We’re almost at the halfway mark of the 2022 season for the KBO League. Now would be the PERFECT time to make (for the first time) or update your pick to win the 2022 KBO Championship. That’s what we’re doing in this very article. Read on to get our free and expert betting advice on the Korean baseball league!
Before we get ahead of ourselves, let’s take a gander at the current odds to win the KBO title, per the most-used online betting sites. In the 10-team league, these are the top betting favorites at the end of June:
Team | ||
---|---|---|
SSG Landers | +125 | +125 |
Kiwoom Heroes | +500 | +500 |
LG Twins | +600 | +600 |
KIA Tigers | +600 | +600 |
KT Wiz | +1000 | +1000 |
Samsung Lions | +1100 | +1100 |
Doosan Bears | +1200 | +1200 |
2022 KBO League Recap
Most teams have played more than 70 games already (the regular season goes to 144 games). That’s a huge sample size of games — more than enough to guide our title predictions. But let’s quickly recap the 2022 KBO League first and figure out what times are even worth considering.
No one should be surprised the SSG Landers have the runaway best odds at winning it all across big-name Las Vegas sportsbooks. From start to finish, they’ve been the best regular-season team in the KBO League. They currently hold a 47-25-3 record, which is the best league-wide (though, only by one game). For those unaware, finishing first overall is massive, and we mean massive, advantage in KBO. That’s because this team automatically qualifies for the final Korean Series (thus skipping the early postseason entirely).
SSG Landers has won off the back of near-shutdown pitching. At the moment, the team possesses six different pitchers with ERAs hovering underneath 3.0. Starting ace Kim Kwang-hyun is leading the way with a 7-1 mark, 1.43 ERA. To put it in terms MLB bettors would understand, that he’s essentially the Cy Young of the whole league right now.
Despite the SSG Landers’ success, there are two teams right on their heels. Kiwoom is only two games out from the first place, while LG is four games off. That explains why both teams are also ranked second and third in the futures odds.
The regular last lasts until September 23. Five teams qualify for the KBO postseason. As we said, the top-standing leader automatically qualifies for the Korean Series. The other four teams have to duke it out to get that last spot, which obviously, only adds fatigue by the time they reach the finale.
Best Bets To Win 2022 KBO Title
A lot can happen from now until the Korean Series — injuries, bad luck, cold streaks, and more injuries. Therefore, it’s a smart idea to make more than one bet to win the KBO title in 2022. Plus, given the long betting odds across the board, you can afford to bet multiple ways without completely killing profit. Here are two teams that are most worthy of commanding your bankroll:
SSG Landers
We already eluded it once, but it bears repeating: the SSG Landers are the real deal — and have been since the season began. Anytime you have dominant pitching, as they do, you have a shot at real postseason success (the final is best-of-seven, while other playoff rounds are best-of-three). Right now, the SSG Landers are top-heavy at starting pitching (the top of its order) but need more consistency from the fourth and fifth starters. Still, in the postseason, pitchers throw on fewer days’ rest so they could easily overcome this issue.
SSG Landers’ aren’t nearly as filthy offensively, but they’re still efficient. At the moment, the team is averaging the third-most runs per game. Combined with its dominant pitching, the SSG Landers own the best run-differential KBO-wide. Given this balance, you’d have to be crazy to NOT bet on SSG Landers here.
LG Twins
If there’s any team that can threaten the SSG Landers atop the pecking order, it’s got to be the LG Twins. They currently have the league’s third-best record at 43-29-1. Like our previous pick, the Twins are incredibly well-rounded. Both of its team pitching ERA and runs scored rank second league-wide, which is right on par with the Landers.
For the Twins to “breakthrough”, they’ll need a superstar performance from its superstar hitter, Kim Hyun-soo. In most major offensive categories (homers, batting average, slugging percentage), Hyun-soo is among KBO’s top-ranked. If he can continue that come playoff time, watch out for the LG Twins.
How To Bet On KBO In 2022?
Want to bet on KBO in 2022? Not only championship futures but also daily games? If you’re reading this, then that’s probably the case. Welp, you can do EXACTLY that at one of the underneath betting sites. These bookmakers do not shortchange their users on KBO betting odds — it’s all there for the taking and great prizes.
Obviously, a huge chunk of the KBO season remains — about 70 regular-season games and the postseason. That’s a whole lot of betting opportunities left on the table. If you need extra cash to help attack these opportunities, you’ll want to look into big-money betting bonuses. Bonuses can reach thousands of dollars in free play so we’re not exaggerating by saying “big money.” Check out the below table to see what bonuses are currently up for grabs.
Summary
Eric was born and raised in Nevada — the center of gambling in the United States. Throw in his natural interest in sports, and Eric was destined to be a sports bettor. This came to a head once Eric turned 21. Already a working sports journalist while in college, Eric began betting at his local sportsbook. Despite massive losses (at first), Eric continued to chip away at wagering. Eventually, he got half-decent at it. Now Eric is a trusted betting analyst. Not only is he skilled at making picks, but also breaking down the state of the industry — legalization, revenue, and innovation.
Education
Bachelor’s degree in Journalism from the University of Nevada. Master of Business Administration from the University of Central Florida.
Professional Achievements
Published over 300 sports articles in newspapers across Nevada. Three-year business owner.