If you are new to sports betting, the moneyline bet is one of the easiest wagers to understand. It asks one simple question: Who will win the game?
Unlike point spreads or totals, a moneyline bet does not involve predicting margins of victory or combined scores. You simply pick the team or player you believe will win, and your payout depends on the odds.
How a Moneyline Bet Works
A moneyline bet focuses on the outcome of a single event.
In most American sports, such as football, basketball, or baseball, there are only two possible outcomes: one team wins and the other loses.
However, in sports like soccer, boxing, or MMA, a draw can also occur. Some sportsbooks offer “three-way moneyline” betting that includes a draw option, while others provide “draw no bet,” which refunds the stake if the match ends tied.
The simplicity of the moneyline makes it ideal for beginners. You just select your side, place your wager, and wait for the result.
Why Moneyline Betting Is So Straightforward
Moneyline betting removes the complexity of handicaps or spreads.
You are not guessing whether a team will win by a certain number of points, only that they win the game outright.
The main thing to understand is the odds format. In American odds, favorites are shown with a minus sign and underdogs with a plus sign. These numbers indicate both probability and potential payout. Once you understand this system, you can easily compare value between teams.
Understanding the Three Parts of a Moneyline Bet
Moneyline odds fall into three categories: the favorite, the underdog, and even (or pick ’em). Each represents a different probability and payout structure.
1. The Favorite (Negative Moneylines)
The favorite is expected to win the game.
Its odds carry a negative sign, such as -150. This means you must wager $150 to win $100. If your pick wins, the sportsbook pays your $150 stake plus the $100 profit for a total of $250.
The higher the negative number, the stronger the favorite and the smaller your potential profit.
2. The Underdog (Positive Moneylines)
The underdog is less likely to win, but the reward is greater.
If the odds are +150, a $100 bet would win $150, returning $250 in total. The plus sign indicates how much profit you earn from a $100 stake. Underdog betting appeals to players who look for value, as occasional upsets can lead to large payouts.
3. Even or Pick ’em
A pick ’em or even moneyline appears when two sides are considered equally strong.
In this case, both teams are priced around +100, meaning a $100 bet wins $100. This scenario often happens in closely matched contests where the sportsbook sees no clear favorite.
Moneyline Betting in Football
In football, the moneyline is a straightforward way to bet on the winner.
Because games cannot end in a draw, you simply choose between two outcomes: favorite or underdog.
For example, if the Kansas City Chiefs are listed at -180 and the Las Vegas Raiders at +160:
A $180 bet on the Chiefs would win $100 if they win.
A $100 bet on the Raiders would win $160 if they pull off the upset.
Moneyline bets are ideal in close games or low-scoring matchups. If you believe a team will win but are unsure of the margin, moneyline betting eliminates the risk of losing due to a late field goal affecting the spread.
Moneyline Betting in Basketball
Moneyline betting also fits perfectly in basketball, where results often come down to small margins.
NBA games tend to have shorter odds because favorites win more consistently, but underdog victories still offer excellent value.
For example, if the Los Angeles Lakers are -200 against the Golden State Warriors at +170,
Betting $200 on the Lakers returns $100 profit if they win.
Betting $100 on the Warriors returns $170 if they win.
Basketball moneylines work well when you have a strong feeling about a team’s momentum or matchup advantage, without worrying about covering a spread such as -6.5 or -8.5.
Possible Outcomes of a Moneyline Bet
Every moneyline wager ends in one of three ways:
- Win: Your selected team or player wins the event.
- Loss: Your pick loses.
- Draw or Push: In sports where draws are possible, you either win only if you bet on the draw or receive your stake back if the sportsbook offered a “draw no bet” market.
The simplicity of these outcomes is why moneyline betting remains the foundation of sports wagering across all leagues.
How Moneyline and Point Spread Bets Are Connected
Even though the moneyline does not include a point spread, the two are closely related.
Generally, a small point-spread favorite, for example -3 in football, will have a moneyline near -160.
A heavier favorite, such as -7 points, could have a moneyline around -350.
As the spread grows, the moneyline odds become shorter because the favorite’s chance of winning increases.
Likewise, underdog odds become more positive, meaning bigger potential rewards.
This conversion varies by sport because a seven-point spread in the NBA is not equal to a seven-point spread in the NFL, but the relationship between the two remains consistent.
Understanding both markets helps you compare value and decide whether a moneyline or a spread bet offers better risk-to-reward potential.
Final Thoughts
The moneyline bet is the simplest and most popular wager in sports betting.
It teaches new bettors how odds work, how to interpret favorites and underdogs, and how payouts reflect probability.
Once you grasp the basics, you can confidently move on to point spreads, totals, and parlays.
Whether you are betting on the NFL, NBA, or soccer, the moneyline is your foundation and the most direct way to pick winners. Always bet responsibly and stay within your limits.
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FAQ: Common Questions About Moneyline Betting
Can I combine moneyline bets in a parlay?
Yes. You can include multiple moneyline selections in a single parlay, but every pick must win for the bet to pay out. Combining many favorites lowers potential returns compared to mixing in underdogs.
What does +200 mean on a moneyline?
A +200 moneyline means you win $200 for every $100 bet if your team wins. The plus sign shows the team is an underdog, and the higher the number, the larger the potential payout.
Do moneyline odds differ between sportsbooks?
Yes. Odds can vary from one sportsbook to another. Comparing lines before placing your bet, a practice known as line shopping, helps you secure the best possible payout.
Is it smart to bet heavy favorites on the moneyline?
It can be safe in the short term but not profitable in the long run. Since favorites do lose occasionally, betting big on them can drain your bankroll quickly. Always manage your risk.
Are moneyline odds fixed once I place a bet?
Yes. Once your wager is accepted, your odds are locked in. Any future line movement does not affect your payout.