Many thought Major League Soccer had had its time in the sun, but the league’s global relevance has increased tenfold following the arrival of the greatest footballer ever, Lionel Messi. An upsurge in popularity is set to make MLS an intriguing betting option in 2023 and 2024, with all the best betting sites listed in this guide!
Best UK Betting Sites for Major League Soccer (MLS)
Bet £10 Get £30 T&C`s: 18+, New customers only. Opt in, bet £5 on any sports (odds 2.00+) in 7 days. No cash out. Get 2x£10 free bets (odds 2.00+) + 20 Free Spins on Age of Gods:God of Storms. Offer Valid from 10:00 UK time 02/08/2023 Bonuses expire in 7 days. Card payments onlyT&Cs Apply | begambleaware.org | Please gamble responsibly. . Click for full T&Cs. BeGambleAware.org #ad
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Bet £10 get £40 18+ New customers only. Opt in, bet £10 on any football market at minimum 1/1 odds. No cash out. Get £40 in Free Bets on selected events. Free Bets expire in 7 days. Debit card / Apple Pay payments only. T&Cs apply, see below. begambleaware.org | Please gamble responsibly #ad
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Bet £10 Get £30 18+ UK only. Deposit and place a £10 cash bet on a double or a treble or accumulated odds of 2/1 or greater and get a £20 sports bonus (no wagering requirements) to use on Accas plus £10 Casino Bonus to use on slots (no wagering requirements). Applies to first cash bet only. Sports Bonus credited to use on multiples (min. 4 selections, min odds per selection 1.5).Casino Bonus to be used on any casino slot. Cashed out, Void or ‘Draw No Bet’ wagers do not qualify for this promotion. Bonus credited by midday the day after bet settlement. 7-day bonus expiry. Available once per customer. Full T&Cs apply. Bet Responsibly. BeGambleAware.org #ad
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Up to £50 in Free Bets, 20 Free Spins & £10 Casino Bonus 18+ | New players only | Available until 23:59 GMT 31.12.2025 Each challenge has its own TCs. Eligible Bets must be placed for each respective Challenge during the Promotional Period including the following: ACCA, Football, In-Play, and Casino. Each challenge has its own set of TCs and can only be completed 1x. Available to claim: 20 Free Spins, £10 Free Bet, 50% Back up Free Bet up to £20, £10 Casino Bonus when you wager £50+. If all are completed you will receive Max £20 Free Bet to be used on any sport. Gamble Responsibly. Full T&Cs apply. BeGambleAware.org #ad
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Bet £10 get £30 18+. New customers using Promo code R30 only. Min £10 stake, min odds ½, free bets paid as 3x £10, free bets credited after settlement of first qualifying bet, free bets will expire 30 days after the qualifying bet is placed, payment methods/player/country restrictions apply. Full T&Cs apply. Bet Responsibly. BeGambleAware.org #ad
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Bet £10, Get £30 in Free Bets New customers opt in and stake £20+ on any sporting event at odds of 1.8 or greater before 17:30 17/03/23. Free bets non-withdrawable and 7 day expiry. Qualifying bet restrictions, exclusions and full T&Cs apply. 18+ begambleaware.org.
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Bet £10 Get a £30 Surprise Bet The Promotion operates as a £/€20 Surprise Bet when you place a bet of at least £/€10 on any market with odds greater than or equal to 1/2 as your first bet. The Promotion is only valid to: (a) new customers; (b) customers aged 18 years or over. To qualify for the Promotion, participant must deposit and place a £/€10 bet as their first bet on any market (excluding each way) in the sportsbook with odds greater than or equal to 1.50. Full T&Cs apply. BeGambleAware.org #ad
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Bet £5 get £20 18+ New UK+ ROI Customers only. Deposit & Bet min £5 as first bet at minimum odds 1/2 to qualify for 1x £20 Free Bet. Certain deposit methods and bet types excluded. Free bet valid for 7 days, stake not returned. Restrictions apply. Full T&Cs apply. BeGambleAware.org #ad
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Bet £10 Get £40 New 18+ UK customers only. Register using the promo code WELCOME40, deposit and place first bet of £10+ on Sports (cumulative Evens+) within 7 days of registration. First bet must be on Sports. £30 in Free Bets and £10 in Free Spins (50x20p) credited within 10 hours of bet settlement. Free Bet stakes are not included in any returns. Bonuses have a 7-day expiry. Payment restrictions apply. SMS verification and/or Proof of I.D and address may be required Full T&Cs apply. BeGambleAware.org #ad
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Bet £10 Get £10 + £10 Casino Bonus IRE/NI new customers only. €/£40 in FREE Bets (FB) as €/£30 in sports bets & a €/£10 casino bonus (CB). Min stake €/£10. Min odds Evs. FB applied on 1st settlement of any qualifying bet. FB 7 day expiry. 1 FB offer per customer, household & IP address only. Payment restrictions. 14 days to accept €/£10 CB, then active for 3 days. CB 5x wagering & max redeemable €/£100. Cashed out/Free Bets won’t apply. 30 days to qualify. 18+. T&Cs apply
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Bet £10, Get £10 in Free Bets New UK, IE & Malta customers only. Offer available between 16:00 BST on 11th July 2023 and 16:00 BST on 26th October 2023. Min £10/€10 first deposit in a single amount to be eligible for the offer. Max £30 in Free Bets. £10 bet at min odds of 1.5 required to receive £10 Free Bet. A further £10 Free Bet will be credited to your promotional balance 7 days after the first qualifying bet and then a further £10 Free Bet will be credited 14 days after the first qualifying bet. Free bets expire in 14 days after credited. Payment Terms and Conditions apply. This promotion cannot be used in conjunction with any other sign-up promotion. Full T&Cs apply. 18+. BeGambleAware.org #ad
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£30 Matched Free Bet if your first Acca loses + 50 Bonus Spins Min Deposit: £5. Maximum Free Bet: £30. First bet on a Football or Horse Racing multiple with 3+ selections. Overall odds: 3.00 (2/1) or higher. Free Bets available upon settlement of the qualifying bet. This is offer is valid for 7 days from your new account being registered. 50 Bonus Spins credited on placement of qualifying Acca bet.50x bonus wagering applies as do weighting requirements, bonus Spins only available on selected games and expires 7 days after being awarded. Debit card deposits only (exclusions apply). 18+. Full T&Cs apply. . Bet The Responsible Way. Full terms apply. BeGambleAware.org #ad
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Double Winnings up to £100 Key terms – New players only. Claim by placing a min deposit £10 via “My Offers” page within 30 days. Skrill/Neteller deposits excl. 7 days to stake max £10 in-play. Max. extra winnings £100. 18+ | BeGambleAware.org | LeoSafePlay.com | Play responsibly! Full T&Cs apply BeGambleAware.org #ad
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Get Up To £40 18+ Opt in & bet £20 on any sport at 2.00+ odds within 7 days. No Cash out. Get 2x £10 Free Bets on any sports market. Free bets expire in 7 days. Card payments only. T&Cs apply. begambleaware.org | Please gamble responsibly. #ad
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£20 Backup Bet 18+ | New UK players only | Min deposit req. £10 | Certain deposit methods excluded | Place 1 sport bet (3+ selections) | Excl Horse Racing | Min stake £10 | Max stake £20 | Min Odds 2/1 (3.0) | Max FreeBet £20 for football only | FreeBet valid for 7 days | FreeBet stake not returned | Full T&Cs apply. BeGambleAware.org #ad
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0% Commission for 90 days Significant T’s & C’s The User must enter Bonus Code ‘COMMFREE90’ during registration Only available to users whio deposit via credit or debit cards New Customers Only. Full T&Cs apply. BeGambleAware.org #ad
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50% up to £50 Welcome Bonus 18+ New bettors get 50% of deposit up to £50; Code: PLAY10; 1x per household; Min deposit £15 (no Skrill/Neteller); Wager deposit & bonus 8x; Max qualifying bet stake=initial bonus; valid 60 days; Min odds 4/5 singles, 2/5 per acca leg; Some bet types excluded; Full T&Cs apply. Bet Responsibly. BeGambleAware.org #ad
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Bet £10 Get £30 18+ Offer for new customers at bet365. Min deposit requirement. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits and are available for use upon settlement of bets to value of qualifying deposit. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Time limits and Full T&Cs apply. BeGambleAware.org #ad
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Trade with 0% commission for 60 days New Customers only. COMMFREE promo code must be added during registration. A first deposit of at least £10/€10 in a single amount must be made to be eligible. Trading at 0% will be available for bets that settle within 60 days from the first deposit. This promotion cannot be used in conjunction with any other sign-up promotion. Country and Payment restrictions, terms and conditions apply. Smarkets Full T&Cs apply. BeGambleAware.org #ad
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Bet £15 Get £25 NEW CUSTOMERS ONLY. MAX ONE £25 FREE BET. MIN QUALIFYING STAKE £15. QUALIFYING BETS MUST BE PLACED AT ODDS OF 1/1 (2.00) OR GREATER. PAID AS BONUS TOKEN WITH MIN 4/5 (1.80) ODDS REQ. SKRILL, NETELLER & PAYPAL ARE NOT ELIGIBLE. Full T&Cs apply. BeGambleAware.org #ad
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MLS Betting Sites Reviewed
Any decent bookmaker will offer MLS coverage of some sort, but there are some bookies that stand out from the crowd in terms of their offering. Here are five of the best for MLS betting.
Parimatch
Parimatch’s football offering is very good, and you’ll be able to enjoy comprehensive MLS coverage throughout the competition. There are excellent futures markets, allowing you to wager on the potential 2023 MLS Cup champion.
The Leagues Cup is the topical competition currently ongoing with every MLS team competing. For these matches, you can create your own bets via the site's Bet Builder feature. Pre-built picks are also supplied, as are an impressive list of pre-match markets.
Pros:
- MLS Cup futures market
- Reliable football coverage
- Diverse Leagues Cup offering
Cons:
- Odds not quite as good compared to competitors
- A lack of innovative football promotions
- Not many early markets available
BetVictor
There are distinct similarities between Parimatch and BetVictor’s MLS coverage given that they’re both operated by BV Gaming Limited. Like Parimatch, BetVictor does not offer early pre-match odds leading up to the competition, but they do feature MLS Cup outright markets.
So, for those keen to bet on the North American football markets, the Leagues Cup is currently the competition to target. BetVictor’s odds are exactly the same as Parimatch’s, with a Bet Builder also featuring as part of the bookie’s pre-match offering.
Pros:
- MLS Cup futures market
- Reliable football coverage
- Diverse Leagues Cup pre-match markets
Cons:
- Lack of original football promotions outside of welcome offer
- Superior odds elsewhere
The Pools
The Pools have proven themselves to be a stellar option for traditional football betting, with the promotions offered giving you the chance to win bonuses when betting on leagues across the globe.
An example of such offers would be the site's Acca Boost, which gives you a 50% increase on top of your winnings.
Pros:
- Generous football promotions
Cons:
- Absence of futures markets
- No Leagues Cup coverage
Sportingbet
Sportingbet has done it again. While several of its competitors offer mere outright markets on the MLS Cup, this bookmaker goes above and beyond in offering excellent coverage of America’s premier football competition.
Admittedly, their MLS offering is hidden away for the time being, but a quick search will give you easy access to Sportingbet’s elite coverage. Not only are their odds better than the likes of Parimatch and BetVictor, but the bookie also supplies multiple futures markets, including Conference Winners and Top Goalscorer.
We've included the above image to give you an example of the bookie's pre-match Leagues Cup coverage. Although nothing in particular stands out in terms of the markets offered, the odds remain super competitive, and there are price boosts to take advantage of too!
Pros:
- Excellent odds
- Multiple futures markets
- Easy to find markets for particular MLS teams
Cons:
- Coverage hidden away – need to search
- Hard to find Leagues Cup pre-match betting
10bet
First up, I have to commend 10bet’s desktop design. There’s a sleek, modern feel to it and the structure of the site ensures for a user-friendly experience.
When it comes to their MLS coverage, their odds resemble Sportingbet’s on the futures front, which are better than the BV-operated duo mentioned above.
10bet also offers Top Goalscorer markets, as well as a couple of Inter Miami/Lionel Messi specials.
You can back the franchise to win the MLS Cup in 2024 at 5/2, as well as a MLS Cup winner/top scorer (Inter Miami/Messi) double at 4/1.
Pros:
- Easy access to MLS markets
- Inter Miami/Lionel Messi specials for 2024
- Great odds
Cons:
- None
Top 3 Best MLS Betting Apps
The convenience of mobile apps has revolutionized the experience for online punters, with a certain few standing out in terms of usability, odds, and features. Below, we've curated a list of the top three MLS betting apps, ensuring you have the best tools at your fingertips for your next bet!
1. Parimatch
Parimatch boasts an app that is both sleek and organised. While their MLS markets were limited at the time of writing, they make up for it by ensuring all their features and promotions are accessible from a highly user-friendly interface. Both bet enhancements and the bookie's bet builder are available for in-play bets during Leagues Cup matches.
Pros:
- User-friendly structure
- All features and promotions available
- Easy access to MLS markets
Cons:
- Limited futures markets
2. BetVictor
I have no complaints about BetVictor’s mobile app, with the latter being distinctly similar to that of Parimatch, other than the colour scheme. So, when assessing the bookie’s MLS coverage on their app, there were similar perks and drawbacks.
Pros:
- Bet boosts and bet builder available for Leagues Cup matches
- Easy access to MLS markets
- Supreme live coverage and in-play markets
Cons:
- Limited futures markets
3. Sportingbet
Sportingbet is such a fun bookmaker to bet with. They have endless list of promotions, as well as an array of futures markets offered on MLS. The mobile app is stuffed with content – features, promos, and specials – which is probably why so many people choose to use it, including myself.
Pros:
- Array of MLS futures markets
- Promotions aplenty
- No loss of content
Cons:
- Different apps for various products
MLS Betting Tips & Strategies
Here are a few betting strategies to consider when betting on MLS:
1. Stick to traditional football markets
Spread betting is common when betting on popular American sports such as basketball and American football, but I recommend you avoid this market when betting on MLS ‘soccer’. The low-scoring nature of the sport renders this is a very tricky market to gauge. Given that more and more bookmakers are now offering extensive coverage of MLS, you’re much better off sticking to markets you’d typically associate with pre-match football betting.
2. Avoid Lionel Messi for a while
Messi fever is rife right now following his arrival at Inter Miami, and bookmakers are bound to succumb to the great man’s allure. His side were among the worst in the entire division, but his arrival is set to see Inter Miami’s odds slashed for upcoming encounters. You’re unlikely to garner much value by betting on Inter Miami while the Messi hype is at its apex.
3. Back the home team (more often than not)
Home advantage is prevalent in football across the globe, and this competitive advantage is distinct in MLS. In 2023, 27 of the 29 teams have scored more goals on home soil compared to away, and 27 teams have conceded fewer goals at home. Such figures aren’t exactly mind blowing, but it’s worth considering that home advantage is certainly real in MLS. While you might find it tougher accumulating value when backing the home side, multiple home team selections could potentially return a tidy profit in an MLS acca.
4. Make the most of any MLS promotions
While the popularity of MLS is undoubtedly increasing and Messi’s arrival will immediately supply greater viewership, MLS-focused promotions from bookmaker are hard to come by. Thus, you’ve got to stay on your toes, browse bookies, and take advantage of any when they do come along. Parimatch, for example, will offer boosted odds for selected MLS matches as well as MLS bet builder specials. There are poised to be an array of Messi-focused promotions offered by bookies, and while I recommend you avoiding betting on the great Argentine’s team, it’s worth checking out any specials offered.
5. Stay up to date with the news
Obvious, I know, but if you want to make the smartest decisions when betting on MLS, you’ve got to know what’s going on in and around the league. Check out the moves made by clubs during the transfer window, as well as injury reports ahead of kick-off. It’s not only news you want to have a look at, either – be sure to overlook statistics and historical records when betting on any MLS fixture.
Most Popular MLS Betting Markets
Bookies that offer MLS bets will generally offer the same (or similar) betting options for MLS as for other football leagues. That includes over/unders, draw no bet, double chance, and plenty of smaller markets you may have never even heard of. Thanks to the structure of the league, however, you have the option of betting on several unique options.
- MLS Regular Season Betting: The regular season works much like a Premier League season, though not all clubs play each other. You can bet on match outcomes, scores, and goalscorer, among others.
- MLS Playoff Betting: The Playoffs see MLS teams trying to eliminate each other for a chance at the cup final. A popular bet here is which team will make it to the next round.
- MLS Outright Betting: As MLS has two outright trophies – the MLS Cup Championship and the Supporters' Shield – thus giving you two options for outright bets. Read our guide on hedge betting to make the most of your outright picks.
MLS Betting Odds
I’ve already hinted at which bookmakers provide the best odds for MLS betting. While Parimatch and BetVictor supply competitive odds, the best we’ve found are provided by Sportingbet and 10bet. When discussing best MLS odds, we’re not just focusing on pre-match and live events, but futures markets, too.
You can bet on an array of futures markets (some bookies will offer more than others) including the winner of the MLS Cup, Top Goalscorer, and Conference Winner.
MLS Format & Schedule
In European football, the most prestigious prize is usually the league title awarded to the team with the most points at the end of the season. There are also domestic cups in which teams from multiple divisions compete for silverware.
MLS has a very different format, with the playoffs and MLS Cup final succeeding the regular season. This, in turn, decides what teams enter the post-season.
Regular Season (February to October)
MLS’ regular season usually starts in late February or Early March, and continues on to October.
Teams are divided geographically, between the Eastern and Western Conferences. The former currently has 15 teams, while the latter has 14, thus creating an unbalanced schedule.
Each team plays 34 games. As there are currently 29 teams, each team plays two matches (one home and one away) against teams in the same conference (24 games) and 10 matches against teams from the other conference.
Supporters’ Shield
Once the regular season is complete, the team with the most points will be awarded the Supporters' Shield. While this trophy is not as prestigious as the MLS Cup, it does come with a major advantage: the team with the Supporters' Shield will receive home-field advantage throughout the MLS Cup Playoffs.
All-Star Game
In the middle of the season, the league’s best players play each other in an exhibition game. The format for this has changed several times, however.
This year, the MLS All-Stars will play against Mexico's Liga MX All-Star team. While this match is irrelevant to the cup or league standings, it still comes with plenty of prestige and media attention, being one of the most watched football matches in the US.
MLS Cup Playoffs (October to November)
The MLS season culminates in a postseason knockout tournament, which determines the league champion for that year. 14 teams join the MLS Cup Playoffs in October, and the playoffs are concluded in November with the MLS Cup Championship game.
From 2023 onwards, the MLS playoffs will also include a Wild Card round ahead of an enhanced Round One, in which the games are a best-of-three series.
Spring-To-Autumn Format
While football is the number one sport in Europe and Latin America, in the US, it must compete against the popularity of the National Football League (NFL), the National Basketball Association (NBA), and the National Hockey League (NHL). These leagues all have a autumn-to-spring schedule, similar to most European sports leagues.
In order to avoid this direct competition, MLS has opted for a spring-to-autumn format. This has led to scheduling conflicts with the FIFA World Cup calendar and CONCACAF Gold Cup scheduling. The alternative would be to schedule the league during the winter break; however, harsh winter weather in many US and Canadian regions would force this league indoors.
While scheduling may cause issues for MLS players and teams, the schedule is actually excellent for UK punters, who have few betting options between regular seasons if there is no FIFA World Cup or UEFA Euros.
Recent MLS Winners
| Year | Winner | Score | Runner-up |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Los Angeles FC | 3-3 (3-0p) | Philadelphia Union |
| 2021 | New York City FC | 1-1 (4-2p) | Portland Timbers |
| 2020 | Columbus Crew | 3-0 | Seattle Sounders FC |
| 2019 | Seattle Sounders FC | 3–1 | Toronto FC |
| 2018 | Atlanta United FC | 2-0 | Portland Timbers |
Most Successful MLS Teams
| Club | Finals Played | Cups Won | MLS Cup |
|---|---|---|---|
| LA Galaxy | 9 | 5 | 1996, 1999, 2001, 2002, 2005, 2009, 2011, 2012, 2014 |
| D.C. United | 5 | 4 | 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2004 |
| New England Revolution | 5 | 0 | 2002, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2014 |
| Houston Dynamo | 4 | 2 | 2006, 2007, 2011, 2012 |
| Seattle Sounders FC | 4 | 2 | 2016, 2017, 2019 |
MLS Betting FAQs
LA Galaxy has appeared in nine MLS Cup Finals and won five of them.
There are several fine bookmakers for MLS coverage, but Sportingbet and 10bet are our favourites.
While there’s a lack of livestreaming, BetVictor’s live coverage of MLS is excellent.
Almost every bookmaker will provide MLS coverage, with outright MLS Cup markets almost always supplied.
ThePuntersPage Final Say
Messi fever has gripped MLS, and his arrival will only benefit a league that had been struggling for global relevancy. His signing alone won’t transform MLS into a supreme division, but it’s a hugely significant acquisition for football in the States. Betting opportunities are only set to increase moving forward, with this guide detailing how you can make the most of bookmakers’ impressive coverage of the division.