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MLS Betting in Illinois

Major League Soccer (MLS) the most widely known and popular professional soccer league in the United States, and fans of the league in Illinois can bet on their favorite teams through licensed sports betting platforms.

Justin Koch By: Justin Koch
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Best MLS betting sites in Illinois

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1 Caesars
Caesars review
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6 BetMGM
BetMGM review
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21+ and present in IL. Play responsibly. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or text "ILGAMB" to 53342.

With the June 19, 2019 legalization of fixed-odds sports betting in Illinois, fans can now place wagers on MLS games through online sportsbooks and retail sports betting locations, adding an extra level of excitement to the already thrilling league.

Yes, it is legal to bet on Major League Soccer (MLS) games in the state of Illinois through licensed sports betting platforms.

In 2019, Illinois became one of the first states to legalize sports betting following a United States Higher Court ruling that struck down the federal ban (PASPA) on sports betting.

As a result, residents of Illinois can now legally bet on a range of professional and college sports, including MLS games, through licensed online sportsbooks and retail sports betting locations.

Different types of bets in MLS

  • Moneyline Bet: This is the easiest type of bet where you choose which team you think will win the MLS match. The odds for each team will be displayed, and you will win your bet if your selected team wins the match.
  • Three-Way Moneyline Bet: A three-way bet in MLS soccer is a type of moneyline bet where you can bet on one of three outcomes: home team win, away team win, or a draw.
  • Point Spread Bet: In this type of bet, the sportsbook sets a point spread or a margin of victory the favored team is expected to win by. You can bet on either the favorite to win by more than the point spread or the underdog to lose by less than the point spread.
  • Total (Over/Under) Bet: In this type of bet, you wager on whether the total amount of goals tallied by both teams will be Over or Under a specific number set by the sportsbook.
  • Prop Bet: Prop bets are bets on specific events or outcomes that may occur during the match, such as the first team to score, the number of corner kicks, or the number of yellow cards.
  • Futures Bet: This type of bet involves wagering on the outcome of an event that will happen in the future, such as which team will win the MLS Cup at the end of the season.
  • Parlay Bet: This is a combination of two or more bets, where all bets must win for you to win the parlay. This can result in larger payouts, but the risk is higher since all bets must win.

Which MLS teams in or around Illinois can you bet on?

  • Chicago Fire: The Chicago Fire is a professional soccer team founded in 1997 and has a loyal fan base in the city of Chicago. The Fire has won several major titles, including the MLS Cup, U.S. Open Cup, and Supporters' Shield.
  • St. Louis City SC: St. Louis City SC is a professional soccer team that competes in Major League Soccer (MLS). The team was established in 2019 and began its inaugural MLS campaign in 2023. The club has already generated excitement in the city of St. Louis and has a passionate fan base.
  • Sporting Kansas City: Sporting Kansas City (Sporting KC) is a professional MLS soccer team based in Kansas City, Missouri. The team competes in the Western Conference of Major League Soccer (MLS) and has a notable history, winning numerous championships and trophies over the years.

Illinois-specific MLS betting rules you should know

Illinois has some unique limits that affect soccer wagers. In February 2024, the Illinois Gaming Board granted Major League Soccer’s request to prohibit bets on yellow or red cards—both on whether any card will be shown and whether a specific player will be carded—so those props won’t appear at legal IL sportsbooks.

Regulators also require operators to seek approval for specific markets and routinely review what’s allowed, which can impact niche or micro-prop offerings during the season.

For college sports generally, Illinois bars prop bets and, as of July 2024, bans wagering on in-state college teams entirely—rules worth remembering if you also bet NCAA soccer.

Tips when betting on the MLS in Illinois

With MLS becoming more popular than ever, betting on soccer matches is a fun and exciting way to enjoy the sport while having a chance to make some money.

  • Know the teams and players: Knowing the teams and players before placing a bet on a match is essential. Understanding their current form, injury status, and recent performance can give you an idea of how the game may play out. Keep an eye on team news and rumors, as this can impact how the teams perform on the field.
  • Research the odds: Knowing the odds is crucial in making informed betting decisions. Compare the odds different Illinois sportsbooks offer to find the best value for your bet. Look out for special promotions or bonuses offered by sportsbooks that can add value to your bets.
  • Understand the types of bets: As mentioned earlier, there are various types of bets that you can make on MLS matches. Understanding the various types of bets and their respective odds can help you make more informed betting decisions. Start with simple bets like moneyline or point spread bets before moving onto more complex bets like prop bets.
  • Bet with your head, not your heart: As much as you love your favorite team, it's essential to bet with your head and not your heart. Avoid letting emotions cloud your judgment and stick to making logical and informed decisions based on data and research.
  • Keep track of your bets: Keeping track of your bets is essential in analyzing your performance and making informed decisions in the future. Keep a record of your bets, including the amount bet, the type of bet, the odds, and the result. This will help you understand your strengths and weaknesses as a bettor and make adjustments accordingly.
  • Don't chase losses: It's easy to be swayed by the occasion and try to recoup losses by placing more bets. However, this can lead to further losses and can be a slippery slope. Avoid chasing bad losses and stick to your betting plan and bankroll management strategy.
  • Manage your bankroll: Managing your bankroll is essential in ensuring you don't lose more money than you can afford. Make a financial plan for your bets and stick to it, even if you have a hot streak. Avoid making impulsive bets that exceed your bankroll, and ensure you have enough funds to cover your bets and other expenses.
  • Take advantage of live betting: Live betting can be an excellent opportunity to make informed bets based on the game's current state. Watch the game and assess the teams' recent form and only bet during a timeout or stoppage of play before placing your bets. Live betting can provide more value than pre-match bets, as odds can shift based on the game's current state.

In conclusion, betting in Illinois on MLS soccer matches can be a fun and exciting way to enjoy the sport while having a chance to make money. However, making informed decisions based on data, research, and a solid betting strategy is essential for long-term success.


FAQ

Which is the most popular MLS team in Illinois?

The most popular MLS team in Illinois is the Chicago Fire.

Can I bet on MLS on any IL sportsbook?

Yes, you can bet on MLS at any sportsbook in Illinois.

How old do I need to be to bet on the MLS in Illinois?

The legal age for placing a wager in Illinois is 21 years of age.

Author Details

Justin Koch

Justin Koch

Justin Koch is a contributing writer at IL Betting. With a wealth of experience under his belt, Justin specializes in breaking down complex betting trends and statistics, offering clear and insightful guidance to readers across the spectrum of sports betting.