
Player to score last
Bookmakers also offer props on which player will score last. The odds should be similar to the first score props.
Player to score anytime
Another option for player props is anytime goal scorers. These props offer worse odds than first or last goal props because the goal can be scored at any point.
Player to score multiple goals
There are also prop bets for players scoring multiple goals. You will find greater odds on these bets since the player must score a 2nd goal. You will find even better odds for hattrick props!
Player to score a penalty
Another variation of player goal props is a player scoring on a penalty. These instances are rarer and thus offer nicer odds.
Player to get booked
Gamblers have the option to bet on the first booked player or a player getting booked at any point in the game. The odds vary based on the player.
Player to get an assist
Sportsbooks offer prop bets on player assists as well. Depending on the player and team, odds will vary.
MLS Score Props
Both Teams to score
A common team prop in MLS is whether or not both teams will score. This bet is a yes/no prop; the odds will vary based on how close the matchup is. A bigger favorite means less of a chance of both teams scoring.
Team to Make First Score
Gamblers can also bet on which team will score first. The odds will be similar to the odds of the money line favorite.
Total Goals Scored
Another option is betting on whether the total number of goals will be odd or even. Zero goals scored may count as even or a push, depending on the bookmaker.
Total Team Goals
You can also bet on how many goals a team will score. There are several options with odds varying based on the matchup.
Time of Goal
An intriguing prop is betting on the time of a goal. Bookies offer several time frames throughout the game with varying odds.
MLS Betting Props
Corner Lines
There are a few different types of corner prop bets. Gamblers can bet the over/under for total corners, which team will have the most corners, or how many corners a team will have.
Card Bookings
There are also prop bets on card bookings. You can bet on the over/under for total cards as well as if there will be a red card or not.
Penalties
You are also able to bet whether there will be a penalty. Bookies offer bets on which team will score on a penalty as well.
MLS Parlay Betting
These bets are a great way to increase your profits if you are feeling confident. A parlay can be viewed as a group of bets; each bet must-win for the parlay to be successful.
Adding more teams to a parlay will decrease your chances of winning but also increase your potential payout.
Live MLS Betting – Where to bet Live on MLS
Live betting is another option bookies offer in addition to traditional pre-game betting. Live betting can be beneficial to gamblers who were unable to place their bets in time for the game or to bettors looking to hedge their initial bets.
This is a very fast-paced environment compared to pre-game betting, which leads to valuable odds lines.
Why comparing MLS ODDS matters
It is very important to compare odds from different bookies before placing a bet. This will help maximize your profits. For example, the New York Red Bulls might be offered at -250 on Unibet and -225 on BETMGM.
If you were betting to win $100, you would have saved $25 betting through BETMGM.
MLS Favorites vs. Underdogs
In soccer, bookies determine which team is the favorite and the underdog. The favorite represents the team that is predicted to win, while the underdog is predicted to lose.
Favorites offer a lower payout than underdogs for this reason.
How to recognize a great MLS Bookmaker
The license they hold means safety
For maximum security of your funds, the best option is to use a licensed sportsbook. Despite some bookies operating without licenses, it’s much safer to go with an authorized sportsbook.
Bonuses and promotions tailored to Soccer betting
Taking advantage of special offers from bookies is a great way to increase your profits. Sports betting sites will offer these deals periodically to help bring in new customers and retain old ones.
You never know when a new offer will be out, so be on the lookout!
Margins they provide on Soccer odds
Some bookmakers will offer better odds than others for certain games. Comparing the odds will help determine which bookie has the best offer!
Variety of Soccer betting lines
The best NJ sportsbooks offer a wide variety of betting lines. Money lines, point spreads, and over/under bets are easy to find, while specific prop bets and futures may be more difficult.
Easy to use interface
Many sports betting sites will have different user interfaces. Some can be more confusing than others, so be sure to test out a few options before depositing funds.
Variety of Payment Methods accepted
Many gamblers use specific payment methods, so it’s important to verify that your bookie offers your preferred method. Credit/Debit Cards, Cryptocurrency, E-Wallets (PayPal, Skrill, etc.), and Bank Transfers are available on most sports betting sites.
Multiple Customer support channels
Customer Service is one of the most important aspects of a sportsbook. You never know when a tech issue will come up, so preparing yourself with a reliable support team is a wise move.
The best sportsbooks will address your issue within 10-15 minutes.
Bet on the go – mobile betting on MLS Betting
Top MLS Betting apps
- Under review