The MLB season’s pinnacle is the World Series, which always stirs high anticipation. However, interest may escalate as betting on the World Series is legal and safe in many states, including Illinois.

Our comprehensive guide to World Series betting will illustrate the types of bets you can make, as well as provide you with the most recent live World Series odds directly from online sportsbooks in Illinois.

World Series futures odds at Illinois sportsbooks

Best IL sportsbooks to bet the World Series

The sports betting industry in Illinois has been expanding rapidly. There are multiple options for where bettors can place their bets, though some are superior to others. Here are our top three choices for placing bets on the World Series:

DraftKings Sportsbook Illinois

The online sportsbook of DraftKings has established itself as a preferred platform for baseball game betting. It boasts a sleek interface packed with various features. Both the app and online platform offer an exceptional live betting experience.

• Bets on all World Series games while in-play
• A steady stream of MLB-related promotions
• Betting on World Series props and futures

FanDuel Sportsbook Illinois

FanDuel online sportsbook is an operator that has swiftly ascended to a leadership position in the sports betting market. The platform is user-friendly and contains innovative features like single-game parlays. Some additional highlights include:

• Parlays for individual World Series games
• Broad variety of MLB promotional deals
• Live betting and props available throughout the World Series

Best ways to bet on the World Series

Numerous betting methods exist for the World Series. You can concentrate on the result of each game, bet live as the action unfolds, or even predict the outcomes before the games start. Here are the prime methods to be part of the action:

• Single Game Betting: You have the option to place bets on each game in the series using the primary MLB betting types: moneyline, run line, and totals.
• Series Result: After the official announcement of the matchup, you have the opportunity to place your bets on who will win the entire series.
• Futures for the World Series are accessible throughout the year. You can make futures bets on numerous upcoming events, for example, the next year’s World Series game as soon as the current year’s game concludes.
• Prop Bets and Live Betting: Besides the overall game results, you can delve further into the individual matches with a variety of prop bets and in-play betting.

You can definitely concentrate on one primary betting method, but it’s worth considering diversifying your betting risk across different World Series betting markets. You could prioritize one type of bet, while distributing the rest of your bankroll in other areas.

MLB betting odds explained

Sportsbooks will publish the odds for every MLB game, including the World Series. The primary listing for the games may appear as follows:

Team	Moneyline	Point Spread	Total
Chicago White Sox	+120	+1.5 (-110)	O 8.5 (-110)
Chicago Cubs	-130	-1.5 (-110)	U 8.5 (-110)

Beside the two names, you’ll find a sequence of numbers that symbolize the odds and lines for the three main types of bets: moneyline, run line, and totals. Let’s delve into how these operate.

• Moneyline: This is a straightforward bet where you choose the winner. For instance, in our scenario, the Chicago Cubs are the favorites with negative odds, whereas the White Sox, indicated by positive odds, are deemed the underdogs.
• Run Line Explanation: Similar to a point spread bet in other sports, a run line requires the chosen team to cover the run line for the bet to be successful. For instance, if you bet on the Chicago Cubs, they must win by at least two runs. On the other hand, the White Sox could cover by either maintaining a gap of a single run or less, or by winning outright.
• Totals: This bet is placed on the cumulative runs scored in a game. Bookmakers set a predicted number, and bettors can choose to wager on the over or under. For instance, over bettors are in favor if nine runs or more are scored, while under bettors are rooting for eight runs or fewer.

In addition to the final result of the game, props and live betting allow you to engage more closely with the action. Props, akin to side bets on the game, often focus on the performance of individual players. For example:

• Between Anthony Rizzo and Jose Abreu, who will have more combined hits and walks?

With live betting, you can place bets in real-time while the game is ongoing. Updated lines for the primary bet types will be available, along with chances to bet on minor segments of the game.

• Who will be the first to score three runs: Cubs or White Sox?

In summary, each World Series game offers numerous opportunities to explore. Despite the Fall Classic taking place during a busy period for sportsbooks, you can be confident that your options won’t be limited.

Betting on MLB World Series futures

The futures market enables you to place bets on the winner of the upcoming World Series throughout the year. The odds for the next series are usually released shortly after the conclusion of the current series. All 30 MLB teams will be represented, with odds ranging from favorites to long-shots.

The odds for the World Series may vary as bets are placed. Many gamblers remain involved throughout the season to secure the best odds for particular teams. When you check the board, you may find a few favorite teams with odds that appear like this:

Los Angeles Dodgers  +400

New York Yankees  +550

Atlanta Braves  +900

Making the correct prediction with futures can yield significant profits. For instance, if you wager $100 on the Braves at odds of +900 and they emerge victorious, you stand to gain a profit of $900.

Futures necessitate a long-term outlook, thus, it’s crucial to only stake money that you can afford to have locked up for some time since bets aren’t resolved until a winner is declared. If an entire MLB season were to be cancelled, which is highly unlikely, all futures bets would be nullified and the amounts wagered would be refunded to the bettors.

Latest odds to win World Series

Looking forward to a new season, it’s natural to try and predict how events may unfold. The oddsmakers at sportsbooks also engage in this activity, sharing their predictions with the public through betting lines.

When setting the numbers, the oddsmakers have a vast amount of data at their disposal. They meticulously consider every possible factor to determine the most probable outcome. However, the betting public may not always concur with these predictions, leading to changes in the line.

Should a team attract a substantial amount of action, its odds might be lowered. Conversely, for teams that are largely overlooked, their odds could potentially increase even more. The aim for sportsbooks is to minimize their liability while ensuring the action is as balanced as possible.

Bettors can also benefit from the movements by engaging in some line shopping. By comparing prices at several books, you can pinpoint the best opportunities before actually making your bets.

Who has more World Series wins AL or NL?

Since 1903, the American and National leagues’ pennant winners have competed in the World Series. The event has taken place yearly, except in 1904 and 1994. Overall, the American League has a 66-50 lead.

Over the years, both sides have had their periods of dominance. For instance, from 1947 to 1953, the AL was victorious every year, and similarly, the NL dominated from 1979 to 1982. However, since the beginning of the 21st century, the competition has been fairly balanced.

• NL has been leading AL 11-9 since 2001.
• NL held the longest streak of three years from 2010 to 2012.
• Over this span, there have been no winners who have won more than once.
• The Texas Rangers in 2010-11 and the Dodgers in 2017-18 are two teams that have suffered losses in consecutive years.
• During this period, the World Series has extended to a full seven games seven times.
• Since 2001, four World Series sweeps have occurred.
• The NL has led 6-4 for the past 10 years.
• In the past five years, the NL has a 3-2 lead.
• In three out of the last five years, the World Series has extended to a full seven games.

In 2021, the futures market lists the Dodgers and Braves, both NL teams, as two of the top three favorites. The Yankees, an AL team, are the top favorite.

Which team has won the most World Series titles?

Of the 30 existing MLB teams, only one has never made it to the World Series: the Seattle Mariners. The remaining teams have different records of World Series appearances, with some making frequent visits to the Fall Classic and others having less success. Below is a comprehensive list of World Series records by team, including their most recent appearance and the outcome.

Team	Appearances	Record	Last
New York Yankees	40	27-13	2009-W
Los Angeles Dodgers	21	7-14	2020-W
San Francisco Giants	20	8-12	2014-W
St. Louis Cardinals	19	11-8	2013-L
Oakland Athletics	14	9-5	1990-L
Boston Red Sox	13	9-4	2018-W
Detroit Tigers	11	4-7	2012-L
Chicago Cubs	11	3-8	2016-W
Cincinnati Reds	9	5-4	1990-W
Atlanta Braves	9	3-6	1999-L
Pittsburgh Pirates	7	5-2	1979-W
Baltimore Orioles	7	3-4	1983-W
Philadelphia Phillies	7	2-5	2009-L
Cleveland Indians	6	2-4	2016-L
Minnesota Twins	6	3-3	1991-W
Chicago White Sox	5	3-2	2005-W
New York Mets	5	2-3	2015-L
Kansas City Royals	4	2-2	2015-W
Houston Astros	3	1-2	2019-L
Miami Marlins	2	2-0	2003-W
Toronto Blue Jays	2	2-0	1993-W
Texas Rangers	2	0-2	2011-L
Sand Diego Padres	2	0-2	1998-L
Tampa Bay Rays	2	0-2	2020-L
Los Angeles Anges	1	1-0	2002-W
Arizona Diamondbacks	1	1-0	2001-W
Washington Nationals	1	1-0	2019-W
Colorado Rockies	1	0-1	2007-L
Milwaukee Brewers	1	0-1	1982-L

5 top tips for betting on World Series

The pressure for the players may significantly increase during the World Series, but the same betting principles apply. It’s essential to thoroughly analyze the matchups, scrutinize the odds, hunt for advantages, and more. In addition to these fundamentals, here are some extra pointers to remember when placing bets on the World Series:

1. Futures: Diversify Your Risk: Having a favorite for a World Series futures bet is standard, but is it wise to put all your hopes on one team? With a season full of unpredictability, it’s more logical to distribute your bets among a few teams.
2. Monitor Teams That Excelled in the Second-Half: As the playoffs begin, it’s essential to look beyond mere overall records. Teams that performed exceptionally well in the latter half of the season might be more prepared than those that eased off after a strong start to the year. The momentum they gained is likely to be carried into the playoffs.
3. Bullpen and Roster Depth: We’d like to reiterate that the MLB season is a long journey. As you browse through the teams and attempt to discern which ones are constructed for endurance, take note of those with robust rosters and formidable bullpens. These two elements can significantly influence the course of the season and the World Series.
4. The Arms Race: Having a strong offense is great, but a team possessing a few top-tier pitchers for a short playoff series can be even more advantageous. A pitcher peaking at the right moment can become invincible, so teams with several such pitchers could potentially make a significant impact in the postseason.
5. Postseason Past Bats: As the World Series approaches, it’s time to closely examine the two competing teams. Pay attention to those players whose performance improves dramatically in high-stakes situations, as well as those who appear to crumble under pressure. These patterns could persist under the intense lights of the postseason.

As the season progresses, the excitement for the World Series intensifies, and the futures market maintains a high level of interest throughout almost the entire year. Predicting the winner in advance is challenging, but valuable hints can be found from past Fall Classic champions.

Chicago Cubs World Series history

The Cubs carried the title of the team with the longest World Series drought for many years. Now, while that burden has been lifted, their overall success in previous World Series appearances leaves much to be desired.

• Total Appearances: 11
• Record: 3-8
• Last Time: 2016

In 2016, the Cubs triumphed over the Cleveland Indians in a seven-game series. Ben Zobrist bagged the MVP award, marking the club’s first title since 1908. Following this, the team reached the postseason thrice in four seasons, the latest being a loss to the Marlins in the 2020 wild card round.

Here, verify the World Series odds for the Cubs.

Chicago White Sox World Series history

The White Sox also experienced a significant title drought that extended into this century, though they were able to break the streak before their city rivals. Similar to the Cubs, they haven’t had many World Series victories.

• Total Appearances: 5
• Record: 3-2
• Last Time: 2005

The White Sox claimed their first championship since 1917 by sweeping the Astros, who were then part of the NL, in four games in the 2005 edition. Jermaine Dye was honored with the series MVP award. The most recent postseason for the club was in 2020 when they suffered a loss in the wild card round. This marked the first playoff appearance for the White Sox since 2008.

Look at the most recent odds for the White Sox.