7th Jan, 2026 @ 08:14 pm
Which soccer leagues do Americans bet on most often?
Soccer in the traditional American sense has always meant the NFL. However, the term “football” has gradually come to be identified with international soccer during the past 10 years. Due to the ease with which Americans may now access tournaments from South America and Europe, online wagering has hastened this trend. On mobile devices, they may check live probability, see statistics, and watch broadcasts. This has affected participation in international soccer content, especially betting.
However, the advent of mobile technology has impacted more than just the football betting world. Gambling platforms have paid particular attention to this issue. If we look at examples, then Slotozilla experts will examine online casinos, their selection of slots and table games, and the accessibility of mobile gaming. This allows you to choose the best solution for leisure from the comfort of your home. This trend will continue throughout 2026.
The legalization of sports wagering in most states following the 2018 US Supreme Court ruling opened up a marketplace where soccer quickly became one of the fastest-growing sports. According to S&P Global estimates, in 2023, the volume of soccer wagering in the US will grow to $119.84 billion, which is 27 percent more than the previous year. This is not the highest figure in the world, but the marketplace has not yet reached its peak. For players, this means access to a wider range of events and the capability to follow championships that were previously only local to Europe.
The English Premier League remains the main wagering destination among Americans. The reasons are simple and understandable. First, it is a television presence. EPL broadcasts are regularly aired on NBC, Peacock, and several streaming platforms. The information is accessible. Viewers can watch competitions every week. This creates a foundation for regular wagering.
Second, the championship provides high competition. No one team has dominated for decades. Yes, Manchester City has shown consistency, but Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Tottenham are always close behind. The difference between the leaders and the middle of the table is not huge. This creates more variation for analyzing probabilities.
Third, player recognition. American fans easily recognize Mohamed Salah, Erling Haaland, Kevin De Bruyne, and Bukayo Saka. The wording is simple. The viewer wagers on what they know.
Another aspect is that the timing of EPL competitions is suitable for the American audience. Morning games on weekends become part of the routine. Soccer does not overlap with the NFL or NBA in prime time. EPL wagers often include:
This championship does not need additional advertising. It already works as a key reference product for bookmakers. While the EPL dominates global viewership, Spanish La Liga attracts equally passionate betting interest thanks to historic rivalries and technical style of play.
The next level of interest is generated by international club tournaments. The Champions League gives American players something that is not available within MLS. The best clubs in Europe meet in playoff matches. The result of each match affects the fate of the trophy. Bets become concentrated.
The Champions League is convenient for analysis because soccer resources publish a huge array of statistics. Bettors evaluate head-to-head matches, team form, injuries, and discipline. The American market can compare odds on different platforms.
Bets on the Champions League are usually divided into:
The structure of the tournament is interesting. In the group stage, you can choose stable matches. In the playoff stage, the odds increase due to unpredictability. American bettors do not need to understand local championships. It is enough to follow the top clubs that are constantly in the game. Here again, the digital ecosystem helps.
Outside of the EPL, three other championships regularly attract bets. These are the Spanish La Liga, the German Bundesliga, and the Italian Serie A. For the American audience, they function as the second tier after English football.
La Liga attracts fans because of Barcelona and Real Madrid. American fans have been watching Lionel Messi in Barcelona for many years. Even when top forwards are replaced by other players, interest in the club's brand remains. Bets on El Clasico affect the overall market volume.
The Bundesliga is associated with attacking football and high scoring. The betting market sees a simple signal. If a team scores often, there are more options for totals. Bayern Munich remains a key benchmark.
Serie A has generated demand throughout its history. AC Milan, Inter, and Juventus maintain a certain image of stability. Players see familiar names and place bets. The following markets are popular in these championships:
The schedule does not always coincide with American prime time. However, streaming compensates for the difference. Users watch reviews, read statistics, and place bets.
The American soccer league has long been a secondary product for betting. The situation changed when Apple TV broadcast and entered into contracts with top players. The arrival of Lionel Messi was a signal for the market. Even if a viewer was not interested in MLS, it is difficult to ignore a global forward in the local championship.
There are several reasons for the growth in MLS betting. The league has transformed from a niche competition into a major sports property with global appeal.
Growth Factor | Details | Statistics |
Local availability | Matches played in US/Canada time zones, mostly Saturday primetime windows | 3.7M weekly viewers across streaming and linear platforms in 2025 |
Club recognition | Inter Miami, LAFC, Austin FC building dedicated fanbases | 19 clubs averaged 20,000+ fans per match — more than any other soccer league worldwide |
Star power transfers | Messi, Son Heung-min, Thomas Müller joining from Europe | 29% viewership increase year-over-year in 2025 regular season |
Record attendance | Growing in-person engagement | 11.4M fans attended regular season matches in 2024 — third-highest among North American leagues |
Digital accessibility | Apple TV unified streaming model for all matches | MLS Cup 2025 drew 4.6M global viewers — largest championship audience ever |
According to MLS official data, total attendance increased 12% since 2022, while Front Office Sports reports playoff viewership rose 23% compared to 2024. The 2026 World Cup hosted by US, Canada, and Mexico is expected to accelerate this momentum further.
Plans for international matches and the participation of American clubs in continental tournaments create a new statistical basis for comparison. MLS bets cover:
It is worth mentioning that information about matches, playoffs, and tournament schedules is available in analytical materials. The conference schedule and tournament format can be viewed via FishDuck's conference playoff schedule, which covers general structural changes in sports competitions.
The EPL serves as the main entry point. The Champions League provides global betting on the playoffs. La Liga, the Bundesliga, and Serie A from the second level of interest. MLS is expanding its domestic potential.
Users have access to analytics, statistics, and easy access to bookmakers. This allows them to bet regularly and scale their interest in championships that previously remained outside the American sports space.
The market's goal is obvious: to make soccer a product of regular viewing and regular betting. American viewers are given the tools and time for this process. The development of MLS, the growth of broadcasts, and stable interest in Europe form the basis for further growth.