Bettors can find futures odds on the World Series at any time of year. Even in the Major League Baseball offseason, sportsbooks offer lines on which team will win the following year’s professional baseball championship.
As soon as the World Series ends, legal online sportsbooks release the futures lines for the next World Series. These lines factor in how each team performed the previous season, with offseason events like trades and free-agent signings significantly affecting the odds.
The Los Angeles Dodgers entered the 2020 season as the World Series favorite at most sportsbooks, and the Dodgers ended up winning the championship in the shortened season.
Los Angeles come into the 2021 season as the sportsbook favorite to win the championship again this year.
Current World Series Odds 2021
| TEAM | ODDS | CHANGE | |
| LA Dodgers | 25.00% | -2.03% |
|
| HOU Astros | 16.67% | -1.51% |
|
| SF Giants | 12.50% | 1.39% |
|
| TB Rays | 12.50% | — | |
| CHI White Sox | 11.76% | -0.74% |
|
| MIL Brewers | 11.76% | 1.76% |
|
| NY Yankees | 6.25% | 0.37% |
|
| ATL Braves | 5.56% | -1.58% |
|
| BOS Red Sox | 4.76% | 1.53% |
|
| STL Cardinals | 4.76% | 3.27% |
Implied probabilities are calculated using odds offered by BetMGM.
Last Updated: 2021-09-28 00:00:00 PDT.
| +340 | +300 | +300 | +310 | 24.43% | -1.68% | -2.83% | -3.94% | |
| +450 | +500 | +480 | +476 | 17.37% | 0.32% | 0.02% | 0.59% | |
| +750 | +700 | +600 | +675 | 12.97% | 0.10% | 0.96% | 1.82% | |
| +850 | +700 | +700 | +738 | 12.01% | -0.31% | 1.99% | 3.07% | |
| +700 | +750 | +750 | +738 | 11.95% | 0.78% | 1.79% | 1.18% | |
| +750 | +750 | +750 | +750 | 11.76% | -0.19% | -0.74% | -0.46% | |
| +1300 | +1500 | +1500 | +1525 | 6.23% | 1.62% | -0.52% | -3.80% | |
| +1400 | +1700 | +1700 | +1600 | 5.92% | -0.21% | -0.68% | -0.24% | |
| +2200 | +2000 | +1900 | +1975 | 4.84% | -0.12% | 1.60% | 0.89% | |
| +2500 | +2000 | +2500 | +2375 | 4.08% | 1.67% | 3.47% | 3.54% | |
| +3000 | +3000 | +2700 | +2725 | 3.60% | -1.29% | -1.44% | 1.95% | |
| +5000 | +4000 | +5000 | +4500 | 2.20% | 0.57% | 0.84% | 0.49% | |
| +20000 | +20000 | +15000 | +16250 | 0.66% | 0.12% | 0.10% | 0.11% | |
| +50000 | +50000 | +50000 | +47500 | 0.21% | -0.70% | -0.77% | -1.03% | |
| +100000 | +50000 | +50000 | +57500 | 0.21% | -0.90% | -1.50% | -1.64% | |
| – | – | – | +53750 | 0.20% | -0.81% | -2.11% | -2.49% |
Odds automatically updated once per day
Los Angeles Dodgers (+280 At DraftKings Sportsbook)
A powerhouse in the National League for the past half-decade, the Dodgers finally broke through last season for their first World Series win since 1988.
Backed by starting pitchers like Clayton Kershaw and free-agent signing Trevor Bauer, the Dodgers enter 2021 with one of baseball’s top pitching staffs.
Houston Astros (+480 At FanDuel Sportsbook)
The American League West is being dominated early by the Astros. After a rough warmup, Astros starting pitcher Framber Valdez threw seven scoreless innings. The Astros won 10-0 over the Angels, which shot the Astro’s odds to win the World Series up.
With the combined prowess of shortstop Carlos Correa and defensive shortstop Carlos Correa, the Astros have some great talent lined up to put pressure on the rest of the AL West and make it to the World Series.
Tampa Bay Rays (+700 At BetMGM)
During the 2020 season, the Tampa Bay Rays made it all the way to the World Series only to lose to the Dodgers in the shorted season. However, the Rays are posed for a comeback in 2021, where they hope to advance to the World Series again and win it all.
Shane Baz’ debut as a pitcher was one of the most exciting in the Rays’ recent history, making him and the Rays a serious team to watch this year.
Where Can I Bet On The World Series Online?
DraftKings Sportsbook
Visit: DraftKings to claim a deposit match bonus up to $1,000 + $50 free bet with $5 deposit
One of the top names in the legal US sports betting industry, DraftKings Sportsbook presents one of the best overall platforms for online MLB betting. Bettors can enjoy plenty of offseason futures markets and extensive betting selection throughout the season.
DraftKings Sportsbook extends a 20% deposit match bonus up to $1,000 to new players plus a $50 free bet with a $5 deposit. Bettors in eleven states (NJ, PA, IL, MI, IN, IA, CO, WV, TN, VA, and NH) can legally bet on baseball online at DraftKings Sportsbook.
BetMGM
Visit: BetMGM to claim a $1,000 risk free bet
BetMGM functions as the online gaming arm of MGM Resorts, one of the world’s most recognizable gaming brands. The BetMGM online sports betting platform lives up to the MGM reputation with a comprehensive array of MLB betting options.
Signing up for a new BetMGM account grants access to a risk-free bet up to $1,000. BetMGM operates legally in NJ, PA, IL, MI, CO, IN, IA, NV, TN, WV, and VA.
BetRivers
Visit: BetRivers to claim a 100% deposit match bonus up to $250 with a 1x playthrough
BetRivers Sportsbook offers an extensive selection of baseball futures markets, regular season betting, and postseason wagering. Baseball bettors can find just about every conceivable way to bet on MLB at BetRivers.
The welcome bonus at BetRivers Sportsbook (100% deposit match up to $250 with a 1x playthrough requirement) represents one of the most player-friendly offers in the industry.
BetRivers offers online sports betting in eight states (NJ, PA, MI, IL, CO, IN, IA, VA).
FanDuel Sportsbook
Visit: FanDuel to claim a $1,000 risk free bet
FanDuel Sportsbook presents one of the best overall online sportsbooks in the legal US market. Baseball bettors would do well to include FanDuel Sportsbook among their go-to books for MLB wagering.
New players at the sportsbook can unlock a risk-free bet up to $1,000 after making their first deposit. FanDuel Sportsbook offers legal online sports betting in ten US states (NJ, PA, IL, MI, IN, IA, CO, WV, TN, and VA).
PointsBet
Visit: PointsBet to claim up to $2,000 in risk free bets – Use code BIGBONUS
PointsBet online sportsbook offers the “PointsBetting” wagering style. A PointsBetting wager enables the bettor to win or lose more money based on the game’s final margin.
Registering for a new PointsBet account unlocks two risk-free bets up to $2,000. The offer includes one risk-free fixed odds wager up to $500 and a risk-free PointsBetting wager up to $1,500.
PointsBet offers mobile sports wagering in NJ, IL, CO, MI, IN, and IA.
Welcome Bonus Offers At The Top Legal US Online Sportsbooks
- DraftKings Sportsbook – 20% deposit match bonus up to $1,000
- BetMGM – Risk-free bet up to $1,000
- BetRivers – 100% deposit match up to $250
- FanDuel Sportsbook – Risk-free bet up to $1,000
- PointsBet – Two risk-free bets up to $2,000
How To Place Online World Series Bets
Registering At An Online Sportsbook
The Gaming Today US Sports Betting Apps page lists the top legal online sportsbooks and states in which they operate.
The welcome bonus offers and features differ at each sportsbook, but you can use Gaming Today as your go-to resource for all things related to legal mobile sports betting.
Once you’ve chosen an online sportsbook, you’ll need to provide your name, the last four digits of your SSN, and a valid email address to register for an account.
Making Your First Deposit
Once you’ve registered for a new account, navigate to the “Cashier” or “Add Funds” tab at your chosen sportsbook to make your first deposit.
The most reliable deposit methods include PayPal and the Play+ Prepaid card. Other methods include ACH/eCheck and credit/debit cards.
Verifying Your Location
Online sportsbooks use geolocation services to determine your location when you log in or try to place bets.
You must be located within a state that legally offers the online sportsbook of your choice in order to bet. If the geolocation technology detects that you’re outside of state limits, you’ll be blocked from betting until you’re within a legal jurisdiction.
Making Bets
Placing your first bet requires clicking on the line of your choice. Online sportsbooks offer a wide array of ways to bet, so be sure to check out the Gaming Today Sports Betting 101 page for details on all kinds of sports bets.
Once you’ve clicked on a bet you wish to make, the wager appears on your bet slip. Input the amount you want to wager in the bet slip and the sportsbook will display the potential payout.
When you’re ready to send the bet through to the sportsbook, click “Confirm” (or something similar), and your bet is in the books.
Cashing Out
In general, the sportsbook only allows you to cash out using a method you’ve previously used to deposit.
PayPal, Play+, and ACH/eCheck all offer rapid turnaround on withdrawals. You can also visit the land-based casino partner of an online sportsbook (if the sportsbook partners with a retail casino) and make deposits and withdrawals at the cashier cage.
How World Series Odds Are Calculated
US sportsbooks use American odds notation to display potential payouts on all bets. American odds lines are denoted by a “+” or “-“ in front of the odds.
For World Series futures odds, the lines are virtually always “+” American odds. Here’s what the futures odds on the 2021 World Series looked like at BetRivers a couple of weeks before Spring Training began in February:
| Team | Odds to win the 2021 World Series |
|---|---|
| Los Angeles Dodgers | +350 |
| New York Yankees | +550 |
| San Diego Padres | +800 |
| Chicago White Sox | +850 |
Let’s calculate a World Series futures bet on the favored Los Angeles Dodgers. To calculate “+” American odds bets, you must divide the odds (+350) by 100 and multiply that by the amount wagered.
For example, a $50 bet on the Dodgers winning the 2021 World Series would calculate as (350/100)*$50, which solves to $175. A $50 winning bet on Los Angeles would return $225 to the bettor ($175 profit plus the original $50 bet).
Losing bets simply result in losing the amount wagered in full. A $50 bet on the Dodgers would return $0 if the Dodgers didn’t win the World Series.
While Los Angeles stands as the sportsbook favorite going into Spring Training, the futures odds could change significantly as the season progresses.
Injuries, trades, and unexpected success for teams that look like longshots in the preseason are all factors that can alter futures odds on the baseball championship.
For instant American odds calculations, check out the Gaming Today Moneyline Calculator.
MLB World Series Odds And Betting
What Is A World Series Futures Bet?
Futures bets allow you to wager on an event that incorporates a period longer than a single game. A World Series futures bet, for example, offers the chance to bet on the MLB champion at any time throughout the year.
No matter how far away the next World Series, legal online sportsbooks offer futures odds. As soon as the 2020 World Series ended, the books installed futures lines on the 2021 World Series.
Other examples of MLB futures markets include betting on player awards, division winners, and statistical leaders. BetRivers, for example, offers New York Yankees starting pitcher Gerrit Cole as the favorite to win the American League Cy Young award at (+350) odds.
What Is A World Series Prop Bet?
A prop bet wagers on events other than the winner or loser of a game. Some prop bets involve on-field events, while others allow you to wager on events that don’t even happen during the World Series.
Examples of on-field prop bets include wagering on whether a World Series game will go to extra innings. BetMGM offered such a bet for Game 2 of the 2020 World Series, offering (+775) odds. The bet didn’t pay off, and none of the six games from the 2020 World Series went to extra innings.
Off-field prop bets, aka exotic props, could involve wagering on the length of the National Anthem before a game, or on the first beer brand to get a commercial on the air during a game.
Strategies For World Series Betting
For the World Series or any sporting event, favored teams generally pull more betting interest than underdogs. Sportsbooks inherently place better payout odds on the underdog.
A typical moneyline bet on the 2020 World Series going into Game 1 looked like this:
| Team | Odds to win the 2020 World Series |
|---|---|
| Tampa Bay Rays | +160 |
| Los Angeles Dodgers | -200 |
Sharp bettors convert moneyline odds to implied probability, using a tool like the Gaming Today Implied Probability Calculator.
Inserting the Tampa Bay Rays’ (+160) moneyline odds into the calculator yields a 38.46% implied probability of winning. If you thought the Rays had better than a 38.46% chance of beating the Dodgers in the World Series, the (+160) line offered value.
Another common betting strategy involves “fading the public,” or wagering against whatever most of the betting public is doing. This strategy essentially bets on the sportsbook’s long-term ability to win money, which wouldn’t happen if large sections of the public could always accurately place winning bets.
Middling, another possible betting approach, involves betting on one side of the moneyline, then hoping for the line to move enough to place a profitable wager on the other side of the bet.
For example, a bettor attempting to use the middling strategy could place a bet on Tampa Bay (+160), then hope that the line on the Dodgers moves to (-150) or better. Placing a (+160) bet on the Rays and a (-150) on the Dodgers would yield profit no matter who won the World Series.
Betting Odds For The World Series FAQs
Yes. About half of the 50 US states allow sports betting in some form. More than a dozen states offer legal online sports betting.
Some of the biggest online sports betting markets include New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Illinois, Nevada, Indiana, and Colorado. States like Virginia and Tennessee are among the most recent additions to the legal sports betting industry in the US.
Office pools and any betting on the World Series apart from legal sportsbooks are against the law.
Gaming Today’s top choices for online sports betting include BetRivers, FanDuel Sportsbook, DraftKings Sportsbook, BetMGM, PointsBet, and William Hill.
Be sure to check out our Best US Sports Betting Apps page for comprehensive reviews of each sportsbook and the states in which each operates.
21 or older. With a couple of exceptions, the standard minimum betting age at legal online sportsbooks is 21.
Yes, as long as you’re betting at a state-regulated, legal sportsbook.
Legal online sportsbooks operate under the oversight of state-level government gaming regulatory agencies. Placing a bet at a legal online sportsbook offers the same level of safety as wagering at the sportsbook of a land-based casino.
Yes. Live betting, aka in-play betting, allows you to wager on the game as it’s in progress.
Live betting lines rapidly change throughout the game, based on what’s happening on the field. Live betting is an online sportsbook specialty, available in some form at all of the top-rated mobile sportsbooks.
Yes. Prop bets could include wagering on whether a particular player will hit a home run, how many innings a starting pitcher will last, and many other on-field props.
Prop betting isn’t just limited to on-field events, however.
Yes. Off-field prop bets, aka exotic prop bets, can include all kinds of events that have nothing to do with what happens in a World Series game.
Off-field prop bets might involve betting on the length of the National Anthem, or whether a team’s last World Series win is mentioned during the broadcast.
The Los Angeles Dodgers. According to the sportsbooks, the 2020 champs come into the 2021 season as the team with the best chance of winning this season’s MLB championship.
FanDuel Sportsbook, BetRivers, and DraftKings Sportsbook all had the Dodgers installed at (+350) odds to win the 2021 World Series going into Spring Training.
The 2021 World Series begins Oct. 26 and could run until Nov. 3 if it goes to a Game 7.
The World Series will take place at the stadiums of the National League champion and American League champion.
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