Why Choose BetMGM for MLB Betting?
BetMGM Sportsbook is among the most reviewed sportsbooks in the United States, and it offers plenty of options for betting on Major League Baseball games.
The sportsbook's platform includes hundreds of individual wagering markets, including money lines, point spreads, home run props, futures, and parlays. Baseball fans looking to bet on their favorite sport are unlikely to be disappointed with BetMGM's offerings.
This guide aims to help you understand the baseball betting lines at BetMGM, compare its odds to those of its competitors, understand some basic principles of Major League Baseball betting, and how to get started with BetMGM.
Understanding BetMGM MLB Betting Odds
BetMGM MLB odds represent the likelihood of an event occurring within a game, series, or season. They are presented in formats such as American (-200), decimal (1.81), or fractional (3/2).
These odds help BetMGM users and all bettors calculate potential payouts and evaluate implied probability, translating betting lines into percentages.
For example, when the Los Angeles Dodgers are favored in a game against the Toronto Blue Jays, their odds might be -170. A bettor can see those odds and understand that the implied probability of their victory, according to the sportsbook, is 62.96%.
MLB betting odds change significantly over the course of a game or season. It's important to recognize that any odds you find at BetMGM come from a single moment in time. They cannot be counted on to remain constant.
If you find yourself confused about different odds formats, check out RG's detailed guide on understanding odds.
Odds Comparison: BetMGM vs. Competitors
In order to get a sense of the competitiveness of BetMGM's odds, we'll use the example of its World Series futures board during the offseason prior to the 2025 season.
| Team | BetMGM | DraftKings | bet365 | FanDuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles Dodgers | +250 | +310 | +350 | +250 |
| New York Yankees | +800 | +850 | +900 | +750 |
| Atlanta Braves | +950 | +800 | +850 | +900 |
| Philadelphia Phillies | +1100 | +1100 | +1200 | +1100 |
| New York Mets | +1200 | +1000 | +750 | +1200 |
| Baltimore Orioles | +1500 | +1400 | +100 | +1400 |
| Houston Astros | +1600 | +1300 | +1300 | +2100 |
| San Diego Padres | +1800 | +1800 | +1500 | +2100 |
| Boston Red Sox | +2500 | +2500 | +3000 | +2700 |
| Seattle Mariners | +2500 | +3000 | +3000 | +2600 |
Types of Major League Baseball Odds and Markets Offered at BetMGM
BetMGM offers a variety of MLB betting markets for casual fans and seasoned bettors alike.
From traditional bets like moneylines and totals to more complicated (and riskier) options such as player props and BetMGM same-game parlays, MLB betting provides multiple ways to wager on the action.
Below is a summary of the betting options presented at BetMGM:
| Bet Type | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Run Line (Point Spreads) | Predict the margin by which a team will win or lose. The betting favorites must cover the spread. | New York Yankees -1.5 vs. Boston Red Sox +1.5. |
| Moneylines | Bet on the outright winner of the game, regardless of the score difference. | Los Angeles Dodgers (-180) vs. San Diego Padres (+150). |
| Over/Under (Totals) | Wager on whether the total runs scored in a game will be over or under a set number. | Over 8.5 (-110) or Under 8.5 (-110) for Atlanta Braves vs. Philadelphia Phillies. |
| Futures | Long-term bets on season outcomes, including World Series winners and MVP awards. | Arizona Diamondbacks to win the World Series (+900) or Shohei Ohtani to win NL MVP (-120). |
| Player Props | Focus on individual player performance, such as strikeouts, home runs, or RBIs. | Aaron Judge to hit over 0.5 home runs (+250) or Max Scherzer to record over 7.5 strikeouts (-110). |
| Team Props | Bet on team-specific outcomes, such as total runs or first-inning performance. | Chicago Cubs to score over 4.5 runs, or the St. Louis Cardinals to have the most hits in the game. |
| Same-Game Parlays | Combine multiple bets within a single game for higher payouts. | Elly De La Cruz to hit a home run, Cincinnati Reds -1.5 run line, and game total over 9.5 runs. |
| Live Betting | Place bets during a game, reacting to real-time changes such as pitching changes or late-game rallies. | Betting on the Minnesota Twins to win after trailing 4-2 in the seventh inning. |
| Inning/First Five Innings Bets | Wager on specific segments of the game, such as first-inning runs or first-five-innings moneylines. | No runs scored in the first inning of Milwaukee Brewers vs. Pittsburgh Pirates (-110), or the Texas Rangers to lead after five innings. |
What Real Bettors Say About BetMGM's Odds
The sports betting app has received mixed feedback from users regarding its odds and pricing, highlighting both strengths and areas for improvement.
Pros:
- Competitive Odds: Many users appreciate the competitive odds, with some claiming they are better than those offered by other platforms.
- User-Friendly Interface: The app's speed and ease of use have been praised, making it simple for users to place bets and navigate.
- Promotions and Bonuses: Users enjoy the variety of promotions, bonuses, and daily specials, often finding them more generous than those of competitors.
Cons:
- Perceived Rigging: Some users have expressed concerns that the app is rigged, reporting significant losses without any winnings.
- Performance Issues: Users have experienced lag and slow processing times when placing bets, which negatively impacts their experience.
- Customer Service Challenges: While some users report positive interactions, others have found the customer service team unhelpful, particularly regarding withdrawal issues.
Suggestions for Improvement:
- Enhance Performance: Improve app functionality to reduce lag and ensure faster processing times for placing bets.
- Increase Promotions: Offer more frequent promotions and bonuses to remain competitive and enhance user engagement.
- Address Winning Odds Concerns: Investigate and clarify user concerns regarding the stability of winning odds, ensuring a fair and transparent betting experience.
Getting Started with MLB Betting with BetMGM
BetMGM is accessible to first-time college football bettors. The registration process is designed to be smooth and quick, allowing bettors to access various markets quickly.
Here's a step-by-step guide to help new bettors create an account on BetMGM and access NCAA Football markets.
- Visit BetMGM
- Access the BetMGM Sportsbook website or app to view the latest lines, such as National League or American League futures or an NRFI parlay.
- Ensure you're located in a state where BetMGM is legally authorized to operate. BetMGM is located in 28 states (retail and online) and Washington, D.C. Bettors must be 21 and above in all regions except D.C., where the gambling age is 18.
- Sign Up
- To confirm your account, click on the gold "Sign Up" button and provide personal details, including name, date of birth, and email address.
- BetMGM requires all bettors to share the last four digits of their Social Security Number (SSN) and activate geolocation services.
- Make Your First Deposit
- Choose from payment methods like PayPal or bank transfers to fund your account.
- Set deposit limits to practice responsible gambling while exploring MLB lines.
- Consider The BetMGM First Bet Offer:
- BetMGM gives new bettors a first bet offer for many games and betting markets.
- Explore the MLB Betting Markets:
- Now that you're ready, browse the available markets and make your wager.
MLB Betting Principles
Now that you have a better understanding of how MLB odds work, how BetMGM compares with its competitors, and how to sign up with the sportsbook, it is useful to reveal some key principles for baseball betting.
1. Don’t Overreact to Early-Season Results
- Explanation: Because the MLB season is 162 games long, early results can be misleading due to small sample sizes and unpredictable factors. Teams that start hot may have plenty of time to falter, and teams that are slow to start can recover in the second half of the season.
Example: In 2019, the Seattle Mariners started 13-2 thanks partly to their impressive power hitting and looked like a breakout team. However, they finished the season 68-94 with a home run total that ranked in the middle of the pack.
2. Pay Attention to Starting Pitching Matchups
- Explanation: Unlike other sports, baseball results are heavily influenced by starting pitchers, as they set the tone for the game. Checking advanced stats like ERA, WHIP, and FIP can help determine which pitchers are undervalued or overhyped.
Example: In 2024, the qualified starter with the lowest ERA (Chris Sale at 2.38) helped his team to a 22-7 record in his starts. Meanwhile, the starter with the highest ERA (Patrick Corbin at 5.62) led his team to an 11-21 record.
3. Consider Team Performance Against Left-Handed and Right-Handed Pitchers
- Explanation: Some teams excel against a particular type of pitcher, and ignoring these splits can lead to bad bets. Certain lineups are built to crush left-handed or right-handed pitching, making this a key factor in daily matchups.
Example: In 2024, the Kansas City Royals performed completely differently depending on the handedness of the pitcher they were facing.
| Metric | Vs. RHP | Vs. LHP |
|---|---|---|
| W-L Record | 70-55 | 16-21 |
| Winning Percentage | .560 | .432 |
| Team OPS | .722 | .67 |
4. Remember The Unpredictability of Awards Futures
- Explanation: Award races are difficult to project, and early favorites often fade due to injuries, slumps, or surprise performances from unexpected contenders.
Example: In 2021, both Cy Young winners, Robbie Ray in the AL and Corbin Burnes in the NL, were major surprises. Prior to the season, 100 MLB.com experts predicted the winner of each award, and not one voted for Ray, while just two tabbed Burnes. That's reasonable, as neither had Cy Young resumes until their breakout seasons:
5. Don’t Assume Last Year’s Success Will Repeat
- Explanation: Baseball is a sport of constant roster turnover, and last season’s dominance doesn’t always translate into sustained success. Teams face injuries, regression, and tougher competition, making it dangerous to assume a repeat.
Example: The San Francisco Giants won 107 games in 2021, shocking the league. Many bettors expected another strong season in 2022, but they regressed to 81-81, proving that past success doesn’t always carry over.
Responsible Gambling Best Practices for MLB Betting
Whatever strategies you are using to make your college football bets, it's important to understand that profitability is far from guaranteed. Because it's difficult to make money over the long term, responsible gambling is a must.
Below is a summary of some best practices for betting on NCAA Football responsibly:
| Principle | Description | Application in MLB Betting |
|---|---|---|
| Set a Budget | Always establish a clear betting budget and stick to it, regardless of outcomes. | Allocate funds for MLB betting and avoid chasing losses by exceeding this limit. It's wise to keep your betting budget within 1-5% of your disposable income. |
| Do Not Bet on Every Game | Avoid placing bets on every available game; focus on games where you have researched data. | Bet only on a few games based on thorough analysis, not on impulse or excitement. There are often 15 games per day taking place in a variety of time slots, but you don't need to wager on all of them. |
| Understand the Odds | Know how betting odds work and their implied probabilities before placing a wager. | Recognize that a +200 moneyline for the underdog equates to a 33.3% implied chance of winning. |
| Monitor Betting Habits | Regularly review your betting activities to ensure they remain controlled and enjoyable. | Keep a record of your bets, tracking wins, losses, and trends to identify risky behavior. |
| Research Teams & Trends | Study team performances, player stats, and recent trends to make informed decisions. | Analyze stats like a team's success against left-handed starters or how they've fared in particular ballparks before placing bets. |
| Use Responsible Gambling Tools if Necessary | BetMGM has responsible gambling tools available. Seek them out. | If your betting feels like it's spiraling out of control, set time or deposit limits, and if things get worse, consider self-exclusion |
FAQs on BetMGM MLB Odds
General FAQs on BetMGM MLB Odds
What types of MLB bets can I place on BetMGM?
BetMGM offers a variety of MLB betting options, including moneylines, run lines, totals, player props, and futures like World Series and National League odds. You can also build same-game parlays or place live bets during games.
Can I bet on MLB games using a mobile app?
Yes, BetMGM and other sportsbooks provide betting apps that allow you to wager on MLB games from your smartphone or tablet. These apps offer the same features as desktop sites, including live betting and cash-out options.
How do MLB odds work?
MLB odds indicate the probability of an event occurring and the potential payout for a winning bet. For example, if the New York Yankees are -150 favorites, you’d need to bet $150 to win $100.
What is a run-line bet in baseball?
A run line is baseball’s version of a point spread, typically set at -1.5 for favorites and +1.5 for underdogs. If you bet on a favorite at -1.5, they must win by at least two runs for your bet to cash.
Can I bet on individual player performances?
Yes, BetMGM offers player props where you can bet on stats like home runs, strikeouts, or RBIs. For example, you might wager on Shohei Ohtani to hit over 0.5 home runs in a game.
References
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Meet our Authors
Paruyr Shahbazyan started his business career as an entrepreneur in 2000. Over 13 years, he learned business and leadership, which laid the foundation for his career.
In 2013, Paruyr entered the sports and betting industry as the founder and president of Bookmaker Rating, an online media platform he led until 2020. The platform focuses on in-depth analysis and insights in sports betting and has gained a reputation for quality content.
In 2022, Paruyr co-founded Azuro, a decentralized betting protocol. This shows his commitment to technology in the sports betting space. Through all these experiences, Paruyr has been shaping and influencing the betting industry, setting new trends and standards.
Innovation in sportsbetting comes from a deep understanding of both technology and the human element of sports.
Strategic Vision
Paruyr's vision is to revolutionize the sports entertainment industry by integrating technology. He sees the future of sports entertainment as a blend of traditional sports knowledge with innovative tech solutions, like decentralized protocols, to enhance user experience and fairness. He aims to create platforms that are not only user-friendly but also uphold the highest standards of ethical reporting, contributing to a more responsible and enjoyable sports culture.
