What are the differences between soccer betting in the US vs. Europe?

Soccer Betting Differences

Soccer is a sport that is packed with excitement and attracts the most enthusiastic fans. Known as football in Europe, there are some differences between the games played in the US and games played in European countries. These differences can also lead to alternative ways in which bettors place wagers on soccer games. Let’s take a look at how American and European soccer differ. Though soccer may not be as popular in the US, it is a game that has experienced tremendous growth, leading to the availability of great lines and odds at online sportsbooks.

📋Structural Differences
🌍HFA Matters!
⚽MLS Futures Betting
🔍Playing Style
💡Things to Consider

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USA vs. Europe Competition Structure

There are clear differences in the way that soccer leagues are set up in America and Europe. With American soccer, teams will be divided into conferences and these are based on the physical location of the team. Having conferences can create a dynamic during league play. One of the key differences in American leagues is that there is no relegation. Seasons will end with playoffs and the top teams will compete for the championship.

With European leagues and teams, there are relegation systems in use. The lower-ranking teams at the end of a season will be dropped to lower divisions. The top teams will be moved up. This results in constant excitement during games, especially toward the end of the season. The changes in how teams play during and after the season result in different bets being available and changes in the strategies being used by experienced bettors.
With US Soccer, teams in the MLS suffer no penalty for finishing lower on the list. Players may lose their desire to compete if they are already not contenders for playoffs, which can result in poor player performance, affecting bets that have been placed.

Home Field Advantage Matters

When betting on MLS games in the US, home-field advantage is a key factor. Statistically, teams in the MLS perform much better when playing at home. When MLS teams have to travel for games, they are covering a lot of ground, which can take a toll on the body. Long and cramped flights can create problems for athletes, which is why bettors consider home-field advantage when choosing wagers.

MLS teams have to contend with many issues when traveling, including extreme temperature changes, changes in altitude, and even playing in various time zones.

One major difference between traveling as an MLS player and a European player is restricted charter flights. In the US, star players may have to travel long distances in economy class. This never happens with the wealthier European leagues.

The home-field advantage is something to consider when betting on MLS games. Home teams win 53% of the matches played while only 46% of teams playing at home in Europe win. This means that sportsbooks will have heavily juiced MLS markets when teams are playing at home.

MLS Futures Betting is Limited

When it comes to the types of bets that can be placed, there are similar options with US soccer and leagues from Europe. Sportsbooks will offer moneylines, point spreads, totals, and other options. One thing to be aware of is that the futures market for the MLS can be limited. Many of the leading US sportsbooks will offer simple futures bets, such as outrights on what team will be the MLS Cup winner.

When wagering on European Leagues, there will be many more betting options. Some of the top futures bets that can be placed include Champions League or Europa League qualification, relegation, Top 5 finish, Ballon d'Or, and Top 10 Finish.

European teams have much more at stake during the season. If they finish in the bottom league positions, teams can be moved to a lower division for the upcoming season. This major difference between MLS and European Soccer is one reason many prefer placing bets on European teams.

MLS teams can often be seen giving up at the end of a season. Since they are not able to make the playoffs and are at no risk of being relegated, teams will rest top players, which affects overall team performance. In terms of betting, this can create challenges for even the simplest types of bets.

Playing Style

There are vast differences in the playing style of those on MLS teams and those part of the European Leagues. In Europe, players are known to have more skill with the ball at their feet. They also excel in terms of endurance, agility, speed, and strength.

The overall skill levels are higher in European Leagues and players contend against top-rated teams and star players.

The advanced level of play alters how bets are placed. European leagues pose great opportunities for prop bets. Since players are always at the top of their game, the enhanced competition makes for a better experience when placing soccer bets.

European Leagues attract better players. This is due to many reasons, including the lack of a salary cap, better training for youth players in Europe, and more financial resources. This presents fans with more action, talent, and excitement. While the MLS does fall begin Europe in many instances, there are still amazing betting opportunities. US professional teams have attracted some players from Europe, enhancing the roster and improving team performance.

Things to Consider When Betting MLS

With the option to place bets on European games or MLS matches, sports bettors have many choices available. Leading online sportsbook cover lines for both leagues and deliver some outstanding odds. When choosing where to place bets, there are some things to consider. These can impact gameplay and can also affect individual player performances.

Back Home Teams – The MLS is known for having teams that perform better at home. MLS teams travel much more than European teams, resulting in jet lag, physical fatigue, and mental clarity. Backing teams that play at home can offer more chances to win outright winner bets.
More MLS Goals – On average, MLS teams score more goals than their European counterparts. However, regular season goals average 2.86 per game while playoff games see a drop in that average, to 2.51.
Less Consistent – MLS teams are not as consistent as European teams. This means that looking at last year’s records may not always be the best way to perform research. Be sure to stay up on current stats and details on MLS teams. Teams that play in the large European Leagues will often match performances from the past season.

In Summary

Both the MLS and European Leagues offer extensive opportunities to sports bettors. These leagues deliver endless action on the field, experienced players, and exciting moments. Whether bettors like to support local professional teams or are looking for the action of the most talented European players, there are always bets to place.

While the leagues do differ in many ways, betting remains the same. MLS fans need to research to make sure they are aware of the latest stats and player injuries. Whether placing moneyline bets on winners or a futures bet on who will win the MLS Cup, online betting for soccer has become a top choice for many American betting enthusiasts.