What is the Moneyline in Sports Betting?
Betting on the moneyline is a wager on a team or athlete to win a game or event outright. It’s a popular and straightforward bet, making it one of the most accessible wagers for new bettors. With the moneyline, you choose who you believe will win without worrying about point spreads or other complexities. This type of bet is applicable to tons of sports and events, making it a staple in the betting community.
We’re here to help you get into it. Our guide covers everything you need to know: how to place a moneyline bet, practical strategies, and where to find the best moneyline odds online.
What is a Moneyline Bet?
A moneyline bet is where you wager on the winner of a game or event. The betting odds indicate how likely your pick is to win. Negative odds indicate favorites, while positive odds show you the underdogs.
Moneyline bets are the easiest way to start playing at an online sportsbook since there are only two choices. The only exception is in sports like soccer, where you can also bet on a tie, but more on that later.
How Does the Moneyline Work?
Moneyline sports betting works by displaying the odds of a game or event’s possible outcome. Sportsbooks display these odds alongside the game’s listing, making them easier to access and bet on.
Here’s a baseball example from BetUS. You plan to back the Mets to beat the Marlins. Here’s what the odds look like:
- Marlins: +126
- Mets: -136
There are negative and positive odds at play here. If you bet $100 on the Marlins, and they win, you’ll win $126 profit. However, the Mets’ odds are negative. That means you need to wager $136 just to earn $100 profit, reflecting their status as the favorites and indicating a higher likelihood of winning.
How To Win a Moneyline Bet
All you need to win a moneyline bet is to back the winning team/athlete. In our MLB example, if you bet on the Marlins at +126, and they win, you win your wager. If the Mets win, you lose.
Our Favorite Site for Moneyline Betting Beginners
BetUS Top option for Moneyline Bets
BetUS is our top pick for betting on the moneyline. The site clearly displays moneyline odds for all sports and ensures those prices go live before anywhere else. You can sometimes bet on the moneyline weeks in advance to lock in a great early price.
BetUS TV and Locker Room offer expert tips, betting tutorials, picks and analysis, making this a great choice for both beginner and advanced moneyline bettors.
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Moneyline odds on all sports throughout the sportsbook.
Live moneyline bets for games in NFL, MLB, NBA, and more.
How to Read Moneyline Odds
The smaller the disparity in moneyline odds, the more even the bookmaker believes a game to be. On the other hand, the wider the disparity, the more heavily one side is favored. Take these NFL examples:
- Detroit Lions (-130) vs. Buffalo Bills (+110): This shows a fairly even matchup, with the Lions as slight favorites.
- Baltimore Ravens (-1400) vs. New York Giants (+825): Here the Ravens are massive favorites and the Giants are given little chance of a win.
A quick glance at the odds reveals the likelihood of an outcome, and where betting value may be found.
Basic Moneyline Betting Strategy
Betting on the moneyline is a great first step for newcomers in the online sports betting community. Since there are so few outcomes to bet on, there are fewer variables that can upset the odds. Below are four tips to get you started:
Utilize Smart Bankroll Management
Being smart with your bankroll maximizes your chances of winning more money. Avoid wagering more than you can afford and use bonuses wherever you can. Consider dividing your bankroll into betting units.
Shop Around for the Best Odds Value
Different sportsbooks offer different lines on the same events. Browse a range of top sports betting sites before choosing which one to pick.
Start With the Sports You Know
Sports betting is about maximizing your knowledge and applying it correctly. It’s wise to bet on what you know, at least for your first few wagers.
Do the Research
Sportsbooks like BetUS have bloggers and analysts who can help you find the right moneyline bets. Research is crucial to picking winning bets and spotting where sportsbooks have the moneyline wrong.
Kick-Start Your Moneyline Betting Strategy With AI Picks
See All Our AI PicksThe Sports Geek’s free sports picks include daily best bets generated by the Geek, our AI gambling expert. Find picks against the spread, moneylines, and over/unders for every game.
Advanced Moneyline Betting Strategies and Tips
It’s easy to master basic moneyline betting strategies. If you’re looking to develop a sure-fire moneyline betting plan in the future, here are some advanced tips so you can get started.
Sports coaches use data analytics all the time when strategizing their plays, so why can’t you? Use stats databases like ESPN, watch and read analysis at sportsbooks like BetUS, and build a stronger understanding of the moneyline odds.
Dedicated sports bettors often prefer to track the moneyline and see how it moves. Lines can jump due to injuries, weather, and team form, among other factors. By tracking the odds, you can spot when a price is at its highest and lock in the best odds.
Mastering the value of any sports bet is the key to making smarter decisions. Bets may look worthwhile, but it’s essential to examine the implied probability of a wager and see whether your choices are worth the risk. Understand sports betting value in our guide here.
Managing your bankroll can take time and energy to get right. It’s crucial for bettors to consider their current financial status and goals and chart how to get there. Check out our bankroll management guide and improve your betting strategy today!
Hedging your bets is about making a counter wager against your first bet to lock in profit regardless of the outcome. It’s ideal for sports where there’s no tie, like basketball. Hedging is usually done in-play when the odds changes are big enough to lock in a winning price.
Also known as “fading,” betting against the public can be a great strategy. If most bettors back the Vikings to beat the Bills, then the Bill’s odds rise. You can “fade” by backing the underdogs. Your risk is low, and you stand to win big by betting against the grain.
Responsible Gambling
We encourage you to gamble responsibly and consider online betting a form of entertainment, not a source of income. Set loss and time limits, and don’t bet more than you’re comfortable losing.
Here are some resources to help you or someone you care about gamble responsibly and get help:
- AGA Responsible Gambling Code of Conduct (as supported by the NBA)
- Have A Game Plan – Complete Responsible Gambling Resource
- Gamble Responsibly America App (downloadable)
- KindBridge Behavioral Health
Moneyline Betting Summary
In terms of sports betting strategies for beginners, moneyline betting is the best way to get started. The moneyline reflects a team’s chances of victory and is a feature across most major sports.
Our guide has explored the basics of betting the moneyline, how to form a simple strategy, and use AI to help. Sportsbooks like BetUS go big on the moneyline and hand out promos for players, too. Finding the right online sportsbook for your needs is the first step to having a reliable, simple opening bet ready to place.
