When many sports bettors get ready to place a bet on their favorite sport, they typically face a choice of whether to bet on the moneyline or the spread.
These are the two most common betting markets for betting on sports such as basketball and football.
Spread betting is also popular in hockey, baseball, and soccer. However, different names are used to refer to spread betting in those sports. In MLB betting, the run line refers to the spread. In NHL betting, the spread is known as the puck line. And in soccer odds, the spread is known as either the goal line or the handicap. So, if you see any of those terms when betting on those sports and leagues, they refer to the spread.
If you are new to sports betting, you may not know what moneyline and spread bets are or the similarities and differences between them. Here, we are going to break each down for you to help you understand them better and when it is advantageous to choose one over the other.
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Because moneyline and spread bets are so popular, you can find odds for them at any and all of the best sports betting sites, including the below sites.
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Moneyline and Spread Betting FAQ
Is it better to bet the moneyline or the spread?
It depends on the situation. While betting the spread requires a favorite to win by a certain amount or an underdog to not lose by a certain amount, moneyline bets are determined by who wins outright.
Can you combine moneyline and spread odds from the same game?
In recent years, same game parlays, also known as SGPs, have become popular at many sports betting sites. SGPs allow bettors to place bets on multiple outcomes from the same game, including betting both the moneyline and spread together.
Do you win more on moneyline or spread bets?
Again, it depends on the situation. Most spread lines have similar odds, but there is much more variation with moneyline bets. As a result, the potential payouts can be vastly different. If you are betting on a sizable favorite, betting on the spread will offer a higher payout. But if you are betting on an underdog, betting on the moneyline will offer a higher payout.
What does it mean to take the points?
Taking the points means to take the underdog on the point spread. If the underdog was +10.5 in an NFL game and you want to bet on them, you would “take” 10.5 points and add them to the underdog’s final score.
What is the number after the point spread?
The number after the point spread is the “juice” or “vig” that you will pay on a given wager. If the juice is -110, it means you will have to bet $110 to make a $100 profit.
Are moneyline bets the easiest bets to make?
There are no easy bets or guarantees. That said, moneyline bets are very popular with bettors of all experience and knowledge levels because they are determined by the result of the event itself, not how much a team or person won by or didn’t lose by.
