The Fall Classic only comes around once a year, but you can place your bets on which team you think will win it at virtually anytime. That’s thanks to Major League Baseball World Series futures, an active market that sees plenty of action from both new and experienced bettors.
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World Series odds are a year-round enterprise. As soon as one World Series is officially in the books, sportsbooks post odds for next season’s winner. You know right away which teams are favored, which squads have a reasonable shot and which are projected to have a long year.
Naturally, the odds to win the World Series change (often significantly) as time moves along. Odds at the beginning of the season can be quite different to the middle or the end of the regular season. So, when’s the best time to bet World Series futures? Is there any insight we can glean from the Vegas odds? Is there big value in betting on who might win the next Fall Classic?
We’ll walk through the answers to those questions right here with our guide to World Series odds.
MLB Betting Odds is the best source of information on the 2020 Baseball All Star Game. We offer top sportsbook baseball odds, MLB betting live lines, baseball history, basics on baseball betting. MLB series bets are another market to consider wagering as a baseball bettor. Instead of betting game-by-game, baseball series odds will allow you to bet on the winner of each series. This bet type is relatively new compared to traditional markets on individual games, such as sides, totals, and money lines. Bet on MLB series baseball odds at Sports Interaction, with online sports betting on MLB series baseball betting lines, series bets, point spreads and odds.
Best sportsbooks to bet on MLB futures
Current World Series odds
Check our feed for real-time World Series odds at legal US online sportsbooks. Use the toggle menus to switch to other legal states or see more MLB futures odds. Click any odds to claim your free bets, register an account and bet MLB futures.
MLB betting apps
You can place your bets on MLB and World Series futures at any time on legal, regulated sportsbooks. Beyond giving you flexibility, mobile sports betting apps offer all of the same features you can find online. It’s like having a sportsbook in your pocket. Here are our recommendations on the top sports betting apps.
1. DraftKings Sportsbook – Up to $50 free bet, up to $1,000 bonus
Use DraftKings Sportsbook online in: VA, MI, NJ, PA, CO, IN, WV, NH, IA, IL, & TN
DraftKings is much more than just the industry leader in daily fantasy sports. The company has entered sports betting as well and, let’s just say, it’s crushing it. DraftKings’ slick platform and all the MLB markets you can ask for are among the highlights.
Live MLB betting is also a strong play on DraftKings with great options in its Flash Bet software.
2. FanDuel Sportsbook – Up to $1,000 risk-free bet
Use FanDuel Sportsbook online in: MI, NJ, PA, IN, WV, CO, TN, IA, IL & VA
FanDuel also made its bones in DFS, but the company has branched out and taken the sports betting marketplace by storm. It provides a user-friendly sportsbook and app, with fantastic ongoing promotions and more. World Series odds at FanDuel can be a little looser than they are at DraftKings with major value opportunities up and down the board.
3. BetMGM Sportsbook App – Up to $600 bonus
Use BetMGM Sportsbook online in: VA, MI, NJ, CO, TN, WV, NV, PA, IN & IA
The MGM brand is kind of a big deal, and the same holds true for BetMGM Sportsbook. MLB and World Series futures are just a couple of the myriad betting markets you can find. To get started, click on the link below to claim your bonus, create an account and download the sportsbook app for your iPhone or Android phone.
How to read World Series futures odds
Part of the appeal for betting World Series futures is that it’s simple and straightforward. Odds are listed for all teams still alive and you can see you potential payout based on a $100 bet.
World Series odds will be listed in descending order with the favorites up top, the next tier of teams in the middle and the long-shots at the bottom.
For futures betting, the idea is to find the teams you like to win it all at the best possible prices. Some bettors take a long-term view and place bets right after their release in the offseason; others wait until various points in the season and look for value opportunities as the odds change.
Let’s take a closer look at how the market works by examining what the odds for a handful of favorites looked like at DraftKings Sportsbook:
- Los Angeles Dodgers +375
- New York Yankees +400
- Houston Astros +650
Let’s say that you like the Yankees to take it down when all is said and done. You’re happy with the price of +375, so you decide to place a $100 wager and hold the ticket to see how it plays out.
At the end of the season, it turns out your hunch was correct as the Yankees go on to win the World Series. Here’s the return you would be looking at:
- Winning $100 bet at odds of +375 returns a total of $475.
With odds for mid-tier and underdog teams priced at well over +1000 or more, the futures market can be quite lucrative if all goes well. It’s important to remember that bets won’t be settled until the World Series is completed.
Naturally, teams who are eliminated from contention along the way translate into losing bets. Bets would also be off in the event of an unforeseen circumstance, such as the Fall Classic being cancelled.
2021 World Series favorites
We still have a ways to go until the next World Series, but the futures market is setting up some clear favorites. Here’s what the top of the World Series odds board looked like before the season began:
Los Angeles Dodgers
The LA Dodgers have made it to the postseason for seven consecutive seasons, but the club hasn’t been able to snap a World Series drought that stretches back to 1988. Los Angeles is loaded once again on offense and on the mound, so they are rightfully among the favorites in the futures market.
New York Yankees
Mlb World Series Betting Lines
The NY Yankees haven’t closed out the season with a World Series win since 2009, which is an eternity for a franchise with a staggering 27 titles under its belt. After falling in the American League Championship Series a season ago, the club looks poised to take another crack at the ring in 2020.
Houston Astros
The 2017 World Series winners and runners-up in 2019, the Houston Astros are expected to make another run at greatness this season. A sign-stealing scandal stole plenty of headlines in the offseason, so we’ll see if that further motivates Houston to silence the critics and add additional hardware to the collection.
AL pennant contenders
Alongside World Series futures you can also bet on each individual league’s race. The run for the AL pennant in 2020 is shaping up to be pretty competitive, but there are a couple of clear favorites in the futures market. Here’s a look at the three squads who currently sit atop the futures market.
New York Yankees
New York has represented the American League in the World Series a whopping 40 times. Said another way, the team is a frequent flier in the ALCS, and it wouldn’t be stunning if they made another appearance this time around. The futures market concurs and pegs the Yankees as the current favorites.
Houston Astros
Off-the-field controversy aside, there’s no denying the talent and depth that the Astros bring to the table. The offense can pound opponents into submission, while the pitching staff can spell lights out for lesser foes. Houston remains one of the teams to beat in the AL this season.
Minnesota Twins
For new blood on the hunt for the AL pennant, look no further than the MN Twins. Currently, the third choice in the futures market, Minnesota was swept by the Yankees in the AL Division Series last season. Powerful bats and an underrated staff give the Twins more than a puncher’s chance of tasting glory.
NL pennant contenders
Over in the NL, the defending champion Washington Nationals will have something to say about how things will shake out, but so too will a team who’s the current overwhelming favorite. Here’s a look at the three top choices on the futures odds board.
Los Angeles Dodgers
The Dodgers have been in contention for several seasons; however, the club has been a bit snakebitten in the postseason. Los Angeles has made it to the playoffs every season since 2013, but they haven’t been able to get over the hump to advance to the World Series. Perhaps it’ll be a different story this time around.
Atlanta Braves
The Atlanta Braves have won the NL East for two straight seasons and have their sights set on making it three in a row. In 2018, the club was bounced by the Dodgers in the NLDS in four games. Then followed that up by losing to the St. Louis Cardinals in that round in five games. Atlanta is another squad looking to continue its ascent.
Washington Nationals
While the Nationals were clearly a playoff team in 2019, they still went on a bit of a Cinderella run to win the World Series. After surviving the wild-card round and a five-game set in the NLDS, the club swept the Cardinals in the NLCS before taking down the Astros in seven games to win the Fall Classic.
World Series Longshots
It’s pretty easy to make a case for the teams atop the World Series futures market being the ones to win it all. However, doing a little digging can reveal some intriguing choices a little further down the list. While you can make nice returns betting on favorites that go on to win the World Series, there’s even more treasure to be found if you can lock in on a sleeper candidate with a realistic shot to make it happen.
Milwaukee Brewers
When scanning the board for opportunities, you’ll naturally want to consider every team’s strengths and weaknesses. Some squads are clearly in a rebuilding phase, which you can dismiss, but the tier above them is where you might find some gold.
For another clue, it can help to look at teams in this category who came close to making some noise a season ago. Teams in this group may have just missed out on the postseason the previous year or had an unceremonious exit from the postseason.
A team that ticks off the boxes heading into the 2020 season is the Milwaukee Brewers. They were a wild-card team a season ago but had the misfortune of running into a Nationals team who had a date with destiny.
It was a heartbreaking loss as the team held a 3-1 lead heading into the bottom of the eighth inning. Then the Washington bats came alive. The Nationals put up three runs in the frame and held on for a 4-3 victory.
A close loss in the postseason can be a setback, but it can also serve as inspiration for clubs heading into the next campaign. For a Milwaukee team, led by Christian Yelich, the 2018 NL MVP and runner-up in 2019, the future could be quite bright.
World Series betting trends
For all types of sports betting, looking to the past can sometimes reveal clues about what’s to come. As an example, let’s take a look at two key metrics from the last 10 editions of the World Series:
- National League (NL), six wins; American League (AL), four wins
- Team with a home-field advantage: 6-4
It’s a slight edge to the NL and the side with the home-field advantage over that span. If we look at the previous 10 years, it’s a similar story:
- AL, six wins; NL, four wins
- Team with home-field advantage: 7-3
The leagues flip-flopped in the previous decade, but the home advantage became more of a factor overall. For the 10 years prior, the trends were even stronger:
- AL, six wins; NL, three wins
- The team with home-field advantage: 9-1
If we add up the results for the last 30 years of the Fall Classic, here’s what we come up with:
- AL, 17 wins; NL, 13 wins
- Team with home-field advantage: 22-8
Overall, the AL has the advantage over that span, but the biggest standout comes via the home-field advantage. Naturally, we won’t know which side will have the home field for the next World Series until we see how the season plays out. However, we can still dive in with some bets at any time via the futures market.
In the preseason and the beginning of the season, you may have some favorites or sleepers. By the time we hit the middle of the year and the stretch run, it may be a different story as new squads emerge.
By the end of the season and heading into the playoffs, the field of contenders has been trimmed dramatically. Your initial bets may still be alive, and that presents you with the opportunity to double down if you feel that’s the best course of action.
If your perspective has changed, you still have time to get bets in on your new favorites and sleepers. World Series futures betting opens the door to plenty of opportunities throughout the year.
More MLB futures odds
While betting on the World Series is a big highlight, there’s a lot more to the MLB futures market. Here are some of the other bets you’ll be able to place in advance of the season and while it plays out in real-time:
- AL and NL pennant winners
- Division champions
- Wild-card teams
- To make the playoffs
- Team regular-season win totals
- AL and NL MVP Award winners
- AL and NL Rookie of the Year
- AL and NL Manager of the Year
- Regular-season leaders for multiple statistical categories: home runs, strikeouts, etc.
As with the World Series futures market, you can place your bets on these opportunities in advance of the season, and keep a watchful eye on the odds to win as the season plays out.
NL vs. AL World Series wins
Since the turn of the century, the American League and National League are knotted up at 10 wins in the World Series apiece. However, it’s a different story on an all-time basis as the AL holds a 66-49 advantage.
As we scroll through the World Series annals, we find that only eight franchises have made it to the Fall Classic for 10 or more times. Six clubs have just a single appearance, one has never made it that far, while the rest of the 30 MLB teams are in the middle.
Here’s a complete look at the World Series history for each team in the league:
Team | League | Appearance | Wins | Last Appearance | Last Win |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
New York Yankees | AL | 40 | 27 | 2009 | 2009 |
Los Angeles Dodgers | NL | 20 | 6 | 2018 | 1988 |
San Francisco Giants | NL | 20 | 8 | 2014 | 2014 |
St. Louis Cardinals | NL | 19 | 11 | 2013 | 2011 |
Oakland Athletics | AL | 14 | 9 | 1980 | 1989 |
Boston Red Sox | AL | 13 | 9 | 2018 | 2018 |
Chicago Cubs | NL | 11 | 3 | 2016 | 2016 |
Detroit Tigers | AL | 11 | 4 | 2012 | 1984 |
Atlanta Braves | NL | 9 | 3 | 1999 | 1995 |
Cincinnati Reds | NL | 9 | 5 | 1990 | 1990 |
Baltimore Orioles | AL | 7 | 3 | 1983 | 1983 |
Philadelphia Phillies | NL | 7 | 2 | 2009 | 2008 |
Pittsburgh Pirates | NL | 7 | 5 | 1979 | 1979 |
Cleveland Indians | AL | 6 | 5 | 2016 | 1948 |
Minnesota Twins | AL | 6 | 3 | 1991 | 1991 |
Chicago White Sox | AL | 5 | 3 | 2005 | 2005 |
New York Mets | NL | 5 | 2 | 2015 | 1986 |
Kansas City Royals | AL | 4 | 2 | 2015 | 2015 |
Houston Astros | AL | 3 | 1 | 2019 | 2017 |
Miami Marlins | NL | 2 | 2 | 2003 | 2003 |
San Diego Padres | NL | 2 | 0 | 1998 | NA |
Texas Rangers | AL | 2 | 0 | 2011 | NA |
Toronto Blue Jays | AL | 2 | 2 | 1993 | 1993 |
Arizona Diamondbacks | NL | 1 | 1 | 2001 | 2001 |
Colorado Rockies | NL | 1 | 0 | 2007 | NA |
Los Angeles Angels | AL | 1 | 1 | 2002 | 2002 |
Milwaukee Brewers | NL | 1 | 0 | 1982 | NA |
Tampa Bay Rays | AL | 1 | 0 | 2008 | NA |
Washington Nationals | NL | 1 | 1 | 2019 | 2019 |
Seattle Mariners | AL | 0 | NA | NA | NA |
For most frequent World Series matchups, the Yankees lead the way there, including the top four entries on the list. At the top is the Yankees versus Dodgers with 11 all-time meetings in the Fall Classic. New York holds an 8-3 all-time advantage. The last meeting of the two teams in the World Series came in 1981, which was won by Los Angeles in six games.
From single-game moneylines to props, World Series odds to live in-game betting, you’ll find a ton of betting opportunities every day of the MLB season – especially in 2021 with the return of the traditional 162-game regular season starting April 1.
MLB Betting is a massive part of the sports betting pie, especially in the US. In 2018 a study from the American Gaming Association estimated that legal sports betting would result in a revenue boost to MLB of a whopping $1.1 billion. That’s outstanding news for the continued growth of the game, and also a great sign for sports bettors.
Here’s everything you need to know to bet on MLB, starting with how you can use your Android or iPhone to get in on the baseball betting online action.
Best MLB betting sites
Having a legal and regulated sportsbook at your fingertips is no longer just a pipe dream. It’s the real deal. There are a number of websites and apps you can use for MLB betting online, including our top choices below.
Where Can I Bet on MLB Online?
The following states have legal sportsbooks that take MLB bets:
State | Online / Mobile | Retail |
---|---|---|
New Jersey Sports Betting | Yes | Yes |
Pennsylvania Sports Betting | Yes | Yes |
Colorado Sports Betting | Yes | Yes |
Indiana Sports Betting | Yes | Yes |
Iowa Sports Betting | Yes | Yes |
West Virginia Sports Betting | Yes | Yes |
Virginia Sports Betting | Yes | No |
New Hampshire Sports Betting | Yes | No |
Illinois Sports Betting | Yes | Yes |
Michigan Sports Betting | Yes | Yes |
Tennessee Sports Betting | Yes | No |
You don’t have to be a resident of a legal sports betting state to be eligible to bet. All you need to do is be within state borders.
That means if you live in New York or Chicago, for example, you can still open an account, download the betting app and make all of your financial transactions at home. You only need to cross the border into NJ or IN to place your bets.
How to Download an MLB Betting App
Signing up for a new sportsbook account is quick and easy. First, click on our exclusive links to take advantage of the bonus offers. From there, you’ll go through a simple sign-up process which will prompt you to enter some basic information.
Look for the app download links for iPhone / iPad and Android, which are typically located at the bottom of the main website. Follow the instructions for your device, sign in on your phone, and you’re all set.
Sportsbook apps are intuitive and easy to use with all of the same functions you have on the full online sportsbook, such as browsing the lobby, editing your betting slip, and depositing or cashing out. It’s tough to compete with the convenience of betting on a sportsbook app, and you’ll quickly understand why once you have messed around with the apps for a bit.
One note to keep in mind: you may be prompted to enable geolocation tracking software to use the app. This is standard procedure and nothing to worry about. In a nutshell, the software helps sportsbooks confirm you are located within state lines before placing bets.
If you’re out of state, you can still manage your account via the app. Just know that you’ll have to be back within the borders in order to place your wagers.
MLB odds
Bet on World Series, MLB MVP, Cy Young
Predicting the winner of the World Series is the most popular MLB futures bet, but the opportunities don’t end there. Sportsbooks will offer markets for a number of different MLB futures that attract betting interest, including:
- AL/NL MVP Awards
- AL/NL Rookie of the Year Awards
- AL Pennant Winner
- NL Pennant Winner
- Division Title Winners
- Playoff Qualifiers
- Team Win Totals
Check the current real-time World Series futures odds at legal US online sportsbooks below. Use the drop-down menus to toggle through every legal state and see more futures odds boards. Click any odds to claim your bonus, register a new account and get set up to bet.
The MLB futures betting market is a great way to get a handle on the general bookmaker’s perception of how teams and players rank. This can be especially useful heading into the season as you get a refresher on how to bet and begin to place your single-game wagers.
The (+) number you see represents how much your added payout would for a $100 bet. There will be odds listed for each team as long as they remain in contention. These bets can be great for those who have a knack for spotting dark horse contenders, as well as for bettors who have a fantastic feel for how the season will play out.
MLB win totals explained
While the futures market remains active year-round, it can be a little slow in the offseason. However, interest kicks back up several notches when MLB win totals are released.
Sportsbooks estimate the number of wins for each team and bettors can then decide if they like the team to go Over or Under that amount.
Win totals will be listed for all 30 MLB teams. As you’d expect, odds will fluctuate based on market action and how the teams perform during the season. MLB win totals are a fantastic way to remain engaged all season long.
It’s likely DraftKings and FanDuel will offer win total odds but they aren’t listed as of yet.
How to read MLB betting lines
Whenever you come across a sport you’re unfamiliar with, start with the basics and work your way out. There’s no reason to get bogged down with advanced bets just yet. There will be plenty of time for that, and we’ll go over what you need to know there as well.
For now, understand the three main components of baseball betting lines.
- Moneyline: This is the most common MLB wager. You’re simply choosing who you like to win the game, and that’s it. Favorites will be represented by a negative odds value, while underdogs will have positive odds attached.
- Run Line: In lieu of a point spread, oddsmakers will place a run line on each game. It’s typically set at 1.5. For the favorite, you’ll see a -1.5, while it’ll be +1.5 for the underdog. In both cases, the side you choose has to cover the 1.5 run margin.
- Totals: Also known as Over/Unders, totals betting revolves around the total runs scored in the game. Oddsmakers set the bar, and bettors decide if they like it to go Over or Under. A potential pitching duel could have a total of 6.5 runs, while a potential slugfest could be set at 9.5 runs or higher.
How to bet baseball online
Now that we understand how to read the lines, let’s take a look at some examples for each of the bet types.
Moneyline betting in baseball
Each and every day during the season, you can quickly get a handle on who is expected to win by taking a look at MLB moneyline odds.
- Boston Red Sox +100
- Houston Astros -120
In the above example, the Astros are expected to win the game. If you place a $100 bet at odds of -120 and they do so, you’ll get back $183.30 – your initial stake a return of $83.30.
If you like the Red Sox to win and they make it happen, a $100 bet at odds of +100 will return $200 – the $100 bet a profit of $100.
Run line betting in baseball
Each game will also have a run line attached to it that’s typically set at 1.5.
- San Francisco Giants +1.5 (-110)
- Los Angeles Dodgers -1.5 (-110)
If you place a bet on the Dodgers, they’ll need to win the game by a margin greater than 1.5 runs. For bets on the Giants, they can lose the game and you can still have a winning bet if they keep the margin less than 1.5 runs.
Odds on run lines are generally in range on both sides of the equation and will move based on market action, just like what you’ll find in point spread-based betting in other sports.
Totals betting in baseball
If you want to get a sense of which games may be high- or low-scoring, then check out the MLB totals odds.
- Over 8.5 (-110)
- Under 8.5 (-110)
Let’s say the above line applies to a game between the Chicago White Sox and New York Yankees. Oddsmakers have set the benchmark, and you now have to decide if you think the total runs scored will be Over or Under that number.
Once again, odds will be in range on both sides of the equation, but they will shift based on market action.
Other types of popular MLB bets
In addition to those three basic bet types, there are a number of other ways to bet on MLB. Here are some of the more popular choices and examples for each.
First five inning bets
This is an MLB bet type which has gained a good deal of traction in recent years. As opposed to picking the winner of the whole game, you’re simply choosing who you think will be ahead after the first five innings.
- Minnesota Twins +105
- Oakland Athletics -115
As the oddsmakers see it, Oakland is more likely to be leading after the first five innings are in the books. MLB first five inning betting has grown in popularity as it theoretically takes bullpens out of the equation and allows bettors to focus on the starting pitching matchup.
Alternate run line betting in baseball
As opposed to the traditional 1.5 run line, MLB alternate run line betting allows you to shift the line to something you find more attractive.
- New York Mets +2.5
- Washington Nationals -2.5
Naturally, the odds and potential return will shift when you place wagers on these alternate lines. However, it’s also an interesting tool to boost potential returns on heavy favorites or to gain extra insurance on underdogs.
Innings betting in baseball
This is a quick turnaround wager which typically revolves around whether or not a run will be scored in the first inning.
- Yes +115
- No -145
If you have a good feel for how teams start off – as well as how well the opposing hurlers fare in the early going – then MLB innings betting may be a good area for you to focus on.
MLB Series betting
The MLB season can be a grind, and anything can happen on a daily basis as a result. For those who want to have more control over that variable, consider MLB Series betting in which you’ll be picking the overall winner of full sets of games.
- Philadelphia Phillies +130
- Atlanta Braves -120
In the above example, let’s say these two NL East rivals are playing a three-game set in Atlanta. You expect the Braves to win the series overall, but you wouldn’t be surprised if the Phillies took a game. You can place a bet on Atlanta to win the series. As long as they win two of the three games, you have a winning ticket.
How MLB live betting works
Also known as in-play betting, this is one of the most popular advancements in sports betting in recent years. These are wagers you can place after the action has gotten underway. Odds and markets move fast here, and opportunities will vary. Here’s a sampling of what you may see.
- Outcome of Next At-Bat
- Race to a Number of Runs – i.e. first team to reach 3 runs etc.
- Over/Under on Total Hits in Game
- How many Pitches for Next Inning of Play?
- Outright Winner of Game
When it comes to MLB Live Betting, mobile apps are a must. These are fast-moving markets in which appealing opportunities can pop up in an instant. As always, use discretion and only select the wagers you feel most comfortable with.
US online sportsbooks also offer lines on KBO and Japanese Baseball (NPB). See our full guide to betting on the KBO here.
Prop betting in baseball
In addition to all of the above betting opportunities, you’ll also find a slew of side bets for each game on the docket. MLB prop bets can be player- or team-based. They revolve around something that may happen during the course of the game.
- Total Runs Scored in First Three Innings – Over/Under 2.5
- Team to Score First Run in Game
- Winning Side Margin of Victory
- Total Number of Runs, Hits, and Errors by Side
- How Many Strikeouts will Stephen Strasburg have? Over/Under 7.5
- Will Aaron Judge hit a Home Run?
- Who will have more Total Bases – Mookie Betts or Paul Goldschmidt?
- Will Either Side Hit a Triple?
MLB prop bets open up a whole new world of possibilities. Those who have a real good read on team-based metrics can find success, as can those who have a fantasy baseball mindset.
MLB betting trends
Anytime you’re handicapping a game, it should be treated as an event in and of itself. That means priority is given to the matchup at hand, starting pitching matchup, recent play, and other facets that you deem important.
That said, taking a look at MLB betting trends can also be helpful. Here are a few of the things you’ll want to check out.
- Historical Head-to-Head Record for the two teams
- Team record vs. opposing pitcher
- Team Record on Over/Under for season-to-date
- Team Record vs. Run Line for the year
- Home/Away splits for moneyline, run line, and totals
- Record in Last 10 games for both teams
- Ballpark factors on Over/Under
- Day/Night splits for moneyline, run line, and totals
There are times when checking out the above information will produce nothing of value, but there are also plenty of spots in which you’ll find nuggets of information that you can use to your advantage.
What is Public Betting?
Pro oddsmakers are very good at what they do, and sportsbooks aren’t in the business of giving money away to bettors. As a result, having a sense of which way the winds are blowing in terms of public betting interest can be helpful.
There are a few main ways that you can get a handle on the overall public sentiment for a game. First up, pay attention to line moves from the time they are released until the time you place your bets.
Have there been any significant moves in the odds or total? If so, first see if it has anything to do with injuries, lineup changes, starting pitcher questions, or weather factors. If not, then there’s a good chance a good deal of action came in on one side of the equation.
Once you determine the direction of the move, you can gain a sense of which side is being backed more heavily. For example, if oddsmakers make the odds on the Under more favorable than what’s on the Over, a lot of Over bets on the total may have come in.
Next, there are sites out there that track public betting action in percentage form. Keep in mind that sites such as these are not checking every single book out there, but most are checking more than a few.
If nothing else, it’s a good way to get a temperature read on the day’s games. Last but not least, there are plenty of prognosticators out there who freely share their picks on the day’s games.
Once you have a good sense of the consensus on a slate of games, you can then pick your spots and see where there may be a good place to employ a contrarian approach – i.e. betting against the public. After all, the public betting community isn’t always right.
Daily fantasy baseball
There are tons of devoted fantasy baseball players who track their team’s performance all season long as they try to win their leagues. While that’s fun and all, daily fantasy baseball takes the enjoyment to a whole other level.
DFS MLB affords users the opportunity to play whenever they want. There are no rosters to manage or waivers to worry about. Just simply pick a lineup you like whenever you play while staying under the salary cap.
Even better, users enter their lineups in contests where they have a chance to win real prizes. The two biggest operators in the industry, DraftKings and FanDuel, both offer major tournaments with some eye-popping top prizes. You can compare DraftKings and FanDuel here to see how each site stacks up for fantasy baseball.
There are other ways to play as well, including 50/50s and head-to-heads. You’ll find all of the different contest types at various buy-in points for all budgets. Signing up for an account is a breeze, and DFS MLB is legal in more than 40 states across the US to boot.
- Get $20 free play at DraftKings!
Spring Training, Regular Season and Playoffs
Mlb Series Betting
For a the 2021 MLB season, here are some of the key dates to keep in mind.
- Mid-February: Pitchers and Catchers begin reporting for spring training, followed by position players.
- February 28: Spring training games begin
- April 1: Opening Day
- July 13: MLB All-Star Game
- October 3: Final Day of Regular Season
- October 5: MLB Postseason begins
- November 3: Potential date for Game 7 of the World Series
Mlb Series Betting Rules
From February through November, you will have plenty of opportunities for MLB online betting. There are some important points to consider for each portion of the schedule.
MLB Spring Training
In comparison to the regular season, there’s just not much betting action on spring training games due to the unpredictable nature. However, that hasn’t prevented MLB from frowning upon it anyway. League offices have actually encouraged books to stop offering lines on these games, but that hasn’t deterred operators.
First-Half of MLB Regular Season
Mlb Series Betting Odds
The MLB regular season is (usually) a marathon, not a sprint. There will be preseason favorites who start off slow and projected also-rans who get off to blazing hot beginnings. Consult MLB win totals for a guide on projections heading in, and then pay close attention to momentum once the games that matter begin.
Second-Half of MLB Regular Season 2021
After the All-Star break, we should have a good sense of which teams are for real and those who are not. As always, matchups rule the day, but continue to keep a close eye on hot and cold streaks. This can also be a great time for contrarian thinking as you scout out potential upsets.
MLB Postseason 2021
By the time we get here, we’re dealing with the class of the sport for the season at hand. There are bettors who love the MLB playoffs and others who shy away and feel there’s not enough of an edge. Starting pitching and bullpen matchups become even more critical this time of year.
For betting purposes, remember the adage about the MLB season being a marathon as opposed to a sprint. You’ll have plenty of chances to make your move, but you can also pace yourself to stay in the race all season long.
Baseball betting tips
When it comes to betting on sports, it’s always a good idea to have a clear game plan. It’s the same with baseball betting. For starters, normal handicapping rules apply: matchup, momentum, and trends are among the things you’ll want to check out.
Digging even deeper, there are some specific MLB betting systems that have proven to be quite popular. Here are a few that you can consider adding to your repertoire.
1. Don’t go too heavy with huge favorites
Everyone likes a sure thing, but is it really that great of a deal when you’re only getting odds of -200 or more? There will be spots during the season where these bets make the most sense for a slate of games, but finding better value will have a bigger impact on your bottom line. Pay close attention to the games in which the favorite has odds under -150 and pick your spots.
2. Underdog betting can be quite profitable
This one comes with a big caveat: Don’t just randomly bet on -money underdogs and expect to turn a profit. They’re underdogs for a reason, and they’ll lose more than their fair share of games as a result. However, a strategic approach of spotting upsets ripe for the picking – even pitching matchup, team momentum – can lead you to some nice returns.
3. Shop for the best lines
Moneyline betting is a huge focus for MLB, but not all lines are created the same. For example, the Chicago Cubs could be the consensus favorite over the visiting Milwaukee Brewers. At one book, you find odds of -140 on the Cubs side, while another has them listed at -130. Such a seemingly small number may not seem like a lot, but it can absolutely add up over the course of a season.
It’s important to remember that there isn’t one single fail-proof MLB betting system. However, if you understand several and look for spots where they can be implemented correctly, then you could be on the path towards more winning tickets.