Understanding BetMGM World Cup Odds

11 min read
Feb 7, 2025, 1:00 PM

World Cup Betting with BetMGM

Wagering on the FIFA World Cup with BetMGM gives soccer bettors a variety of options, ranging from individual match winners to tournament futures.

Live betting is also an option on BetMGM, allowing bettors to place bets while matches are in progress. While watching the World Cup, fans can adjust their betting strategies based on in-game developments, including team performance and momentum shifts.

For those considering making a long-term bet, futures markets enable wagers on outcomes like which team will win the World Cup or which player will score the most goals. These types of bets can be placed well before or during the competition. Typically, odds are better for the bettor when placed far in advance because odds change and usually get “shorter” as the tournament progresses.

This guide provides an overview of how to understand World Cup odds, the markets bettors are likely to find at BetMGM, how its odds compare to those of its competitors, and how to get started with the sportsbook.

Understanding World Cup Odds

Understanding soccer odds is key to having an informed experience of wagering on the World Cup. Soccer odds represent the probability of outcomes and set a bettor's potential winnings. Below is a summary of soccer odds formats you will see at all soccer sportsbooks in the U.S.:

American Odds

Most common in the United States. They display odds as either positive (+) or represented by a minus sign (-) numbers.

  • Positive Odds (+): Represent the amount of profit you would earn from a bet on an underdog.
  • Negative Odds (-): Indicate the amount you could win by wagering on a favorite.

For our example, let's say the amount bet was $100:

  • If Spain had odds of +150, a successful $100 bet on them would have won $150 in profit (for a total payout of $250).
  • If Brazil has odds of -120, you must bet $120 to win $100 in profit (for a total payout of $220).
Decimal Odds 

This method, commonly used in Canada, shows the total payout (including your initial stake) per unit wagered. The higher the decimal, the less likely the event is to occur, but the potential payout is larger.

Example (return on a $100 bet):

  • If France has odds of 2.75, a $100 bet on them would return $275 ($175 profit + $100 stake).
  • If Germany had an odds of 3.10, a $100 bet would return $310 ($210 profit + $100 stake).
Fractional Odds

Fractional odds, popular in the UK, express the profit relative to the stake. The first number is the profit, and the second is the stake required.

Example (return on a $100 bet):

  • If Argentina has odds of 1/3, a $100 bet on the favorite would yield a profit of $33.33 (for a total payout of $133.33).
  • If Nigeria has odds of 4/1, a $100 bet on the underdog would yield a $400 profit (for a total payout of $500).

Popular World Cup Betting Markets

World Cup matches have hundreds of individual wagers and betting lines available at major sportsbooks like BetMGM.

Below, you'll find a rundown of common types of World Cup bets and markets you can wager on:

Type of BetDescription$100 Bet Would Win and Example Odds
Moneyline BetsBet on the team that you think will win outright. Example: Bet on Brazil to win against Germany.If the odds are +150, a $100 bet on Brazil wins $150 profit ($250 total payout).
Over/Under (Total Goals)Bet whether the total number of goals scored in soccer matches will be over or under a specified number. Example: Bet Over 2.5 goals in Argentina vs. France.If the odds are -110, a $100 bet on Over 2.5 goals wins $90.91 profit ($190.91 total payout).
Both Teams to Score (BTTS)Bet whether both teams score at least one goal during the match. Example: Bet on Both Teams to Score in England vs. Spain.If the odds are +120, a $100 bet on Both Teams to Score wins $120 profit ($220 total payout).
Exact ScorePredict the exact number of goals scored and the final score of the match. Example: Bet on 3-1 as the final score in Netherlands vs. Portugal.If odds are +800, a $100 bet on 3-1 exact score wins $800 profit ($900 total payout).
Double ChanceBet on two outcomes in a single match. Example: Bet on France to win or Draw against Italy.If the odds are -200, a $100 bet on France to win or Draw wins $50 profit ($150 total payout).
Half-Time/Full-TimePredict the result at both half-time and full-time. Example: Bet on a Draw at Half-Time, Argentina to win at Full-Time against Brazil.If the odds are +400, a $100 bet on Draw/Argentina to win HT/FT wins $400 profit ($500 total payout).
Anytime GoalscorerBet on a player to score at any time during the match. Example: Bet on Kylian Mbappé to score in France vs. Germany at any point in the game.If the odds are +250, a $100 bet on Mbappé scoring wins $250 profit ($350 total payout).
Futures OddsLong-term bets on outcomes beyond a single game, such as tournament winners. Example: Bet on Argentina to win the 2026 FIFA World Cup.If the odds are +1000, a $100 bet on Argentina winning the World Cup wins a $1,000 profit ($1,100 total payout).
Goal LineBet the total number of goals scored in the match, similar to Over/Under, often using Asian Handicap rules. Example: Bet on Over 2.0 goals in England vs. Spain.If the odds are -120, a $100 bet on Over 2.0 goals wins $83.33 profit ($183.33 total payout).
Point SpreadsPoint spread bets assign a handicap to level odds. The favorite must win by more than the spread, while the underdog wins by staying within it.If the odds are -110, a $100 bet on the favorite covering the spread wins $90.91 profit ($190.91 total payout).

Types of Major League Baseball Odds and Markets Offered at BetMGM

Odds Comparison: BetMGM vs. Competitors World Cup Futures

To evaluate how competitive BetMGM's soccer odds are, we'll use the example of its 2026 World Cup Futures:

TeamBetMGMDraftKingsbet365FanDuel
France+650+600+600+550
Spain+600+600+600+550
Brazil+700+600+600+550
England+700+650+700+650
Argentina+800+800+1000+900
Germany+900+1000+1000+900
Portugal+1400+1400+1600+1600
The Netherlands+1800+1600+2000+1800
Italy+2500+2000+2000+2300
Uruguay+2500+2000+3300+2600
These odds are current as of January 30, 2025 — more than a year before the event — but they are informed by projected rosters, recent history, and the countries' historical success at the tournament. With the exception of the Netherlands and Portugal, all of the teams at the top of the odds boards have won World Cups before.
Countries that have won the most World Cups

Brazil, Germany, and Italy have been the strongest teams since the beginning of the tournament.

What Real Bettors Say About BetMGM's Odds

3393
Reviews
Updated Nov 25, 2024, 9:52 PM
35%
Positive
7%
Mixed
58%
Negative
AI
User Reviews Analysis

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 World Cup Betting on BetMGM

BetMGM makes it straightforward for new bettors to begin wagering on World Cup games. The registration process is designed to take minutes, 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 soccer markets. 

  1. Visit BetMGM:
    1. Go to BetMGM Sportsbook website or app to view the latest odds.
    2. 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.
  2. Sign Up:
    1. To confirm your account, click on the gold "Sign Up" button and provide personal details, including name, date of birth, and email address.
    2. BetMGM ensures compliance by requiring bettors to share the last four digits of their Social Security Number (SSN) and activate geolocation services.
  3. Make Your First Deposit:
    1. Choose from payment methods like PayPal or bank transfers to fund your account.
    2. Set deposit limits to practice responsible gambling as you explore World Cup betting odds.
  4. Claim The BetMGM First Bet Offer:
    1. BetMGM gives new bettors a first bet offer based on current odds for many games and betting markets.
    2. Before using the promotion, read the review and the terms carefully, such as wagering requirements and expiration dates.
  5. Explore the World Cup Markets of your choice
    1. Make sure your display mode is in order. Activate day mode or activate night mode to get your preferred look.
    2. Now, navigate to the soccer section on the homepage and choose the bet you want to make.

FAQs on BetMGM World Cup Odds

General FAQs on BetMGM's World Cup Odds

How many different types of odds formats are used in World Cup betting?

There are three main odds formats used in World Cup betting: American odds (using + and - symbols), decimal odds (common in Canada), and fractional odds (popular in the UK).

What is a "Double Chance" bet in World Cup betting?

A Double Chance bet allows you to wager on two possible outcomes in a single match, such as betting on a team to either win or draw.

What age do you need to be to bet on the World Cup with BetMGM?

You must be 21 or older to bet in most regions where BetMGM operates, except in Washington D.C. where the gambling age is 18.

What is a "Both Teams to Score" (BTTS) bet?

A BTTS bet is a wager on whether both teams will score at least one goal during the match, regardless of the final outcome.

Can you change your bet after a World Cup match has started?

Live betting allows users to place new bets while matches are in progress, enabling them to adjust their wagering based on how the game is unfolding.

<p>Nick has been fascinated with sports since he was first taken to a Toronto Maple Leafs game in 1998, and he's been writing about them professionally since 2014.</p><p>Nick has covered baseball and hockey for outlets like The Athletic, Sportsnet, and Yahoo Sports while growing his expertise in sports data analysis and research.&nbsp;</p><p>Between 2022 and 2023, he worked for a betting startup called NorthStar Bets. In 2024, he contributed to Oddspedia before joining the RG team.</p>
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