Currently, numerous sports are gaining popularity, but soccer stands out as particularly popular in the US, attracting a growing number of fans.

With sports betting now legalized and secure in Illinois, it is expected that the popularity of soccer will increase. One of the key advantages of betting on soccer is the constant availability of betting opportunities.

There are constant international competitions taking place, including top tournaments like the MLS and the English Premier League. Fans can also look forward to major events like the upcoming UEFA Euro competition and the World Cup.

Our detailed manual on soccer betting in Illinois offers all the essential information needed. It includes different methods of participation, a diverse selection of legal apps to try out, and special bonus deals for new bettors.

Top IL sportsbooks to bet on soccer

Live MLS, Premier League Odds

Here are the latest live odds for the Premier League and MLS from online sportsbooks in Illinois. You can customize your odds board using the drop-down menu on the left. Click on any game line to visit the online sportsbook, where you can take advantage of new-player bonus bets and place your soccer wagers.

Most popular soccer leagues to bet on at IL Sportsbooks

When it comes to major North American sports, options are limited to the top professional and college leagues. However, soccer stands out with a wide range of competitions taking place globally. Let’s take a closer look at two of the most popular leagues.

Major League Soccer

The MLS is gaining popularity in the US, with 27 teams currently in the league and more expansion on the way. Teams play 34 games in a season that runs from spring to fall.

English Premier League

The Premier League is widely regarded as the top league in the world, with a massive international following and featuring some of the best players in the world. Every year, from August to May, 20 teams compete for the league title.

You can easily enhance the international flair of soccer by exploring online sportsbooks in Illinois, which provide top-notch action from around the globe.

• La Liga, the top Spanish league, features 20 clubs.
• Serie A, which is located in Italy, features a total of 20 teams competing in each season.
• The top-tier German league, known as the Bundesliga, consists of 18 clubs.
• The UEFA Champions League, also known as the European Cup, features top teams from across Europe competing in a prestigious contest.
• The World Cup, the top global tournament, occurs every four years with 32 countries competing for supreme victory.
• During the Summer Olympics, both the US men’s and women’s teams actively compete and attract a large amount of attention.
• The Other International Leagues encompass Europe, Asia, and South America.

Many people who start betting on soccer tend to initially concentrate on the MLS, Premier League, or World Cup. However, as they become more immersed in the sport, they often expand their focus to include other significant competitions.

How to bet on MLS online in Illinois

Major League Soccer (MLS) has seen substantial expansion, with 27 teams now competing in both the Eastern and Western conferences. The newest team, Austin FC, joined in 2021, and Charlotte FC is set to join in the upcoming season.

Sacramento Republic FC and St. Louis City SC are scheduled to begin playing in 2023, bringing the total number of clubs to 30. There is speculation that the league may further expand to accommodate 32 clubs in the coming years.

The best time to start betting on MLS is now, as the league offers plenty of excitement and action for both spectators and bettors. Let’s take a look at the current schedule structure.

• Each team competes in 34 games every season, with half of the games being played at home and the other half being played away.
• Every team in the conference plays against each club twice.
• The upcoming games are against teams from the opposite conference.
• The team with the best regular season record earns the Supporters Shield.
• The top 14 regular-season teams qualify for the playoffs, with the top two seeds earning a first-round bye.
• This tournament is an elimination-style competition, with the winner being crowned the MLS Cup champion.

Bet on the Premier League and Champions League

Just a short time ago, the availability of Premier and Champions league soccer coverage in the US was very restricted. Today, in Illinois, you can watch games and legally bet on their results.

In the past, the only options available were traveling to Vegas or engaging in the risky black market with offshore operators. Nowadays, there is no longer a need for road trips or risking money with offshore books.

The Premier League is made up of 20 teams, featuring some of soccer’s biggest names. Teams such as Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea, and Arsenal are not only well-loved in their native England, but also boast a strong fan base in the United States.

Usually running from August to May, the season consists of 38 games for each team. Every team faces each other once at their own stadium and once away. Points are earned through wins and draws, with the team having the most points at the end being crowned champion.

The Champions League features top teams from Europe, beginning with qualifiers and advancing through several rounds to reach the knockout stage. Real Madrid boasts the most wins in the tournament, having secured 13 titles.

How to bet on soccer online in Illinois

To legally bet on soccer in Illinois, you must choose a state-regulated sportsbook. We recommend a few operators that provide great sign up bonuses.

Getting started is easy. For example, if you want to make a bet with DraftKings Illinois, simply click on the links we provide to create a new account. You will then be taken to a page where you can enter your information, a process that only takes a few minutes.

Once you have verified the accuracy of your data and chosen the correct options, simply click on “Submit”. DraftKings will quickly verify your account, allowing you to receive bonuses. Don’t forget to check out the DraftKings Sportsbook app on the website for convenient mobile access.

Take some time to investigate the sportsbook in order to get acquainted with it. You will find that the website and app provide a similar experience, with a few minor distinctions to keep in mind.

For example, you can find a comprehensive list of available markets on the website’s left side. By clicking on ‘soccer,’ you can see a variety of leagues to choose from. Once you’ve selected the league you want to bet on, clicking on it will bring up all the relevant betting options in the lobby.

The app’s process is more condensed because of the smaller screen, but the overall concept remains the same. Simply navigate to the options menu, locate the soccer link, and click on it to view all available choices.

For example, when you click on MLS on either the web or mobile platform, you will see all the current matches along with the soccer odds. You can choose to bet on a team, a tie, or explore the different types of bets offered.

We will go over all the betting methods soon. In the meantime, it is crucial to realize that each match on the list needs to be carefully considered. Whether you are betting online or using a high-quality mobile operator, it is easy.

How to read soccer betting odds and lines

When you visit online sportsbooks, you will typically see soccer matches listed with a three-way moneyline bet as the default option. This bet type allows you to select the team you think will win or predict if the match will result in a tie. The odds for this type of wager may be displayed in the following format:

Columbus Crew	+120
Tie	+230
Chicago Fire FC	+250

The Crew are expected to win against Fire FC in this match. In soccer betting, all options may have positive numbers, with the lowest number indicating the favored team. To place a bet on any of the options, simply click on the corresponding box.

Place the bet on the slip right away. Next, enter your betting amount and double-check all details for accuracy before submitting.

This is a popular method of betting on soccer, but there are many other ways to participate as well. Let’s take a look at some other common types of bets:

Double Chance allows you to bet on two potential outcomes in a single wager, such as choosing a team to win or a draw, or selecting either side to win.

Liverpool/Draw	-150
Chelsea/Draw	-180
Liverpool/Chelsea	-140

In the Draw No Bet wager, a tie does not count as a result. If the game ends in a draw, the bet is void and your money will be returned.

Argentina	-130
Brazil	+110

In soccer, the goal line is akin to a point spread, typically set at 0.5 goals. However, operators may also offer alternative goal lines.

Toronto FC	– 0.5 (-105)
New York FC	+0.5 (+125)

Totals work similarly to over/under bets in other sports, where oddsmakers set a number for you to choose from.

Over	2.5 (-115)
Under	2.5 (-105)

Halves: To further analyze the match-ups, you can predict which team will come out on top in each half of the game.

Manchester City – first half	+120
Manchester United – first half	+110
Tie – first half	-115

Goal: Evaluate various prop bets, including predicting the team to score the first goal and the total number of goals scored by a team.

Columbus Crew Total Goals
Over	1.5 +122
Under	1.5 -102

Additionally, the list of game props includes bets on events like corner kicks and cards issued in the game Corners and Cards.

Total Corner Kicks in Match
Over	9.5 (-130)
Under	9.5 (+110)

Aside from the wide array of betting choices, another important aspect to take into account in soccer betting is the ability to place live bets on games as they happen in real-time. This type of betting, also referred to as in-game betting, allows for odds and options to change based on the events unfolding during the match.

The market is fast-paced, but top operators make it simple to stay updated on the latest options. For example, an IL betting app lets you watch games from anywhere and stay connected to track the action.

When an attractive opportunity presents itself, you can quickly and easily place your bet. Live betting can add excitement to soccer matches, but it is important to always gamble responsibly and within your limits.

How soccer prop bets and futures work

If you’re interested in exploring different ways to place bets on soccer, be sure to consider the futures market. These bets are placed on events that will occur at a later date. The top markets are available throughout the year and offer a variety of popular options.

• World Cup winner
• MLS Cup winner
• Premier League champion

Every team in the competition will have soccer betting lines, with favorites listed at the top, long-shots at the bottom, and all other teams in between. The odds for some of the top contenders for the MLS Cup may be displayed as follows:

Philadelphia Union	+450
Los Angeles FC	+550
Seattle Sounders	+650

Futures odds are first released in the offseason, but the market stays active throughout the season. Feel free to place your bets at any time, but keep in mind that a long-term view is important. As bets are made, the odds will change, so make sure to check back often to get the best prices.

We have touched on some prop bets for soccer, but the range of options is vast. Here are a few more prop betting opportunities you might come across:

Will both sides score in the game — yes/no?

Which player will score the game’s first goal?

Will any player score two goals in the match — yes/no?

Along with individual game props, there are also season-long props available for consideration. These could involve predictions for player awards or setting over/under statistics for players.

Sportsbook rules for betting on soccer

Every sportsbook has set rules in place for betting on soccer and other sports. While most rules are consistent throughout the industry, there may be slight differences in certain areas. Here is a general overview of what you should know:

• After the game starts, all bets are deemed as live.
• Bets may remain valid in the event of a delay or postponement, as long as the match is rescheduled to be completed within a reasonable timeframe.
• If a game is completely canceled, bets will be voided and the wager amounts will be returned to bettors.
• All bets will be settled based on the official data and statistics provided by the league.

There are many different situations that may arise, but it is important to note that there may be occasional irregularities. To fully understand how books handle any unique cases, it is recommended to review the house rules and terms and conditions.

Euro 2021 odds / 2022 World Cup odds

The Euro 2021 UEFA European Football Championship is set to take place from June 11 to July 11, 2021. With the futures market in play, now is the time to make your selections. Take a look at the soccer lines for a few of the top contenders:

Team	DraftKings
England	+550
France	+550
Belgium	+600
Germany	+700
Portugal	+800
Spain	+900
Netherlands	+1100
Italy	+1200

The upcoming World Cup in Qatar, set to be held from Nov. 21 to Dec. 18, 2022, is still a long way off. However, futures market odds are already being offered and will likely change as the tournament approaches. Here’s where things stand at the moment.

Team	DraftKings
France	+600
Brazil	+700
Germany	+700
Spain	+750
England	+1000
Belgium	+1100
Argentina	+1200
Netherlands	+1400

MLS in Illinois

Chicago Fire FC, the local Major League Soccer (MLS) team, was originally founded in 1997 as Chicago Fire Soccer Club. As one of the first expansion teams in MLS, the Fire quickly found success by winning both the MLS and US Open in 1998.

Despite not winning the MLS Cup since then, the club did secure the Supporters Shield in 2003. Additionally, they achieved US Open Cup triumphs in 2000, 2003, and 2006. Here are some key facts about the team:

• Home Games: Soldier Field
• The address is 1410 S. Museum Campus Drive in Chicago.
• Capacity: 61,500
• Head Coach: Raphaël Wicky
• Captain: Francisco Calvo
• Ante Razov holds the record for most goals scored in history with a total of 94 goals.

After finishing in third place in the Eastern Conference in 2017 and suffering a first round playoff loss, the Fire have failed to make the postseason. In 2019, the franchise welcomed Wicky as their 10th head coach, sparking optimism that the team could make a comeback soon.

5 of the best soccer players from Illinois

Illinois has produced many talented athletes who have excelled in various sports, including soccer. Some of these athletes have stood out in collegiate programs within the state and have gone on to have successful careers at a professional level. Here are five individuals who have made a significant impact on the soccer scene in Illinois.

1. Brian McBride, a native of Arlington Heights, had a lengthy tenure with the US Men’s National Team, playing in both the MLS and the Premier League. He also spent time with the Fire from 2008 to 2010.
2. Born in Chicago, Marcelo Balboa is highly respected as a member of the National Soccer Hall of Fame. Alongside his accomplishments with the US Men’s National Team, Balboa has established himself as a prominent soccer commentator for ESPN and ABC.
3. Mauricio Pineda, a native of Chicago, is a current player for the Fire and a product of their youth system. He scored 17 goals during his time at North Carolina and is seen as a potential cornerstone player for the team.
4. Leisha Alcia, a talented goalkeeper hailing from Canada, is widely regarded as one of the top players in the University of Illinois women’s soccer program. With two All-American honors to her name, she was instrumental in leading the Fighting Illini to a triumphant win in the 2003 Big Ten championship.
5. Vanessa DiBernardo currently plays for the Chicago Red Stars in the National Women’s Soccer League. She hails from Naperville and honed her skills playing college soccer at Illinois. DiBernardo has also represented the US Women’s National Team during her professional career.