If you’re new to betting, then you may well be wondering “What does moneyline mean in betting?”. It’s a good question, and below we will explain what the term means and how to effectively make moneyline bets.
The term “moneyline betting” is one that you’ll encounter quite often when getting into sports betting, so we’ll make sure you understand the concept. How does moneyline work? Read on to find out the answer not only to this, but to other questions including what the odds mean and when it is better to use moneyline betting over other ways.
Moneyline betting explained
What is a moneyline bet? Put simply, it is a bet on the outright winner of a sporting event. It is, essentially, the most straightforward bet you can place – there’s no point spread to calculate, no over/under to negotiate. It’s literally just a straight-up bet on who will emerge the winner in any contest. For example, if the Boston Red Sox are playing the New York Yankees, and you think the Yankees will win, you bet on the Yankees. If they win, you win the bet. It is that simple, and this is what sets moneyline betting apart from the other markets you’ll see on a sporting contest.
It is also worth underlining that although it is a term that can apply worldwide, moneyline bets are usually associated with North American betting, and when you hear the term used, it will often be interchangeable with the American odds system where odds are marked as numbers with either a + or a – before them. We’ll explain a little more about how these odds work in a moment, but if you hear people talking about moneyline odds and wonder what moneyline means in betting, this will usually be what it’s all about.
Advantages
- Easy to understand
- No handicap
- Common across sports
Disadvantages
- Lower return on favorites
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How does moneyline betting work?
As we have noted, moneyline bets are quite simple: you pick an outcome and you bet on it. The key part of the question of what moneyline means in betting – the part that some people may struggle with – is how the odds work, and here we have a more complex explanation. So we already know that moneyline odds come with a plus sign (+) or a minus sign (-). The basic explanation is that the minus sign will indicate that the team or player attached to it is the favorite. Now, the complex part:
If there is a minus sign, the number represents the amount that you will need to bet to win $100. If the Yankees are listed as -130 to win, then a bet of $130 will result in winnings of $100 if you are successful.
If it is a plus sign instead, this represents the amount you will win if you bet $100 and it is successful. So if, in the same game, the Red Sox are +200, a bet of $100 will win you $200 if it comes off.
If you’re not betting $100, or any amount like it, don’t be too concerned. When filling in the bet slip, the potential winnings will be calculated based on your stake and displayed for you before you click “Bet”.
Comparing moneyline to points spread betting
We already have an answer to the “What does moneyline mean in betting” question. The next thing to understand is what makes it different from other kinds of bet. We’ll look first at how it compares to points spread betting on a
new sports betting platform.
In a points spread bet, the odds will be the same for each team. Consider an NFL showdown between the Pittsburgh Steelers and New York Jets. The odds will be -110 for each team for the purposes of this bet. What makes it different from a moneyline bet is that the bookmakers will place a points handicap on the favorites. So it may be that the Steelers are considered likely to win by at least ten points. In this case, the odds will be:
- Pittsburgh -110
- NY Jets (+10.5) -110
If Pittsburgh wins by a score of 24-13, then a bet on them will win because they’ve “beaten the spread”. If it is 24-14, on the other hand, that would be a win for the Jets. In moneyline betting, however favored the Steelers might be, a bet on them would be a winner because all that matters is who wins the game. What does moneyline mean in betting on A vs B competitions? It simply means that the winner on the pitch is also the winner on your bet.
When to choose moneyline over points spread bets
The points spread has its place in betting, but you should choose a moneyline bet if:
- The spread seems too large and not great value
- You are confident in the upset and don’t think a spread is needed
- You simply want a cleaner wager – win/lose, that’s it
| Bet Type |
Main Focus |
Complexity |
Best For |
| Moneyline |
Who wins |
Low |
New bettors |
| Point Spread |
Margin of victory |
Medium |
Close matchups |
| Totals (Over/Under) |
Combined score |
Medium |
Scoring trends |
Conclusion–place your first moneyline wagers with ease
So, what does moneyline mean in betting? It is, all things considered, the easiest way to bet on a team or player who you think has a chance of winning a match or tournament. You simply back your chosen outcome and either it wins or loses – it’s that straightforward. You may choose to put your money on a points spread wager instead.
Once you have understood the odds, you can bet on moneyline markets at the
best online bookmakers
across the whole gamut of sports, from US baseball to German soccer, and it will remain every bit as simple.
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What does moneyline mean in betting FAQ
🏈 What happens if I bet on a moneyline market and the game is tied?
Good question – and the answer is that it depends on the sportsbook. At most sites, if the game ends in a tie, moneyline bets will simply be voided (or pushed). This means you get your money back and there are no winnings. It’s effectively as though the bet never happened. However, this isn’t always the case, so check with the bookmaker before betting.
🤔 Are moneyline bets better than points spreads?
No one type of bet is “better” per se than another, as it depends to a great degree on what you are looking for from the bet. If you want a simple win/loss bet or to back an underdog you feel has a real chance, then yes, moneyline bets are the better choice. Think of them as clubs in a golf bag; the best choice will depend on your situation.
📊 Can moneyline bets be used in parlays?
Yes! After all,
what is a same game parlay? It’s a type of bet that allows you to bet on multiple outcomes within a game that’s taking place – so you may want to bet on Team A to win, for there to be more than 40 points scored, and for player X to make more than 100 yards. Very often, a moneyline bet will be the first stage of a multi-part parlay.
