Soccer is a global sports phenomenon. This statement gets verified by the fact that more nations are members of FIFA than the UN. And judging by the passion fans demonstrate for their local clubs and national soccer teams, it’s clear the sport plays a crucial role in the lives of billions.
The catharsis of soccer for fans isn’t limited only to stadiums. Most prefer to wager on a sports betting site that caters to novice and experienced punters. The suspenseful atmosphere of the game gets boosted with bets on global events like the World Cup or prestigious international leagues, which feature the biggest names of the sport.
Newbie bettors frequently face difficulties selecting the best soccer betting site. The overcrowded sportsbook market complicates choices for rookies, which is why they can benefit from our comprehensive guide. American punters should choose the most appropriate option that fits their requirements.
Our in-depth analysis focuses on specific parameters that make it possible to identify the best online betting sites that provide a satisfactory wagering experience.
BetUS | Curacao Gaming License | England Premier League, UEFA Europa League, MLS, World Cup Qual. – CONCACAF, La Liga, Seria A, Bundesliga | Link |
DraftKings | New York State Gaming Commission; UK Gambling Commission | UEFA Europa League, England Premier League, MLS, orld Cup Qual. – CONCACAF, La Liga, Seria A, Bundesliga, | Link |
Betway | UK Gambling Commission | England Premier League, MLS, World Cup Qual. – CONCACAF, La Liga, Seria A, Bundesliga, UEFA Europa League | Link |
Caesars | Indiana Gaming Commission; Colorado Limited Gaming Control Commission; New York State Gaming Commission | UEFA Europa League England Premier League, France Ligue 1, La Liga, Seria A, Bundesliga | Link |
BetMGM | New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement; Arizona Department of Gaming | La Liga, MLS,UEFA Europa League, , Seria A, England Premier League, France Ligue 1, Bundesliga | Link |
PointsBet | New York State Gaming Commission; New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement | UEFA Europa LeagueEngland Premier League, France Ligue 1, La Liga, Seria A, Bundesliga | Link |
Benefits of Online Soccer Betting
Typically punters in the USA will have two options for wagering on soccer, physically visit a land-based sportsbook or access an online establishment. Online sports betting is legal in 19 states and is continually increasing its wagering market share.
The reason is simple; betting online provides numerous advantages compared with in-person wagering. We will examine some of the positives aspects that can shine a light on the benefits of registering on an online betting site. Those include:
- Convenience
- Offers and Promotions
- Live Streaming Services
- Choice of Markets
Convenience
There is no getting around it; online platforms save time and provide comfort for punters that can wager from their homes. Placing a bet in a land-based sportsbook requires traveling, expenses for fuel, dealing with potentially unfavorable weather elements.
Plus, there is no waiting in line as opposed to the crowd of excited bettors at the local brick-and-mortar sportsbook. This is especially true over the weekends when most soccer games get played.
With online betting sites, there are no distractions. Punters can devote their energy to the most promising betting slip by researching the betting market and comparing offers.
Bettors are allowed to place bets whenever they like, and payments are processed directly to the bank account.
Offers and Promotions
Bonus is not a concept practiced in in-person sportsbooks. Although to be fair, some land-based sports betting establishments provide some promotions. However, the scope and variety of bonuses are unparalleled in online soccer betting sites.
Online sportsbook promotions are the primary recruiting tool, and by gravitating in the virtual betting landscape, punters get more bang for their buck.
Live Streaming Services
An experienced bettor can argue that land-based sportsbooks have TVs that regularly tune into soccer games. And while this is true, it’s worth remembering that not every game is broadcasted on local TV, and live-streaming makes it possible to tap into the global market.
Most sportsbooks provide free streaming for registered members with a funded account. Plus, betting sites cover games with feeds that inform punters about the latest development with play-by-play coverage. These are valuable resources for active bettors.
Not every platform offers live streaming; that’s why research plays a crucial role in selecting the best option.
Choice of Markets
Physical sportsbooks provide a small booklet that catalog most of the leagues they offer, but scrolling through pages is time-consuming. The search option in online betting expedites the process.
Additionally, there is a limit to the variety of soccer markets in a land-based establishment compared to the digital capacity of a web platform that stores most international competitions with the best odds.
How We Identify the Best Soccer Betting Sites
Punters should commit to a soccer betting site that guarantees a significant impact on their wagering experience. When vetting a sportsbook, certain criteria must be considered. Identifying the right sight can be time-intensive, but experts like online-gambling.com have curated an in-depth best Soccer betting sites list that ticks a lot of the boxes. We will explain the step-by-step process that reveals how to identify a reputable online soccer betting platform.
Trust and Licensing
When registering at a sportsbook, bettors entrust personal and financial data to the platform. Understandably, the level of security on a platform is a priority. Punters can recognize a sportsbook with integrity by consulting online reviews from active and previous members of a betting site.
Sportsbooks that have been around for years are more likely to be legal betting sites. And the proof is in the licenses issued by various gambling authorities that signal the sportsbook is following the latest industry standards.
Most platforms get licensed by individual state gambling commissions in the USA. But in some cases get their credentials from the Malta Gaming Authority, United Kingdom Gambling Commission, or Panama Gaming Control Board.
League Coverage
The global scope of soccer is unmatched in the sports world. It’s hard to find a country that doesn’t have a professional league. The popularity of soccer makes it a staple on TV channels that regularly televise important games. Meaning punters can get acquainted with different international competitions. In turn, it enables sportsbooks to provide a wider market coverage.
The best online betting sites will not focus only on major leagues. They will include European and Asian championships that provide a substantial inventory of games. Our selection focuses on sportsbooks with comprehensive coverage of significant competitions.
Mobile Betting
A soccer betting site must function flawlessly on mobile devices. Before registering on a platform, inspect if the sportsbook is mobile-friendly. The convenience offered by a smartphone has been a strong impulse for the industry, and most sites are incorporating mobile betting.
The dedicated soccer betting apps have become a standard for big brand platforms, and they evolved into a synonym for online betting. Sportsbooks provide a version that is compatible with Android and iOS. Although some prefer to use the responsive design that faithfully recreates the official website on a mobile device.
Lucrative Odds
Soccer betting is about identifying options that provide value. Bettors are encouraged to compare betting lines between sportsbooks and locate opportune odds. Some online soccer betting sites prefer to play it safe, but the best soccer betting sites will provide fair odds.
Compering betting lines is the recommended method to identify the best odds that generate bigger potential payouts.
Banking Options
Wagering is not possible with a banking intermediary to facilitate funds transfer. Most betting sites will include standard credit and debit card providers and bank transfers. However, serious punters prefer modern electronic payment providers that offer faster transfer speeds and reduced fees.
The best soccer sportsbook will have a diverse cashier section without hidden fees for deposits and withdraws.
Bonuses and Promotions
Novice bettors are encouraged to benefit from bonuses provided by betting sites. Each sportsbook creates the promotional program independently, and although the types of bonuses are universal, the percentage and wagering requirements will vary.
That is why it’s crucial to inspect the promo section and locate soccer betting sites with reoccurring bonuses and fair rollovers.
Customer Support
For experienced bettors, navigating a platform is straightforward, but new punters may encounter difficulties. Having a reliable customer support team to call upon in an emergency should not get underestimated.
Reputable soccer sportsbooks offer live chat that’s accessible 24/7. And other channels of communication such as phone numbers or email must be available.
Getting Started and Wager on Soccer Online
After prospective sportsbooks are filtered and the appropriate betting site gets selected, it’s time to get you up and running. You need to complete several steps before starting to formulate a betting slip.
- Register – Creating an account is straightforward and takes only a couple of minutes. Navigate to the sign-up button to access the form where you will provide the necessary information. Standard requirements include providing full name, address, phone number, date of birth, and email.
The information must get verified with a copy of a passport or driver’s license, and Bettors also get to create a username and password.
- Deposit – Following the activation of an account, the next step is to fund it via the cashier section. This is a prerequisite for placing bets. Most online soccer betting sites offer diverse banking options, and bettors can select the preferred payment provider to make the first deposit. Most sportsbooks have a minimum deposit limit, and typically it’s about $20.
- Wager – With a secured bankroll, punters can start browsing betting markets and select soccer bets that look promising. Betting is done electronically, with simple scrolling with a mouse or finger over a smartphone screen.
Once the games and bet types are selected, punters need to enter the amount they plan to stake and verify the transaction. The final betting slip will get displayed with the potential payouts. The betting slip gets automatically archived on the account, but punters can also print it.
- Payouts – If the outcome of the soccer game is what you predicted in the betting slip, the winnings will automatically be credited to the account. Winnings can be withdrawn or stay on the account and get used for wagering in the future.
Soccer betting sites will have few stipulations on the maximum and minimum withdrawal amounts. The speed of payouts also depends on the banking option used by the bettor.
Understanding Soccer Odds
On the other side of the pond, online betting sports sites offer soccer odds in different sizes and shapes. The standard repertoire includes fractional, American, and decimal odds. And since we are on the North American continent, we shall focus on understanding American betting lines.
It’s worth noting that most sportsbooks will have an inbuilt converter that will translate the betting lines in the desired format.
American odds get presented as numbers with a minus or plus symbol in front of them. It’s standard practice for the favorite team to receive minus odds, while the underdog gets rewarded with plus odds.
The odds are quoting the amount that can be won with a $100 wager. And punters get to decide the amount they will stake. They can wager more money or less but are not allowed to go under the minimum amount set by the betting site.
If the number quoted is positive, a wager at +200 means you can win $200 for a $100 stake. Yet if negative, then things get a little bit tricky. For example, if you place a wager at -150, it signals you have to invest $150 to win $100.
Learning how betting lines function will eliminate unnecessary confusion when preparing a betting slip.
Popular Soccer Bet Types
Novice bettors are under the false impression that the only choice is to pick the winner. However, there is a significant amount of various betting types for wagering on soccer. Punters need to get familiar with each option and learn how they can incorporate them into their strategy.
Moneyline
It’s the simplest form of wagering that requires selecting the winning team. That’s not entirely true for soccer, as soccer bettors refer to it as the 3-way Moneyline wager. Unlike most other sports, a tie is a realistic option in soccer games, and punters get that choice, together with a bet on the home or the away team.
The odds get represented in standard American fashion. And from the three options, the draw offers the biggest potential payout, followed by the underdog.
Goal Line
This is soccer’s version of the point spread, a betting type that aims to provide action on both sides of the game. The idea is to balance out the teams by deducting goals from the favorite and giving them equal to the underdog. A winning slip results if the chosen club covers the spread.
For example, a -1.5 goal line means the favorite will have to finish with two or more goals. The same rule applies for the underdog, and a +1.5 goal line, signals a team must lose with less than a goal. Soccer sportsbooks typically provide several goal lines in one game.
Over/Under
Some betting sites call it totals, but the concept is identical. Bettors choose if the combined score of both teams will be over or below the suggested total. Soccer is not a high-scoring sport, and the average over/under is 2.5.
Punters wager that following the final referee whistle, the result on the scoreboard will add up to more than 3 goals or less than 2. Each option has different odds, although they vary slightly because the game can really go both ways.
Parlay
For most new punters parlay bets are a big revelation since a betting slip can contain several wagers. One benefit of parlay bets for punters is the option to combine various games and use different betting types.
This is the preferred betting type in Europe. But it’s also a risky option because every game must pan out to secure a winning slip. The attraction is that the odds multiply with every game that gets added, generating potentially lucrative payouts.
In-play
Soccer is an intense sport, and an in-play bet, also known as live betting, is a fun option to complement the exciting action on the pitch. Punters get an opportunity to bet while a soccer game is active. It’s a popular concept because it makes it possible for bettors to feel like they are part of the game.
Live streaming or TV broadcasts are a prerequisite for in-play betting. And the odds are not static but change as the game develops and favors the team that is dominating in a given moment.
Prop Bets
It gets perceived as a fun option, but proposition bets have proven prevalent in soccer. Essentially, punters wager on the possible scenario in a game. And some sportsbooks can get very creative with prop bets.
Which player will get a red card? How many saves will the goalkeeper have? These are only some of the imaginative options. Although an entreating format, not every betting site offers prop bets. They get frequently integrated with in-play bets.
Popular Soccer Competitions to Bet Online
Being a global sport means sportsbooks are never deficient in soccer matches. There is a professional game getting played in every time zone and season. Although most international leagues offer attractive odds, premier soccer competitions steal the spotlight.
World Cup
Soccer fans are not the only ones fascinated by the World Cup. Anthropologists also wonder about the global event and its power to unite the globe in a soccer euphoria every four years. Bettors actively participate by betting on the 32 nations that compete for the title. The tournament is a punter’s dream, covering every aspect of betting types, spiced up with promotions.
Major League Soccer (MLS)
The rest of the world calls it football, but it’s soccer in North America, another indicator that it’s not a priority sport on the continent. Yet the MLS is making a serious bid to change that perception. The professional league is experiencing constant growth, with a current roster of 28 teams, which provide US bettors with numerous wagering opportunities.
Champions League
The best of the best European soccer clubs gather annually for the elite tournament that’s a staple on the best online soccer betting sites. The Champions League is a season-long competition, open to clubs that have triumphed in domestic competitions under the UEFA umbrella.
Following the group stage, the attrition rates increase in the single-elimination rounds until the finale crown the new champion.
Premier League
England has always prided itself as the birthplace of soccer. With such a storied tradition, it’s obvious why the Premier league gets perceived as the best soccer competition in the world. And the betting volume on weekly games vouches for that claim, also confirmed by the impressive on-pitch performance. There are 20 clubs, with each team playing 38 games per season.
La Liga
Experience punters do not miss two key dates on the La Liga schedule, marking the El Clasico. The rivalry between FC Barcelona and FC Real Madrid overshadows most other duels, and bettors are happy to support games that have mythical status. The Spanish Premier division is available on most sportsbooks that offer lucrative odds on the remaining 18 teams that frequently challenge the best-known clubs from La Liga.
The Bundesliga
Germany has one of the most successful national teams. And although clubs such as FC Bayern Munich regularly rank high in the Champion League, the Bundesliga doesn’t get the respect it deserves.
The only downside when betting on the German soccer competition is the hiatus they take in the winter months. USA bettors are familiar with several German soccer legends that retired in the MLS, and Bundesliga is a standard offer in reputable sportsbooks.
Tips for Soccer Wagering
Tipsters always remind rookie punters to pay attention to the basics as it’s paramount to implement basic elements correctly. Never rush a choice; it’s always easier to lose than win in soccer wagering. We provided a few tips to help novice punters customize a betting strategy while veteran bettors can refresh their knowledge.
Learn About Soccer
It may seem redundant to advise learning the sport. Surprisingly a lot of punters think it is all about instinct. They misunderstand that instinct is a product of knowledge that works subconsciously. Even if you are a huge soccer fan, there is always room for improvement. Arrogance doesn’t pay in sports betting.
The good news is that a vast amount of soccer information is readily accessible. Sportsbooks regularly share the latest news, and a lot of news websites are dedicated exclusively to the sport. Get acquainted with the history, rules, and clubs.
Sign–up on Several Sportsbooks
Diversifying the portfolio is crucial investment advice, and the concept applies to soccer betting. Never limit your options, and by registering on multiple online betting sites, punters get exposed to various bonuses, markets, and payment methods.
Bettors are free to sign up on as many online sports betting sites as they like. Remember, there are no fees for joining a betting site. An active account makes it possible to monitor offers and how the sportsbook evolves. When a perspective offer pops up, you can always fund the account and take advantage of the option.
Don’t Follow the Crowd
It’s vital not to get seduced by the dominating opinion. Keep in mind that the majority of punters are not very successful. The reason is they wager on the favorites, expecting them to win. And while favorite clubs frequently justify their status, they also offer low odds.
The tip is not to stay away from the favorites but to balance how you incorporate them into the strategy. Attempt to identify games where you suspect the underdog will upset the favorite. Every soccer week has one surprising result that gets fans talking, and good bettors are capable of recognizing it ahead of time.
Identify the Best Odds
Wagering is all about the odds; they determine the profit margin on a betting slip. And soccer betting sites attempt to stay competitive – that’s one of the reasons they prepare the odds in-house. This is another motive for punters to scout out the various platform and inspect the current betting lines.
Invest the time to locate betting sites that provide value, not just copy the competition. Routinely browse the odds on your preferred sportsbooks. Remember, the games are the same, but the betting lines can change.
Bankroll Management for Betting
Bankroll longevity is critical for continued wagering. The best method for punters to always have available funds for opportune wagers is to risk only a small percentage of the current account balance.
Place a limit on the amount you plan to invest on a slip. It can be a percentage, such as 5% of the current balance. With bankroll management, punters compensate for bad luck.
Prepare a Soccer Calendar
The inventory of soccer games is extensive, and waiting for the last moment to select the wagers is not a wise course of action. Most bettors are fans of the sport and regularly follow certain leagues, but ignoring other competitions means missing out on solid betting opportunities.
By creating a calendar, punters can approach betting in an organized fashion and constantly be on track with derby games that excite bettors.
Popular Soccer Bonuses
The best soccer betting sites use bonuses to entice new punters and repay the loyalty of tenured members. Sports betting is a competitive industry that translates into numerous promotion formats. At its core, every soccer promotion is a matched deposit. Yet learning the nuances will enable bettors to get the most out of the sportsbooks promotion.
Operator | Welcome Bonus | Wagering Requirement |
---|---|---|
DraftKings | 20% match up to $1,000 | 25x Rollover |
BetUS | 100% welcome bonus | 10x Rollover |
BetMGM | risk-free bet for up to $1,000 | 1x Rollover |
PointsBet | up to $2,000 in risk-free bets | 1x Rollover |
Betway | risk-free bet worth up to $250 | 1x Rollover |
Caesars | up to $1100 in first bet | 1x Rollover |
Welcome Bonus
It’s an exclusive privilege reserved for first-time bettors at a sportsbook. The welcome bonus is a staple on sports betting sites that proudly advertise the offer. New punters on a platform get rewarded with a match percentage on their initial deposit.
Typically the offer will feature a 100% bonus. Although some platforms provide a multilevel promotion, condition on three successive deposits. However, it’s not a gift. Every bonus has wagering requirements.
Free Bets
The holy grail of sports betting promotions is Free Bets. It’s a risk-free bet, and although pessimists like to remind punters that the rollover is frequently too high, it’s still a highly sought-after bonus. Top soccer betting sites include Free Bets in the welcome package or make them available for special events.
The bonus gets delivered as a specific amount. Punters cannot cash out the funds but must wager the sum per the requirements. Only potential winnings can get withdrawn, and not the original bonus sum.
Reload Bonus
Experienced punters are on the lookout for reoccurring bonuses; they aren’t satisfied with one-time deals such as sign-up bonuses. And reload bonuses are always on their radar. Online sportsbooks offer the reload bonus to retain bettors by providing an option to improve the account bankroll.
The downside is that sport reload bonuses have relatively small percentages, usually about 15%. Some soccer betting websites make it a weekly occurrence, but it’s always dependent on a deposit and the rollover.
Crypto Sports Bonus
The cashier section of the best soccer betting sites includes cryptocurrencies as a valid payment method. And most platforms incorporate digital coins into the promotions by creating specific crypto sports bonuses. It’s a match percentage on a crypto deposit, frequently in the range of 50% to 100%.
A rollover always gets included, and the requirement varies between platforms. The cool thing is that you can potentially get extra crypto coins without going through all the hassle of mining the currency.
VIP Bonus
If you have become eligible for the VIP program, congratulations are in order. This is an exclusive club for high rollers or loyal members. Most soccer sportsbooks implement some form of a VIP or loyalty program.
And the perks are not limited to a match percentage on a deposit; punters also receive bigger withdrawal limits. The VIP bonus can manifest as a cashback, return of recent losses, or a standard reload bonus. Punters achieve eligibility through a credit system or an invitation from the sportsbook.
Conclusion
Soccer is the world’s biggest betting sport. No doubt, the volume of available leagues drives interest for wagering on the sport. However, having more choices does not translate into making better choices. Identifying the best opportunities for online soccer betting in the USA depends on vetting platforms according to key criteria.
Punters that have been attentive to our analysis will benefit from the legwork invested by our team. They will be able to spot secure platforms with lucrative bonuses and market coverage. Selecting a reputable soccer betting site is the primary condition for a smooth betting experience.
FAQ
Is Online Soccer Betting Legal in the USA?
Yes, online sports betting is legal in 19 US states. The following states allow sports wagering: New Jersey, Colorado, New York, Tennessee, Nevada, Pennsylvania, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, Oregon, Virginia, Louisiana, Connecticut, Arizona, Wyoming, and West Virginia.
What are the Best Soccer Sportsbooks?
All choices are subjective, and because of that, there is no definitive answer to the question of what are the best online soccer betting sites. Bettors can only select the sportsbook that is the best option for their needs. Commit to a betting site that prioritizes security, market coverage, and recurring bonuses.
Can I Bet on European Soccer Leagues?
Punters can wager on most championships from Spain, England, Italy, and Germany. Soccer sportsbooks invest heavily in the inventory of soccer games, and European leagues are readily available.
What Is the Best Betting Type for Beginners?
Novice punters can start their wagering adventure with a Moneyline bet. This is not a complex concept, and bettors have three choices to select which of the two teams will win or if the game will end in a tie. Once this bet type gets mastered, transitioning to other formats will be a breeze.
Is Online Soccer Betting Secure?
Reputable sportsbooks earn their reputation by protecting bettor's personal and financial data. Licensed betting sites follow industry standards and implement encryption systems that safeguard a platform's integrity.
Are there Soccer Betting Apps?
Yes, sportsbooks provide betting apps for mobile devices. Although not every site offers a dedicated app, nearly every platform is mobile-friendly and can get accessed through a mobile browser on your device.