Moneyline is an easy-to-understand type of bet in sports like baseball, hockey, soccer, MMA, boxing, and tennis. By simply predicting the outcome of a game or a match, you can potentially win a lot of money. This article will help you understand more about moneyline betting and how it works.
What is the moneyline bet?
A moneyline bet is an uncomplicated bet, requiring you to predict which team wins the match. You simply have to pick the team without worrying about the final score or anything else. You just need to think about which team is going to come on top, and that is it. You do not have to worry about the winning margin or the number of goals scored.
The sportsbook decides the odds based on which team is more likely to win the game. The sportsbooks use their expertise to make sure the odds are fair to everyone, which can result in significantly different odds for favourites and underdogs. There will be favourites, and favourites will have high odds, which means it costs a lot of money to bet on them. Underdogs have low odds, but it makes a very attractive option for the bettors as it is more cheap to bet on.
Favourites
In a game or a tournament, the favourite will be the team or player that the betting market thinks is most likely to win. When looking at moneyline bets, favourites are usually marked with a minus sign (-), and their odds are typically shown in American format, based on $100. The number next to the favourite describes how much money you need to bet to win. For example, if a favourite has a money line of -180, that means you would need to bet $180 to win $100. If you want to win $50, you need to bet $90. If you lose the bet, the sportsbook keeps the money, and if you win the bet, you get the winning plus the original amount you bet.
Underdogs
In a game or a tournament, the underdog will be the team or player that the betting market thinks is less likely to win. Underdogs are always marked with an (+) next to their odds. Which shows how much money you would be winning if you bet $100 on them. For example, if an underdog team has odds of +140, that means if you bet $100 on them and they win, you would like to get back 240 dollars. This includes the original $100 plus the winnings. While betting on the underdog with higher odds can be riskier, it can also lead to a bigger payout.
How does the money line work?
There are mainly two types of money lines.
Two-way moneyline and three-way money line
The two-way moneyline is the most popular one, as most sports games have only two possible outcomes. It is the most popular one because most of the games, like hockey or the NFL, are between two teams, so there are only two teams to bet on in a single match.
However, some events offer three potential outcomes, such as a regular-season soccer game, which can end in a home win, tie, or away win, or a boxing match, which can result in either a fighter winning or a tie in some rare cases. In these cases, sportsbooks offer a three-way moneyline. They may provide a two-way moneyline option called “tie no bet,” where if the match ends in a tie, the result is a push and your stake is refunded. This option allows you to bet on a winner without the risk of a tie as a result.
Top moneyline betting options
A moneyline bet is a great option for sports with lower scores, like baseball, hockey, and soccer, where a single goal or run can make a big difference. It’s also a popular choice for individual sports. If you are thinking of placing a moneyline bet, consider:
The National Hockey League:
The moneyline is very popular among bettors, and you can opt for a standard two-way moneyline or a three-way moneyline, which includes the option of a tie and is settled after 60 minutes.
Major League Baseball:
Moneyline is the most popular betting option among fans. You can choose a “listed pitchers” moneyline bet, which only counts if the specified pitchers start the game for each team.
Tennis:
Moneyline wagers are available for all soccer matches, and it’s a popular option when the players are evenly matched, but if there is a clear favourite, a handicap or spread bet might be a better choice.
Soccer:
You will typically find a three-way money line, but you can also look for the “tie no bet” or “draw no bet” market for a two-way money line bet.
Boxing and MMA matches simply predict which fighter will win, with the option to choose from three potential outcomes: a win for either fighter or a rare tie. For added value, consider “method of victory” bets, which allow you to specify how the fight will end, like by knockout, technical knockout, disqualification, or a decision. With MMA having additional methods of victory like submission and any other, the possibilities for betting on the outcome of a fight are endless.
Conclusion
To wrap it up, moneyline betting is one of the simplest bets to place, and now you know what it is. By understanding the basics of moneyline betting and learning how to understand the odds, you will be well on your way to making informed and profitable bets.
Read More: What is an If Bet? Complete Guide to If Bets in Sports Betting
