For those venturing into the exciting world of sports betting, understanding the moneyline bet is your essential first step. Especially in dynamic sports like soccer (or European football) and combat sports such as boxing and MMA, the moneyline offers a direct and simple way to engage with the game. In these sports, unlike many others, a draw is often a possible outcome, adding another layer to the moneyline. Some sportsbook apps accommodate this with a “draw” option on the moneyline itself, while others provide a “Draw No Bet” alternative, focusing solely on a definitive winner.
When you correctly predict the outcome with a moneyline bet, the sportsbook honors your insight by paying out according to the odds set. The beauty of the moneyline lies in its simplicity; it strips away the complexities of point spreads. Your task is clear: pick the winner. Whether it’s choosing a team or, in specific sports, anticipating a draw, the moneyline bet is about as straightforward as sports wagering gets. To echo the legendary Al Davis, owner of the Raiders, it’s all about “Just win, baby.”
Understanding the Moneyline Bet
As sports betting gains momentum across the United States, grasping the fundamentals of popular bet types, like the moneyline, is crucial. Whether you’re exploring online at leading sports betting sites or through mobile apps, the moneyline is a bet you’ll encounter frequently.
When you delve into moneyline bets, you’ll consistently see three key components that define the wager: the favorite, the underdog, and the often intriguing “even” or “pick ’em” scenarios.
1. The Favorite (Negative Moneylines)
The favorite is the team or player deemed most likely to clinch victory. In moneyline terms, the favorite is always indicated by a negative sign (-) preceding their odds. Using $100 as a standard benchmark for betting examples, the number next to the minus sign represents how much you need to wager to win $100.
For example, if a team is listed at -150, it means you would need to bet $150 to potentially win $100 in profit. If your bet on the favorite is successful, the sportsbook returns $250 in total – your initial stake of $150 plus your winnings of $100. The negative moneyline clearly shows the cost associated with betting on the anticipated winner.
2. The Underdog (Positive Moneylines)
The underdog is the team or player perceived as less likely to win. On the moneyline, underdogs are always marked with a plus sign (+) before their odds. Again, using $100 as our standard betting unit, the number following the plus sign indicates the amount you could win for every $100 wagered if the underdog triumphs.
For instance, an underdog listed at +150 means that a $100 bet could win you $150 in profit, resulting in a total payout of $250. Betting on the underdog offers a higher potential return compared to betting on the favorite because of the inherent risk associated with backing a less probable outcome. The positive moneyline reflects the potential profit you stand to gain beyond your original wager.
3. Even or Pick ’em
An ‘even’ or ‘pick ’em’ situation arises when the two competing teams or players are considered so evenly matched that the sportsbook assesses them as having equal chances of winning. In these closely contested scenarios, the betting odds are structured to offer the same payout regardless of which side you bet on.
Typically, an even or pick ’em game is represented by odds of +100, or sometimes denoted as ‘EVEN’ (EV) or ‘PICK’ (PK) on the moneyline. Betting $100 on either side in an even matchup would win you $100 in profit, giving a total payout of $200. This type of moneyline bet provides a balanced risk-reward scenario, reflecting the uncertainty and tight competition expected in the event.
Moneyline Betting in Football: A Clear Path to Winnings
If you’re just starting with football betting, moneyline bets offer an uncomplicated entry point into the action. It’s fundamentally about choosing who you believe will win the game outright – no need to worry about point spreads or the margin of victory. Unlike soccer, American football eliminates the possibility of a draw in most contexts (excluding rare ties), simplifying the moneyline to two clear choices: the favorite and the underdog.
Imagine a matchup between the Green Bay Packers and the Chicago Bears. You might see moneylines like Packers -180 and Bears +160. The minus sign next to the Packers (-180) indicates they are the favorites. To win $100 betting on the Packers, you would need to wager $180. Conversely, the plus sign with the Bears (+160) shows they are the underdogs. A $100 bet on the Bears could potentially earn you $160 if they upset the Packers.
Moneyline bets are often strategically advantageous over point spreads in games that are anticipated to be low-scoring or tightly contested. If your prediction is that a particular team will win, but you’re unsure about the game’s final point difference, a moneyline bet removes the risk associated with the spread. A late field goal or an extra point, which could alter the spread outcome, becomes irrelevant. Moneyline bets are ideal when you have a strong feeling about an underdog’s chances or when you’re highly confident in a favorite’s victory, irrespective of the final score margin. However, remember the inherent unpredictability of the NFL: even strong favorites can be defeated. Therefore, always bet responsibly and consider each game’s dynamics carefully!
Moneyline Sports Betting: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I include moneyline bets in parlays?
Yes, absolutely. You can combine multiple moneyline selections into a single parlay bet. However, it’s important to understand that the potential payout in a moneyline parlay is nuanced. Selecting several heavy favorites, while seemingly safer, will not yield a high return compared to including selections with odds closer to even (-110) or even underdogs. Parlays multiply the odds, but also the risk, so balance is key.
What does a +200 moneyline signify?
A +200 moneyline in sports betting clearly indicates the potential return on a successful bet. If you place a $100 bet on odds of +200, you stand to win $200 in profit if your chosen team or player wins. The + symbol consistently denotes that the team or player is considered the underdog—less favored to win. The higher payout is offered as compensation for the increased risk of betting on an outcome that is statistically less likely to occur.
Is it possible to combine moneyline and spread bets in parlays?
Yes, you certainly can. Combining moneyline and spread bets within a parlay is a common strategy to potentially increase payouts. The ultimate payout is calculated based on the specific odds associated with each individual spread bet and moneyline bet included in the parlay. Typically, the standard vigorish (vig) applied to a spread bet is -110, which will factor into the overall parlay odds.
Do moneyline odds vary across different sportsbooks?
Definitely, moneyline odds can and often do differ from one sportsbook to another, sometimes quite significantly. It’s always a prudent strategy to shop around and compare odds across various platforms to find the most favorable price for your desired bet. For example, you might find a team priced at -200 at BetMGM but see them listed at -160 at FanDuel Sportsbook. If you bet $100 on the team and they win, choosing the -160 odds would net you an extra $12.50 in profit compared to the -200 odds. These small differences can accumulate significantly over time, enhancing your overall betting profitability.
Are moneyline bets considered good bets?
Whether moneyline bets are “good” depends on your personal betting strategy, risk tolerance, and bankroll management. There’s inherently nothing wrong with moneyline betting. However, consistently betting large sums on heavy favorites isn’t typically a sustainable long-term winning strategy. Favorites, despite being favored, do lose games. Point spreads are often viewed as “the great equalizer” in sports betting, requiring a more nuanced analysis of by how much a team might win or lose. Moneyline betting, on the other hand, emphasizes simply picking the winner, which can be perfectly valid and enjoyable.
How are moneyline bet prices determined?
The price or odds assigned to a moneyline bet are fundamentally determined by the perceived competitiveness and talent level of each team or player involved in a matchup. Bookmakers meticulously set odds to reflect what they believe is the fair price a bettor should pay to back each outcome. The closer the moneyline odds are to “100” (in American odds), the more evenly matched the competitors are considered to be. When odds hover around the -120 to +120 range, it often indicates a near “coin flip” scenario – two teams or players with very similar probabilities of winning.
Can moneyline odds change after they are initially set?
Yes, absolutely. Moneylines, along with point spreads and over/under totals, are dynamic and subject to change. These odds adjust based on several factors, primarily the volume of bets placed on each side (“action”) and, crucially, the influence of bets from “sharper” bettors—those known for their informed and strategic betting approaches. Achieving long-term success in sports betting involves not only picking winners but also consistently securing the best available odds and value. For instance, if two individuals bet on the same team to win a championship, but one bet earlier at -130 odds and the other later at -120, the latter bettor secured a slightly better price and, consequently, a marginally higher potential payout percentage.
Will the moneyline odds for MY specific bet change after I’ve placed it?
No, once you have placed a moneyline bet and it has been accepted by the sportsbook, the odds are locked in and will not change for your bet. This contrasts with parimutuel betting, such as in horse racing, where odds fluctuate up until the event starts. With moneyline betting, the odds you see at the moment you click “place bet” are the odds that govern your wager. For example, if you bet on a team at +300 odds, and later, due to unforeseen circumstances like a key player injury, the odds shift dramatically to +130, your original bet at +300 remains unaffected, potentially offering significantly better value. This principle applies conversely as well; odds improvements after you bet won’t retroactively change your locked-in price.
