Major League Baseball begins its regular season in late March or early April and typically runs all the way through September before the playoffs begin in October. The sport — aka “America’s pastime” — remains popular with bettors, and legal US sportsbooks will offer odds on every MLB game, along with multiple futures for every team and division. All the information about MLB sports betting is here.
One thing many bettors like about baseball is that it’s a stat-heavy sport, offering many options for player props, team props and game props. There are many ways to bet on a baseball game, whether as a whole or even by inning. Below, we’ll look at the various ways to bet on games, along with current MLB odds and information on available bets throughout the MLB season.
Best online sportsbooks with MLB betting promos
How to bet on Major League Baseball
- First, you’ll want to locate the sportsbook that’s best for you and is available in your state. You can use one of the odds tables above to see if there is a bet with odds that you like, then click the odds to go to that sportsbook.
- To sign up for an account at a specific sportsbook, you’ll need to enter some basic personal information. This typically includes name, date of birth, address, email, phone number and Social Security number. Eligibility requirements and legal betting age may differ slightly from state to state.
- You’ll also need to enable geolocation on the device you are using to confirm that you are located in an eligible state where that specific sportsbook has a license to operate. This allows the sportsbook to confirm that you are an eligible and legal customer.
- Once you’ve created your account, you’ll need to deposit money for wagering. Some sportsbooks offer bonuses based on the amount of your initial deposit, so read up on the available promos for any sportsbook you choose.
- With money now in your account, you’re ready to place your first wager. The sportsbook may also have a promotion that applies only to your first bet, so be sure to check the details for that if such a deal exists.
Why trust our links
All of the links here have been tested and vetted for accuracy and security. They will direct you to the correct website, updated with current information and American odds.
Deposit and withdrawal methods
Sportsbooks can vary somewhat in the options they offer for deposits and withdrawals, but a few methods are common at most major betting sites. Two of the most popular choices are PayPal and ACH transfer.
PayPal is popular in part because of the speed of the transactions, but also because it usually offers no-fee transactions, which is not always the case with other e-wallet options. ACH (or automated clearing house) transfers are electronic transfers between banks. As long as you have an account with a bank that is accepted by the sportsbook you’re using, this can be a quick and convenient option.
Some sportsbooks also accept credit cards and/or debit cards, but these can also come with extra fees. It’s also possible that the card issuer could reject your deposit. Venmo and Cash App are also options at some, but not all, sportsbooks.
Typical welcome bonuses
Many sportsbooks offer promos to new users. These can vary from state to state, and the exact details may change from one month to the next, so be sure to read up on the current deals at your preferred sportsbook in your state.
Some of the most common promotions are deposit bonuses and first-bet bonuses. Sportsbooks will sometimes offer a certain amount in bonus funds when you make your first deposit, perhaps matching that deposit. Other sportsbooks may offer a bonus when you place your first bet, or a refund if that first bet loses.
An important thing to note is that these bonuses almost always take the form of site credit or bonus bets that you can use at that specific sportsbook. Such bonuses will typically require you to wager them one or more times at the book before you are able to withdraw any resulting winnings (should you win). Be sure to read the specific requirements of any bonus you plan to use.
For more information on sports betting odds and how they work, check out our odds page.
Betting apps for MLB
DraftKings Sportsbook
DraftKings Sportsbook is among the most well-known and widespread online sports betting options. It offers multiple betting options for every MLB game, including spring training and playoff games, along with a typically solid sign-up bonus for new users.
DraftKings is available in the following states: AZ, CO, CT, IL, IN, IA, KS, LA, MA, MD, MI, NH, NJ, NY, OH, PA, TN, VA, WV and WY.
FanDuel Sportsbook
FanDuel Sportsbook grew into a staple of daily fantasy sports and has since become one of the major players in online sports betting. It offers smooth and intuitive navigation and plenty of betting options for every MLB game.
FanDuel is available in the following states: AZ, CO, CT, IL, IN, IA, KS, LA, MA, MD, MI, NJ, NY, OH, PA, TN, VA, WV and WY.
BetMGM Sportsbook
BetMGM Sportsbook has been gradually gaining traction in the world of online sports betting and is now available in many states. It offers a range of odds throughout the MLB season, including pre-selected player and team specials to choose from.
BetMGM is available in the following states: AZ, CO, DC, IL, IN, IA, KS, LA, MA, MD, MI, MS, NJ, OH, NV, NY, PA, TN, VA, WV and WY. Note: Offer not available in DC, MS, NV or NY.
PointsBet Sportsbook
PointsBet Sportsbook has grown rapidly since debuting in the US in 2019. The company has been an innovator in offering new and different sports betting options, such as the “lightning bet” feature that allows for multiple short-term bets throughout the course of a game.
PointsBet is available in the following states: CO, IL, IN, IA, KS, LA, MD, MI, NJ, NY, OH, PA, VA and WV.
BetRivers Sportsbook
BetRivers Sportsbook has gone from a regional presence to an increasingly national player on the sports betting scene, with help from a strong rewards program. It offers multiple options for MLB bettors throughout the regular season and postseason, as well as various futures betting options.
BetRivers is available in the following states: AZ, CO, IL, IN, IA, LA, MD, MI, OH, NJ, NY, PA, VA and WV.
MLB betting terms
Moneyline: This is a straightforward bet on which team will win the game. All that matters for this type of bet is correctly picking the winning team. The final score or margin of victory is irrelevant.
Run line (spread): Run lines in baseball operate similarly to how point spreads do in football and basketball. For this type of bet, what you care about is a team’s margin of victory or defeat.
For MLB games, the typical run line is 1.5. This means one team will be the favorite at -1.5. A bet on that team would only be successful if the team wins by two runs or more. The other team will be the underdog at +1.5. A bet on that team would be successful if the team loses by only one run or wins by any margin.
Total (over/under): This allows you to bet on the total number of runs that both teams will combine to score in a game. For this bet, the sportsbook will set a number as the total. You can bet whether the two teams will combine to score over or under that number.
Prop bet: A prop (short for proposition) allows you to bet on specific instances occurring during a game. There are team and game props, such as which team will score the first or last run. Another bet is whether the game will go to extra innings.
There are also player props. Options include how many strikeouts a pitcher will record or whether a specific player will hit a home run.
Baseball-specific terms
No run first inning (NRFI): This bet is a simple wager on whether there will be any runs in the first inning of a game. Part of the appeal of this type of bet is that it yields a relatively quick result. By the time the game reaches the top of the second inning, you’ll know the outcome of this bet.
Total bases: This is a bet on how many bases a hitter will gain through the course of the game with his batting alone. For instance, if a player collects two singles and one double in a game, his total bases would be four. Walks, steals and other advancements from something other than hits do not count toward the base total.
Key MLB dates
- March 30: Opening day
- April 29 and 30: MLB Mexico series
- June 24 and 25: MLB London series
- July 7-11: 2023 MLB draft
- July 10-13: 2023 All-Star break
- October 1: Final day of the regular season
- October 3: Playoffs begin
MLB betting FAQs
Can I bet on MLB?
Yes. In every state where online sports betting is legal, sportsbooks will offer odds for every MLB game. This includes the regular season and the postseason.
What are some popular MLB bets?
One of the most popular MLB bets is the moneyline, which means simply picking which team will win the game. Shorter-term bets such as “no run first inning” have also gained in popularity.
What is a run line?
Run line bets operate similarly to point spreads in other sports. The favorite typically has a run line of -1.5. A bet on that team is only successful if the team wins by two runs or more. A bet on the team with a +1.5 run line means that the bet is successful if the team wins by any margin or loses by only one run.
What important factors should I consider when betting on MLB games?
One of the most important variables that can influence the odds of any game is the starting pitchers. Odds between the same two teams can vary from one day to the next based on pitchers alone. Always look for updated information on who is scheduled to pitch and which players are active in the lineup.
What player props are available in MLB betting?
Player props vary depending on the sportsbook. But popular options involve key stats for hitters (odds to record a hit, home run, RBI, etc.), as well as stats for pitchers (such as total strikeouts).
What game props are available in MLB betting?
Again, prop options will vary by sportsbook. Popular choices include whether a team will score in the first inning. Additional options are the total number of hits and the highest-scoring inning.