Bram Welch has been writing about sports betting and iGaming for over six years. He started as a freelancer before joining our team in 2022. He has worked teaching English as a foreign language and as a journalist for the UK's largest regional newspaper.
All posts by Bram WelchMoneyline betting is the process of placing a bet on the final outcome of a game, match, event, or tournament. Moneyline betting varies from sport to sport, but the principle is the same. You place a wager on which team or player will win the contest, regardless of the final margin.
Join us as our dedicated Sports Talk Philly betting expert explains in great detail everything there is to know about moneyline betting. This includes what it is and how it varies from sport to sport. Without further ado, here is a panoramic and comprehensive guide on the subject, helping you understand everything there is to know about moneyline betting.
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What Is A Moneyline Bet? – Moneyline Betting Explained
A moneyline bet is one of the most popular types of wager for sports betting. It is the single most common form of betting on most US sports. This includes the NFL, NBA, soccer, NHL, tennis, MLB, boxing, and UFC.
When moneyline betting, you are simply picking the winner of a game/contest. It is as simple as placing a bet on the winning side, which will result in cashing your ticket. Will Team X win, or will Team Y win?
Of course, moneyline betting varies from sport to sport, but it is one of the most common and popular bet types overall. This can take different forms, such as in golf, where a moneyline bet is betting on one player to win the event out of a field of 100+. In the NFL, on the other hand, moneyline betting has just two outcomes – home win or away win. Hence, it is the simplest form of betting for fans to understand.
All the best offshore sportsbooks will offer straight moneyline odds on every sport covered on their site. A moneyline bet in boxing is picking the winner of a fight. In tennis, it is the winner of the match – same for NFL, NBA, NHL, MLB, and soccer.
Moneyline betting in golf and horse racing is similar in the sense that you are still picking the winner of the event/race but from a bigger field rather than just two outcomes.
How Does Moneyline Betting Work?
It doesn’t matter the winning margin, the number of points scored in a game, or anything like that—it simply means picking a player/team to win a match/event. Period.
In the US, moneyline odds will be shown as a plus (+) or minus (-) number. The favorite on the moneyline will always be a minus number; meanwhile, the underdogs will always be a plus on the moneyline.
In sports such as golf and horse racing, you might find that even the favorites are + odds. This is because the size of the field is far greater. The more players in an event, the more chance of having + odds on the favorites. However, for the most part, in two or three-way bets, the moneyline favorite will be the team with minus odds.
Take the two NBA games in the above example. The moneyline odds on the Los Angeles Lakers vs Washington Wizards are the second option after the spread and before the total. In this case, the Lakers are priced at -820 on the moneyline, with the Wizards odds set at +600.
This means that the Lakers are the heavy favorites to win the match. The more one-sided the numbers are, or the further away they are if you like, the more significant the disparity in potential winnings. For instance, -820 on the moneyline is far more likely to happen than -110 on the moneyline. +800 on the moneyline is far less likely than +200 on the moneyline.
Using the Portland Trail Blazers vs Charlotte Hornets example above, their moneyline odds are +105 and -125, respectively. This means a $100 bet on the Hornets (-125 favorites) will return $180. A $100 wager on the Trail Blazers (+105 underdogs), on the other hand, will return $205 (both including the original $100 stake).
What Do The Moneyline Betting Odds Tell Us?
Moneyline betting odds primarily tell us who the favorite is to win a game/event. As previously explained, whichever team is favorite on the moneyline is the side with the minus odds.
Similarly, in events such as golf tournaments or big horse racing contests, the moneyline odds make it easy to identify the clear favorites. In a sport like golf, where hundreds of players can compete in one event, the favorites will have the shortest odds, with longer odds set on the less likely golfers to win the tournament.
Moneyline betting odds tell us who the favorite is and help us identify the probable odds on each outcome. Minus (-) odds indicate a more likely and probable event occurring. The bigger the number on the minus side, the more probable the bet. Conversely, the higher the plus (+) moneyline odds, the less likely that particular bet is to win.
Another thing moneyline betting odds tell us is the potential profit bettors can make if it turns out to be a winning ticket. All of the best online sportsbooks & sports betting sites in the US will show potential winnings on the bet slip before individuals actually place a wager. The potential profits on a moneyline bet depend on the initial outlay/stake.
What Are The Different Types Of Moneyline Bets?
Although betting on the moneyline is incredibly straightforward to understand, there are a few types of moneyline bets.
You will likely be familiar with the different types of moneyline bets already. The most frequent ones in sports betting are the 2-way moneyline bet and the 3-way moneyline wager. However, Some futures/outright bets are also technically considered moneyline wagers.
Here is a deeper dive into the different types of moneyline bets in US sports:
2-Way Moneyline Bet
A two-way moneyline bet is simply when there are two options—home win or away win. The game/event cannot end in a draw, so there are only two options, hence the term 2-way.
NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL contests are all examples of 2-way moneyline betting. This is because there are only two possible outcomes in the match.
Take baseball as an example. It is simply impossible for an MLB match to end in a tie, which is why there are only two options for betting on the moneyline with the best real-money MLB betting sites.
In the following example, you can see that the moneyline bet offers two prices – +151 for the Kansas City Royals to win or -165 for the Baltimore Orioles to win. There are no odds of a tie, as this cannot happen in MLB.
3-Way Moneyline Bet
A 3-way moneyline bet is different from a 2-way bet in the sense that there are three options on the moneyline rather than just two. A 3-way moneyline bet is frequent in soccer mainly, as a tie/draw obviously can occur in league games, unlike in many other US sports.
This is the only real difference between a 3-way and 2-way moneyline bet. As you can see in the following example, Arsenal face Luton in an English Premier League match. Arsenal are -950 favorites to win, while Luton are huge +2200 outsiders. The tie is priced at +1050.
This is because there are only three potential outcomes for this match. Either Arsenal will win (home win), Luton will win (away win), or the match will end in a draw (tie). This is where the 3-way moneyline bet massively differs from the 2-way.
Future/Outright
Although the 2-way and 3-way are the two main types of moneyline bets, some outright betting odds are also considered straight moneyline bets.
Betting on a golfer to win a tournament outright or a horse to romp home and win a race are two examples of where futures work like moneyline bets.
This is because you are betting outright on the outcome of the event. And, as explained right at the beginning of this guide, a moneyline bet is simply wagering on the outcome of a game/event. Hence, outright betting in horse racing, for example, is also considered moneyline betting.
As the screenshot below shows, a simple futures bet on the winner of the Kentucky Derby is considered a moneyline wager. The same is true in golf, betting on the winner of The Masters, for example. Or, in tennis, wagering on the outright winner of Wimbledon.
How To Place A Moneyline Bet
When it comes to actually placing a moneyline bet, there isn’t much to it. It is as simple as selecting your desired bet, inputting your stake, and putting it down.
Using your desired sportsbook, navigate to the home screen, and we will take you through, step by step, how to place your moneyline wagers.
The following example is with BetOnline, who have extensive moneyline markets on 20+ different sports:
Choose The Sport You Want To Moneyline Bet On
Every sport on the BetOnline sportsbook offers the chance to moneyline bet. Whether it be boxing, UFC, golf, football, or hockey – you name the sport, you can moneyline bet on it with BetOnline.
Take an upcoming UFC fight, for example. Say you have decided that MMA is the sport you wish to place a moneyline bet on, simply locate the ‘Martial Arts’ option down the left navigation menu from the home screen.
As one of the best UFC betting sites & apps on the market, BetOnline has a wide range of fights to choose from on their sportsbook.
Pick A Match/Event For Your Moneyline Bets
After you have selected the sport you wish to moneyline bet on, it’s time to pick the event/match. In this case of UFC, select the fight you wish to wager on.
For example, you have decided to bet on the Cody Garbrandt vs Deiveson Figueiredo bantamweight fight at UFC 300.
Select A Team/Player On The Moneyline
Simply tap or click on the moneyline odds next to the fighter you wish to back on the moneyline, and that pick will be added to your BetOnline bet slip.
In this case, we are picking Cody Garbrandt to beat Deiveson Figueiredo as the +245 underdog in their fight at UFC 300.
Place Your Moneyline Wager
If you’re betting on mobile on the BetOnline app, simply tap the ‘Betslip’ icon at the bottom. If you’re on the website, the bet slip will already be loaded on the right-hand side of your screen.
Type in a bet amount, and the slip will highlight your possible winnings. You can then confirm the bet. In this case, a $100 wager on Cody Garbrandt to win at +245. A $100 stake will profit $245 if Garbrandt wins the fight, meaning a total return of $345.
For this moneyline bet to win, Cody Garbrandt must just win the fight. A moneyline bet in UFC is just betting on the outcome of the bout – will Fighter X win, or will Fighter Y?
What Happens To A Moneyline Bet In A Tie?
In the event of a tie, your moneyline bet is likely to be classed as a ‘push’ and will most often be refunded. This means that your 2-way moneyline bet has been tied/drawn, so it has neither won nor lost.
In the case of a 3-way moneyline bet, you won’t be refunded your stake if the match ends in a tie. This is because a 3-way moneyline bet gives the option of backing the draw and home or away win.
How Does A Moneyline Bet Win?
For a moneyline bet to be deemed a winner, the outcome you have backed must come to fruition. Whether this be a 2-way moneyline, 3-way, or even an outright bet.
As a moneyline bet is decided by the outright winner, that is all that matters. It doesn’t matter how many goals a soccer team wins by, how many points a football team might score, or how many lengths a horse wins a race by – the final outcome is the only variable that matters when moneyline betting.
Using the following example, the Vegas Golden Knights are -163 on the moneyline to defeat the Arizona Coyotes (+145 ML) in an NHL game. When it comes to moneyline wagering, ignore entirely any other bet type, such as the puck line and over/under total.
In this case, we predict the Golden Knights to triumph and win outright. For this bet to win, the Golden Knights must win the game. As this is a 2-way moneyline betting example, a tie is not an option.
This moneyline bet will win if the team wins the game, whether by one goal, five goals, or even in overtime.
How Are The Moneyline Odds Created?
You have probably mastered everything you need to know about moneyline betting by now, but there is more. A common question amongst betters is simply: How are moneyline odds created in the first place?
Some people might tell you they are randomly generated and plucked out of thin air, but this most definitely isn’t the case. Moneyline odds are created by US sportsbooks prior to the game taking place.
Moneyline odds are based on many factors and variables. These may include form, past head-to-head records, home advantage, team news, weather, liability, new manager/coach, etc. For instance, if a team is in stellar form, sitting near the top of the league, and strong at home, they will likely be an overriding favorite to win the match.
Of course, moneyline odds can change pre-game and in-play, too. If many people are backing that moneyline bet, the price may drop. This can work the opposite way, too, of course.
For example, if an NBA side opens as the -150 favorites on the moneyline to win, but thousands of bettors are lumping on, their price may drop to -175, then -200, and so on and so forth. Market movement is a great way to tell who most bettors select to win.
What Happens To The Moneyline Betting Odds When An Event Starts?
Once a match/event starts, moneyline betting is still very much possible. This is because the top offshore sportsbooks will provide live/in-play odds. The only real difference here is that the betting odds can change in a split second based on what is happening in the game/event.
Taking soccer betting as an example, imagine you have a game between Barcelona (+110) and Real Madrid (-160) in the Copa del Rey final. As this is a cup game, there has to be a winner, making this a 2-way moneyline wager. Now imagine Jude Bellingham scores twice in the first five minutes for Real Madrid.
Immediately, Madrid’s odds of a win will lose value, likely hovering around the -600 mark. Meanwhile, the odds of a Barcelona comeback win will increase to about +400.
Moneyline Price Movements – Can They Change Before An Event?
When it comes to fluctuating odds, moneyline price movements can be one of the biggest of any bets.
There are various reasons why a moneyline price might change. It could be due to team news, the weather, injuries, or many other variables, both pre-match and in-play. However, the most significant factor affecting moneyline price movements is the weight of money. This is when many bets have been placed on one team or player.
If far more bets are placed on one side, e.g., a home win in baseball, the odds might shorten. Similarly, the price can also move on the moneyline in the opposite direction.
An example of lengthening odds is horse racing, when a runner drifts from, say, +600 to +1000. This is likely due to a far lower weight of money on the horse, or perhaps the weather won’t suit.
It is essential to understand that moneyline price movements can shorten and lengthen. This can tell you a lot about your selected moneyline market.
How To Understand and Read Moneyline Odds
As previously explained, moneyline odds are created by bookmakers prior to an event taking place. But how do you understand these odds and read the moneyline?
In theory, the larger the minus (-) number in a particular market, the more likely that outcome will happen. For example, a soccer team priced at -650 in one match is a far bigger favorite than a team priced at -125.
The same goes for the plus (+) side of the moneyline odds. +200 is far more likely to occur than something that is +1000, for example.
Let’s look at an example of understanding and reading moneyline odds.
Example
The above screenshot exemplifies the three main betting markets for a San Diego Padres vs San Francisco Giants MLB game. As you can see, the Padres are priced at +101 on the moneyline; meanwhile, the Giants are at -111.
Straight away, you know that the Giants are the favorites as they are the team on the minus side of the moneyline. However, the odds are incredibly close, meaning that although the Padres are underdogs, they aren’t massive outsiders by any stretch.
Using a straightforward $50 stake here, let’s look at how much you could win backing each side in this baseball contest.
A $50 bet on the Padres at +101 on the moneyline would return $100.50 ($50.50 profit +$50 stake). The same bet on the Giants would return $95 ($45 profit +$50 stake). A bet calculator and odds converter (see next section) would be helpful here.
Again, you can tell the Giants are favorites as the same $50 bet on them returns less than on the Padres. Using the odds converter (see below), the implied probability of the Padres winning is 49.8%. Meanwhile, the Giants have a 52.6% implied probability of winning, judging by the odds set by the best high-limit sportsbooks.
Implied probability % is, of course, slightly different from the actual % chance of winning. However, it gives you a rough idea as to who the favorites are in any particular betting market.
Betting Calculator Will Help You Understand & Read Moneyline Odds
The reason a betting calculator could help you when it comes to understanding moneyline odds is that it does the hard work for you.
A betting calculator will not only convert odds for you but also tell you the implied probability/chance of that bet actually happening.
AceOdds is one of the best websites for a betting calculator and odds converter. The following example uses AceOdds’ betting calculator and odds converter.
Example
Hypothetically, let’s say the Boston Celtics are priced at -450 on the moneyline to beat the Utah Jazz. A few clicks with a betting calculator will tell you exactly how much you will earn if you back the Celtics.
As you can see, -450 on the American moneyline equals 2/9 in fractional odds and 1.22 in decimal odds. -450 also means an 81.8% implied probability of this bet coming in. In essence, the Celtics are an overwhelming favorite to beat the Jazz.
The screenshot above is an example of using an odds converter. Using a betting calculator is as simple as filling out the following sections.
If we are backing the Celtics with a $100 single moneyline bet, for instance, this is how you would calculate that in a bet calculator:
As you can see, a $100 bet on the Celtics to beat the Jazz at -450 on the moneyline will return $122.22. The bet is single; it isn’t each way; there is a $100 stake at odds of 2/9, and the potential returns, should the bet win, are there to see.
The above bet calculator uses fractional odds, so an odds converter can also be handy.
Can You Bet On Two Moneyline Odds In A 3-way Market?
Betting on two moneyline odds in a 3-way market is possible, yes. In essence, you are covering two of the three potential outcomes in this case.
Depending on your sportsbook, this market might be called ‘double chance’. This is because you are effectively betting on two outcomes rather than one.
The advantage of this type of bet is that you cover more outcomes. You are covering 66.5% of the three potential outcomes. However, this type of bet will cost more as you are betting on two outcomes rather than just one.
Your winnings will be lesser, too, as one of the bets you have selected will always be a loser. This varies from sportsbook to sportsbook, but generally, it is done in one simple bet called a ‘double chance’ (see screenshot).
In this case, you can bet on three potential outcomes in the Crystal Palace vs Manchester City English Premier League match.
As Manchester City is the overriding favorite with the top soccer online sportsbooks in the USA, the double chance of them winning or drawing is the most likely of the three options at -3000.
Either Crystal Palace to win or Man City is second most likely at -750, with a Crystal Palace win or draw the least likely at +250. As you can see, the odds are often not as good when betting on two of the three moneyline odds with a double chance bet.
What Is The Difference Between The Moneyline and The Spread?
Betting straight on the moneyline is betting outright on the outcome of a match. Betting on the spread will give a team/player a made-up points head start/deficit. This is to even up more one-sided games.
Generally, the odds of point-spread betting will be the same for both sides/players. If not the same, the odds will be very close in value and almost similar.
As you can see in the following NBA example, the Los Angeles Clippers are the overwhelming favorites (-760) to defeat the Utah Jazz (+560) on the moneyline.
However, the spread is set at 13 points, which really evens up the odds. Now, backing the Jazz at +13 on the spread is -112, and the Clippers are -108 to cover the 13-point spread. The sportsbooks have set the spread at 13 points, meaning for the Clippers to cover the spread, they must win by more than 13 points. For the Jazz to cover the spread, they can lose by up to 12 points.
As the Clippers are likely to beat the Jazz, the spread has massively evened up the match. This is so the odds are closer, and there is more appetite to bet on the NBA spread rather than the one-sided moneyline.
Moneyline Betting In Parlays
Parlays require a bettor to make two or more picks and combine them to form a single wager. Each individual pick in the parlay is referred to as a leg. The more legs/selections in your parlay, the higher the potential payout and the bigger the reward. However, the more selections when parlay betting, the harder it is to win.
Moneyline bets are standard selections when it comes to parlays. One parlay bet could involve backing four teams in the same sport to win straight on the moneyline or a combination of matches from different sports.
Below is an example of how a moneyline wager could look in a parlay. In this example, we have opted for four different moneyline bets from various sports and markets.
As previously explained, the more selections/legs in your parlay, the higher the odds. In turn, it will be trickier to land the parlay and cash a winning parlay ticket. This is reflected in the odds.
In this case, if this four-leg parlay were to come in, it would return $344.75 profit off just a $20 stake. This is because the combined odds are +1724. The four selections have far lower odds, but combined, they equate to a high-payout parlay.
Should one of these four selections lose, the entire bet would lose. Hence why parlays are tricky to win. However, combining multiple moneyline bets into a single parlay is an extremely popular way to wager.
What Are The Pros and Cons Of Betting On The Moneyline?
Like anything in betting, there are plenty of positives and negatives too. No betting strategy or type of bet is perfect – betting on the moneyline is no different.
Below are some of the biggest advantages and potential drawbacks of moneyline wagering:
Advantages:- Simplest betting option
- Easy to understand
- Offered at all sportsbooks
- Can be done in-play/live
- Can be combined with other markets for parlays
- Higher payouts on underdog teams
Disadvantages:- Short odds on one-sided games
- Little margin for arbitrage betting/hedging
- Spread/total more popular for NBA & NFL
- Lose more bets when betting positive odds
Best Moneyline Strategies, Tips & Hints
When it comes to betting on the moneyline, using different strategies and taking on board different tips will undoubtedly help.
You may well come up with your own ways of moneyline wagering, which is totally fine! What works for you might not work for someone else, and vice versa.
But overall, taking on board some key hints could be beneficial when it comes to betting on the moneyline. Here are five strategies to incorporate when considering a moneyline bet:
1. Shop Around For The Best Odds
Using a website such as OddsChecker could be your best friend here. That way, you can see what sportsbooks offer the best odds on the moneyline market you wish to wager on.
Compare odds and place your bet with the sportsbook offering the most lucrative price. That way, you will maximize your profits when you cash your winning ticket.
2. Seek Expert Opinions/Picks
Considering and following opinions and betting picks from proven, established betting experts can maximize your success when wagering on the moneyline.
Experts focusing on MLB, NHL, soccer, and other sports usually suggest plenty of moneyline betting suggestions. NFL and NBA tipsters rarely offer ML picks and generally opt for spread/total bets instead.
It is imperative to check a handicapper’s credentials before taking his/her advice. Of course, you should also combine that with your own independent research. On that note…
3. Do Your Research
Research is vital when betting on any market, not just the moneyline. Recent statistics such as head-to-head, form, home/away record, and more are integral when considering moneyline wagering.
Being more informed on both teams/players and the sport in general will, in turn, help you make smarter betting decisions. Your expertise can pay dividends if you are an expert in your field and know exactly what you’re talking about.
Not only that, but you should also research the event to see if the odds on offer are good value. This ties in with shopping around for the best price.
4. Consider In-Play Moneyline Betting
Betting on the moneyline is extremely popular on pre-match markets, but wagering in-play on the moneyline could be something to consider too.
Live betting sometimes provides better moneyline odds, hence why in-play sports betting has massively grown in popularity over the past decade.
5. Don’t Always Back The Favorite
Seeking value and backing the underdog occasionally could be another fruitful strategy for placing bets straight on the moneyline.
There will always be occasions in sports where the underdog prevails. If a team starts out as the +165 underdog and proves unpopular among bettors, the odds might drift out to +210.
At that point, you could pounce. Yes, it might not always pay off backing against the favorite. However, if it does, you could receive an artificially inflated payout as most of the betting public is wrong, but you are right!
Best Sports For Wagering On The Moneyline
Moneyline betting is, in effect, the same for most sports. However, there are some unique differences in cases as well.
One of the main differences between sports is whether or not a draw is available. Soccer, boxing, and rugby, for instance, are sports where a draw is possible but far less probable than a win.
The moneyline is the main betting option on relatively low-scoring team sports such as soccer and hockey. It is less prevalent in football and basketball, where the spread and over/under total markets are slightly more common.
Regardless, here is how it works in each of the most popular US sports:
NFL Moneyline Betting
When it comes to betting on the moneyline in the NFL, it’s worth noting that most bettors, whether it be on professional football or college football games, prefer to bet on the spread rather than the moneyline.
Of course, all of the best NFL betting sites offer moneyline odds, but they aren’t anywhere near as popular as the spread or over/under total. However, the moneyline can appeal to NFL bettors when teams are evenly matched, and their prices are similar.
NBA Moneyline Betting
The same is true of basketball as it is in football. Bettors prefer betting on spread and totals with the best NBA sportsbooks rather than backing teams on the moneyline.
Again, moneyline betting in NBA is only really popular when teams are evenly matched, and bettors see more value than wagering on the spread.
NHL Moneyline Betting
Along with puck-line betting, moneyline wagering in hockey is the most popular market for NHL bettors. All of the top NHL betting sites offer both 2-way and 3-way moneyline betting when it comes to ice hockey.
The standard moneyline bet in hockey is the 2-way, which simply means backing which team will win come full-time. A three-way moneyline wager in hockey is settled after 60 minutes and introduces a third option – the tie. The 3-way bet doesn’t include any overtime.
Soccer Moneyline Betting
Betting on the moneyline in soccer is extremely popular for bettors making their soccer picks. Most moneyline soccer options are 3-way – home win, away win, and a draw. However, the choice of placing a 2-way moneyline bet is also feasible. It is called the ‘draw no bet’ or ‘tie no bet’ market.
If a soccer game occurs within a knockout competition, for example, the Champions League or Euros, all moneyline bets will be settled after 90 minutes. This is unless you pot for a ‘to qualify’ bet.
Tennis Moneyline Betting
Wagering on the moneyline is available on all tennis matches. It is quite a popular option when the players are close regarding ability and odds. However, a handicap (spread) bet may be more appealing in tennis if there is a clear favorite to win a match.
The best tennis betting sites offer moneyline odds as an option. Not to mention the various other lines on offer, too, such as the spread, over/under total, and many more props.
MLB Moneyline Betting
Unlike in basketball and football, the moneyline is the single most common betting option amongst baseball fans. Many bettors make their MLB picks on the moneyline, where you can option for a ‘listed pitchers’ moneyline wager.
This means the bet only goes ahead of the specified pitchers’ start for each team. If not, the bet is void, and your stake is returned. Betting on the moneyline in MLB is far more popular than any other betting option, including the run line (spread) and total.
Boxing/UFC Moneyline Betting
When it comes to betting on the moneyline in boxing and UFC/MMA, you are just required to call the outcome of the fight. Who will win – Fighter X or Fighter Y?
The best boxing betting sites offer moneyline markets, the most popular wager type. This is true when UFC betting or wagering on other MMA fights with different organizations (Bellator, PFL, Cage Warriors, etc.).
Moneyline betting in boxing/UFC is highly popular, but the method of victory market is also incredibly common. Betting on whether a fighter will win by decision, knockout, or submission (MMA only) usually offers more value than straight moneyline bets.
Moneyline wagering in boxing/UFC is a 3-way bet. However, ties/draws are rare, so the odds are far greater than on either fighter.
Golf Moneyline Betting
All the best golf betting sites offer the chance to bet on the moneyline in each major (and the vast majority of minor) tournament(s). Futures/outright markets are considered moneyline in golf, but other options exist.
You can find ML options on 2-ball match-ups within individual tournaments, for example. In this case, the sportsbook groups two players together, and you just need to predict who will shoot a lower score. However, statistically speaking, betting outright on a player to win a tournament is the most popular line in golf.
Horse Racing Moneyline Betting
Betting straight on the moneyline in horse racing can be done. Most online horse racing betting sites offer the opportunity to pair horses together in the same race, wagering which of the two horses will come out on top in a 2-way bet.
However, outright betting and each-way wagering are the most popular markets in horse racing.
Moneyline Betting In Other Sports
We have outlined the main sports for moneyline betting, but there are plenty of other sports where this method of wagering is possible, too.
Sports such as darts, cricket, Aussie rules, rugby league, rugby union, snooker, table tennis, lacrosse, handball, esports, and volleyball are just some of the additional sports with moneyline options.
The Final Word
No matter the sport, moneyline gambling is an option. It is most prevalent in MLB, NHL, and soccer, and while it isn’t as common as NBA and NFL betting in the US, it’s not exactly unusual either. This is because the simplicity of wagering on the moneyline makes it incredibly appealing. There are no other aspects to contend with that matter apart from the final outcome of the game/event.
Whether wagering a 2-way, 3-way, outright, or in-play moneyline bet, it’s our hope that this guide proves to be a valuable resource and has helped you get to grips with this classic betting line. All that’s left to do now is to register an account with an online sportsbook and try out moneyline betting for yourself.
FAQs
Is moneyline betting profitable?
Betting on the moneyline can be extremely profitable if done right. If you are informed and have done a lot of research on a sport and find the moneyline odds aren’t totally reflective, then there could be real value and, thus, potential profitability in betting straight on the moneyline.
Is it better to bet on the moneyline or the spread?
Both are extremely popular in sports betting. It depends on the sport you are betting on, the odds on offer, and how informed you are.
What does a 200 moneyline mean?
If the moneyline odds are +200, this means that the bettor would earn $200 profit for every $100 staked—the same for +675, for example. You would make $675 profit for every $100 wagered. A -200 moneyline bet would mean you need to place a $200 bet in order to win $100.
What is the difference between 2-way and 3-way moneyline betting?
2-way involves wagering on an event/match with only two potential outcomes, e.g., the Super Bowl. 3-way is where there are three potential outcomes, including the possibility of a draw, e.g., an English Premier League soccer match between Manchester United and Liverpool.
Can futures and outright betting be moneyline bets?
In theory, yes. Some futures are considered straight moneyline wagers, such as backing a golfer to win a tournament outright, e.g., The British Open Championship.
How does a moneyline bet work?
A moneyline bet is extremely straightforward to understand. It simply involves a bet on a team/player to win a match/event outright. Will Team X win, or will it be Team Y? You are simply betting on one of two potential outcomes (three outcomes in a 3-way moneyline).
What are the most popular sports for moneyline betting?
The most popular sports for moneyline wagering are soccer, MLB, and hockey. The spread is more popular in the NBA and NFL, but there is the option to bet straight on the moneyline, too. Moneyline betting is also extremely popular in the likes of golf, tennis, and horse racing. For UK bettors, non-Gamstop betting sites offer various moneyline betting options across these sports, often with competitive odds.
Is betting on the moneyline a profitable way to wager?
You’ll often find that betting straight on the moneyline can be profitable, particularly if you are backing the underdog. The spread will even the match and thus even the odds in most cases, but sometimes there is real value in backing a team straight on the moneyline, thus making a decent profit.
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Bram Welch has been writing about sports betting and iGaming for over six years. He started as a freelancer before joining our team in 2022. He has worked teaching English as a foreign language and as a journalist for the UK's largest regional newspaper.
All posts by Bram WelchBram Welch has been writing about sports betting and iGaming for over six years. He started as a freelancer before joining our team in 2022. He has worked teaching English as a foreign language and as a journalist for the UK's largest regional newspaper.
All posts by Bram WelchExpert Guides
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