Soccer Betting

If you’re a sports enthusiast who’s always found the constant action of soccer thrilling but felt intimidated by the betting scene, it’s time to lace up those cleats and enter the field. Soccer betting in the United States, in 2024, has become an accessible playground for everyone—from newbies wanting to put a friendly wager on their local team to seasoned pros looking to outsmart the bookies. The world’s most popular sport is experiencing a renaissance stateside, with Major League Soccer (MLS) getting stronger and U.S. national teams making headlines. Here’s your Esquire-certified guide to joining the game—and winning while you’re at it.

The Rise of Soccer Betting in the USA

Soccer, once dismissed as “that European pastime,” is now booming across the States. With high-profile signings (yes, we’re looking at you, Lionel Messi in Miami), stadiums packed to the rafters, and TV ratings breaking records, it’s no surprise that betting on soccer has become a favorite pastime for many American sports fans. According to recent stats, Americans are wagering more than ever on soccer—largely due to the increasing accessibility of legal sportsbooks and mobile betting platforms.

In 2024, we've already seen some epic matchups, like the U.S. Men's National Team taking on Mexico in the CONCACAF Gold Cup and thrilling MLS fixtures featuring LAFC, Inter Miami, and St. Louis City SC. And, of course, it wouldn't be a true soccer year without a few surprises in the form of underdog victories that made bettors' pockets heavier.

Whether you're betting on MLS, the Gold Cup, or the Copa America hosted here in the U.S., there are countless opportunities to place your bets. But where do you start, and how do you make sure you’re making smart decisions rather than blind shots in the dark?

Soccer Betting Basics: Deciphering the Odds and Markets

Let’s face it: soccer betting can seem like a daunting maze. What’s a moneyline? A prop bet? Why do people care so much about “both teams to score”? Here’s a breakdown of the basics.

1. The Moneyline: Picking the Winner

The simplest form of soccer betting is the moneyline. You’re placing a bet on which team will win the game outright. In soccer, you’ll often have three options:

Team A to Win (e.g., LA Galaxy)
Team B to Win (e.g., Portland Timbers)
Draw

Since soccer games often end in ties, the draw is an option that adds an extra layer of nuance. In a 2024 match between Inter Miami and New York Red Bulls, a bettor could back Messi’s Miami for the win, pick the Red Bulls as an underdog, or simply bet on a tie.

2. Point Spread or Goal Line Betting

Betting on the goal line in soccer works similarly to the point spread in football or basketball. You are betting on whether a team will win by more than a specified number of goals or whether an underdog will lose by less than a certain amount. For instance, if LAFC is given a -1.5 spread against Chicago Fire, they need to win by two goals or more for your bet to pay off.

3. Over/Under Goals: For Those Who Love a Good Scorefest

Over/Under betting is another popular market for soccer fans. You’re simply betting on how many goals will be scored in a game. Will it be a defensive slugfest (under 2.5 goals) or a goal-heavy showdown (over 2.5 goals)? For example, when St. Louis City SC played Seattle Sounders in 2024, the over/under line was set at 3.5. Bettors had to decide whether both teams combined would score four or more goals or fewer.

4. Both Teams to Score (BTTS)

If you’re watching a game between two high-scoring teams—let's say Atlanta United and Orlando City—you might consider the Both Teams to Score bet. Here, you’re simply betting that both teams will find the back of the net during the match. It’s thrilling, straightforward, and perfect if you expect an open game with lots of attacking play.

5. Prop Bets: Getting Specific

Prop bets, or proposition bets, are for those who enjoy a more specific kind of thrill. You can bet on the number of corners in a game, who will score first, whether there will be a red card, or even if a penalty will be awarded. During the 2024 U.S. Men’s National Team games, prop bets were incredibly popular for predicting if rising star Christian Pulisic would score in the first half.

2024 Soccer Events That Had Bettors Talking

To understand how betting works in practice, let’s look at some notable soccer events in 2024 that generated excitement—and plenty of betting action.

1. The CONCACAF Gold Cup: USA vs. Mexico

Few rivalries are as heated as USA vs. Mexico. When they faced off in the 2024 CONCACAF Gold Cup, sportsbooks saw a flurry of action. Betting on this match wasn’t just about national pride; it was also an opportunity to capitalize on what was expected to be a close encounter.

Moneyline: With both teams in good form, the odds were almost even, which meant value was found in the draw at +240. The game ended in a hard-fought 1-1 draw, and those who backed it had plenty to celebrate.
Props and Goal Scorers: Betting on a goal from Ricardo Pepi, who was in sensational form, was a popular choice, paying +150 for a goal anytime. He delivered, and those who bet on him were rewarded handsomely.

2. Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami Journey in the MLS

Messi’s move to Inter Miami continued to shake up the soccer landscape in the U.S., and the betting world took note. Every time Miami took to the pitch, there was anticipation—and some savvy betting opportunities.

Messi to Score Anytime: With odds at -110 for Messi to score in a regular-season match against New England Revolution, many bettors jumped on it. True to form, Messi found the net, and for those who backed him, it was an easy win.
Assist Bets: Messi’s playmaking abilities also meant many were betting on him to register an assist, often at attractive odds like +175. This proved to be a lucrative bet, especially when he was feeding Josef Martinez upfront.

Key Strategies for Successful Soccer Betting

Betting on soccer requires more than just picking your favorite team and hoping for the best. To be successful, you need a strategy, a sharp eye, and some insider tips. Here are some strategies that can help you navigate the complex world of soccer betting in 2024.

1. Know the Teams and Players

This might sound obvious, but in soccer, knowledge is power. Understanding a team's style of play, form, injuries, and even the weather conditions can make a significant difference. For instance, a bet on Seattle Sounders to win at home is usually a safer wager than betting on them away—simply due to their home crowd advantage and consistent performances on home turf.

2. Specialize in a League or Team

The best soccer bettors tend to specialize. Rather than trying to bet on every game in every league, focus on one league, like MLS, or even just a couple of teams. Understanding the ins and outs of a particular team's form, transfers, and tactics can give you a critical edge.

3. Betting In-Play: Catching the Momentum

One of the more thrilling ways to bet on soccer is to do it in-play. This means betting on a game while it’s happening. If you notice that Philadelphia Union is dominating possession against DC United, but the score is still 0-0, you might place a bet on Philadelphia to score next at an attractive price. Betting in-play requires quick thinking and a solid understanding of game dynamics.

4. Watch for Underdog Value

Soccer has a reputation for unpredictability, and there are often great opportunities to find value in underdog bets. During the 2024 MLS season, we saw St. Louis City SC take down favorites New York City FC in a stunning 3-1 victory, with odds of +450 for a St. Louis win. Those who had faith in the underdog were greatly rewarded.

Understanding the Odds: American, Decimal, and Fractional

Odds come in different forms, and it’s crucial to understand them to make smart betting choices.

American Odds

American odds, also known as moneyline odds, are common in the U.S. If you see odds of +200, it means you’ll win $200 on a $100 bet. Negative odds, like -150, mean you need to wager $150 to win $100. In a 2024 game between LA Galaxy and San Jose Earthquakes, if LA Galaxy were at -110, they were slight favorites.

Decimal Odds

When it comes to the world of sports betting, Decimal Odds are often seen as the clearest and most straightforward way to calculate potential payouts. While American Odds are more common in the United States, many bettors find decimal odds easier to understand, especially when you're looking to make quick decisions on in-play bets. So what exactly are decimal odds, and how do you use them to your advantage?

The Basics: What Are Decimal Odds?

Decimal Odds represent the total amount you will receive if your bet wins, including your original stake. They’re presented as a single number—simple and elegant, much like a perfectly placed free-kick. The formula is simple:

Payout = Stake x Decimal Odds

If you see odds of 3.00, for example, and you place a $100 bet, your potential payout is $300. This payout includes both your initial stake and your profit, which means you'd make a profit of $200 if your bet wins.

It’s the simplicity of this system that appeals to many bettors, especially those looking to make sense of complicated odds without pulling out the calculator. And in 2024, as soccer continues to captivate audiences across the United States, let’s break down how decimal odds have played a role in some of the year’s top events.

Decimal Odds in Action: MLS and International Soccer 2024

Let’s look at a few specific examples from key matchups in 2024 to understand how decimal odds function in real-life betting scenarios.

Example 1: The U.S. Men's National Team vs. Canada (CONCACAF Gold Cup)

During the 2024 CONCACAF Gold Cup, the U.S. Men’s National Team faced off against their northern rivals, Canada, in what turned out to be a gripping clash. Here’s how the odds looked at a popular sportsbook:

USA to Win: 1.85
Canada to Win: 4.00
Draw: 3.25

To put it in perspective, if you placed a $100 bet on the USA to Win at 1.85 odds, here’s how your potential payout would work:

Payout = Stake x Decimal Odds
Payout = $100 x 1.85 = $185

In this case, you’d earn $85 profit, plus you’d get your original $100 stake back. On the other hand, if you had a hunch that Canada might surprise everyone and placed the same $100 bet on them to win at 4.00, your potential payout would be $400—which includes a profit of $300 plus your stake. High risk, high reward.

If you expected the game to be a tightly contested draw and bet $100 on a 3.25 draw, your payout would be $325—a profit of $225.

Example 2: Inter Miami vs. LA Galaxy (MLS Regular Season)

With Lionel Messi in full swing for Inter Miami, it’s hard to ignore the excitement when LA Galaxy came to town in 2024. The odds for this match were:

Inter Miami to Win: 1.50
LA Galaxy to Win: 5.50
Draw: 4.20

Let’s say you were confident that Messi’s magic would lead Miami to victory, and you placed a $200 bet on Inter Miami at 1.50 odds. Here’s how that plays out:

Payout = Stake x Decimal Odds
Payout = $200 x 1.50 = $300

You’d profit $100, and your total return would be $300.

Now imagine you felt a bit daring and wanted to back LA Galaxy as an underdog with the odds of 5.50. A $100 bet on LA Galaxy would yield:

Payout = $100 x 5.50 = $550

In this scenario, if LA Galaxy pulled off the upset, you’d walk away with $450 profit, plus your original $100 stake. Betting on underdogs is always a bit of a thrill—sometimes they upset the favorites and turn a small bet into a big win.

Lastly, if you thought the two teams would grind out a draw at 4.20 odds and wagered $100, your potential payout would be:

Payout = $100 x 4.20 = $420

That’s $320 profit, plus your original $100.

Why Choose Decimal Odds?

1. Straightforward Calculation

Decimal odds are a favorite for a good reason—they’re the easiest way to quickly calculate potential payouts. There’s no need to do complex conversions or figure out how much profit is made. Just multiply your stake by the odds, and you’re good to go. This simplicity is particularly useful during in-play betting, where decisions need to be made in real-time, often with adrenaline pumping.

2. Easier Comparison

Decimal odds allow you to easily compare potential winnings between bets. For example, when deciding between betting on Inter Miami or LA Galaxy in the above scenario, you could instantly see that 5.50 odds give a much bigger potential payout compared to 1.50—although with greater risk.

3. Widely Used Globally

Decimal odds are the international standard for sportsbooks, making it easier if you’re betting on leagues outside of the U.S., such as the English Premier League or UEFA Champions League. Betting on Manchester United vs. Real Madrid? You’ll see the odds in decimal form almost everywhere outside of North America.

Using Decimal Odds to Calculate Probability

One hidden gem within decimal odds is the ability to calculate implied probability. This helps you determine whether a bet offers good value. The formula to determine the probability implied by decimal odds is:

Implied Probability (%) = (1 / Decimal Odds) x 100

Let’s go back to the USA vs. Canada Gold Cup example, where the odds for USA to win were 1.85.

Implied Probability = (1 / 1.85) x 100 ≈ 54.1%

This means that, according to the bookmakers, the USA had about a 54.1% chance of winning. Now, if you personally believed that the USA had a higher chance, say 65%, this would represent a value bet, where your personal assessment of the probability suggests the bookmakers are underestimating the team's chances.

Example: Inter Miami vs. LA Galaxy

With LA Galaxy listed at 5.50 to win against Inter Miami, the implied probability is:

Implied Probability = (1 / 5.50) x 100 ≈ 18.2%

This means the sportsbook believes there’s roughly an 18.2% chance that LA Galaxy would win the match. If you think the Galaxy have a better chance, say 25%, then a bet on them might present good value.

Decimal Odds and Parlay Betting: Chasing Big Wins

Another common use for decimal odds in soccer betting is when you’re looking to build a parlay, or accumulator, which involves combining multiple bets into a single wager for a bigger payout.

For example, if you wanted to combine three matches into a parlay:

USA to Win vs. Canada at 1.85
Inter Miami to Win vs. LA Galaxy at 1.50
Atlanta United to Win vs. Orlando City at 2.10

The overall odds for your parlay are calculated by multiplying all the decimal odds:

Parlay Odds = 1.85 x 1.50 x 2.10 = 5.81

If you placed a $100 bet on this parlay, your potential payout would be:

Payout = $100 x 5.81 = $581

The parlay offers the chance for a bigger win—but remember, all three outcomes need to be correct. One wrong result, and the entire bet loses. It’s higher risk, higher reward, and decimal odds make calculating that reward straightforward.

Decimal Odds and In-Play Betting: Seizing the Momentum

In-play betting (also known as live betting) is another area where decimal odds shine. Imagine LAFC is playing Portland Timbers in a crucial 2024 MLS match, and after 20 minutes, the game is still 0-0. If you believe that LAFC is dominating and it’s only a matter of time before they score, you might decide to place an in-play bet on them to win.

The in-play odds might be 2.10 for an LAFC victory at that point.

If you place a $50 bet at 2.10 odds:

Payout = $50 x 2.10 = $105

Using decimal odds during in-play betting helps you make quick, informed decisions—vital when the game is evolving moment by moment.

Fractional Odds

Fractional odds are mostly used in the UK. They might look like 5/2, meaning you win $5 for every $2 bet. While not as commonly used in the U.S., understanding them can be useful if you’re betting on international games or through European-based bookies.

Bankroll Management: Staying in the Game

One of the most overlooked aspects of betting is proper bankroll management. Think of your bankroll as your betting budget. Don’t wager more than you’re willing to lose, and set limits on how much you’ll bet per game. Experts recommend betting 1-3% of your bankroll per bet. So if you start with a bankroll of $1,000, stick to bets between $10 and $30. This strategy helps protect your funds during inevitable losing streaks.

Where to Bet: Choosing Your Sportsbook Wisely

Not all sportsbooks are created equal. Choosing a reliable platform that offers competitive odds and attractive promotions is crucial. Popular options for soccer betting in the U.S. include BetMGM, FanDuel, and DraftKings. Each of these sportsbooks provides a user-friendly interface, excellent customer service, and special soccer betting promotions, like risk-free bets or boosted odds for major events like the Gold Cup or MLS Playoffs.

2024 MLS Cup Final: A Betting Case Study

One of the most-watched events of the year was the 2024 MLS Cup Final between LAFC and Atlanta United. Let’s break down the betting landscape for this monumental match:

Moneyline: LAFC entered the match as the favorite at -125. Atlanta United, known for their surprise performances, was at +300, while the draw was priced at +230.
Player Props: Betting on Carlos Vela to score at any time (+150) was popular. Given Vela's form during the season, this seemed a likely outcome. He delivered, making this a winning bet for many.
Over/Under: The over/under for the game was set at 2.5 goals. Bettors who knew both teams’ attacking capabilities felt confident going over. With the match ending 3-2 in favor of LAFC, those who took the over were happy with their foresight.

Wrapping It Up: The Thrill of Soccer Betting

Soccer betting in America is more than just a way to pass the time during a match; it’s an art that can turn your passion for the sport into an exciting and potentially profitable venture. Whether you’re watching U.S. Men’s National Team games, tuning into MLS, or even following international tournaments, understanding the types of bets, recognizing value, and playing smart will always give you an edge.

So the next time you’re sitting in a bar, watching Inter Miami take on NYCFC, pull up your sportsbook app, and think beyond just who’s going to win. There’s a world of betting opportunities waiting for you to explore—from predicting both teams to score to banking on Messi’s magical left foot delivering a free-kick masterclass.

Welcome to soccer betting in America. Play smart, bet responsibly, and above all—enjoy the beautiful game.