MLS Sports Betting Online NJ

History of MLS

MLS is the most recent men’s professional leagues to operating in the United States and Canada. Then, it began when the United States Soccer Federation (USSF), pledged to create a Division 1 professional soccer league in 1988.

This was a condition granted by FIFA to award the 1994 FIFA World Cup hosting to the United States. However, it was officially formed in 1995 and commenced play on April 6, 1996, with 10 teams.

The first-ever game was between San Jose Clash, who conquered D.C United, in front of 31,000 ecstatic fans. In its inaugural season, D.C United emerged the champion. Later, by 1998, the span of teams had risen to 12. Despite all this progress, MLS experienced a series of challenges.

First, low attendance greatly affected the sport. Second, eight of the ten teams lacked their stadiums. Therefore, games took place in stadiums rented from the American Football teams. As a result, this was not pleasing to the fans.

Third, major financial distress was a great distress to the new league. These resulted in the sacking of the then Commissioner Doug Logan in August 1999. Later on, Don Garber, a former National Football League executive, took charge that same month.

Then, tremendous progress was visible after the crucial change, with Columbus Crew Stadium becoming the first MLS soccer stadium. As a result, it became a major trend among teams and owners to construct their venues.

In addition, more doubt arose when the U.S men’s national team lost the 1998 World Cup. This was more upsetting because the team fielded MLS players almost entirely. Also, over the years, major transitions affected the league. For instance, there was an attempt to familiarize the sport in the states to avoid the impression of “foreign sport”.

Furthermore, MLS adopted the International Football Association Board (IFAB) rules in 2005. So, the league marketed itself rigorously, which led to homegrown stars attracting European level ranking. Also, a major step to internationalize the league was the Designated Player Rule. It led to MLS outsourcing international players into the league.

MLS’s Popularity

Truly, soccer is the second-fastest growing sport in the United States, both in participation and interest. On the other hand, Major League Soccer is very young when compared to other great sports leagues. However, within the 27 years of existence, the sport, and gambling on the sport, have done well.

For instance, the league hosts an average attendance of 20,000 persons per game. This is quite an impressive figure as it stands at number 3 in attendance of any sports league in the United States. On a worldwide basis, the sport stands as the seventh-highest attended professional soccer league.

Besides, future projections showcase that, MLS points towards surpassing other major sports. This is probable in around ten years. Also, great expectations rest on America co-hosting the 2026 World Cup with Mexico and Canada.

To add more vigor, an addition of more teams to make 30 by 2022 is in the works. Such events end up attracting more positive attention to boost the league. Since 2012, the sport has experienced a 27% rise in interest. So, this is a major driving force towards its excellence.

In addition, the rampant growth of academies is an incredible step in identifying and creating young talent. Therefore, this will help both the U.S men’s national team and the league maneuver and compete adequately.  Finally, there has been a grand entrance of great footballers from other world-famous leagues.

Famed examples include David Beckham, Thierry Henry, Zlatan Ibrahimović, and Wayne Rooney. The result is the creation of great space for soccer in American hearts.

MLS Conferences

The league rests on two conferences. These conferences are the Eastern Conference, which is the major one, along with the Western Conference. The Eastern Conference started in 1996 with a total of 13 teams. Also, as of 2020, the Western Conference features 13 teams.

Even, it has produced fifteen Supporters’ Shield champions and eleven MLS Cup winners. This is under MLS’s first 25 seasons. LA Galaxy possesses the most MLS cup titles with a total of 5.

Teams

Certainly, Major League Soccer operates under a single structure in which teams and player contracts are centrally owned by the league. Furthermore, each team has an investor-operator who resembles the shareholder of the team. Currently, the league contains 27 teams.

Also, Inter Miami and Nashville SC joined in 2020. However, further expansions to about 30 teams are in the cards by 2023. This is in addition to Charlotte FC in 2022, Sacramento Republic FC, and St Louis City SC in 2023.

Eastern Conference

Western Conference

Upcoming Teams

Player and Team Awards

Of course, rewards occupy a central place for any competition to be effective. In MLS therefore, both the players’ and teams’ contributions attract rewards at the end of the season.

Player Rewards

Other than the usual salaries, player excellence draws awards distributed under specific contributions. Below is a list reflecting categories of player awards in Major League Soccer:

• Major League Soccer MVPs
• Best MLS Player ESPY award
• Defender of the Year
• Comeback Player of the Year
• Goal of the Year Award
• Goalkeeper of the Year Award
• Golden Boot
• Player of the Month
• Young Player of the Year Award
• Save of the Year Award
• MLS Best Xl

Team Rewards

Generally, teams in the MLS participate in various cups for rewards. Domestic cups include:

• U.S Open Cup
• Canadian Championship

Also, the teams involve themselves in International cups which include:

• CONCACAF Champions League
• Campeones cup
• League Cup

Typically, the MLS season commences in late February or early March and plays on till mid-October. A total of 34 games take place with the best team receiving the Supporters’ Shield. Sixteen teams also take part in the MLS cup Playoffs in October. Later on, the MLS Cup championship concludes in early December.

MLS Betting Lines

With the rapidly growing Major League Soccer, you face exposure to fun action by the New Jersey sportsbook. Also, in conjunction with the latest betting apps, there is an advancement in online betting.

Hence, this makes the activity a lot easier for you to engage in the excitement and how to bet on the plentiful of games.

Below is a comprehensive list that articulates the MLS betting lines:

Money Line Betting

Firstly, this is the most common soccer betting line. You need to play on a three-way line as illustrated by the example below. D.C United -120 l Draw +150 l Toronto FC +300. The plus or minus sign is very significant and the amount indicated represents how much you will win.

Spread Betting

Secondly, this form entails the margin of victory when you place in your betting line. An example:

D.C United -1.5 l Toronto FC +1.5

So, if you bet on Toronto, they can win by a goal or win outright and you would win the bet. However, if you bet on D.C United, they will have to win by two or more goals for you to overcome the bet.

Totals/Goals Betting

Simply, it refers to the total number of goals scored by both teams in the game. Taking an example of 2.5 as a betting line, you need to place an under or an over. In this case, if you place an over, a total of three or more goals allow you to win the bet.

On the other hand, if you chose under, the total number of goals must not exceed two for you to win. There are also other numerous offers for you such as over 3.5, 4.5, 5.5, and so on.

Correct Score

This option gives you the mandate to decide on the final score of the game. However, each set of score possesses different odds with regards to how various sportsbook judge its outcome. An example, you may find a game with correct sores. To be specific, 0-0 with an odd of 8.0, 1-1 with 12.0, and 2-1 with 15.0.

Half-Time/Full-Time Betting

This is a lucrative betting option that allows you to combine the half-time and full-time results in one wager. Essentially, your proposed bet predicts which team takes the lead during half time and also finally wins the game.

Prop Bets

Typically, MLS provides you with the widest array of prop bets. Importantly, prop bets do not necessarily affect the outcome of the match. Below is a list of several prop bets you can place on:

• The first player to score
• Player to score a hattrick
• Both teams to score
• Both teams not to score
• Anytime goalscorer
• Number of cards (over/under)
• Possibility of a penalty
• Possibility of a red card

Parlay Betting

This is more common in soccer as well, which allows you to accumulate multiple selections on the same bet. For example, you could bet on LA Galaxy, New York City FC, and Montreal impact all in one single bet.

Therefore, your expected results winnings will be higher than betting on each of them individually. However, they all have to secure victory for your payout to be active.

MLS Awards to Bet On

In addition to the plentiful money lines, MLS features several awards for you to bet on. These awards include:

• Major Leagues soccer MVPs
• MLS Golden Boot
• MLS Player of the Month
• Best MLS Player Award
• MLS Goal of the Season Award
• Team to win the league

Ranking the Best MLS Sportsbook in New Jersey

There has been quite an intense competition among online MLS sportsbooks in New Jersey. But you need to consider certain factors when deciding on the sportsbook outlet that will entice you. Below are some key factors that consolidate the best MLS sportsbook for you:

Betting Lines

Indeed, bigger payouts are the demanding factors for you to choose a favorable sportsbook. Though betting lines differ among different MLS sportsbooks, taking the time to compare them would be of great benefit for you.

Betting Features

Unique and special features are prone to promoting a certain brand. Examples are live betting, live-streaming video content, and early cashouts. All these factors amount to which sportsbook does its best for you to play with.

Sports and Markets Offered

This is another vital factor for you to seek the best sportsbook. If a certain sportsbook offers more and wider sports market, it will lure you into playing with them.

License and Regulation

MLS online betting in New Jersey is legal. Importantly, regulation falls under the NJ Division of Gaming Enforcement. Still, betting is only restricted to individuals aged 21 years and above. You must also be within the state to participate in the betting activity.

Safety and Security

Equally important, security is a critical factor of consideration in any existing franchise. High-security measures ensure safe money transfers and personal account credentials privacy. Severe consequences apply if your funds are mishandled.

Also, with the aid of geolocation technology, the best of New Jersey’s betting sites is capable of tracking your location. The software blocks persons trying to access the site from outside the state as a critical security measure.

User Experience and Mobile Usage (App)

The best New Jersey MLS sportsbook offers betting apps with the widest range of markets. Furthermore, they come in hand with added advantages such as early cashouts, in-play betting, and boosted odds.

Also, there is excellent customer service accompanied by apps experience. As a matter of fact, New Jerseys’ betting apps are easy to use, very pleasing, and operate smoothly.

It is very crucial to see how a MLS sportsbook provides its layout with mobile web users and mobile apps. Essentially, advancement in technologies lets you place your bets from the convenience of your home. Also, they should be easy to use and operate smoothly without lagging.

Bonuses, Promotions and Rewards

The enthusiasm for choosing a selection of bonuses and promotions is present for you in New Jersey’s various sportsbooks. For instance, a welcome bonus is available for new players who make their first deposits. With so many betting sites, the fight to keep you drawn in with them is intense.

So, when choosing the best deals, it is vital to recall the bonuses and rewards requirements. That little boost delivered to you once in a while is worth going for potential profits. The most popular bonuses include:

• Match bonus – In this case, the specific bookmarker will match up your deposit to a certain percentage. But, this rests on meeting certain conditions for you to access the bonus cash within a certain time frame.
• Free bets – These are free bets rewarded by the bookmarkers. However, the size of the free bet depends on different specific sites. Typically, winnings received from free bets attract bonus money. Nevertheless, terms and conditions demand rolling it over several times to receive the win amount.

Loyalty Program (VIP-Program)

Certainly, this is an increasingly popular method of rewarding loyal customers. For example, at MLS sportsbook betting in New Jersey, the entire experience you will receive is of VIP class. Besides, regular betting can get you distinctive rewards at the VIP club.

A host of different rewards and loyalty programs comes in hand. Also, various sportsbooks provide accumulative VIP reward programs, and they often genuinely repay them. Therefore, this will keep you invested and consistently boost you a long way.

Deposit and Withdrawal Options

New Jersey’s bookmarkers have made it easier for you to make deposits and withdrawals. Moreover, you have a variety of payment and winnings withdrawal options. Among them are:

• Visa credit/debit card
• Mastercard credit/debit card
• PayNearMe
• Neteller
• Paypal
• Cash at the casino cage
• eCheck/ACH
• Prepaid cards

In addition, winnings are part of the game and go hand in hand with withdrawal. Various withdrawal options include:

• Prepaid cards – Instant processing time
• Cash at the casino cage – Instant processing time
• E-wallet – 12-48 hours of processing time
• eCheck/ACH (VIP preferred) – 1-2 days processing time
• Bank wire – 5-7 days processing time
• Courier Check by Mail – 2-3 weeks processing time

Mobile MLS Betting

All in all, nowadays it is quite easier to place soccer bets on your mobile. This is easily facilitated by an efficient internet signal and your smartphone or tablet device. Above all, MLS sportsbook betting apps are also readily available for download.

Indeed, they are mostly available for devices that run Android or iOS operating systems. Similarly, a mobile-friendly version website is available for your browser.

FAQ

Lars Wahlström

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