What is KBO?
The KBO (Korean Baseball Organization) is South Korea’s premier baseball league, which gained international attention, particularly in the U.S., during the COVID-19 pandemic. This global exposure has fueled a rise in KBO betting. The league, founded in 1982 with six teams, now boasts ten teams, most of which are linked to large corporations. The season spans from March to September, with each team playing 144 games.
Key Differences Between KBO and MLB
The KBO differs from the MLB in several ways:
- Tie games: KBO games can end in a tie after 12 innings, though the rule changed for the second half of the 2021 season to prevent extra innings.
- Playoff system: KBO uses a ladder system, where the top team earns a bye into the championship series, while the others battle through a series of elimination games.
- Universal DH: Unlike the MLB, where the designated hitter (DH) rule was introduced in 2020, KBO has used the DH rule consistently.
- Foreign players: KBO limits each team to three foreign players, with a maximum of two pitchers.
KBO is often compared to MLB’s Double-A or Triple-A in terms of talent, but many players are closer to MLB quality.
The KBO Teams
The league comprises ten teams:
- Doosan Bears
- Hanwha Eagles
- Kia Tigers
- Kiwoom Heroes
- KT Wiz
- LG Twins
- Lotte Giants
- NC Dinos
- Samsung Lions
- SSG Landers
These teams are named after the companies that own them, such as the Kia Tigers, owned by Kia Motors, and the Samsung Lions, owned by Samsung’s subsidiary.
Where Is KBO Betting Legal?
Since the Supreme Court’s 2018 ruling allowing states to legalize sports betting, several U.S. states have launched regulated sports betting markets. As of March 2023, states like New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and New York have made sports betting legal, with more states following suit.
Best KBO Betting Sites and Mobile Apps
When betting on the KBO, it’s crucial to shop around for the best odds. Even slight differences, like a -1.5 run line at -110 versus -120 odds, can affect your long-term returns.
How to Bet on KBO
The main betting options for KBO include:
- Moneyline: Bet on the winner.
- Run Line: Bet against the spread (typically -1.5 or +1.5).
- Total: Bet on the total runs scored by both teams.
In addition, prop bets like team totals or first-to-score bets are available. Bettors can also wager on games played over three or five innings, or place futures bets on the championship winner.
KBO Betting Trends
Some key trends for KBO betting:
- Home field advantage: Home teams win 54.6% of the time.
- Rain delays: Rain has affected game outcomes, leading to more unders and shortened games.
- Upsets: Despite a smaller league, upsets are common in the KBO.
Three Tips for Betting on KBO
- Research: KBO data isn’t as readily available as MLB stats, so thorough research is essential. Pay attention to starting pitchers’ performances and recent form.
- Run Line Betting: Since ties are possible, the run line offers opportunities for late-game comebacks, unlike MLB’s extra innings.
- Watch Line Movements: KBO games see fewer bets, so line movements can signal sharp money and influence betting opportunities.
What to Avoid When Betting on KBO
- Don’t Always Bet Overs: While KBO is known for high-scoring games, the under is still a viable option due to rain delays and ties.
- Don’t Rely Only on MLB Players: Although former MLB pitchers are often the best, don’t overlook Korean pitchers, who can be just as dominant.
Avoid Blindly Betting Favorites: Upsets are common in KBO. Even underdogs can win, especially with superior pitching.
