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Complete Guide to Betting on Soccer in the US
Soccer Betting Sites in the USA
The rise of legal online betting means soccer wagering is easily accessible at every sportsbook.
Here’s a look at some of the best apps to bet on soccer games.
Sports betting offers are not available this state.
States with Legal Soccer Betting
Online sports betting is presently legal in 18 states (including Washington DC), with several more lined up for launches early in 2023.
The current list includes:
- Arizona
- Connecticut
- Colorado
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Louisiana
- New Jersey
- New York
- Michigan
- Mississippi
- Pennsylvania
- Tennessee
- Virginia
- West Virginia
- Washington DC
- Wyoming
Types of Soccer Bets
Here’s where it can get a bit tricky. Learning how to read soccer betting lines can seem a bit daunting with tons of different markets and odds. However, it’s all pretty straightforward once you get the gist of it.
Here are some of the most commonly seen soccer betting lines:
Moneylines
Like in other sports, a moneyline wager is a bet on which team you think will win the match. Given the prevalence of tying in soccer, you have the option to bet on either a two-way or three-way moneyline.
Three-way moneylines are the most common and might look something like this:
- Paris-Saint German -165
- Juventus +425
- Draw: +320
As you can see with this line, you can actually bet on the match to end in a draw. If you select either team to win outright and the match ends in a tie, your bet is graded as a loss.
A two-way moneyline allows you to bet on either team to win with more confidence by removing the draw line from the equation.
There are two betting options for this:
- Tie no bet
- double chance
With tie no bet, if the match ends in a draw, your bet is graded as a push. With a double chance, you can combine multiple outcomes (Juventus to win and a draw).
In both instances, while you have an increased likelihood of winning your bet, your odds decrease.
Ex. (Draw no bet)
- PSG -425
- Juventus +250
Ex. (Double chance)
- PSG or Draw -650
- Juventus or Draw +130
- PSG or Juventus to win -450
Goal Spreads
Similar to point spreads seen in popular US betting markets like the NBA and NFL, you can also bet spreads in soccer. These are handicaps designed to account for the gap in talent between the two teams.
Traditional handicaps might include lines such as:
- Manchester City -1
- Arsenal +1
In this instance, a bet on the favorites means you would need Man City to win by two or more goals. A bet on the underdog would cash if Arsenal won the game outright or salvaged a draw. If Man City won by just one goal, that bet would be a push (stake returned to the bettor).
Asian handicaps allow you to spread your bet out over multiple outcomes by placing a portion of your bet on different goal spreads.
If you see an Asian handicap set at Manchester City -1.75, that means 50% of your wager is being placed on a goal spread of -1.5 and the other part on a line of -2.
If Man City won 3-0, you would win your entire bet. If they won 2-0, 50% of your bet would be graded as a win and 50% as a push.
Parlays
One of the more fun ways of betting on sports is by combining multiple outcomes into a single bet. With this strategy, you can wager a little to win a lot.
You can place parlay bets on multiple different games (ex. Bayern Munich and Liverpool to win) or on the same game (ex., Real Madrid to win and over 2.5 total goals scored).
While you will find favorable odds on parlays, the more legs you add make it harder to win the bets, given the level of variance involved.
Props
Instead of betting on moneylines, spreads, and totals, you can also utilize the prop market to place wagers on events that aren’t necessarily tied to the overall outcome.
You can bet on game props:
- Manchester United to score the first goal
- Over 7.5 corner kicks
Or player props:
- Kylian Mbappe to score the first goal
- Harry Kane anytime goal or assist
Best Sportsbooks for MLS Betting
Major League Soccer (MLS) continues to increase in popularity, bringing a refreshing mix of local young talent and recognizable stars from overseas.
If you are looking to place bets on local MLS action, consider the following online soccer betting USA sportsbooks, which will give you risk-free bets and bonuses when you sign-up and register a new account.
Disclaimer Disclaimer
European Soccer: All You Need to Know
Soccer has always been popular in Europe, and it is the continent where you will find most of the best players and most competitive leagues. Because it has the highest level of soccer in the world, it also has some of the most attractive betting markets.
Some top leagues include:
- English Premier League
- Spanish La Liga
- Italian Serie A
- German Bundesliga
- French Ligue 1
The Champions League is a tournament where the best teams from league’s across Europe compete for the ultimate prize. It consists of a Group Stage and Knockout Phase and runs in tandem with the rest of the pro leagues.
Europe also features some of the most elite international competition. European nations have won five of the last six World Cups and are in a good position to secure the title again in 2022 with powerhouses in France, Germany, Spain, and England.
Soccer Betting Tips to Keep in Mind
There are several things you should keep in mind when analyzing soccer betting lines. These include:
- Any recent injuries: The absence of a star player can dramatically shift the betting odds
- Recent form: Just like other sports, momentum is really important in soccer. Before blindly locking in a bet because you like the odds, take a moment and reflect on each of the team’s recent results to see their form.
- Home/Away: Homefield advantage is massive in soccer and needs to be taken into account. You will often see this reflected in a betting line so if the line looks too good to be true be sure to double check the home/away teams and how each team has performed in that role.
- The Vig: Soccer is particularly tricky because of the prevalence of the three-way moneyline. It’s not uncommon to see both teams at plus money. Don’t automatically assume you are getting the best odds. Shop around to a few different sportsbooks and compare prices.
FAQ
What is in-play soccer betting?
In-play or live betting refers to wagering on a game after it has already started. This is a great way to get more favorable odds than you might find pre-game.
How do you read Soccer Lines?
The team with minus (-) odds is the favorite, and the team with plus (+) odds is the underdog. On a standard three-way moneyline, you will also see odds for the match to end in a draw.
Ex
- Manchester City -115 (favorite)
- Draw +220
- Tottenham +190 (underdog)
Which soccer betting strategy is best?
There is no tried and true best strategy. Consider your risk tolerance before locking in any bets. If you want more favorable odds, the three-way moneyline is likely the way to go, whereas if you want to back an underdog or play it safer, consider two-way moneylines (tie no bet, or double chance)
Is Soccer betting rigged?
Despite what you might read on the internet, soccer betting is not rigged. The plethora of odds can make it challenging to calculate if you are getting a fair price, so make sure to do your research.
When do soccer bets close?
Soccer betting odds are available right up until the minutes before a match kicks off. Even after it has started, you will find plenty of similar odds in the live betting market, but these odds tend to change much more rapidly.
Can Soccer betting be Profitable?
Yes, if done smartly and patiently, soccer betting can be profitable over the longer term. Bettors should do their due diligence and consider factors such as recent form, home/away results, and best sportsbook prices.
