If you’re new to sports betting, you might have heard the term “moneyline” and wondered what it means. It’s one of the simplest bets you can make. Let’s explain what a moneyline bet is, how it works, and when it’s a good option.

What Is a Moneyline Bet?

A moneyline bet is a bet on which team or player will win a game. That’s it—no need to worry about point spreads or margins. If the team you bet on wins, you win. If they lose, you lose your bet. Simple as that.

Moneyline odds show you how much you can win based on your bet. These odds can be positive (like +150) or negative (like -200). Positive odds mean you’re betting on the underdog, and you can win more than you bet. Negative odds mean you’re betting on the favorite, so you have to risk more to win less.

How Does Moneyline Betting Work?

Let’s break it down with an example. Suppose the Los Angeles Lakers are playing the Chicago Bulls. The moneyline might look like this:

  • Lakers: -150
  • Bulls: +130

Here’s what these numbers mean:

  • If you bet on the Lakers at -150, you’d need to bet $150 to win $100. If the Lakers win, you get your $150 back plus $100 in winnings.
  • If you bet on the Bulls at +130, a $100 bet would win you $130 if the Bulls win.

The difference here is in the risk and reward. Betting on the favorite (Lakers) requires a bigger bet for a smaller win. Betting on the underdog (Bulls) offers a bigger win for a smaller bet, but it’s riskier since the underdog is less likely to win.

Moneyline vs. Point Spread: What’s the Difference?

You might wonder how a moneyline bet is different from a point spread bet. In a point spread bet, the favorite has to win by a certain number of points for you to win the bet. For example, if the Lakers are favored by -7, they need to win by more than 7 points for your bet to pay off.

With a moneyline bet, it doesn’t matter how much they win by—1 point or 50 points—just that they win. This makes moneyline bets easier to understand, especially if you’re new to betting.

When to Bet the Moneyline

So, when should you consider making a moneyline bet? Here are a few situations:

  1. Betting on the Favorite: If you’re confident a team will win but don’t want to worry about the spread, a moneyline bet can be safer. Even though the payout might be smaller, it’s less complicated.
  2. Betting on the Underdog: If you believe the underdog has a shot at winning, a moneyline bet can offer a big payout for a smaller risk. The underdog doesn’t have to cover a spread—they just need to win the game.
  3. Tight Matchups: In games where the teams are evenly matched, betting the moneyline simplifies things. You don’t have to worry about whether they’ll cover the spread, just whether they’ll win.

What Is a Three-Way Moneyline?

Sometimes, you might see a “three-way moneyline,” especially in sports like soccer. This type of bet has three options: Team A wins, Team B wins, or the game ends in a draw.

For example, in a soccer match:

  • Arsenal: +120
  • Draw: +230
  • Liverpool: +180

You can bet on Arsenal to win, Liverpool to win, or the game to end in a draw. If you bet on Arsenal and they win, you collect your winnings. If the game ends in a draw and you didn’t bet on that, you lose.

Moneyline Betting Across Different Sports

Moneyline bets are common in all major sports:

  • NFL: Moneyline bets are straightforward in football. You’re betting on who will win the game, without worrying about point spreads.
  • NBA: In basketball, moneyline bets are popular for close games. The fast pace of the game can make point spreads tricky, so moneyline bets simplify your decision.
  • MLB: In baseball, moneyline bets are often the go-to option because predicting scores and spreads in low-scoring games can be tough.

How to Use Moneyline Odds in Your Betting

Understanding moneyline odds helps you know how much you can win and how much risk you’re taking.

  • Positive Moneyline (+): Indicates the underdog. For example, +150 means a $100 bet could win you $150. Higher positive numbers mean higher potential payouts, but also higher risk.
  • Negative Moneyline (-): Indicates the favorite. For example, -200 means you’d need to bet $200 to win $100. The lower the negative number, the safer the bet, but with a smaller payout.

Balancing risk and reward is key. Betting on favorites usually means safer, smaller wins, while betting on underdogs can offer bigger payouts with more risk.

Wrapping It Up: Why Moneyline Bets Are Popular

Moneyline bets are one of the easiest ways to get started with sports betting. You don’t have to worry about point spreads or how much a team wins by—just who wins. Whether you’re betting on an NFL game, an NBA matchup, or a baseball contest, moneyline bets keep it simple and straightforward.

Understanding how moneyline odds work helps you make better decisions. Whether you’re playing it safe with a favorite or taking a chance on an underdog, moneyline bets offer flexibility and simplicity.

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