Chicago Cubs
Your complete guide to betting on the Chicago Cubs at legal US sportsbooks. Current season betting guide, bet types, player props, rivalries, and where to legally wager on MLB games.
Betting on the Chicago Cubs
The Chicago Cubs play home games at Wrigley Field in Chicago, IL, competing in the Major League Baseball in the NL Central Division. Founded in 1876, they are one of MLB's oldest franchises.
The Chicago Cubs have won 3 championships, most recently in 2016.
You can legally bet on every Chicago Cubs game at any licensed US sportsbook in a state with legal sports betting. All major national operators; DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, Caesars, Fanatics, and more; offer full MLB markets including pregame and live (in-play) wagers on Chicago Cubs games.
How to Bet on the Chicago Cubs
Every major sportsbook offers these bet types on every Chicago Cubs game. Below are the most important markets and how to approach them for MLB games.
Moneyline
The primary MLB bet. MLB has the widest range of moneyline prices, from -250 favorites to +200 underdogs. Home/road splits matter a lot. Some teams are 20+ games above .500 at home but below .500 on the road.
Run Line (-1.5 Spread)
MLB's point spread, fixed at 1.5 runs. Favorite -1.5 must win by 2+. Underdog +1.5 can lose by 1. About 28% of MLB games are one-run games, making the run line a high-impact wager.
Over/Under Totals
MLB totals range 7.0–11.5. Pitcher matchups dominate totals. A Cy Young starter vs a replacement-level starter can swing the total by 1.5 runs. Always check starting pitchers and bullpen rest.
Player Props
Pitcher strikeouts O/U, hitter total bases, hits, home runs, RBIs. Strikeout props on elite pitchers (10.5–12.5 range) are the most bet MLB prop. Anytime home run props pay +400 to +1000.
First 5 Innings
Bet on the starting pitcher matchup only, which removes bullpen variance. Popular for elite pitchers where the team has an inconsistent bullpen. First 5 innings moneyline, spread (-0.5), and totals all available.
World Series Futures
Preseason WS odds are where the best long-term value lives. The World Series winner is usually one of the top 6 preseason favorites ~75% of the time.
Chicago Cubs Player Prop Markets
The MLB offers a deep player prop market on every Chicago Cubs game. Here are the standard prop types available nightly.
- Pitcher Strikeouts O/U (5.5–12.5)
- Total Bases O/U
- Hits O/U
- Anytime Home Run (+400 to +1000)
- RBIs O/U
- Pitcher Outs Recorded O/U
Props shift based on injuries, rest, and recent form. Always check the injury report before placing player prop bets.
Biggest Chicago Cubs Rivalries
Rivalry games typically draw the largest betting handle of the MLB regular season. Lines move more than usual, sharp money arrives early, and player props see huge public action.
MLB Season Phases
Understanding the MLB calendar helps you anticipate when Chicago Cubs betting volume peaks and when the sharpest edges appear.
- Mar–Apr: Spring Training + Opening Day
- May–Jul: Regular Season
- Jul: All-Star Break + Trade Deadline
- Aug–Sep: Pennant Races
- Oct: Postseason
- Oct–Nov: World Series
Betting on the Chicago Cubs in Illinois
The Chicago Cubs call Illinois home. Sports betting is fully legal in Illinois. Operators pay 20-40% + $0.25-$0.50/bet tax, and the legal age is 21+. There are 10 licensed sportsbooks in the state.
Illinois has the most complex tax structure in the US with a tiered 20-40% state tax plus a $0.25-$0.50 per-wager fee. 10 licensed operators as of March 2026; bet365 launched in March 2025 as the newest entrant, and ESPN BET rebranded to theScore Bet in December 2025. HB 5143 filed Feb 2026 would repeal the per-wager tax effective July 1, 2026. In-state college betting is banned.
Illinois Sports Betting; Deep Dive
The Chicago Cubs play in Illinois. Our local site covers Illinois sportsbook reviews, current bonuses, and the state's betting laws in more depth than this overview.
Visit bettinginil.com →Other MLB Teams
Chicago Cubs Betting FAQ
Where do the Chicago Cubs play their home games?
The Chicago Cubs play their home games at Wrigley Field in Chicago, IL. The franchise was founded in 1876 and is based in Illinois.
How many championships have the Chicago Cubs won?
The Chicago Cubs have won 3 MLB championships, most recently in 2016.
Can I bet on the Chicago Cubs legally?
Yes. You can bet on Chicago Cubs games at any licensed US sportsbook in a state with legal sports betting. Major national operators like DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, Caesars, and Fanatics offer full MLB markets on every Chicago Cubs game.
What is the best bet type for Chicago Cubs games?
The best bet depends on the matchup. Moneylines are the primary MLB bet, with run lines (-1.5) providing better value on heavy favorites.
What division are the Chicago Cubs in?
The Chicago Cubs compete in the NL Central Division of the Major League Baseball.