Soccer is the world’s most popular sport and one of the most exciting to bet on.
With matches happening every day across leagues and countries, there’s always a way to stay in the action.
How to bet on soccer games
How to place a bet on soccer online
How to bet on draws in soccer
Draws happen often in soccer, especially in lower-scoring leagues or even matchups.
Here’s how to approach them:
Types of soccer bets
Soccer offers a wide range of bets, from simple to advanced.
Whether you're new or experienced, knowing your options is key to smarter betting on soccer.
Moneyline (3-Way and 2-Way): The most common bet. In 3-way moneylines, you pick a team to win or a draw after 90 minutes. In 2-way moneylines, a draw becomes a push, and your bet is refunded if no one wins.
Over/Under (Totals): You bet on how many total goals will be scored in a match. For example, over 2.5 goals means you win if 3 or more goals are scored.
Point Spread (Handicap): Just like other sports, one team is favored by a goal margin. If you take a team at -1.5, they need to win by 2 or more for you to win the bet.
Both Teams to Score (BTTS): You’re betting “yes” or “no” on whether both teams will score in the match. It’s one of the most popular options for soccer betting online.
Futures: These long-term bets include league winners, top goal scorers, or which teams will be promoted or relegated. Great for bigger payouts and season-long action.
Prop Bets: Props include betting on things like who scores first, total corners, yellow cards, or even a specific scoreline. They add depth to betting online on soccer matches.
These bet types are found at every major soccer sportsbook, giving you plenty of ways to customize your soccer bet.
Soccer futures and outrights
Soccer futures let you bet on long-term outcomes, like who wins the World Cup or Premier League.
You can also bet on:
Teams to qualify from a group stage
Players to win the Golden Boot (top scorer)
Whether a team will be relegated
These bets offer larger payouts and keep you invested across a full season or tournament.
They’re a popular way to enjoy soccer sports betting beyond daily games.
Soccer betting strategy
We’ve placed thousands of soccer bets and learned what works.
These core strategies can help improve your edge.
Know the teams: Don’t bet just by name value. Some underdogs are in better form or match up well tactically.
Follow lineups and injuries: Key players missing can change everything. Lineups often drop 60–90 minutes before kickoff. Watch closely.
Understand match context: In tournaments, motivation matters. A team that only needs a draw may play more defensively.
Shop for odds: Lines vary between books. Comparing prices helps you get better value on every soccer bet.
Use discipline: Avoid chasing losses. Stick to your plan and stake size, especially in high-volume leagues.
Top soccer competitions and teams in the US
If you're betting on soccer in the US, knowing the major leagues and clubs helps you follow the action and spot value.
Major League Soccer (MLS): MLS is the top professional league in the US. It runs from late February to November, with playoffs and the MLS Cup to crown the champion. Teams like LAFC, Inter Miami, and Seattle Sounders draw strong fan support and betting interest.
US Open Cup: This is a knockout tournament open to all levels of American soccer. It’s known for upsets, as lower-league teams can beat MLS squads. Underdog bets here can bring value.
Leagues Cup: This tournament features clubs from MLS and Mexico’s Liga MX. It adds international flavor and extra matches during the summer break, boosting soccer betting online volume.
CONCACAF Champions Cup: Top MLS teams qualify to face the best from North America, Central America, and the Caribbean. These matches often feature tight odds and high-stakes soccer.
US Men’s and Women’s National Teams: International matches, like World Cup qualifiers and friendlies, bring major betting attention. Star players like Christian Pulisic and Sophia Smith help drive national team interest.
Frequently asked questions
You can view our dedicated page for more information on how we test and review sportsbooks.
Additionally, you can view all of our sportsbook reviews for the top platforms you can bet on soccer online.
How to bet on soccer sites responsibly
Although knowing your sports helps, betting is primarily luck-based, so use these top tips to practice responsible gambling when placing a bet:
Limits: Betting sites allow you to set betting limits, i.e. limit how much you can bet in a day, a week, or a month.
Cashouts: You can withdraw your winnings quite easily from any betting site, which prevents you from spending all of your winnings.
Help & resources: Betting platforms provide access to resources for problem gamblers and point them to organizations that can help with gambling addiction.
To help with gambling, we created a 'How To Bet On Sports' guide that helps new sports bettors understand the industry better, to play safer and more securely.
Problem gambling organizations and charities in the US
Why you can trust us
At Sporting Post, we prioritize accuracy, objectivity, and transparency in every piece of content we write.
Our expert team conducts thorough, real-world testing of betting platforms, ensuring reviews and insights are unbiased and reliable from a human perspective.
We adhere to strict ethical standards, maintaining editorial independence and avoiding conflicts of interest, while regularly updating our content to reflect the latest trends and developments.
Our mission is to empower bettors with trustworthy information, backed by rigorous research and a commitment to responsible gambling.
You can trust us to provide clear, concise, and honest advice, helping you make informed betting decisions.
Editorial policy
Our editorial policy ensures thoroughly researched, accurate, and unbiased content through strict sourcing standards and diligent review by top betting experts and seasoned editors.
This process maintains the integrity, relevance, and value of our content for our readers.
References
To test betting site products accurately, we dive into analytical research of the betting industry, so we understand what features are best for you.
Below are some of the references we use when making such decisions:
https://wsb.wharton.upenn.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Beggy_2023__Betting_Kelly.pdf
https://sc.edu/uofsc/posts/2024/01/stephen-shapiro-sports-gambling.php
Contributors
Bradley Gibbs
Author
With over 12 years of experience, Bradley Gibbs is a seasoned sports betting writer and analyst specializing in uncovering value bets across football, horse racing, tennis, and golf.
His extensive coverage of these sports has been featured on numerous websites and in The Racing & Football Outlook, a renowned UK betting publication.
Bradley's expertise lies in identifying betting edges and delivering insightful, data-driven content for informed wagering.
Josh Miller
Reviewed By
Josh Miller, Sporting Post’s Sports & Casino Editor, brings over five years of experience in feature writing, blogging, and SEO.
With a strong background in football coverage and sports betting, his work has been featured in VAVEL.
Josh also writes extensively about online casinos, providing expert insights into games, bonuses, and gambling trends.
His engaging and informative content makes him a reliable resource for Sporting Post readers.