Soccer betting in the United States has grown significantly since its early roots, evolving from ancient wagering practices to a modern, regulated industry with online platforms like NetBet leading the way. The history of betting on sports dates back to ancient Rome, where citizens placed bets on gladiator fights and chariot races as early as the 500s BC. While these were not ball games, they laid the foundation for sports wagering, a practice that eventually expanded to include soccer. The Roman ball game Harpastum, considered a precursor to modern soccer, was played with teams of 12 to 14 players, but there is no historical record of betting on these matches, unlike other Roman sports.
Professional soccer in the U.S. took a major leap in 1996 with the launch of Major League Soccer (MLS), which currently operates with 29 teams—26 in the United States and 3 in Canada. MLS sits at the top of the American soccer pyramid, followed by the USL Championship in Division II, which began in 2011 and includes 24 teams. Below that, Division III comprises MLS Next Pro (launched in 2022 with 29 teams), NISA (founded in 2019-2020 with 9 teams), and USL League 1 (also starting in 2019 with 12 teams). The National Premier Soccer League, with 92 clubs spread across four regions, adds another layer to the domestic soccer structure.
The digital transformation of sports betting began in 1996 with the launch of Intertops, the first online sportsbook in America. This platform not only revolutionized how bets were placed but also introduced mobile betting, allowing fans to wager anytime and anywhere. This shift away from physical betting locations significantly boosted the popularity of soccer betting and other sports wagers across the country. As online platforms became more accessible, so did the need for regulation.
Today, betting on soccer in the U.S. is strictly regulated. Only licensed and regulated sportsbooks are legally permitted to accept wagers. Placing bets off the books or through unregulated platforms is illegal and carries serious consequences. Bettors must understand the rules for different bet types, such as two-way or three-way moneyline bets and over/under wagers, to ensure their bets are valid. Each country also has its own rules for determining wins, losses, and payouts, adding complexity to the global betting landscape.
As soccer continues to grow in popularity in the U.S., so does the demand for legal, secure, and accessible betting options. With leagues operating year-round and online platforms offering real-time wagering, fans now have more opportunities than ever to engage with the sport they love. The future of soccer betting in America looks increasingly digital, regulated, and integrated into mainstream sports culture.
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