Betting Strategy Guide
How to Bet the Moneyline
Key takeaways
A moneyline bet is a bet on who wins the game, with no point spread. Favorites pay less than you risk (-150: risk $150 to win $100) and underdogs pay more (+130: $100 wins $130). In soccer the moneyline usually has three outcomes, because the game can end in a draw.
The moneyline is the simplest bet in sports: you pick the team or player that wins. The margin does not matter. A one-point win and a blowout pay the same.
How moneyline odds work
The price reflects how likely each side is to win. Take a game priced like this:
| Team | Moneyline | $100 bet wins | Implied probability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Favorite | -150 | $66.67 | 60.0% |
| Underdog | +130 | $130.00 | 43.5% |
Backing the favorite, you risk $150 to win $100. Backing the underdog, $100 wins $130. The two implied probabilities add up to more than 100%; the difference is the sportsbook's margin.
Moneyline vs. point spread
With the point spread, the favorite has to win by a set number of points. With the moneyline it only has to win. That makes the moneyline the natural bet when you think an underdog wins outright, and the spread the better price when you expect the favorite to win comfortably.
Moneylines by sport
- Baseball and hockey: low-scoring games, so the moneyline is the most popular bet. The spread versions are the run line and puck line, usually set at 1.5.
- Football and basketball: most action is on the spread, but the moneyline is there for every game.
- Soccer: the standard moneyline has three outcomes: home win, draw or away win. A two-way price, where the draw is removed, may also be offered.
- UFC and boxing: fights are bet almost entirely on the moneyline.
Reading value in a moneyline
Turn the price into a probability and compare it with your own estimate. If an underdog at +150 (40% implied) wins this matchup about 45% of the time, the bet has value even though it loses more often than it wins. Over many bets, that is what matters.
Common mistakes
- Stacking heavy favorites. At -400 you risk $400 to win $100: one upset wipes out four wins.
- Ignoring the draw in soccer. A three-way moneyline on a team loses if the game ends level.
- Assuming ties never happen. How a tie is settled depends on the sport and the market; check the house rules before you bet.
Next: learn how to read odds and how to combine moneylines in a parlay.
Betting at Betcris Arizona
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is a moneyline bet?
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A bet on which team or player wins, with no point spread.
How much does a -200 moneyline pay?
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You risk $200 to win $100, so a $20 bet wins $10.
Is the moneyline better than the spread?
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Neither is better in general. The moneyline suits underdogs you think win outright; the spread usually offers a better price on a favorite you expect to win comfortably.
What happens to a soccer moneyline bet if the game is a draw?
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On a three-way moneyline a bet on either team loses if the game ends in a draw. The draw is its own outcome you can bet on.
