Moneyline
A moneyline bet is the simplest sports wager; pick which team or fighter will win the game outright. Odds are listed as +150 (underdog: bet $100 to win $150) or -200 (favorite: bet $200 to win $100).
Example
When to use it
Best for sports with low scoring (NHL, MLS, soccer) or when you have a strong opinion on a heavy underdog. Avoid heavy NFL/NBA favorites where the spread offers better value.
Pros
- Simplest bet to understand
- No spread to overcome
- Big payouts on underdogs
Cons
- Heavy favorites pay very little
- Worse expected value than spreads on lopsided games
Moneyline FAQ
What does -110 mean on a moneyline?
A -110 line means you bet $110 to win $100, or $11 to win $10. The minus sign indicates the favorite; the number is what you must stake to win $100.
What does +150 mean?
A +150 line means you bet $100 to win $150 (plus your stake back). The plus sign indicates an underdog; the number is what you win on a $100 stake.
Is moneyline a good bet for beginners?
Yes; it's the simplest market in sports betting. You only have to pick who wins. The trade-off is that heavy favorites pay very little, so moneyline value typically comes from selective underdog bets.
Are moneyline bets better than spreads?
It depends on the matchup. On evenly-matched games (small favorites), the spread typically offers better expected value. On lopsided games, the underdog moneyline can be more profitable than buying the points.