MLB Betting in New York
There’s a lot to love about MLB betting. From opening day to the last game of the World Series, there are thousands of games and unique lines to throw a bet down on. And in the dog days of summer, when the NBA and NFL are on hiatus, MLB betting is the best game in town.
On the local level, both the Mets and Yankees obviously have tons of diehard fans and bettors. The home teams make for a great entry point on the betting front; you can also focus on nearby rivals that you’re familiar with like the Boston Red Sox and Philadelphia Phillies.
Want to get started betting on baseball online in NY? On this page we’ll answer all your MLB betting questions plus show you where to find the best current MLB lines at NJ and NY sportsbooks for Mets odds, Yankees odds and more.
MLB betting lines at online sportsbooks
Below find our MLB live odds feed from NJ online sportsbooks with run line, moneyline and totals boards. Click on any odds to jump right to the sportsbook, claim your free bets or bonuses and start betting. There will be days during the season when all 30 clubs are in action. Sifting through all of the games to scout for options can be time-consuming, but checking out the odds board can help you find the most appealing contests of the day. Our live odds feed tracks the numbers for every MLB game so be sure to check back often for the latest lines.
If you prefer projecting how the full season will play out, test your prognostication skills in the MLB futures market. Check the second tab below for current World Series, AL/NL and Divisional odds at online sportsbooks. Note: Until New York online sports betting is officially live this feed will provide odds from NJ online sportsbooks. You can download any NJ betting app and claim your bonus right from NY; you simply need to travel to New Jersey to get your actual bets placed. See more on using a sportsbook app in NJ here.
MLB odds boosts & bonuses
As the legal online sports betting industry continues to grow, so do the number of options for users to consider. There’s lots of sportsbook competition out there and the choices can seem overwhelming.
All of the sportsbooks listed above carry dozens of MLB betting markets and feature regular MLB-specific odds boosts & promos from game to game.
To take advantage, use our exclusive links on this page to claim your sign-up offer. Then subscribe to the sportsbook’s daily promotional feed to get MLB odds boosts delivered directly to your inbox.
MLB betting lines explained
Once you click on the MLB tab at an online sportsbook, you’ll see the default listing for each game on the docket. It includes three components and looks something like this.
- New York Mets +105 +1.5 (-125) O 8.5 (-110)
- New York Yankees -115 -1.5 (+135) U 8.5 (-110)
The numbers you see next to the two team names are the odds and lines for the three top bet types: moneyline, run line and totals wagers. When you see negative numbers on the first two, that’s the favored side, while the positive numbers for the other team indicate an underdog.
For run lines and totals, there will be the estimated number set by sportsbooks along with the actual odds for placing the bet. In this example, the Yankees are favored on the moneyline and run line in a game with a projected total of 8.5 runs.
You can tell how close of a matchup that oddsmakers envision by noting the range of numbers on the moneyline. In this case, the numbers are close, so it projects as a tight game. The wider the span, the more of a paper mismatch the sportsbook is seeing.
MLB betting apps in NY
Mobile betting has been one of the biggest drivers for the explosive growth of legal sports betting. The dream of having a real live sportsbook app at your fingertips is now a reality in many states, and the leading books have come to market with some stellar platforms. For NY residents, there are lots of options to consider that aren’t all that far away.
New Jersey and Pennsylvania have legalized online sports betting, and there are some fantastic sportsbook apps to consider in both states. Here’s how you can take part:
- The first step is clicking our exclusive links to claim available sign-up offers.
- From there, complete the registration process by entering your details. Click submit when done, and your new account will be created right away.
- Download the app for your device directly from the sportsbook website, and then log in on the app for the first time.
- Make your first deposit or explore the possibilities with any free bets you received as part of the sign-up process.
You can manage your account here in NY without issue, but you’ll need to be within the borders of a legal state in order to get your bets through. Sportsbooks have to verify user location for this, and they use geolocation tracking to do so.
The good news is that there are plenty of ways to make the trek to a legal state. As an example, scores of bettors cross over to New Jersey from New York City just for this purpose. Here are some of the most popular ways to get there.
For those coming from upstate or other sections of NY, there are also mass transit options from several major hubs that’ll get you where you need to go. There are plenty of great spots to watch the games in NJ if you’d like, but you can also feel free to head back home to enjoy the action once your bets are placed.
What can you bet on in MLB?
Each day during the MLB season, you’ll have plenty of betting options to consider. There are lots of games to choose from, and a number of different MLB bet types to get in on the action. For starters, you can find some appealing choices from the main bet types open to every sport. Here’s a quick look at how they work.
- Moneyline betting: You just need to pick which side you think will win the game. There will be odds on both sides — negative for favorites and positive for dogs — that directly translate into the potential return. It’s a simple bet that makes for a great starting point.
- Run line betting: This works like the point spread bet that you’ll find in other sports. The standard run line is 1.5, but some books offer alternatives. The side you choose has to cover the run line — i.e., the favorite has to win by two or more runs, or the dog has to keep the margin to one run or win the game outright.
- Totals (over/under) : These bets are all about how many total runs the two sides will score in the game. Oddsmakers set an estimated number, and bettors then pick over or under that amount.
The basic bets are great ways to get involved, but there’s a whole lot more to see on the MLB betting menu. Let’s take a closer look at some of the other major bet types, starting with one that lets you bet on the season as a whole.
MLB futures betting
A futures bet is a wager on an outcome that won’t be determined until somewhere down the road. For MLB, there are a number of popular markets to explore:
- World Series winner.
- Division and pennant winners.
- Teams that will make or miss playoffs.
- Regular season win total over/unders by team.
- Winners of the major awards — MVP, Cy Young, etc.
Looking ahead to what the future may hold is a popular pastime for MLB fans. The futures market lets you place some wagers on your prognostications. There will be MLB betting odds listed for all of the potential choices, with the top markets going live during the offseason.
The goal with futures is to find the selections you want at the best possible prices. Odds can move based on market action just like any other bet type, so shopping around is always a good idea. For example, by comparing the MLB odds at the FanDuel app, DraftKings app and BetMGM app, you can see which shop has the most attractive price on the bets you want to place.
MLB prop betting
Prop bets are a way to get some additional action on a contest. They fall into a few categories: game, team and player. On the game side, you might see simple props like whether the game will go to extra innings, or alternative bets on the total runs. A team prop is a bet on the performance of the two sides, such as which club will reach a certain number of runs first or which pitching staff will record the most strikeouts.
Player props, meanwhile, are some of the most popular attractions at online sportsbooks. These are bets on individual achievements. They’re similar to playing fantasy sports, so those with experience in that realm can use these wagers as a starting point for sports betting. Options will vary by game, but here are some examples of the types of props you’ll see:
- Will Pete Alonso hit a home run — yes/no?
- How many total hits plus walks for Aaron Judge — over/under 1.5?
- Which pitcher will total more strikeouts — Gerrit Cole or Jacob deGrom?
Props are another area in which shopping around for what you want makes sense. While all of the top operators do a solid job here, you might simply like the choices over at FanDuel in comparison to DraftKings, or vice versa.
MLB live betting
Live betting was once a niche offering from sportsbooks. These days, it’s simply a must-have option. These are wagers that you can place in real time. The market moves fast, but this type of bet has grown to be incredibly popular.
Apps make for a great companion when MLB games are playing out. The top shops have dedicated sections for live betting, so you can keep an eye on the offerings while watching the game. Here’s a sample of what you’ll see:
- Odds and lines for moneyline, run line and totals bets.
- Brand new prop betting opportunities.
- Bets on segments of the game, such as an inning or the next at-bat.
Also known as in game betting, live betting can help bring your enjoyment of MLB to a whole new level. That said, always remember to stay in your limits. It can be easy to get caught up in the excitement, so always bet with your head and never over it.
Bet on the World Series in NY
All season long, MLB clubs have their eyes set firmly on the same prize: winning the World Series. The Fall Classic is the signature betting event of the year in MLB, and wagering volume is through the roof as a result.
The World Series is a best-of-seven affair between the winners of the American and National League pennants. You can place your bets as normal on each contest, but there are several other opportunities to consider:
- Place your wagers on the outright winner of the series and in how many games.
- Bet on which player will win the World Series MVP
- Props on each game prior to the first pitch and additional options to consider via live betting.
The MLB season is a lengthy one, and there are plenty of days that have all teams in action. Things slow down to a more manageable pace in the postseason. There will be some days off in between World Series games, so you have extra time to get a handle on things.
Also, keep in mind that one of the most popular futures markets in all of sports betting is the winner of the next World Series. You can make your calls at virtually any time and have some extra rooting interest for the entire season to boot.
NY sports betting rules and regulations
Each sportsbook has its own set of house rules for betting on Major League Baseball. Many of the regulations are standard practice across the industry, but there could be some anomalies in some spots. Here are a few of the top items you need to know.
- Bets are live once the game gets underway. In the event of a slight delay, the bets will still remain action if the contest is expected to be completed in a reasonable timeframe.
- Postponements and cancellations due to weather or other circumstances will typically lead to bets being voided and refunded.
- Results are based on official MLB stats and scoring and are considered final once settlement takes place.
You should always take the time to review the terms and conditions at any sportsbook you use to understand how it will handle certain situations, such as an injury to a player on whom you have a prop bet. On the more general side, here are the legal requirements for betting on sports in NY.
- Users must be 21 or older.
- Affiliated league personnel can’t bet on their own sports.
- Users can’t be on any self-exclusion lists for wagering.
When looking to use apps from NJ or PA, remember that you need to be within state lines to place bets. You can manage your account elsewhere, but operators are required to verify your location when you are placing bets.
Additionally, there are state-specific rules for wagering on other sports. While you can wager on college games in NY, betting on in-state programs or events taking place in the state are prohibited. Wagers are also restricted to sporting events, so betting on things like esports, reality TV, elections or award shows isn’t permitted.
Top 5 MLB betting questions answered
While getting started with MLB betting is quick and painless, there are still plenty of questions that will inevitably pop up for wagering. In the interest of saving you a boatload of time, we’ve gathered several frequently asked questions and their answers.
1. Does public betting matter in MLB?
Public betting refers to which way the money is flowing on a contest. While it’s helpful to have an overall sense of market sentiment, that doesn’t mean you should blindly follow it or blindly go against it. There are betting theories that suggest always betting on the consensus or going in the completely opposite direction to come out ahead. Taking this approach could lead to some good results, but there are no guarantees you’ll be profitable over the long-term. Focus on making the best choices you can and use the public numbers as a research point to consider, and that’s it.
2. Which one is the better bet — moneyline or run line?
The answer depends on your betting style and your overall feel for the game at hand. If you can spot a blowout coming or see a spot in which the underdog can keep things tight, then the run line may make sense. When you’re most comfortable picking an outright winner without a good feel for the margin, stick to the moneyline. The moneyline gets a bad rap because the numbers can be inflated for big favorites, but there’s no rule that says you have to bet on those games. Feel free to use them for some security since there’s nothing wrong with booking lots of small winners, but do your best to focus on the best situations.
3. What is a first five innings bet?
This is an area of MLB betting that continues to grow in popularity. The bet is on the first five innings of the contest, as in which side will be ahead at this point of the game. A good part of the reason for the rising interest is due to the fact that starting pitchers have more of a bearing on this part of the game. Once the bullpens get involved, what looked like a sure win can break differently. The first five innings bet takes that part out of the equation for the most part, and bettors have found lots to like while focusing on the starting pitching matchup.
4. How much do the umpires matter in MLB betting?
Interestingly, they can have a bearing on things as some umpires are more inclined to call questionable pitches strikes while others have stricter parameters. When researching, you can certainly consider the crew for the game and any bearing it may have, but don’t get bogged down and waste a bunch of time. Your efforts will be much better spent on other segments of the game that really move the needle, such as recent play for both sides and hitter vs. pitcher matchups. Find a spot for umpires in your research if you’d like, but don’t expect it to be a magic bullet.
5. Do advanced stats matter for MLB betting?
There’s a huge analytical component to sports these days, and there has been an explosion in the world of advanced stats as a result. Examples include hitter metrics such as WRC (weighted runs created) and wOBA (weighted on base average), and pitcher tools such as FIP (fielding independent pitching). Once again, these are tools to consider using to help expand your understanding, but standard stats do fine, as well. On the hitter side, OPS (on base plus slugging) is a good one, while WHIP and ERA give you a decent assessment of pitchers. One area where advanced stats can help is when you’re trying to find some edges with player props.
Illegal bookies in NY
Despite the widespread availability of legal sports betting options, the black market for gambling remains alive and well. Illegal offshore sites and bookies are still out there, but that doesn’t make them a good option for your wagers.
For a sportsbook to operate in a legal state, it has to invest heavily. Application fees, advertising and assorted expenses add up in a hurry. The sportsbook is fully vested when it sets up shop, and it has to make sure your funds are safe. State gambling authorities see to that.
On the illicit side, there are no such protections in place for consumers. Quite simply, it’s just not worth the risk these days. Stick with the regulated shops, such as our recommended sportsbooks, and leave the black market alone.
Best sportsbooks/bars for MLB betting in New York
Catching the game live at the stadium can be an outstanding time, but the same can be true for going to a local watering hole with some friends to view the action. When you have a sportsbook app in your pocket, you have yourself a best-of-both-worlds approach. For Yankee fans, here’s a pair of spots to consider visiting.
Yankee Tavern
- 72 E. 161 St., Bronx, NY
- 718-292-6130
- Open daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- A local hangout near the stadium that has plenty of screens and a selection of drinks and standard bar fare.
East End Bar & Grill
- 1664 First Ave., New York, NY
- 212-348-3783
- M-F: 1 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.; weekends: 11:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
- A neighborhood Irish pub with plenty of beer on tap, popular bar food and a great assortment of TVs to catch all of the action.
Mets fans are in luck, too. There are plenty of bars where fans of NYC’s NL team will feel right at home. Here are two that come highly recommended for a good time when the Mets are playing.
Changing Times Pub
- 1247 Melville Road, Farmingdale, NY
- 631-694-6462
- Open daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- Beer and food specials, lots of TVs, and a festive atmosphere make this a great hangout spot for all Mets games.
Trinity Pub
- 229 E. 84th St. No. 1, New York, NY
- 212-327-4450
- Open daily from 4 p.m. to 4 a.m.
- A neighborhood pub on the Upper East Side where you’ll find a solid selection of pints and screens.
Retail sportsbooks in NY
The first option for legal sports betting in NY arrived when retail books received the green light to start opening in the summer of 2019. The in-person sportsbook experience can be an awesome one. Here’s where you can go to get down to business.
Akwesasne Mohawk Casino Resort
- Address: 873 State Route 37, Hogansburg, NY
- Phone: 518-358-2222
- Name: Sticks Sportsbook and Grill
- Hours: Wed.-Thur., 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Fri., 2 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Sat.-Sun., 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
del Lago Resort & Casino
- Address: 1133 State Route 414, Waterloo, NY
- Phone: 315-946-1777
- Name: DraftKings Sportsbook
- Hours: Open daily from noon to 10 p.m.
Point Place Casino
- Address: 450 452 State Route 31, Bridgeport, NY
- Phone: 315-366-9610
- Name: The Lounge with Caesars Sports
- Hours: Mon.-Thur., noon to 8 p.m.; Fri., 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Sun., 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Rivers Casino Schenectady
- Address: 1 Rush St., Schenectady, NY
- Phone: 518-579-8800
- Name: Rivers Sportsbook
- Hours: Open daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., with self-serve kiosks available from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Resorts World Catskills
- Address: 888 Resorts World Drive, Monticello, NY
- Phone: 833-586-9358
- Name: Sportsbook 360
- Hours: Mon. and Wed., 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Tues., 3 p.m. to 10 p.m., with self-serve kiosks available whenever the casino is open.
Tioga Downs
- Address: 2384 W. River Road, Nichols, NY
- Phone: 888-946-8464
- Name: FanDuel Sportsbook
- Hours: Mon.-Fri., noon to 10 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Sun., 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Turning Stone Resort & Casino
- Address: 5218 Patrick Road, Verona, NY
- Phone: 800-771-7711
- Name: The Lounge with Caesars Sports
- Hours: Mon.-Thur., noon to 8 p.m.; Fri., 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Sun., 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Yellow Brick Road Casino
- Address: 800 W. Genesee St., Chittenango, NY
- Phone: 315-366-9400
- Name: The Lounge with Caesars Sports
- Hours: Mon.-Thur., noon to 8 p.m.; Fri., 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Sun., 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
For those in the NYC area and surrounding suburbs, don’t forget that there’s a popular venue for retail sports betting that’s not too far away in the Garden State. Here are the details:
FanDuel Sportsbook at the Meadowlands
- Address: 1 Racetrack Drive, East Rutherford, NJ
- Phone: 877-689-0662
- Hours: Open daily from 10 a.m. to midnight