Betting Guide for MLS Soccer

All over the nation, Americans can now enjoy betting on American sports. In the past, professional soccer has been a bit of a mystery to Americans. With an increased interest in sports betting, now might be the right time to provide information about betting on MLS soccer matches.

For sports bettors who are unfamiliar with the nuances of betting on soccer matches, this extensive range of betting guides will hopefully provide the framework for successful betting. Before anyone places wagers on a sport they are unfamiliar with, it’s vital to have a basic understanding about the players, the teams and the rules under which each match is played.

Betting Options

Each game has three possible outcomes: either Team A wins, Team B wins or the game ends in a Draw. Sports books will offer all three outcomes as betting options on each match. The betting odds will be presented in the same format as a baseball game through the use of money lines.

When a money line is presented, the favorite will usually be listed with a minus sign (-) in front of the line. The underdog will have a plus sign (+) while the Draw could go either way. To help bettors better understand how money lines work, here’s an example from a game played on 4/17/2019 between Los Angeles and Vancouver. Everything will be stated in terms of $100 denominations. The profit on a money line bet is determined by taking the money line and subtracting the $100 bet.

Here’s the line for a straight up victory with no point spread:
Los Angeles at -189
Vancouver at +363
Draw at +390

If a sports gambler bets $100 on Los Angeles, they will get back $189 for a win, a profit of $89
If a sports gambler bets $100 on Vancouver, they will get back $363 for a win, a profit of $263
If a sports gambler bets $100 on Draw, they will get back $390 for a win, a profit of $290

Some bookmakers will eliminate the Draw as an option by offering a point spread on the game, using a ½ goal increment. In this game, the line was listed as follows:
Los Angeles – ½ at -187
Vancouver + ½ at -190

If a sports gambler bets $100 on Los Angeles, they will get back $187 for a win, a profit of $87
If a sports gambler bets $100 on Vancouver, they will get back $190 for a win, a profit of $90

Most games also come with an option to bet over/under on total goals for the both teams combined. The over/under will be stated with a ½ goal increment to avoid ties.

Game over 3 ½ goals at -197
Game under 3 ½ goals at -181

If a sports gambler bets $100 on the over, they will get back $197 for a win, a profit of $97
If a sports gambler bets $100 on the under, they will get back $181 for a win, a profit of $81

Other betting options will likely include a menu of prop bets (bets on player and team performances – using money lines) and parlays (accumulators). A parlay is a single wager that includes at least two games where the gambler has to win all games to cash.

Handicapping tip: 76 MLS games have been played to date. 19 games have ended in a Draw. With 25% of all games ending in a Draw, a bet on the Draw should always be a consideration.