What is a Moneyline Bet?
One of the first things every sports betting newbie search is, “What is a moneyline bet?”. We will explain its meaning in detail, then show you examples, and finally, why you would like to choose it.
Moneyline Bet explained
This type of wager is when you bet on which teams or players will win the sports event. The only important thing is who will win. It doesn’t matter whether the points are different or if there are other details like props, total combined points, point spread, or anything else. It is the simplest and most pure form of sports gambling. You bet on who you prefer, wait until the results come out, and win if you guessed correctly.
The moneyline is the favorite option of new bettors, and it is often preferred by sports fans who like to wager on their favorite team. In games of soccer, basketball, hockey, baseball, volleyball, cricket, or handball, you will have two teams: the favored to win and an underdog that the bookie marks as the potential loser.
According to the sportsbook, the potential winner will have better chances, which will be indicated by negative odds with a minus sign (-). That does not mean you will lose money if you bet this team will win. It means that the odds will be lower, so the potential win will be smaller, too. The team with the worst odds to win will be marked with positive odds with a plus sign (+). Since it has fewer chances to win, if somebody bets on it, and eventually the team wins, the bet will win more than a negative odds bet.
Understanding Moneyline Odds
Let’s look at the moneyline odds to translate them to real money. The odds represent the chance each player or team has to win the game or match. When you see the numbers, you can calculate how much you can win if you bet on one of the participants in the game. In the USA, the odds are shown with a plus sign (+) or a minus sign (−) next to a number, like +180 or -130. Let’s break down what each of these means with an example of team A -130 and team B +180.
Negative Odds (Favored)
When one team has a minus sign in front of their odds (like -130), it indicates they are the favored to win the game. For example:
- If you see Team A -130, Team A is more likely to win based on the current prediction.
- The number tells you one simple thing: how much you need to bet to win $100. In our case, you would need to bet $130 on Team A to win $100. If it wins, you get your original bet of $130 back and get an extra $100 as profit.
- If Team A loses, you lose the $130 you bet and are left with 0.
- Profit=(100/Odds)×Bet Amount.
- Total Payout=Bet Amount+(100/Odds)×Bet Amount.
- For $5, the potential profit is $3.846, For $10 is $7.69, for $50 is $38.46, etc.
Positive Odds (Underdog)
A team with a plus sign in front of their odds (like +180) is less likely to win. This team is called the underdog.
- If you look at Team B +180, it means Team B is not the favored.
- Here, the number is easier to understand. It tells you how much you’ll win if you bet $100. If you bet $100 on Team B and they win, you get your original bet of $100 plus $180 as profit.
- If Team B loses, you lose your $100 bet and are left with 0.
- Profit=(Odds/100)×Bet Amount
- Total Payout=Bet Amount+(Odds/100)×Bet Amount
- For $5, the potential profit is $9, For $10 is $18, for $50 is $90, etc.
Moneyline Example
Let’s go through an example to make this as clear as possible. Suppose there’s a basketball game between Milwaukee and Memphis, and the odds look like this:
This means Milwaukee is the favored, and Memphis is the underdog.
Betting on the Favored (Milwaukee)
- If you bet $130 on Milwaukee, and Milwaukee wins, you would get $230 back.
- $130 is your original bet.
- $100 is the profit you make by betting on the favored.
- If Milwaukee loses, you lose the $130 you bet.
- In case of a tie, you will get your original bet back. This may depend on the wagering site that you are using.
Betting on the Underdog (Memphis)
- If you bet $100 on Memphis, and Memphis wins, you would get $280 back.
- $100 is your original bet.
- $180 is the profit you make by betting on the underdog.
- If Memphis loses, you lose your $100 bet.
- In case of a tie, you will get your original bet back. This may depend on the wagering site that you are using.
Why Choose a Moneyline Bet?
Many beginners choose moneyline bets because they are straightforward, especially for beginners. You only need to calculate your potential profits and losses, but there are no complicated scenarios like spreads, totals, parleys, and more. You only need to choose which one, the favored or the underdog, is your choice and bet.
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Other Things to Remember
- Odds Change:The moneyline odds can change over time based on injuries, weather, or how people are betting (live betting). The odds might adjust if many people are betting on the same team.
- Big Favored teams vs. Underdogs:Betting on a big favored might feel safe, but you never know the result in advance. You can still lose. In case you win, your potential payout will be smaller. Betting on underdogs can be riskier. There will be a bigger chance of losing, but the potential payout will be higher if it wins.
- In case of a tie, you get your moneyline bet back*If the two teams finish with the same points, the sportsbook will usually refund your bet. The reason is that there was no clear winner. Please read each sportsbook’s terms and conditions because some may have different conditions. *Some betting sites add a special tie bet, making moneyline bets lose in a tie result.
Quick Recap
- Moneyline bets are sports bets on who will win the game or the match.
- Negative odds (like -130) mean the team is the favored. You need to bet the amount shown to win $100.
- Positive odds (like +180) mean the team is the underdog. You win the amount shown if you bet $100.
- If your team wins, you win; if they lose, you lose the amount you bet.
Moneyline bets are a great way to start with sports betting because they’re easy to understand. They are also great for sports fans who like to add more fun to their game experience.