How to Bet on MLB - The Complete Guide for 2024
Unlock the ultimate guide to MLB betting in February 2024. Discover how it works, the best sportsbooks, various bet types, and more with FanNation.
This article will provide you with a full guide for MLB betting and how to bet on MLB games. Other questions we will answer will include, “Where to bet on MLB?” and “Can I bet on MLB games online legally?”
In addition to that, we will include several types of markets for MLB betting and several strategies for MLB betting as well. So, keep reading to learn everything there is to know about betting on baseball and the MLB.
📍 Where is MLB Betting Legal?
Before you learn how to bet on MLB games, one of the most important questions to ask is, “Can I bet on MLB games online legally?” The easiest way to answer this question is yes. The next pressing question is, “Where to bet on MLB?”, since we know that the answer to “Can I bet on MLB games online legally?”, is yes. Below, we have listed all of the available states that offer MLB betting:
Arkansas, Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maines, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Tennessee, Virginia, Washington, West Vermont, Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming.
⚾️ How to Bet on MLB
Since we have now explained "Where to bet on MLB?”, the next question to be answered is, “How to bet on MLB?” Our guide below will explain how to bet on MLB online:
- Select a sportsbook that offers MLB betting.
- Use our banners in this article to sign up at any of the available platforms.
- Enter your personal information using the on-screen instructions.
- Provide any required documentation.
- Confirm your account.
- Return to the homepage and go to the deposit screen.
- Select your deposit method.
- Enter the amount you wish to deposit.
- Confirm your deposit.
- Head back to the homepage and find MLB.
- Select the market you want to bet on.
- Click the MLB betting odds for the bet you wish to make.
- In your bet slip, enter the amount you wish to bet.
- Confirm your bet.
📲 Where to Bet on MLB Games Online
We have already explained where to bet on MLB in terms of the states, but now we will further explain which sportsbooks offer MLB betting regarding where to bet on MLB. Below, we have highlighted five sportsbooks in particular that offer MLB promo codes and have explained the benefits of using these sportsbooks.
MLB at DraftKings
The biggest reason why DraftKings Sportsbook is a preferred MLB betting sportsbook is because they offer a wide range of markets. They also offer a DraftKings welcome bonus that will protect new customers with a $1,000 No Sweat First Bet with a first deposit and first bet of $1-$1,000. If you lose, get your entire wager back in bonus money. Plus all new customers can opt-in for SGP insurance every day!
MLB at FanDuel
FanDuel Sportsbook is another great option because of the same game parlay markets that they offer. Their FanDuel welcome bonus will hand new customers $150 in bonus bets with a winning $5+ bet!
MLB at Caesars
Caesars Sportsbook is a great option because of the odds boosts page they offer. These will give you enhanced odds of select markets. Their welcome offer will give you up to $1,000 in a bonus bet back if your initial wager loses. Use the Caesars promo code FNEG1000 when signing up for a new account to claim this Caesars bonus offer.
MLB at BetMGM
BetMGM Sportsbook is a great sportsbook to use because they offer up-to-the-minute live betting markets. The BetMGM welcome offer will give new customers $150 in bonus bets after making a deposit and first bet of at least $10. Just use the BetMGM promo code FANNATION when registering.
⚾️ How MLB Betting Works
On a surface level, betting on MLB is easy to understand. You can bet on teams to win their games, bet on how many runs will be scored or bet on individual player performances.
⚾️ Popular MLB Betting Types
MLB wagering comes in many different forms. Below, we will explain how to bet on MLB when it comes to these different types of markets:
MLB Parlays
Parlays are some of the most popular MLB betting options because they can offer you huge payouts. To create a parlay, you will need to pick at least two different legs. For a parlay to win, every leg that you select must win. That is where parlays can be hard to win because of the fact that every leg must land successful.
MLB Same Game Parlay
Same Game Parlays work the same as any other parlay. The exception is that Same Game Parlays are created with one game instead of using multiple games. The same rules apply that you must win every leg for your Same Game Parlay to cash the bet.
MLB Futures
Future bets are typically made before the season starts. These bets can offer huge odds as you will likely be betting on a team to win the World Series, NLCS, ALCS or the winner of each division. The futures bets can also be made during the season, but the odds will shift based on how the team you want to bet on is doing.
Other Popular MLB Bets
One of the most popular markets in MLB betting is the Yes/No Run First Inning market. This is simply betting on if there will or will not be a run in the first inning of any particular game. These bets are quick, making them more exciting and you have the potential to win some money in what could be as little as just a few minutes.
⚾️ MLB Odds & Betting Lines Explained
Another factor essential to learn how to bet on MLB is the most common types of bets. Below we will explain what each of these refer to:
Money Line: The money line essentially refers to betting on which team will win the game.
Run Line: A standard run line bet is -1.5, which will require the team you bet on to win by at least two runs. Sometimes the run line can be -2.5 for heavier favorites. If you bet on an underdog, the run line will be +1.5. This means the underdog must win or lose by only one run.
Over/Under: The over/under refers to how many runs will be scored in the game. This will be either over or under a specific number.
📖 How to Read MLB Odds & Betting Lines
Now that you know how to bet on MLB, the next step is to learn how to read MLB betting lines. Below, we have provided some examples of odds you might see when MLB betting and how to read them:
- -120
- +110
The odds of -120 would be the favorite in this example and the minus sign indicates that you must bet more to win less. So, in this case, you would need to bet $12 to win $10. The odds of +110 would be the underdog and the plus sign means that you can bet less to win more. So with odds of +110, you could bet $10 to win $11.
📊 MLB Betting Trends
Tends are always important to know when you learn how to bet on MLB. One trend could be how a team performs against left-handed pitching. If a team is better against left-handed pitching, it could help to target them when they face a left-handed starting pitcher.
🤓 MLB Betting Strategies
Knowing betting strategies is another important factor when you learn how to bet on MLB. Below we have included three strategies that you can use:
Basic
A basic MLB strategy is looking at the current form of the team you want to bet on. If they are on a lengthy win streak, it may be worth backing them to continue their winning ways, while it is better to avoid teams that are poor.
Intermediate
Another strategy is making sure you analyze the starting pitchers for the game you are betting. Pitchers are one of the essential parts of MLB betting and it is wise to target the best pitchers, while avoiding pitchers who have high earned run averages.
Advanced
A more advanced strategy can focus on more of the niche stats. For pitchers, you can look at WHIP, xERA, hard hit rate, walk percentage and strikeout percentage. For batters, you can focus on .OBP and .OPS among others.
❌ What to Avoid When Betting on MLB
When you learn how to bet on MLB online, there are also some things you need to avoid. Below we have listed one of these pitfalls to avoid:
- Betting on heavy favorites
- In MLB betting, there will be games where teams can be favorites as short as -300. It is best to avoid odds like this because there are upsets in the MLB, and it is hard to be profitable long term when betting on favorites like this.
📱 Betting on MLB Games With Mobile Apps
When it comes to MLB, you can also use mobile apps. Below we have explained how to bet on MLB online with mobile apps:
- Head to the App Store or the Google Play Store
- Search for a sportsbook
- Download/Install the app
FAQs
❓ What is the Over/Under in MLB Betting?
The over/under refers to the game total, as a set number of runs will be posted for every MLB game. If you bet the over, the number of runs in the game must exceed the posted number. If you bet the under, the number of runs must stay under the posted number.
❓ Can I Bet on Individual Player Performances in MLB Games?
Yes, these are called player props and there are dozens of options to pick from.
❓ Can MLB Betting be Profitable?
Yes, MLB betting can be profitable, though not guaranteed. If you do your research, there’s no reason why you couldn’t be profitable betting on MLB.
❓ How to Bet on MLB & Win
MLB betting can be tricky and there is no sure strategy to win. That being said, if you bet smart and do not bet more than you are willing to lose, you can win with MLB betting over the long term.
Enjoyed this article? Further enhance your betting experience with our guides, handpicked for you:
If you or a loved one has questions or needs to talk to a professional about gambling, call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit 1800gambler.net for more information.
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