Betting on Minor League Baseball
MiLB holds a special place in the hearts of baseball enthusiasts; though not nearly as popular as the MLB, it’s still America’s pastime. It’s where the stars of tomorrow hone their skills today, and for many of them, it’ll be years until they touch an MLB field, if at all.
For fans looking to add a little more excitement to their viewing experience, betting on these games might seem like a natural step. It is. However, not all sportsbooks offer this opportunity.
Know Your Options
Can you bet on Minor League Baseball? Yes, but it’s not as straightforward as you might think. While Major League Baseball enjoys widespread betting coverage, Minor League Baseball betting is a bit more niche. Not all sportsbooks carry MiLB games, so you’ll need to know where to look.
The Sportsbooks That Welcome MiLB Bets
FanDuel and Bet365 are two of the giants in the sports betting industry that allow bets on Minor League Baseball. This means fans can place wagers on teams in the Triple-A, Double-A, and lower levels, enjoying the same betting experience they might have with MLB games.
For instance, you could bet on the Durham Bulls (Triple-A for the Tampa Bay Rays) or the Tulsa Drillers (Double-A for the Los Angeles Dodgers), to name just a few. The best part is that these sportsbooks let you bet online if you’re in a state that allows sports betting (over 30 states do).
However, DraftKings, another big name in the industry, does not offer betting on MiLB. This is a massive consideration for fans who have a preferred betting platform.
It’s always a good idea to check with your sportsbook of choice to see if they offer what you’re looking for. You can usually see this by looking along the left column (or any sportsbook) and finding baseball. When you click it, you’ll see what leagues they offer.
What About Other Baseball Leagues?
Interestingly, though, DraftKings, while steering clear of MiLB, does open its doors to other baseball leagues around the world. The Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) in Japan, the Korean Baseball Organization (KBO) in South Korea, and even college baseball in the United States are all available for betting on their platform.
This inclusion offers a wide range of baseball betting opportunities outside of the traditional MLB markets, unfortunately just not MiLB.
Fans can place bets on teams like the Tokyo Yomiuri Giants (NPB), the NC Dinos (KBO), or the Vanderbilt Commodores (NCAA), exploring international and collegiate baseball scenes.
Of course, we don’t recommend blindly betting on those baseball leagues unless you’re intimately familiar with the teams and players, but the option is there. We’ve found that collegiate baseball can be a bit streaky, with some players being hot or cold for long stretches, and that makes it difficult to place an educated bet.
Keep in mind that some of these leagues the sportsbooks might offer limited betting options and not the full-range that they do with MLB. We’ve seen the NPB offered by sportsbooks, but only as futures and college games only as a moneyline.
Bonus Offers and Incentives
When it comes to bringing in new customers, sportsbooks like FanDuel and Bet365 often roll out attractive bonuses.
These can range from matched deposits to bonus bets specifically tailored for baseball betting.
For example, Bet365 might offer a 100% deposit bonus for new users around the All-Star game, up to a certain amount, which can be used on baseball bets. FanDuel, on the other hand, could provide a bonus first bet, giving new bettors a safety net when trying their platform.
As of right now, both of these platforms offer some great promos, although they’re not specific to MiLB or even the MLB.
These bonuses are a great way to start betting and offer the chance to explore MiLB and other baseball leagues with a bit more financial freedom.
Other Sportsbooks to Consider
Beyond FanDuel and Bet365, there are other sportsbooks that offer betting on minor league and international baseball teams. Sportsbooks like ESPN BET, William Hill (now part of Caesars Entertainment), and BetMGM may offer varied coverage of baseball leagues, including MiLB, NPB, KBO, and NCAA baseball.
The availability of betting markets can vary greatly from one sportsbook to another, so it pays to shop around and try to get the best odds.
Ready to Bet on Minor League Baseball?
Betting on Minor League Baseball offers yet another way to engage with the sport, supporting up-and-coming talent while potentially earning some winnings. It’s not the most popular sports betting market, so you could find a niche and really drive home some runs with some spreads and parlays.
However, the landscape of sports betting is diverse, with different platforms offering different markets. For those interested in MiLB, FanDuel, ESPN BET, and Bet365 are solid choices, while DraftKings provides avenues for those interested in other baseball leagues like the NPB, KBO, and college baseball.
It’s important to understand the odds, know the limits, and never wager more than you can afford to lose. In fact, we always recommend having a solid bankroll strategy in place before you dive head first into betting.
Whether you’re cheering for a local minor league team or following international baseball, betting can add another exciting dimension to your fandom. Just make sure to choose the right sportsbook that meets your preferred betting style.
Matt Brown
Head of Sports Betting and DFS
Matt’s love for sports betting and daily fantasy sports, coupled with a deep understanding of football, hockey, and baseball, shapes his innovative thoughts on Hello Rookie. He has a B.S. in Aeronautical Computer Science and a M.S. in Project Management.
