MLS Betting Guide: How to Bet on Major League Soccer in 2025
Written by: Eddie Griffin
Published: Mon Mar 10, 2025, 05:00 AM
Read Time: 11 minutes
Since the World Cup was held in the United States in 1994, soccer has been steadily gaining popularity throughout the country. Major League Soccer (MLS), which began play in 1996, has had to battle for attention against both established soccer leagues and other major American sports from the outset, but three decades in, the league appears to have a bright future. And for fans and bettors who do cast an eye on MLS odds, the league offers an intriguing option for soccer betting.
But if you are unfamiliar with MLS other than the numerous global superstars that have either played in the league at the back end of their careers or the players who have used the league as a springboard for moves to more prominent leagues, what do you need to know to make MLS picks with confidence?
This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about betting on Major League Soccer, from understanding the league’s structure to developing winning betting strategies.
MLS has come a long way since its inception, transforming from a fledgling league to a competitive and increasingly popular professional soccer competition. With teams spanning the United States and Canada, the league has attracted international talent, improved its overall quality of play, and developed a passionate fan base.
For bettors, this evolution means more opportunities, more data, and more exciting ways to engage with the league. Whether you are a soccer enthusiast or a sports betting newcomer, MLS deserves a long look as a potential part of your betting endeavors.
Make MLS Betting Picks at the Best Online Sportsbooks
Understanding Major League Soccer
Major League Soccer is a unique sporting entity that differs significantly from major European soccer leagues and many other leagues around the world.
Structurally, the league operates on an American sports model in many ways.
It features conferences akin to the conferences in the NFL, NBA, and NHL and the American League and National League in MLB, a salary cap, a draft, an All-Star Game, and a closed system with no promotion or relegation. Also, the league’s champion is decided by a playoff tournament and not by the season standings.
Most notably, the number of MLS teams exceeds any major domestic European league but compares to the Big Four in American professional sports, which all have 30 or more teams.
MLS started with ten teams in 1996 and sat at the number in the early 2000s after expansion in 1998 (Chicago Fire and Miami Fusion) and contraction in 2002 (Miami Fusion and Tampa Bay Mutiny).
But a wave of expansion began in 2005, and over the last two decades, the league has added teams a variety of regions across the United States and Canada. The addition of San Diego FC for the 2025 MLS season gives the league 30 teams, putting it on par with MLB and the NBA and two shy of the NFL and NHL.
Twenty-seven of the 30 teams are based in the United States, while three are based in Canada (CF Montreal, Toronto FC, and Vancouver Whitecaps).
Additionally, MLS features nuances such as allocation money, designated player rules, and the level to which the league is involved in player transfers.
The league’s structure and rules help manage its competitive balance and open the door for unpredictability and excitement. Underdogs can genuinely compete, and unexpected outcomes are common in both the regular season and postseason.
Types of MLS Betting Markets
Successful MLS betting begins with understanding the various betting markets available at top online sportsbooks like BetOnline, Bovada, and Sportsbetting.ag.
The most common and straightforward bet is the moneyline, which simply requires you to pick the winner of a match. In MLS, moneyline bets can be particularly interesting due to the league’s competitive nature and the potential for draws.
Spread betting, known as the “goal line” or “handicap” in soccer, offers another popular option. With these bets, bettors can wager on a team winning by a certain margin or keeping the game within a specified goal difference.
Over/under bets provide another exciting market for MLS wagering. These bets focus on the total number of goals scored in a match, challenging bettors to predict the offensive output of teams. Given the varying defensive capabilities across MLS teams, over/under bets can be both challenging and lucrative.
Prop bets offer even more specificity, allowing wagers on individual player performances, such as first goal scorer, total shots on target, or specific team statistics. These bets require deeper knowledge of team dynamics and player form but can provide more attractive odds.
MLS futures betting represents a long-term investment in Major League Soccer performances and results. These bets allow you to wager on season-long outcomes like the MLS Cup champion, conference winners, or individual awards such as the MVP (Most Valuable Player).
Futures bets can be particularly appealing because they offer potentially high payouts and require a comprehensive understanding of team building, coaching strategies, and league trends. However, they also demand patience, as your funds are tied up for an extended period.
Choosing the Right Sportsbook for MLS Betting
Selecting an appropriate sportsbook is crucial for a successful MLS betting experience.
Many top online sportsbooks have established themselves as popular choices for MLS betting, offering comprehensive coverage, competitive odds, and user-friendly interfaces.
When evaluating where to bet on the MLS this season and beyond, consider several key factors.
First, compare the odds across multiple platforms to ensure you’re getting the best possible value. Some books offer slightly different lines, and even small differences can impact your long-term profitability.
Many bettors may focus on only one sportsbook even if they like line shopping, so don’t think that you have to spread yourself thin even if you have an account at multiple betting sites.
Second, examine the variety of betting markets offered. The best sportsbooks will provide a wide range of options beyond simple match outcomes. This includes live betting, prop bets, and detailed statistical markets.
Payment methods and withdrawal speed are also critical considerations. Look for sportsbooks that offer multiple deposit and withdrawal options, including credit and debit cards, bank wire transfers, and cryptocurrency options such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Tether. Quick and reliable deposits and payouts are a sign of a reputable platform.
Third, check for sportsbook bonuses, free bets, and ongoing promotions that may be especially generous and/or specific to soccer or MLS betting. These offers can provide additional value and help mitigate betting risks. Additionally, contests and sportsbook loyalty and rewards programs provide additional perks and incentives for bettors.
Top MLS Teams and Players in 2025
Expectations are once again high for Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, and Inter Miami, who won the Supporters’ Shield last season but were upset by Atlanta United in a best-of-three series in round one.
Last season, the Los Angeles Galaxy emerged among the rash of upsets to win the MLS Cup for the first time since 2014.
Both of those two teams are expected to contend this season, along with Atlanta United, who made a big splash in the offseason, as well as the Seattle Sounders, Columbus Crew, and Los Angeles FC, all of whom are perennial MLS Cup hopefuls.
Among the standout players this season, Lionel Messi continues to be a focal point for Inter Miami, showcasing his world-class playmaking ability alongside longtime teammate Luis Suárez, who continues to find the back of the net with regularity. Last season, both players hit the 20-goal mark despite missing numerous matches.
Riqui Puig was a key figure for the LA Galaxy as they ended their championship drought, but he stands to miss a significant portion of the 2025 MLS season after suffering a torn ACL in the Western Conference Final.
Beyond these global superstars, several other players bear watching this season. Miguel Almiron has returned to Atlanta United after six years with Newcastle United, and the 2018 MLS Cup winners also added striker Emmanuel Latte Lath for a league-record fee of $22 million (plus potential add-ons) from Middlesbrough.
The fee for Latte Lath surpassed the $16.2 million FC Cincinnati spent on Togolese forward Kevin Denkey, who could contend for the MLS Golden Boot, All-Star, and MVP honors in addition to Messi, Suarez, Latte Lath, former winners Christian Benteke (2024), Denis Bouanga (2023), and Diego Rossi (2020), and a host of other top talents.
Basic MLS Betting Strategies and Tips
Developing a successful MLS betting strategy requires a multifaceted approach.
First, become intimately familiar with the league’s unique characteristics.
The MLS regular season runs from February to October, and breaks can occur for international competitions. This year, the league will take a brief pause in June during the early stages of the FIFA Club World Cup and CONCACAF Gold Cup. The 2025 MLS All-Star Game will take place in Austin, Texas, on July 23.
At the end of the regular season, 18 teams (the top nine teams in the Eastern Conference and Western Conference) will qualify for the MLS Cup playoffs, which will wrap up in early December with the MLS Cup, the league’s championship game.
Four rounds consist of single matches (the four-team wild-card round, conference semifinals, conference finals, and MLS Cup), while the 16-team round one, which consists of the two wild-card winners and top seven seeds from each conference), features a best-of-three series similar to playoff series in other major professional American leagues.
Understanding this schedule, including potential fixture congestion and player fatigue, can provide a significant betting advantage.
Also, consider factors like home-field advantage, travel distances, weather, and major rivalry matchups.
Statistical analysis is crucial. Use reputable stats sites and betting tools and resources to track metrics beyond simple win-loss records, such as expected goals (xG), shots on target, possession percentages, and defensive performance.
Bankroll management is perhaps the most critical aspect of long-term betting success. Develop and adhere to consistent bet sizes and never wager more than you can afford to lose.
Also, consider incorporating live betting into your efforts if it fits into your schedule. Some bettors find live betting more profitable than traditional pre-match wagers due to the ability to react to unfolding events.
Responsible Betting Practices
While the excitement of MLS betting can be compelling, always approach it and any other form of sports betting or gambling responsibly.
Set clear limits for yourself, both in terms of time and money spent betting. Many reputable sportsbooks offer tools for self-exclusion, deposit limits, and reality checks to help manage betting behavior. Remember that betting should be an enjoyable activity, not a financial strategy or solution to economic challenges.
Be aware of and act proactively about the potential signs of problem gambling, such as chasing losses, betting beyond your means, or allowing betting to negatively impact personal relationships.
Conclusion
Major League Soccer offers a unique and exciting betting landscape for American sports fans.
By combining thorough research, applying strategic thinking, and sticking to responsible gambling practices, bettors can transform their MLS knowledge into a potentially profitable and enjoyable experience.
The league’s growing popularity, increasing competitiveness and notoriety, and distinctive structure make the league well worth an investment as a fan and as a bettor.
As Major League Soccer continues to evolve, so too will the betting opportunities that surround it. Stay informed, remain adaptable, and approach MLS betting as a journey of continuous learning.
Whether you are a long-time soccer enthusiast, a sports betting veteran, or a curious newcomer to both, the world of MLS betting welcomes you with open arms.
Learn More About Sports Betting
This guide covers a lot of information that will serve sports betting beginners well, but it is just one of many guides we have for both new and experienced bettors.
Whether you want to learn about over/under bets, prop bets, and other types of bets, sportsbook bonuses, notable sports betting terms and phrases, or sports betting strategies such as hedging and middling, we have you covered.
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