Best MLB betting sites in 2023: Top baseball sportsbooks

Baseball is America’s favorite pastime, and while betting on baseball has not quite earned that status yet, it is becoming increasingly popular. Since the removal of the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act in 2018, states have rushed to legalize online sports betting, allowing residents the chance to bet on MLB and other popular sports leagues.

Grab the DraftKings $150 bonus with your first $5 MLB bet!

Sports bettors have been greeted with many excellent sportsbooks to bet on MLB, and knowing which ones are the best can be difficult. That’s why we’ve stepped up to the plate and put together this handy guide to betting on MLB to help you along the way. 

Best MLB online sportsbooks

1. BetMGM (Available in: AZ, CO, FL, IL, IN, IA, KS, LA, MD, MA, MI, MS, NV, NJ, NY, OH, OR, PA, PR, TN, VA, WA, WV, and WY)
2. DraftKings (Available in: AZ, CO, CT, IL, IN, IA, KY, LA, MD, MA, MI, NH, NJ, NY, OH, OR, PA, TN, VA, WV and WY)
3. BetRivers (Available in: AZ, CO, CT, IL, IN, IA, LA, MD, MI, NJ, NY, OH, PA, VA, WV, and WY)
4. Unibet (Available in: AZ, IN, IA, NJ, PA, and VA)
5. Betway (Available in: IA)
6. Desert Diamond Sports (Available in: AZ)

Where can you legally bet on MLB online? 

The removal of the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act in 2018 finally allowed states to legalize and regulate online sports betting. This opened up the floodgates in terms of sports-betting potential in America. Legal sports betting is now available in 36 states, but in some of these states, you can only bet in person. 

This is slowly changing, though, with more states beginning to legalize online sports betting. At the time of writing, 24 states and Washington D.C. allow online sports betting. This number is likely to rise in the very near future, with other states seeing the financial benefits of sports betting and attempting to pass bills to legalize it. 

You can bet on MLB legally on your desktop or mobile in the following states: 

• Arizona
• Arkansas
• Colorado
• Connecticut
• Illinois
• Indiana
• Iowa
• Kansas
• Louisiana
• Maryland
• Massachusetts
• Michigan
• Nevada
• New Hampshire
• New Jersey
• New York
• Ohio
• Oregon
• Pennsylvania
• Rhode Island
• Tennessee
• Virginia
• Washington D.C.
• West Virginia
• Wyoming

Full reviews of top MLB betting sites

The MLB is one of the most popular sports divisions in America, and every sportsbook in the country wants to attract players to bet on it. The following sportsbooks are our picks for the top MLB betting sites available right now. 

1. BetMGM

BetMGM is one of the biggest sportsbooks in America, and its MLB offering is up there with the very best. You will find markets for every game throughout the season, with some of the most competitive MLB odds around. It also features an MLB Parlay Insurance promotion, where you will receive up to $25 in bonus funds if a four-leg parlay loses by one selection. 

Pros: 

• Huge selection of MLB betting markets. 
• Extensive MLB coverage, including betting tips and more. 
• MLB Parlay Insurance bonus. 

Cons: 

• Customer service response is occasionally limited. 

2. DraftKings

DraftKings is the home of daily fantasy sports in the US, which is a huge selling point for MLB fans and bettors. The site focuses on baseball, with a comprehensive offering that can compete with the best in the business. You will also find excellent MLB promotions here. The MLB Stepped Up promotion is a big selling point, with the site boosting parlay bets 100%. 

Pros: 

• A huge number of MLB betting markets. 
• Daily fantasy sports options. 
• Excellent MLB promotions. 

Cons: 

• The odds are only sometimes as good as competitors. 

3. BetRivers

BetRivers has a strong reputation among sports bettors, and while it might not be as big of a name as some of the others on this list, it certainly steps up to the bat when it matters. You will find competitive odds for all MLB games, with the operator’s future markets being a particular highlight. It also has a brilliant selection of MLB bonuses. This includes the MLB Bet & Get promotion, which is a weekly free bet, the MLB Parlay Insurance, and the Tuesday Home Run Insurance promotion. 

Pros: 

• Great MLB bonuses. 
• Great future betting markets. 
• Competitive MLB odds. 

Cons: 

• Limited streaming options. 

4. Unibet

Unibet is an internationally renowned sportsbook provider that has been able to hit a home run with MLB bettors. The user-friendly website serves up a big selection of MLB markets, with some great early odds and a selection of useful betting features. Things like parlay insurance and price boosts are common features at Unibet, both of which can be extremely useful when betting on baseball. The site does not run any specific baseball promotions, but it has a generous welcome bonus where you can get up to $100 in bonus bets with your first deposit. 

Pros: 

• Excellent betting features. 
• Competitive early odds on MLB games. 
• User-friendly website. 

Cons: 

• Limited baseball-specific promotions 

5. Betway

If there is a brand you can trust for sports in the UK, it’s Betway, and the sportsbooks is looking to earn that trust in the US too. Betway is fairly new to the US betting market, but it quickly established itself as a popular spot with MLB bettors. Personalized bets, price boosts, and a big selection of MLB markets to bet on are just some of the reasons you should consider betting on MLB with Betway. New customers on the site can claim $250 in bonus bets on their first bet loss.

Pros: 

• Personalized betting options.
• Good MLB prop and future markets. 
• Operated by one of the world’s most trusted betting brands. 

Cons: 

• Limited in-play betting options compared to competitors. 

6. Desert Diamond Sports

Desert Diamond is a sportsbook that is currently only available for bettors in Arizona. While it may be limited, the operator still serves up some good MLB betting options. It also attracts sports bettors in Arizona with a generous welcome bonus and an array of regular promos, several of which can be particularly useful when betting on baseball, including a 100% up to $250 welcome bonus. 

Pros: 

• Good range of MLB markets. 
• Generous welcome bonus. 
• Competitive odds for MLB. 

Cons: 

• Limited to bettors in Arizona. 

How we picked our favorite MLB online sportsbooks

There are many great sportsbooks out there, so knowing which ones are the best for MLB betting is no easy task. We used the following criteria to help us decide which MLB betting sites to recommend. 

License and security features 

Safety is our top priority when choosing US sportsbooks for betting on baseball. All of the operators we have selected are fully licensed and adhere to all of the industry’s security standards and regulations. 

Promotions and bonuses 

The sportsbooks we have selected know how to treat customers right. We have selected operators with a range of bonuses and promotions for both new and existing customers to use when betting on MLB. 

User interface and betting apps 

A sportsbook can have as many markets and promotions as it likes, but it will only succeed if it is easy to use. Thankfully, all the sportsbooks we selected are easy to use, putting the customer experience at the top of their priority list. 

Variety of baseball betting markets

All of the sportsbooks we have highlighted offer a good range of MLB and baseball betting markets. You will find moneyline, spread bets, future, and prop markets with all of these operators. 

Payment methods and fees

We understand that getting your money in and out of your sports betting account is a priority. The sportsbook we have recommended offers a variety of different banking methods. We have also sought out the ones with no payment fees. 

Customer support

If you find yourself in a tricky situation when you are betting at any of our recommended MLB sportsbooks, then their customer support teams will be on hand to help. The best sportsbooks offer a selection of methods you can use to contact their teams. 

Standout features

Most sportsbooks will offer baseball markets and promotions. The ones we have chosen go above and beyond, with many of them offering unique betting features. This includes price boosts, in-play betting options, and insurance-style features. 

How to sign up at an online sportsbook and bet on MLB

You can bet on the MLB by completing the following steps: 

1. Log in to the sportsbook of your choice. If you are a new customer, sign up and claim any welcome bonuses that might be available. 
2. Once there, find the MLB/baseball section. 
3. Scroll through and find the game of your choice. Some sportsbooks will list games earlier than others. 
4. Select the market you want to bet on. 
5. Add your choice to the betting slip, and enter your stake. 
6. Double-check that you have everything correct, and then confirm your bet. 
7. Sit back and enjoy the baseball!

How to claim a welcome bonus and use it for MLB betting

If you are a new customer at one of the sportsbooks we have listed, then you should take advantage of any welcome bonuses that might be available. You can claim a welcome bonus for MLB betting by following these steps: 

1. Follow one of the links we have provided to access your chosen sportsbook. 
2. Click on the register/sign-up button on the site. This is normally found in the top corner. 
3. Fill in the details the sportsbook requests. These will include your name, date of birth, address, e-mail address, and phone number. 
4. Once you have completed this, you might be required to enter a bonus code to claim your welcome bonus. Alternatively, you could be presented with the option to opt in. 
5. You will then need to make your first deposit on the site. 
6. Read through the welcome bonus terms & conditions to make sure you understand the requirements. 
7. Your welcome bonus should be activated and ready to use. If you experience any issues, reach out to the customer support team. 

What types of bets are available for MLB?

One of the reasons MLB is popular with bettors is the number of different bet types you can place. The following are the most popular MLB bets: 

• Moneyline bets: These are the most popular types of bets to place. This is a simple bet on which team will win a game. For example, you can bet on the San Diego Padres beating the Washington Nationals at odds of -100. 
• Run line/Spread bets: Another popular type of bet, the run line, or spread bet, is when one of the teams is assigned a handicap. For example, you might bet on the Chicago Whitesox to beat the Cleveland Guardians with a -1.5 spread. This means they would need to win by two runs for your bet to win. 
• Over/Under: Over/under bets are bets on the game’s score instead of the outcome. For example, you might bet on whether the score ends over or under 4.5 runs. 
• Prop bets: Prop bets, short for proposition, are bets on individual moments or events within a game. For example, you can bet on a certain player hitting a home run. These can vary from quite serious propositions to more novel ones. 
• Future bets: Future bets are longer-term bets placed on outright markets. For example, you can bet on which team will win the World Series at the start of the season. 
• Parlay bets: Parlay bets are when you place multiple selections on one bet. You need each of them to come in to win your bet. For example, you might put a parlay bet on the Tampa Bay Rays to beat the Toronto Blue Jays and for the score to be over 7.5 runs. If Tampa wins 3-0, then your bet will fail, as not every selection was correct. Parlay bets can feature up to 12 selections. These are attractive to bettors because the odds accumulate. 

What is a spread in MLB betting?

MLB spread betting is a way of adding a handicap to the favorite or the underdog to improve the odds and level the playing field. In baseball, it is often referred to as a run line bet.  For example, you could bet on the LA Dodgers to beat the Arizona Diamondbacks at 1-5 on the spread. This means the Dodgers would need to win by two points for your bet to be successful. 

What are the most popular MLB prop bets?

Prop bet markets are among the most popular with MLB bettors. Prop bets will vary between bookmakers, but the following are the most common: 

• Player prop bets: These are based on a player’s performance. You can bet on whether or not a player will hit a home run, how many RBIs they will get, how many stolen bases, and so on. You can also bet on a pitcher’s performance, betting on the number of strikeouts they will hit, for example. 
• Team prop bets: These are based on the entire team’s performance. You can bet on events in the game, such as which team will hit the most home runs or which one will score first. 

Can I bet on the outcome of the World Series?

Of course! The World Series is the biggest showdown in baseball, and sportsbooks will want to capitalize on that. You will find an increased number of baseball betting markets and more bonuses and promotions for baseball available throughout the series. 

What betting site has the best odds for MLB?

All of the sportsbooks we have listed offer good odds for the MLB, however, if we had to pick one, it would be BetMGM. The operator not only has some of the most competitive MLB odds available, but it also has some of the earliest odds on the market. 

What sportsbook has the best betting markets for the American League (AL) and for the National League (NL)?

All of the sportsbooks will offer odds for both the American League and the National League, and you will not find a huge deal of difference in terms of the odds and markets offered on them. In some cases, you may find more personalized promotions depending on your location, so you might get price boosts on a specific team. As well as DraftKings, BetMGM, and Unibet both stand out for the American League and National League betting options. 

Can I place baseball bets with my smartphone?

Yes. All of the sportsbooks we have listed offer mobile betting options. Some sportsbooks will also have mobile apps, making betting on the MLB even more convenient.

Are betting sites offering odds boosts for MLB?

Yes. Several of the MLB sportsbooks we have mentioned use odds boosts to attract customers. Unibet and BetMGM are two of the best sportsbooks for MLB price boosts, especially for the big games. 

What betting sites offer live betting on AL and NL?

All the betting sites we have listed offer live-betting options on the American League and the National League. There will also be live betting options during the World Series. 

What is the most trusted baseball betting app?

You can trust all of the baseball betting sites we have listed. Each of them is licensed and regulated to operate in numerous states, and they are all up to date with the latest industry security standards. When it comes to the quality of baseball betting apps, DraftKings and Unibet are among the best. 

Which betting site for baseball is the safest?

As we have mentioned, all the sportsbooks listed are perfectly safe to bet at. They hold multiple licenses and are checked by third parties to ensure their fairness. They all use the latest encryption technology to ensure that your data and financial transactions are 100% secure. When visiting a new MLB betting site, we highly recommend checking its licensing and security information first. This is typically found at the bottom of their homepage. 

What other popular sports can I bet on besides baseball?

Baseball is America’s favorite pastime, but that doesn’t mean it is the only sport you can bet on. Top sportsbooks in the US, including all of the ones we have listed, will offer odds on other popular leagues and divisions, including the NFL, NHL, and NBA. You can also bet on popular international leagues like the Premier League, IPL, and more. 

Our 5 tips and strategies to make the most of your MLB betting experience

1. Don’t always back favorites: Baseball is an incredibly unique sport in that it has an intense schedule, so the winning percentage of top teams is lower than in other sports. In any season, a team winning its respective league with 100 wins is an achievement, which means that they would have registered 62 losses. No other sport has such a high-loss percentage for its best teams, so you should always be cautious about backing favorites without considering other factors. 
2. Be patient: Typically, you will find the odds for a game available a day or two before the event. However, as we’ve mentioned, baseball has a much more intense schedule than other sports, and betting too early can be problematic. We would recommend waiting for team news, weather forecasts, and even the umpires before you place your bet. All of these can severely impact the outcome of a game. 
3. Monitor in-play markets: Baseball matches can last a while, and the game can change drastically between innings. As such, keeping an eye on in-play markets can be advantageous. You can take advantage of any quick price changes and capitalize on any changes in momentum in the game. 
4. Check the schedule: The baseball schedule is unlike any other sporting schedule. Teams can go a week, or in some cases, two weeks, without taking a day off. All of this has to be factored into your baseball betting strategy. A team that has played for eight days straight may struggle against a team with a day or two to recharge. You should also factor in the turnaround and travel time between series. The schedule is grueling, and it can make the sport extremely volatile. 
5. Remove your biases: As with all sports, betting on baseball with your head and not your heart is important. Just because you’re a big Rockies fan doesn’t mean you have to back them to defeat the Dodgers every time they meet. Allowing your personal biases and emotions to rule your betting is never a good move and can lead to major losses. The best approach is to remove these biases, analyze the stats, and make an informed betting decision.

Commercial content notice: Taking one of the bookmaker offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. 21+. T&Cs apply. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-Gambler

Responsible gambling 

Remember to gamble responsibly
A responsible gambler is someone who:

• Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
• Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
• Never chase their losses
• Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry, or depressed
• National Council on Problem Gambling – https://www.ncpgambling.org/
• Gamble Aware – www.begambleaware.org

For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 1-800-522-4700 or go to ncpgambling.org/chat