Understanding Moneylines

If you’re just getting into the world of sports betting, then you’ve probably already heard the term ‘moneyline’ being used. It’s an important keyword in the gambling realm as it’s used in almost every sport. It’s one of the basics that you’ll have to know if you’re going to play, so let’s take a closer look at what it means and where its used. If you would like to learn more, please email us at Info@BettingKings.com and we will connect you with one of our Sports Investment Consultants. 

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What Is The Moneyline?

The term moneyline can have two definitions: a type of bet and also the odds attached to certain bets. Starting with the type of bet, moneyline bets simply focus on the outright winner of a game. With point spreads, you have to consider a margin of victory. With totals, you’re looking at the combined score of the two sides involved in the game. But if you’re betting on the moneyline, your only focus is who will win the game outright. There is no tying; just winning or losing. But there is more to understanding the moneyline, including the odds and what they tell you. Read on below to get a better idea of how they work.

If you’re referring to the moneyline odds, those are frequently seen next to point spreads, totals and many other types of lines. In many ways, “the moneyline” is just a synonym for the word “odds”.

Moneyline Betting

Remember that every spread still has a moneyline attached to it. While that might be a bit confusing, all that refers to is the cost of betting the spread; not how the outcome will be decided. For example, if the Dallas Cowboys are favored to win by 3 points, the line is Dallas (-3) at -110 odds. That means if you bet $100, and the Cowboys won by 4 or more points, you would win $90.91. The moneyline for Dallas Cowboys to win the game is -130. that means if you bet $100 and the Cowboys won the game (by any amount – 1 or more points), you would win $76.92.

Where Moneylines Bets Are The Primary Options
Moneylines are the primary betting option in a number of sports. In sports like baseball and hockey, that’s the main way the betting goes as players simply decide which team will win the game. There is some spread betting with runlines and pucklines, but more bets are placed on moneylines for these sports than Totals or Run Lines or Pucklines by the public.

In fight sports, moneylines are the main way of betting. You’ll see two fighters with moneylines next to their name. The same goes for tennis. When you browse the odds of different sports at a sportsbook, you will see this.

Where Moneylines Bets Are The Secondary Options
In sports like football and basketball, the moneyline is considered as the secondary option next to point spreads. Points spreads are the way that most people get their action in on basketball betting and football betting because the payouts are better value. Betting the moneyline in those sports is less popular because you might have some big mismatches and then it increases your risk to bet on the underdog winning outright or too costly to bet the favorite.