MLB Betting Guide 2023 – Best MLB Betting Sites
Welcome to our in-depth guide to the best MLB betting sites and mobile apps in Canada. Our experts have selected the 10 strongest online sportsbooks for betting on MLB games and futures markets. These MLB betting sites offer sharp odds, attractive bonuses and secure, quick payouts.
You will learn the key strengths of each MLB betting site, allowing you to arrive at your ideal match. We will also break down the betting options available on MLB games, teach you how to read odds, explain what the MLB betting bonuses mean and provide lots more useful information. Keep reading for a thorough guide to MLB betting at the best Canadian sportsbooks.
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List of the Best MLB Betting Sites 2023
Our experts have reviewed every Canadian sportsbook that offers MLB wagers. After much heated debate and deliberation, they arrived at this list of the 10 best MLB betting sites in Canada:
- Lucky Block – Best MLB betting site in Canada
- Powbet – Most exciting new MLB betting site in Canada
- 1Bet – Top crypto betting operator for MLB fans
- WeltBet – No. 1 source of MLB bonuses and promotions
- Club Riches – A great option for new MLB bettors
- 31Bet – Fun MLB betting site with a strong rewards program
- 1Good.Bet – Established and trustworthy MLB betting site
- Rabona – MLB betting site with sharp odds
- Cobrabet – Impressive mobile MLB betting site
- BetiBet – Quick payouts and large limits for MLB bettors
Reviews of the Best MLB Sportsbooks
Our reviews of the leading MLB betting sites will help you arrive at the best option for your wagering style. Read on to learn more about each of the top 10 MLB sportsbooks:
1. Bodog – Best MLB betting site in Canada
Bodog is the best MLB betting site in Canada right now. It provides more betting options on MLB games than any rival sportsbooks. There is a feature called #NameYourPlay, which ensures you will get odds on any obscure prop you like if you Tweet the team, so your options are essentially endless. There is a same game parlay builder for MLB fans too, and the lines are competitive.
If you are unfamiliar with Bodog, it has served as Canada’s No. 1 online sportsbook, poker room and casino for more than two decades. Calvin Ayre, an entrepreneur from Saskatchewan, created the business. It has changed hands a couple of times, but it is still run by a talented, experienced team, and it has a trustworthy reputation. You will always get paid quickly if you win, especially if you choose crypto as your withdrawal method, and there are great bonuses too.
Pros:
- Impressive selection of betting markets on MLB games
- Best MLB betting site for customer service
- Great same game parlay builder for MLB bettors
- Low rollover requirements compared to rivals
Cons:
- Some competitors offer a larger sign-up bonus and more promos
- Does not offer live streaming
2. Stake.com – Top crypto betting operator for MLB fans
The world’s most popular crypto online gambling brand built up a large Canadian customer base during the years it spent in the grey market. It is now a licensed operator in Ontario’s new, regulated sector, while it is still available in all other provinces and territories too. Stake provides a strong all-round offering for MLB fans, including elite features, world-beating software, instant payouts, huge bonuses.
This is a great option for live betting on MLB games. You can browse loads of live MLB betting options, and the live streaming service is very smooth. This sportsbook is perfect for high-stakes MLB bettors, as it has large maximum win limits, but it also caters to casual players. There are options for funding your account via fiat-based methods, but this site is best for crypto users.
Pros:
- Market leading crypto gambling site
- Large betting limits for MLB fans
- Very quick crypto payouts
- Excellent site for live MLB betting
Cons:
- Not ideal for players that do not use crypto
- Does not offer a racebook or poker room
3. BetOnline – No. 1 source of MLB bonuses and promotions
BetOnline is a great source of bonuses and promotions for MLB Bettors. There is a 50% sign-up bonus of up to $1,000 if you use a fiat-based payment method, or a 100% sign-up bonus up to $1,000 for crypto deposits. You will then benefit from a large reload bonus, a series of free bets, odds boosts and other useful promotions. BetOnline runs exciting contests too.
This online sportsbook has been operating since the 1990s, but it has continually updated its platform, and it is now one of the most stylish sites in the business. BetOnline offers live streaming of MLB games, so you can watch teams like the Toronto Blue Jays in action while weighing up the in-play betting options. The odds are competitive, and it also offers same day withdrawals, excellent customer service and very high betting limits.
Pros:
- Best MLB betting site for bonuses and promotions
- Competitive MLB betting odds
- Quick to release MLB lines
- Large upper limits for high-rollers, including re-bet option
Cons:
- Charges fees if you use fiat-based deposit methods
- High wagering requirements on sign-up bonus
4. XBet – A great option for new MLB bettors
XBet is an easy-to-use MLB betting site with competitive lines and secure payouts. It is great for beginners, as its accessible format makes the wagering process very straightforward. It offers high-quality, attentive customer service too, so you will always receive friendly support if you ever get stuck.
Another interesting feature is the MLB news section, which provides detailed previews of upcoming games. The sign-up bonus has comparatively modest rollover requirements too. XBet is slower to release MLB lines than some of the other brands on our list, and it is broadly targeted at recreational bettors rather than sharps. It does not offer the same sort of features found at Bodog, Stake and BetOnline, but it is a simple, efficient MLB betting site.
Pros:
- User-friendly desktop and mobile interface
- Provides lots of MLB props
- Modest wagering requirements on bonus funds
- Provides written MLB previews
Cons:
- Releases lines after key rivals
- Does not offer many features for MLB bettors
5. MyBookie – Fun MLB betting site with a strong rewards program
MyBookie is one of the world’s most famous offshore betting sites. It launched in 2012, and it quickly gained a reputation for offering offbeat promotions and taking bets on bizarre markets, such as celebrity deaths and Mars missions. MyBookie is a fun online sportsbook, but there is also substance beneath the eye-catching props and loyalty rewards, with appealing MLB betting odds, a wide choice of props and a user-friendly layout among the key features.
This is a sister MLB betting site to XBet, and they are almost identical. MyBookie and XBet have the same odds and markets, the layout of each site is the same, and they have the same payment process. The only real difference is that MyBookie offers larger bonuses and XBet has lower rollover requirements.
Pros:
- Fun MLB betting site that is easy to browse
- Large bonuses and promotions
- Competitive MLB lines
- Trusted, reputable sports betting brand
Cons:
- Higher rollover requirements than XBet on main welcome bonus
- Basic software compared to rivals like Stake and PowBet
6. Everygame – Established and trustworthy MLB betting site
Everygame is another straightforward MLB betting site that works well for beginners and anyone that values speed and simplicity. The site was initially known as Intertops, but it rebranded as Everygame in 2021 after 25 years in the business. The rename was part of a wider overhaul of the site, which included the long overdue addition of a live betting section.
Everygame has now moved up to No. 6 in our list of the best MLB betting sites courtesy of these upgrades. It does not offer as many betting options as Bodog, Stake and MyBookie, but there are sometimes market leading odds. We also like the bitesize betting tips and the parlay promotions.
Pros:
- Old-school sportsbook that can be trusted
- Sometimes provides market leading MLB odds
- Interesting betting tips to guide your MLB picks
- Bonuses for players that land long-odds parlays
Cons:
- Rivals offer a wider selection of props
- Smaller welcome bonus than competitors
7. BetNow – MLB betting site with sharp odds
BetNow is another popular offshore MLB betting site with a focus on simplicity. You will rarely find a sportsbook that makes it easier to sign up, fund your account, place bets and withdraw your winnings. It has an excellent record for security, and there are great bonuses on offer too.
This is also a very interesting site for anyone seeking low juice lines. We ran an odds comparison of our top 10 MLB betting sites, and BetNow regularly came out on top. It was taking a house edge of less than 2% on its MLB moneylines, whereas some competitors were charging more than 5%. If you are looking for great MLB odds, we suggest checking out BetNow.
Pros:
- Simple MLB betting site with quick registration process
- Quick, easy deposits and withdrawals
- Sharp MLB betting odds with low vigorish
- Appealing welcome bonus
Cons:
- No live streaming service
- Some rivals have more prop betting options
8. BUSR – Impressive mobile MLB betting site
BUSR is a basic offshore betting site that makes it easy to bet on baseball games. It has a reliable mobile site, so it is great for placing wagers on MLB games when you are out of the home, or simply lying on the couch watching a game.
It has a large sign-up bonus, and there are alternative welcome offers with different rollover requirements too. BUSR is a trustworthy operator that pays customers without any hassle. However, you will find more betting options, a wider array of features and sharper MLB lines at the sites featured higher on our list.
Pros:
- Reliable mobile site for MLB bettors
- Choice of welcome bonuses
- Simple wagering platform
- Trusted sportsbook that pays out on time
Cons:
- Very basic software compared to rivals
- Rivals offer more appealing MLB odds
9. SportsBetting.ag – Quick payouts and large limits for MLB bettors
SportsBetting.ag is an outstanding MLB betting site with large bonuses, loads of free bets, rapid withdrawals, 24/7 customer support, attractive betting odds and high limits. It is a sister site to one of our No. 3 sportsbook, BetOnline, and they are identical in many regards.
They have the same odds, markets, features, promos, limits, customer service, banking options and withdrawal speeds. Yet BetOnline was given a very impressive update a couple of years ago and it is now very stylish and user-friendly, whereas SportsBetting.ag still operates on the previous platform, and it is very old-school and basic by comparison, so it trails its sister site on our list.
Pros:
- Re-bet option for high-stakes MLB bettors
- Large welcome bonus and lots of promotions
- Quick crypto payouts
- 24/7 customer support through multiple channels
Cons:
- Charges players fees for debit and credit card deposits
- Old-school, dated platform compared to BetOnline
10. PowBet – Most exciting new MLB betting site in Canada
PowBet is a great option for anyone seeking a wide variety of MLB betting options. It offers a moneyline, listed pitcher bets, various run lines and total runs lines, a same game parlay builder, pre-selected same game parlays, game props, bets on specific innings and player props on hits, home runs, RBIs, bases recorded and strikeouts. The odds are competitive, and it offers elite features like live streaming and pre-game stats.
This is a very slick MLB betting site that launched in 2021, offering a large sign-up bonus and an excellent “Power Squad” rewards program. It is one of the most impressive sportsbooks on the market, but it is still a relative newcomer. PowBet has had no trouble paying players out quickly and efficiently since launching, but we would like to see it extend this track record for a longer period of time before we move it higher up our list.
Pros:
- Beautifully designed website and mobile site
- Exciting features for MLB bettors
- Impressive loyalty program
- Also offers a great racebook and casino
Cons:
- Still a new MLB betting site building up its reputation
- Does not offer online poker
FAQs about MLB Betting
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What is the run line in MLB betting?
What does +1.5 mean in MLB betting?
What is MLB public betting?
Comparing the Best MLB Betting Sites
This chart of the best MLB betting sites allows you to compare their best features and their flagship welcome offers. They all offer traditional parlays and the best operators provide same game parlays too. You will find extra bonuses and promotions when you visit each site, so use the links we have provided to check them out.
Sportsbook Sports Bonus Parlay Betting Live Baseball Betting Live Baseball Streaming Bodog 100% up to $400 ✅ ✅ ❌ Stake.com 200% up to $1,000 ✅ ✅ ✅ BetOnline 100% up to $1,000 ✅ ✅ ✅ XBet 50% up to $500 ✅ ✅ ❌ MyBookie 100% up to $1,000 ✅ ✅ ❌ Everygame 100% up to $250 ✅ ✅ ❌ BetNow 150% up to $300 ✅ ✅ ❌ BUSR 100% up to $1,000 ✅ ✅ ❌ SportsBetting.ag 100% up to $1,000 ✅ ✅ ✅ PowBet 100% up to $100 ✅ ✅ ✅ Is MLB Betting Legal in Canada?
MLB betting is legal in every Canadian province and territory. Baseball bettors in Canada had just two options before 2021: they could either place parlay bets with a minimum of three legs at a locally regulated sportsbook run by the provincial or territorial lottery; or they could use an offshore, grey market sportsbook to place single game sports bets.
The government has never had any issues with grey market operators, so the likes of Bodog, BetOnline, Stake.com and XBet offered CAD accounts, bonuses and banking options for bettors across Canada. However, the government was not earning any tax revenue, as the sites are based offshore. Ottawa therefore decided to end a federal ban on single game sports betting by amending the Canadian Criminal Code.
That handed each province and territory the power to legalize single game sports betting. They have all done so, meaning you can now place bets on individual games at lottery-controlled sportsbooks such as Mise-o-jeu+, PROLINE+ and PlayNow. However, most bettors prefer to stick to the offshore MLB betting sites they have been using for many years, as those sites tend to provide better odds and more options, as we have explained below.
Are Offshore MLB Betting Sites Legal?
It is perfectly legal for anyone in Canada to use offshore MLB betting sites. They are often collectively referred to as the “grey market,” but the law is actually very black and white. The federal government has never passed any legislation that would make it illegal for you to use offshore gambling sites, so you are free to place bets at them whenever you like.
In 2016, Quebec tried to stop residents from using gambling sites based overseas. It planned to impose an IP block in a bid to render them inaccessible. However, it led to a protracted legal case, and in 2018, the Superior Court of Quebec ruled that such a move would be unconstitutional. That forced Quebec’s government to abandon the plans, and it allowed all sports bettors in the province to continue using offshore sites.
No province or territory has sought to prevent its residents from using offshore gambling sites since that ruling in Quebec. The sportsbooks we have listed in this MLB betting guide are all legitimate companies that hold licenses in their jurisdictions – countries such as Costa Rica and Curaçao, where it is cost-effective to run sport betting operations. Stick to these MLB betting sites to ensure you get paid out with no trouble if you win.
Advantages of Using Offshore MLB Betting Sites
There are lots of advantages to using offshore MLB betting sites as opposed to local operators such as Mise-o-jeu+, PROLINE+, PlayAlberta, PlayNow and Sport Select, which are run by government-owned lottery corporations. These are the top benefits:
- Better Odds Odds | You will often find far better MLB betting odds at offshore sites. It is more cost-effective to run online sportsbooks where they are based, which allows them to pass on cost savings to players through much more impressive odds. They compete with one another to offer the best lines, which benefits the consumer. Local operators behave more like monopolies, and they take a large house edge on their MLB betting lines, so you will typically earn better profits at offshore sites.
- More Betting Options | There are often lots more MLB betting markets available at offshore sportsbooks. For instance, Bovada offers more than 100 bet types on an MLB game, and a feature allows you to get odds on any prop you are interested in, essentially meaning your options are unlimited.
- Earlier Lines | Sportsbooks based overseas have been in the business for decades, and they know how to cater to sharp bettors. The best operators release early MLB lines, allowing sharps to find value before public wagering patterns cause them to move. Locally regulated sites are often a lot slower to publish lines.
- Larger Promos | Another benefit that arises from the fierce competition between rival MLB offshore betting sites is the array of bonuses and promotions they offer. You can typically redeem significantly larger promos at sportsbooks such as BetOnline and Stake. They offer far better contests too, as they can target bettors from across Canada and the United States, whereas local sites are restricted to their provinces or regions. More players contribute to pools at offshore sites, resulting in larger prizes.
- Crypto Payments | Offshore MLB betting sites accept crypto, which is a major bonus if you hold Bitcoin or altcoins. It allows you to make quick, secure and convenient deposits and withdrawals to your offshore gambling account, and the limits are very broad.
Our Criteria for Choosing a Top MLB Betting Site
Our six criteria for choosing a top MLB site are listed below. The best MLB betting sites and mobile apps perform very well in each area, but there are always standout performers.
Range of MLB Bets
A large range of MLB bets is helpful, because that improves your chances of finding a market that perfectly aligns with your reading of a game. Bodog stands out by offering an excellent selection of bet types, including same game parlay combos, props, alternative lines and innings bets, along with a feature that allows you to request odds on any bet that is not featured on the site.
Early MLB Lines
MLB teams play far more games than NFL, NBA and NHL teams throughout the season. The best sportsbooks react quickly by releasing overnight lines on a team’s next game after it has just played. That gives sharp bettors an opportunity to bet on early lines before public betting patterns cause them to move. Bodog and BetOnline are quick to release their MLB betting lines.
Bonus & Promotions
Bonuses and promotions improve your overall expected value as an MLB bettor. We recommend grabbing a variety of bonuses and promotions, provided they have low rollover requirements, as they boost your long-term chances or profitability. BetOnline and Stake.com provide loads of MLB promotions each season.
Safety & Security
We will only ever recommend safe, licensed, legitimate brands that have immaculate security records. The MLB betting sites highlighted in this guide use cutting-edge encryption tools to keep their customers safe, so you never need to worry about your funds or your account details.
Payment Methods
You should make sure an MLB betting site or mobile app accepts your preferred payment method before signing up. The most popular methods include Interac, iDebit, Instadebit, Visa, MasterCard, PayPal, MuchBetter and ecoPayz. The sites we have highlighted offer a wide range of Canadian payment options, but it is always worth doing due diligence before signing up.
Customer Support
All MLB bettors can benefit from access to well-trained customer support agents on a 24/7 basis. This is particularly helpful for beginners, but even seasoned bettors need assistance sometimes. Bodog, BetOnline, XBet and MyBookie offer very strong support through multiple channels.
How to Sign Up and Bet on MLB
You can start betting on MLB games in just a few minutes if you follow these simple steps to sign up with the No. 1 MLB betting site:
- Visit the Best MLB Betting Site
Click here to visit Bodog, the best Canadian MLB betting sportsbook. You can hit the “Join” button to the right of the homepage when you land, and it will bring up the registration form.
- Provide Personal Details
Fill in the form with your personal details. Certify that you are old enough to legally bet on sports such as baseball online in your province or territory – the minimum age is either 18 or 19, depending on which part of Canada you are located in – and click “Register.” You will need to validate your phone number by entering a code sent via SMS.
- Make a Your First Deposit
You can make your first deposit via lots of different methods, including cryptocurrencies, bank transfers and credit and debit cards. The funds will show up in your account rapidly, and you will then be awarded the deposit match sign-up bonus funds.
- Choose An MLB Betting Market
Select “Baseball” from the sports displayed on the Bodog main menu and then choose MLB as your league. You will see a list of games, and you can select any of them to browse your wagering options. Click on any pick you like the look of, and your selection will pop up on the online betslip.
- Place Your First MLB Bet
Just type the amount you want to be into the “RISK” section, and the “WIN” section will highlight your potential winnings. There is an option to select listed pitchers, meaning the bet will not go ahead unless the specified pitchers play. Confirm by clicking the button at the bottom of the form, and you’ll get paid out quickly after the game ends if you win.
How MLB Betting Works
MLB betting gives you an opportunity to earn a profit by making predictions about how a game will unfold. You can bet on the result of the game, or browse more than 100 alternative options, from the total runs in the game to the number of strikeouts a pitcher will record.
You will find MLB betting odds next to each wagering option. They tell you the profit you would earn by successfully betting on that market, and they also tell you the implied chance of success. MLB betting odds will normally be presented in the decimal or American format, but they may be shown in the fractional format, so we have broken all three down below:
Decimal Odds
Decimal MLB odds are easier to understand than alternate formats. All you need to do is multiply your bet amount by the decimal odds to calculate your total return. That return includes the profit and the return of your stake (bet amount). This is an example of decimal betting odds:
- Toronto Blue Jays to beat Baltimore Orioles (1.63)
- Baltimore Orioles to beat Toronto Blue Jays (2.35)
If you bet $10 on the Blue Jays, you would earn a return of $16.30 if they won the game. That includes a $6.30 profit and the return of your $10 stake. If you bet $10 on the Orioles, you would get $23.50 as your total return. Just multiply the bet amount by the odds. The smaller potential winnings on Blue Jays tells you they are the favourites, with a higher implied chance (61.5%) of winning.
American Odds
American odds are a little more complicated. They tell you the profit you would receive, as opposed to the total return. To calculate your total return, you need to work out the profit and then add your bet amount back on top. Odds rendered in the American format start with a plus or a minus:
- Toronto Blue Jays to beat Baltimore Orioles (-160)
- Baltimore Orioles to beat Toronto Blue Jays (+135)
The numbers after a minus tell you the amount you need to wager to win $100. You would need to bet $160 on the Orioles to make a $100 profit. Your total return would then be $260. A $10 bet at -160 would result in a $6.30 profit and a total return of $16.30, so -160 equates to 1.63.
The plus sign tells you the profit you would earn from a $100 bet. A $100 bet at +135 would net you a $135 profit if the Orioles won. Your total return would be $235. A $10 bet at +135 would leave you with a $13.50 profit and a total return of $23.50, meaning that +135 is the same as 2.35.
Fractional Odds
Fractional odds are similar to American odds, because they tell you the profit available as opposed to the overall return. They are also similar to decimal odds, because you just need to multiply your stake by the fraction to calculate your profit:
- Toronto Blue Jays to beat Baltimore Orioles (63/100)
- Baltimore Orioles to beat Toronto Blue Jays (27/20)
A $10 bet on Toronto would result in winnings of $6.30 and a profit of $16.30, whereas a $10 bet at 27/20 on Baltimore would result in winnings of $13.50 and a return of $23.50.
Single-Game MLB Betting Explained
Regulated single-game sports betting is still a novelty for some MLB fans in Canada. Prior to 2021, the only locally regulated sportsbooks were run by provincial and territorial lotteries, and they were only permitted to accept parlays with three or more selections. That means you could not bet on the Blue Jays to win a game. You would need to bet on the Blue Jays, the Mets and the Twins all to win on a certain day, for example.
Parlays are tricky, because every leg needs to win. If one team lets you down, the overall bet loses. The house edge also grows larger with every leg you add. For that reason, most MLB bettors used grey market sportsbooks based overseas, which allowed them to bet on single games at competitive odds, while also redeeming large bonuses.
You can bet on single MLB games at local, regulated sportsbooks like PlayNow or Mise-o-jeu+. However, most bettors still use grey market sportsbooks, as they offer more bet types, superior odds and larger promotions, but make sure you opt for a trusted, reputable provider.
Popular Types of MLB Betting Markets
The best MLB betting sites provide a huge volume of betting markets on a single game, along with lots of long-term futures. These are the most popular options for betting on MLB:
Moneyline Bets
This is the simplest MLB betting option. You just need to predict which team will win. Most people place moneyline bets on the full game, but the best sportsbooks also accept moneyline bets on the first five innings or other portions of a game. The moneyline odds tell you which team is the favourite and which is the underdog, and they also show you the profit available on either team.
Team Odds Toronto Blue Jays to win 1.65 Baltimore Orioles to win 2.30 Run Lines
The standard run line gives the superior MLB team (the favorite in the moneyline odds) a handicap of 1.5 runs. You can then back either team to cover it. If you bet on a team -1.5, they must win by at least 2 runs. A bet on a team +1.5 pays out if they either win or lose by just a single run. There are alternative run lines available at the best sportsbooks too.
Team Odds Toronto Blue Jays -1.5 1.91 Tampa Bay Rays +1.5 1.91 Total Runs
This is a simple over/under bet on the number of runs that will be scored in an MLB game. The sportsbook sets the total runs line, and you just bet “over” or “under”. This is another betting option available for the full game, the first five innings or specific innings and groups of innings. You will often find team total runs lines too.
Total Runs Odds Over 6.5 1.91 Under 6.5 1.91 Prop Bets
Prop bets focus on whether an event will happen in a game or on a player performance metric. For example, you could bet on whether an extra innings will be needed or if both teams will score at least three runs, or you might bet on a player to hit a home run.
Player Odds Jose Berrios over 4.5 strikeouts 1.95 Jose Berrios under 4.5 strikeouts 1.85 Futures
These are long-term wagers that run throughout the course of an MLB season. Popular futures bets include the winner of the AL, the NL, the World Series or a particular division. There are also futures on player awards like the MVP or Cy Young, and you can bet over/under on a team’s regular season wins or speculate on its chances of reaching the playoffs.
Team Odds Toronto Blue Jays over 91.5 regular season wins 1.91 Toronto Blue Jays under 91.5 regular season wins 1.91 Parlays
Parlays roll multiple selections from different games together, such as Toronto, Colorado and Texas all to win. Each pick must be correct for the overall bet to win, but you can accumulate large profits through parlay betting. Same game parlays are also available, such as the Toronto Blue Jays to win, over 8.5 runs and both teams to record 7-plus hits.
Live MLB Betting
Leading MLB betting sites allow you to place moneyline, run line, total runs and prop bets while a game is taking place. This is known as live betting. You can watch the game, react to developments and place your bets accordingly. The odds and lines move to reflect how the game is progressing.
MLB Betting Strategies & Systems
Some hardy MLB bettors swear by a few key tenets. We have listed the most popular strategies for you to consider:
Bet Under on Total Runs When Strong Teams Collide
Bettors get excited when two winning teams meet. They expect a slug-fest between star hitters, and more than half of the action regularly goes on “over”. This often pushes the line up, providing opportunities to fade the public and bet on “under”. When two teams with records of .500 or better collide, “under” pays off more than half of the time, as the pitchers dominate.
Support Struggling Teams After They Win
One of the most popular approaches involves betting on a bad team to secure a second consecutive win. The logic is that a struggling team gains a short-term confidence boost after securing that long overdue victory, and they carry that momentum into the next game, winning again at attractive moneyline odds.
Bet Under During Windy Conditions
The wind affects baseball more than other sports, and it often plays havoc for hitters, so some bettors blindly back “under” whenever the wind blows. If you want to pursue this strategy, it is important to find a reliable weather source, preferably at a local level in the city hosting the game.
Our Top 5 Tips for Betting on MLB
These are our top tips to boost your chances of staying safe and racking up profits when betting on MLB games:
Stick to Legitimate MLB Betting Sites
Stick to the MLB betting sites recommended on this page to ensure your bets are graded correctly, your details are protected and you receive your winnings on time. None of those things can be guaranteed if you sign up with an untrustworthy, unlicensed MLB betting site.
Sign Up with Multiple Sportsbooks
You can boost your chances of short-term and long-term success by registering with multiple MLB betting sites. In the short-term, you will receive several sign-up offers, giving you plenty of opportunities to play with house money. In the long-term, you can compare the odds they have on each game and grab the best prices, which can seriously help your chances of ending an MLB season in the black.
Go for Listed Pitcher Bets
Check out listed pitcher betting options, which only run if the stated pitchers start. That prevents you from getting caught out by late pitcher changes, which can naturally cause your bet to lose.
Identify the Most Interesting Underdogs
Betting on the favourite in every MLB game is all but guaranteed to result in long-term losses. The trick is to find the underdogs that can upset the odds. Check out the MLB betting trends and MLB betting splits, pore over the key stats and uncover the underdogs that can topple the favourites.
Take Advantage of Expert MLB Betting Picks
Expert picks and MLB betting tips can help you come up with winning plays. Avoid simply taking the advice of a random poster on an MLB betting forum and try to find reputable handicappers with long-term winning records. When you have established their credentials, check out their MLB betting picks and conduct independent research to check you agree.
MLB Leagues to Bet on
You can bet on every MLB game at the best Canadian sportsbooks. The majors are divided into two leagues, and the team that clinches each pennant will go through to the World Series to vie for overall supremacy.
American League
The AL is divided into three divisions – AL West, AL Central and AL East. Each division has five teams. The winner of each division advances to the playoffs, along with the three additional teams with the best records in the AL, who earn wild card spots. The Yankees have the most AL titles. The Blue Jays have won two AL titles, and they went on to win the World Series on both occasions.
National League
The NL follows an identical format to the AL. There are three divisions – NL East, NL Central and NL West – with five teams per division, and six teams make it through to the playoffs at the end of the regular season.
Playoffs
The 2022 collective bargaining negotiations resulted in a 12-team postseason. In each league, the two division winners with the best overall records earn byes to the division series. The lowest-seeded division winner and three wild card teams, each seeded according to their regular season records, then play a best-of-three Wild Card round, with the higher seeded team hosting all three games.
There are just four teams left in each league by the start of the division series. The winner of each series progresses to the League Championship Series. An AL pennant winner and an NL pennant winner are then crowned, and they go through to compete in the best-of-seven World Series.
Bonuses for MLB Betting Online
Bonuses erode the house edge that MLB betting sites take on their baseball lines, so it is worth claiming as many as you can. The only caveat is that you should avoid bonuses that tie you down to high rollover requirements. Stick to the promotions that come with low rollovers. These are the most common MLB betting bonuses online:
Match Deposit Sign Up Bonuses
The MLB betting site offers to match a percentage of your first deposit with free bet credit. It could be a 50% deposit bonus, a 100% deposit bonus or perhaps a 150% bonus. There is always a limit to the amount you can receive, such as a 100% bonus up to $500, and you need to complete a rollover requirement on the free bet credit before the MLB betting site allows you to cash out.
No Deposit Bonus
This rare sign-up bonus awards you a small amount of free bet credit, and you do not need to risk your own funds to earn it. However, you do normally need to roll it over several times before withdrawing. In that time, the sportsbook aims to convert you into a regular customer.
Free Bets
Free bets are awarded to new and existing users at the best MLB betting sites. You may simply get a free bet with no strings attached, but you normally need to place a qualifying wager, such as “Bet $25, Get a $10 Free Bet” or “Bet $10, Get a $100 Free Bet”.
Bitcoin & Crypto Bonuses
Some offshore sportsbooks prefer to accept Bitcoin and altcoins as opposed to fiat-based deposits, as it reduces their costs. They incentivize you to use crypto by offering larger bonuses if you do so. For example, a site may offer a standard 50% bonus up to $500 and a 75% crypto bonus up to $750. None of the MLB betting sites we have recommended accept crypto, as it is mainly favoured by smaller sportsbooks based in Curaçao or Costa Rica.
Reload or Top-Up Bonuses
This type of bonus is available whenever you top up your account balance. It is just like a match deposit sign-up bonus, but it is typically smaller. For instance, you might get a 100% welcome bonus up to $1,000 and a 20% reload bonus up to $200. Once again, you need to roll the bonus funds over before withdrawing.
Risk-Free Bets
This bonus gives you a chance to place a bet, knowing you will get a rebate if you lose. The rebate may be paid in cash, but it is normally issued as bonus credit, with a 1x rollover.
The Best Payment Methods for MLB Betting
It is easy to make deposits and withdrawals at the best sites and apps for MLB betting. These are the most popular methods:
Crypto Betting Options
Bitcoin, Ether, Litecoin, Bitcoin Cash, Tether and USDC are the most commonly accepted cryptocurrencies at MLB betting sites. It is a quick, secure way to send money to an offshore sportsbook, so it is popular with many bettors. Crypto is also generally the quickest withdrawal option from an online sportsbook, and it provides the highest limits too.
eWallet Betting Options
An eWallet allows you to fund your MLB betting account quickly, because you do not need to type in your card details. For that reason, many bettors find it to be very secure. The eWallets accepted vary according to where you are in Canada, but they may include PayPal, Skrill, Neteller, ecoPayz, MuchBetter and Venmo.
Traditional Payment Methods
Debit cards and credit cards are accepted at MLB betting sites. Visa and MasterCard are the most commonly accepted, followed by Discover and then American Express. You can also send a bank transfer, and payment methods such as Interac, Trustly, iDebit and Instadebit are popular, along with prepaid cards.
2022 MLB Schedule
These are the important dates to during the 2022 MLB season:
Date Event Venue Location April 7 Blue Jays open the season against the Orioles Oriole Park Baltimore April 15 Jackie Robinson Day Various Various June 2 Lou Gehrig Day Various Various June 19 All-Star Game Dodger Stadium Los Angeles August 11 MLB at Field of Dreams (Cubs vs. Reds) Dyersville Iowa September 15 Roberto Clemente Day Various Various October 5 Regular season ends Various Various October 7 Wild Card round begins TBD TBD October 11 Divisional round starts TBD TBD October 18 NLCS starts TBD TBD October 19 ALCS starts TBD TBD October 28 World Series starts TBD TBD MLB Betting Terms
Action – A bet placed on an MLB game.
Air Betting – A fun wager between friends, with no money at stake.
Bad Beat – Losing a bet to a bad call or a freak play.
Bankroll – The funds a bettor sets aside for wagering on an MLB season. Tight bankroll management is crucial for success.
Cash Out – Ending an in-play bet before the game finishes.
Chalk – A wager on the favourite in an MLB game.
Cover – Predicting that a team will cover the MLB run line.
Dime Line – An appealing set of MLB betting odds, with a 10-cent difference between the moneylines on either side of the bet.
Dog – The underdog in an MLB game, with a lower chance of success than the opposing team.
Edge – A perceived MLB betting advantage.
Futures – Long-term bets such as the winner of the World Series.
Grand Salami – A over/under wager on the total runs scored in every MLB game on a specific day.
Handicapper – An individual that provides MLB betting picks, either for free or for a fee.
Handle – The money laid down on MLB games during a particular period, such as a month.
Juice – The house edge a sportsbook includes on its MLB betting lines in order to earn a profit and cover overheads.
Listed Pitchers – A form of MLB betting that only runs if the stated pitchers are in action.
Lock – A bet that you have utmost confidence in.
MLB Betting Forum – A discussion board whereby bettors share their MLB betting predictions, MLB betting tips, MLB betting trends and MLB best bets. A good MLB forum can provide very useful insights.
Moneyline – A simple wager on which team will win a game.
Oddsmaker – An individual tasked with devising MLB betting odds.
Opening Line – The first set of MLB betting odds published on a game, or a futures market. The public betting trends will then often cause the lines to move.
Pick – MLB betting picks are predictions on how the game or futures market will end.
Push – A bet that is voided, meaning you neither win nor lose. You get your bet amount back instead. For example, if you bet on under 8 runs and there are precisely 8 runs, it will settle as a push.
Sharp – An experienced bettor that pounces on weak lines and bets when there is an apparent edge.
Square – An everyday armchair bettor that does not put much thought into his or her wagers.
Vigorish – Another term for the juice, or house edge, on MLB betting lines.
MLB Betting Near Me
There are MLB retail betting options across the country. You will not find many Las Vegas-style sportsbook lounges, although there are some retail sportsbooks inside casinos in Quebec, but you can place bets on MLB games at a large array of retail stores, which work in partnership with the provincial or territorial lottery to offer wagering on MLB games.
These venues now offer single game MLB betting along with parlays. The first areas to legalize single game retail MLB betting were Ontario, Quebec, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Prince Edward Island, which all made the move in Quebec in November 2021. Alberta was hot on their heels, followed by Saskatchewan, Northwest Territories, Nunavut and Yukon, and finally Nova Scotia took the plunge in February 2022.
The Best MLB Betting Site in Canada
Bodog is the best MLB betting site in Canada. It offers more markets on MLB games than any rival sportsbook, along with competitive MLB betting odds and high maximum win limits. Bodog is an established, reputable and trusted online sportsbook, which always pays out, and it offers a strong customer experience for MLB fans.
Right now, Bodog offers sports betting in every province apart from Quebec. If you are in Quebec, you can use one of the other MLB betting sites recommended on this page, such as Stake.com or BetOnline. They offer a quality MLB betting experience, and you can rely on them to pay out your winnings on time.
Neil Roarty is a gambling industry veteran with over 15 years experience writing and editing in both Europe and North America. He is a regular speaker at gambling conferences and appears as an author in many industry publications.
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