Guide to betting the 2024 MLB Playoffs smartly, responsibly
Author:
Zach Lutz
Reviewed by:
Published:
Oct 10, 2024
,
12:20 p.m.
ET
The 2024 MLB playoffs press on, and as excitement builds throughout these rounds and toward the World Series, so does the opportunity for sports bettors to get in on the action. With powerhouse teams and dark horses fighting for the championship, the stakes are high. For many, sports betting can add an extra layer of thrill to the games. However, it's essential to approach sports betting with caution, especially as gambling can quickly spiral out of control if not managed responsibly.
In this guide, we cover everything you need to know about betting on the MLB playoffs smartly and responsibly. From location and age restrictions to responsible gaming tips, here’s how to keep your bets in check while enjoying the postseason action.
Who can bet on the 2024 MLB Playoffs?
Location Restrictions
Before placing a bet on the 2024 MLB playoffs, you must ensure you’re in a location that permits sports betting. Currently, there are 38 locations in the U.S. where sports betting is legal, with 30 offering legal online sports betting. This list includes:
Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, Washington D.C., West Virginia, and Wyoming
In 9 additional states, sports betting is only legal in person (retail betting):
Delaware, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, South Dakota, Washington, and Wisconsin
It’s important to check your local regulations to determine where and how you can legally place a bet.
Age Restrictions
Along with location-based regulations, age restrictions play a crucial role in who can bet on the MLB playoffs. The minimum age for legal betting is 21 years old in most locations, although there are exceptions in states like Kentucky, Montana, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Washington, D.C., and Wyoming, where you can bet at 18. Even if you meet the legal age in one state, always confirm the age requirements in other locations, especially if you plan to travel.
Responsible Gaming tips for the MLB Playoffs
While the MLB playoffs offer plenty of exciting betting opportunities, it’s essential to maintain responsible gaming practices. The following tips will help ensure you don’t fall into problematic gambling behaviors:
Set a Budget
One of the most critical aspects of responsible betting is setting a budget. Before you place any wagers, decide how much money you can afford to lose. Your budget should never include money you need for essential expenses like rent, bills or groceries. Treat betting as a form of entertainment, not an investment or profit-making venture.
Track your spending: Keep a detailed log of your bets, including how much you wager and the outcomes. This will help you monitor your activity and prevent overspending.
Set betting limits: Decide on a maximum bet size before you start, and stick to it, no matter how the games unfold.
Avoid chasing losses: If your bet loses, don’t immediately place another one in an attempt to win your money back. This often leads to even bigger losses.
Do Your Research
Betting on baseball requires careful consideration of several factors. From team stats to player performances, it’s important to make informed decisions rather than impulsive bets.
Team statistics: Analyze key metrics such as win-loss records, batting averages, and pitcher performance.
Pitching matchups: Starting pitchers can make or break a game, so understanding their track record is crucial.
Recent performance: Review a team’s and player’s recent form, as this can reveal trends that may influence the outcome.
By conducting thorough research, you can make more educated bets, which may help improve your overall success rate.
Limit the Number of Bets
During the MLB playoffs, it can be tempting to bet on multiple games every day. However, placing too many bets increases the risk of losses piling up. Be selective with your wagers and don’t let the excitement of daily games lead you to place more bets than you can handle.
Beware of offshore sportsbooks and bookies
It’s essential to only use licensed and regulated sportsbooks to place your bets. Unregulated offshore sportsbooks and bookies may offer attractive odds or bonuses, but they often operate without any oversight. This means that you could risk losing your money, having your personal information compromised or even being scammed. Stick to legitimate, regulated sportsbooks that are approved by your state’s gambling authority.
Warning signs of gambling addiction
While sports betting can be enjoyable, it’s important to recognize the warning signs of a developing gambling problem in yourself or someone else. Betting on the MLB playoffs every day or increasing your wagers to chase losses can quickly lead to dangerous habits.
Some common warning signs of gambling addiction include:
Betting more money than intended: If you find yourself consistently exceeding your set budget, this is a red flag.
Skipping other activities to gamble: Missing out on social events, family time or work responsibilities due to gambling is a sign of a problem.
Borrowing money to gamble: If you’re asking friends or family for loans to cover gambling losses, it’s time to seek help.
Hiding gambling activity: Lying about your betting habits or the amount of money you’ve lost can indicate that gambling is becoming a serious issue.
Gambling addiction resources & treatment
Birches Health offers specialized treatment for gambling addiction, providing personalized care from licensed professionals. Birches’ services are available online, making it easy and convenient for you to get the help you need from the comfort of your home.
At Birches Health, 90% of patients report an improved quality of life after seeking treatment. Birches offer a range of resources to help you or a loved one break free from gambling addiction:
You can also simply call 833-483-3838 or email hello@bircheshealth.com to get in contact directly with the Birches team right away.
