One of the most common types of sports betting lines when wagering on a game is the moneyline. You will see moneyline odds for every game and every sport played for the most part. While some games that have a very large spread but stray away from offering a moneyline, it is still one of the most popular styles of betting. A moneyline is a type of straight wager where the bettor wagers simply on who will win the contest, straight up – without any spread involved.
Money Line: Commonly used as a baseball and hockey wagering tool, basketball moneylines are popular for picking underdogs. There is no point spread linked to the moneyline. There is no point. NBA Money Line betting is the simplest and a popular form of NBA betting. With NBA money line betting you are simply picking which team will outright win the game. NBA Money Line odds will list the the favorite in a given game as a negative number (ie.200) that means you will have to bet that amount to win $100. Money Line: Commonly employed in baseball and hockey wagering, basketball moneylines have become more popular in Las Vegas in recent years. The team does not have to win by a certain number of.
The easiest way to think of moneyline betting odds is that you are only betting on who wins the game. It does not matter how many points or goals they win by, all that matters is who wins. If you see a - (negative) symbol then that team is the favorite and the team with the + (plus) sign is the underdog. Keep reading below to understand how moneyline odds work or visit the homepage of ExplainBettingOdds.com to read about odds in general.
When you place a moneyline bet, you are merely betting on a team to win that game. There are only two potential outcomes, and you're picking one or the other. It is as simple as that! If the Detroit Pistons were playing the Golden State Warriors, the moneyline. In other words, you'll have to wager more money on Los Angeles than you would Chicago in order collect $100 on a bet. It's important to remember that even though moneylines are expressed in units of $100, you do not have to bet that much money. The moneyline will work just as easily with a $5 or $10 wager as it does with $100.
Explaining The Moneyline For Super Bowl 55 Spider solitaire play it online.
Kansas City Chiefs -160
Tampa Bay Buccaneers +140
It isn't that hard explaining the Super Bowl moneyline. Take Super Bowl 55 between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Chiefs are seen as the favorites with their line set at -160. This means that in order to make a $100 profit, $160 would have to be risked. Looking at the Buccaneers' moneyline, it is at +140 which is an underdog. This means that a $100 bet would profit $140. Something to keep in mind when reading the moneyline is that when there is a minus symbol in front of the team, they are favored while if there is a plus sign, they are the underdogs.
Understanding How Moneyline Betting Odds Work
The moneyline is used exactly the same no matter what sport you are betting on. All you must do is select who you believe will with the matchup without any other thought behind you. By taking the favorite, a bettor would have to risk more money than what their expected return would be. Because there is no point spread involved to handicap the game, the oddsmakers and books handicap the payouts to ensure their book stays balanced. Betting on the underdog will result in a much better payout, as the oddsmakers have deemed this team less likely to lose. As you take action on either the favorite or the underdog and select the moneyline, a ratio of $100 is used to represent the payouts.
Seems pretty easy right?
Money Line Bet Basketball Schedule
Well, it's definitely easier than betting the point spread, in which a team has to cover a spread installed for a match up however you should know that moneyline wagers do not payout the same as a wager against the spread. Keep reading to learn more about payouts when betting on the moneyline.
Understanding Payouts When Betting On The Moneyline
The biggest differences on the moneyline though, aside from no point spread, is the payout. The idea behind a point spread is to bring the two teams in a match up to a more even playing field. If a team is better than the other, the points given by the favorite brings the underdog to a more even field. That is not the case on the moneyline.
Simply put, you will have to risk a whole lot more money on a favorite to profit. On the flip side though, if you bet on the underdog, the potential profit is a lot bigger on the moneyline than betting on the point spread. Non sports betting. That is because the likelihood of the underdog winning is slim on the moneyline.
Explanation Of How Moneylines Work In MLB
- Atlanta Braves -300
- Philadelphia Phillies +200
This is an example of a moneyline you could see in Major League Baseball. The Braves are matching up with the Phillies, with Atlanta set as the favorite. You can tell Atlanta is the favorite because of the minus symbol. It is indicative of the amount that must be risked to return a profit. At -300, a $1 profit is made for every $3 risked on the Braves to win the game. On the other side, at +200, that is the same as saying 2/1. That means, for every $1 risked on Philadelphia to win the game, a $2 profit is returned. Moneylines are simply straight-up betting lines with no spread involved, which is why they can range quite significantly.
Article: How To Read MLB Betting Odds
Understanding The Moneyline In Football
- Denver Broncos -300
- Jacksonville Jaguars +300
Here in this example, the Broncos have been set in the role of the favorite, going off at -300 on the betting line. That means, for every $3 risked on Denver to win, a $1 profit is returned. So if you wager $30 on Denver to win, you stand to win $10. On the flip side, the Jaguars are set as a +300 underdog. That means for every $1 risked on Jacksonville, a $3 profit is returned. So if you were to wager $10 on Jacksonville to win, you would profit $30. So you can certainly see the disparity on the payout and why someone might want to take the Jaguars over the Broncos. Also, taking underdog moneylines in parlay bets can be huge for your payouts!
Article: How To Read College Football Betting Odds - How To Read NFL Betting Odds
Understanding The Moneyline Odds In The NBA
- Los Angeles Lakers +200
- Miami Heat -200
Here in this moneyline example for the NBA, the Lakers are matching up with the Heat. Miami has been set in the role of the betting favorite, going off at -200 on the betting line. As such, a $2 wager is needed to profit $1. So if you were to wager $200 on Miami, as $100 profit is returned if the bet is won. On the other side of the equation, the Lakers are in the underdog role. at +200, that is the same as 2/1. So, for every $1 risked on L.A to win, a $2 profit is returned. You can see a wide range of profits for a moneyline, because the underdog and favorite can be far apart straight up with no point spread.
Article: How To Read NBA Betting Odds
Bovada Sportsbook - Best Sports Betting Site For Betting On The Moneyline
Moneylines are one of the most popular bets that players get involved in. There are always teams that are expected to beat other teams. The margin of victory may be pretty wide. The big thing that sticks out here is how big of a favorite some teams are.
There plenty of moneylines that might show a team being a heavy favorite and if players bet against them, that is a very huge profitable opportunity. Upsets are always going to happen so this is where a lot of bread can be won. There are also toss-up games as well that many players take a stab at as well and end up cashing big on Bovada. This is the place to get when it comes to Moneyline bets regardless if its blowouts or close games.
Money Line Bet Ncaa Basketball
BetOnline Sportsbook - Best Sportsbook With Great Moneylines
It's clear that BetOnline is one of the best sportsbooks for players and the moneylines that are offered are one of the main reasons why. There is news coming out all the time about teams prior to games and as soon as news drop that effects a team, it also affects the Moneyline on BetOnline.
This is what gives BetOnline a bonus over other sportsbooks because of the consistent update of Moneyline and always moving. Place your bet early could also be a great idea because of the news that could swing later on that week or day before matchup. BetOnline has it set up to where if any changes need to have done that is possible.
SportsBetting's Sportsbook - Lots Of Betting Odds When Betting On Moneylines
There are a number of things that SportsBetting sportsbook offers that makes it one of the better online sportsbooks for players. When it comes to picking some of these games with favorable matchups, the Moneyline does really determine how much players want to put down on these games. Most of the time, these games have the favorite that doesn't really see players win a lot unless they put a lot of money down. When it comes to upsets, however, this is where players can have their lives change by just one pick.
Players with SportsBetting account have seen the Moneyline and have taken advantage of that the line because of the possible big payout. When you see a team like the Lions be underdogs against the Arizona Cardinals pull out the victory, only one thing is happening and that is big money is being handed out to all the players who took the chance on SportsBettting.
MyBookie Sportsbook - Money Line On MyBookie One of The Best
It is hard to find any sportsbook that has better moneylines that MyBookie. The way Moneyline works is very simple and most of the time it changes depending on what players are playing and are not. This often changes and sometimes in the favor of a player's bet. MyBookie is known for having a lot of people cash big when picking the Moneyline and the reason why is simple, their lines are better.
See the underdog betting like at (+115) is not bad but MyBookie will have that same under down with a Moneyline of (+130) which would win players more money if they were to bet on that underdog team. This is why shopping for lines is so important for all players. You can like a team to win a game and have decided you want to place a wager on them but once shopping around for lines, there is a big chance that you will find that MyBookie has the best moneylines.
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If you're betting on the NBA, you're going to encounter the ubiquitous basketball moneyline. While the moneyline can be confusing and intimidating at first glance, in reality it is quite simple.
We've compiled all the essential information on basketball moneylines below, along with more detailed information and advice a little further down. Using our helpful guide, you'll be able to bet on NBA odds by understanding the moneyline with supreme confidence!
What Exactly Is a Basketball Moneyline Bet?
When you place a moneyline bet, you are merely betting on a team to win that game. There are only two potential outcomes, and you're picking one or the other. It is as simple as that!
If the Detroit Pistons were playing the Golden State Warriors, the moneyline asks you wager on either the Pistons or the Warriors to win the game outright.
The Essential Facts of the NBA Moneyline
There are only two options on an NBA moneyline, because obviously only two teams can play each other at any given time.
Depending on your sports betting site of choice, the moneyline will likely use what are referred to as 'American Odds.'
When looking at the moneyline, each team will have either a positive number next to it (e.g. +150) or a negative number (e.g. -125). The underdog will generally have a positive number next to it. The favorite will generally have a negative number next to it.
The bigger the favorite, the smaller the payout. The bigger the underdog, the bigger the payout.
In games that are expected to be very close, both teams may have a negative number (e.g. -105 and -115). In such cases, the team that is closer to zero is the slight favorite.
To help you understand, let's look at a sample betting line!
Examples of the Moneyline at Work
Money Line Bets Parlay Bets
The image above displays a sample betting line like those you'll find at online basketball betting sites. We've highlighted the relevant part of the sample in red. The negative number (-110) next to Golden State indicates that the Warriors are the favorite. It also denotes how much money you would have to wager in order to win $100.
In this case, you'll need to bet $200 on Golden State to make a $100 profit. Your total payout from this bet would be $300 when you add the $100 profit to your $200 stake. Of course, you don't have to wager $200. You can bet any amount of money you like, though the payout will be commensurate with the odds.
A positive number denotes the underdog and signifies how much money you stand to win if you wager $100. If you bet $100 on OKC (and they win), you ‘d earn a $180 profit. (Again, your total payout would be $280 when you add the $180 profit to your $100 bet.)
What If Both Moneylines Are Equal?
MyBookie Sportsbook - Money Line On MyBookie One of The Best
It is hard to find any sportsbook that has better moneylines that MyBookie. The way Moneyline works is very simple and most of the time it changes depending on what players are playing and are not. This often changes and sometimes in the favor of a player's bet. MyBookie is known for having a lot of people cash big when picking the Moneyline and the reason why is simple, their lines are better.
See the underdog betting like at (+115) is not bad but MyBookie will have that same under down with a Moneyline of (+130) which would win players more money if they were to bet on that underdog team. This is why shopping for lines is so important for all players. You can like a team to win a game and have decided you want to place a wager on them but once shopping around for lines, there is a big chance that you will find that MyBookie has the best moneylines.
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100% to $500 | All 50 States | Go To BetDSI |
$520 - 50% Player Bonus | All 50 States | Go To 5Dimes |
See All Guides
If you're betting on the NBA, you're going to encounter the ubiquitous basketball moneyline. While the moneyline can be confusing and intimidating at first glance, in reality it is quite simple.
We've compiled all the essential information on basketball moneylines below, along with more detailed information and advice a little further down. Using our helpful guide, you'll be able to bet on NBA odds by understanding the moneyline with supreme confidence!
What Exactly Is a Basketball Moneyline Bet?
When you place a moneyline bet, you are merely betting on a team to win that game. There are only two potential outcomes, and you're picking one or the other. It is as simple as that!
If the Detroit Pistons were playing the Golden State Warriors, the moneyline asks you wager on either the Pistons or the Warriors to win the game outright.
The Essential Facts of the NBA Moneyline
There are only two options on an NBA moneyline, because obviously only two teams can play each other at any given time.
Depending on your sports betting site of choice, the moneyline will likely use what are referred to as 'American Odds.'
When looking at the moneyline, each team will have either a positive number next to it (e.g. +150) or a negative number (e.g. -125). The underdog will generally have a positive number next to it. The favorite will generally have a negative number next to it.
The bigger the favorite, the smaller the payout. The bigger the underdog, the bigger the payout.
In games that are expected to be very close, both teams may have a negative number (e.g. -105 and -115). In such cases, the team that is closer to zero is the slight favorite.
To help you understand, let's look at a sample betting line!
Examples of the Moneyline at Work
Money Line Bets Parlay Bets
The image above displays a sample betting line like those you'll find at online basketball betting sites. We've highlighted the relevant part of the sample in red. The negative number (-110) next to Golden State indicates that the Warriors are the favorite. It also denotes how much money you would have to wager in order to win $100.
In this case, you'll need to bet $200 on Golden State to make a $100 profit. Your total payout from this bet would be $300 when you add the $100 profit to your $200 stake. Of course, you don't have to wager $200. You can bet any amount of money you like, though the payout will be commensurate with the odds.
A positive number denotes the underdog and signifies how much money you stand to win if you wager $100. If you bet $100 on OKC (and they win), you ‘d earn a $180 profit. (Again, your total payout would be $280 when you add the $180 profit to your $100 bet.)
What If Both Moneylines Are Equal?
Occasionally, both moneylines will be negative, but they won't be identical (e.g. -115 and -105). If this is the case, the one farther from zero is the slight favorite. The greater the difference between the two teams' odds, the greater the difference between the underdog and the favorite.
Basketball Moneylines Expressed as Fractions or Decimals
While NBA moneylines are most commonly expressed in 'American' odds, you may also encounter sportsbooks that use either decimal or fractional odds. Most sportsbooks allow you to switch how the odds are displayed, flipping between American, decimal, and fractional odds. Decimal and fractional odds are part of the broader language of betting and you want to be fluent!
How to Read Decimal Odds
Decimal odds, like '2.10' or '1.90,' represent a multiplier. To calculate how much you stand to win, you simply multiply the amount you want to bet by the decimal. If you bet $5 at 2.10 odds, your return would be $10.50, whichincludes your original bet. (So your profit is only $5.50). A 2.10 decimal is equal to a +110 moneyline, while 1.91 means a -110 moneyline.
With decimal odds, the smaller number signifies the favorite while the larger number indicates the underdog.
How to Read Fractional Odds
In brief, fractional odds indicate how often a certain outcome is expected in a specified number of trials. To calculate the number of trials, you simply add the numerator and denominator together. Then you look at the denominator to determine how often the desired outcome will result from those trials.
Fractional odds (e.g. '2/1' or '1/3') are slightly harder to understand than decimals, which is why they are used infrequently in NBA betting lines. When the denominator is smaller than the numerator (e.g. 2/1), it indicates an underdog (or a team with less than 50/50 chance of winning).
Conversely, when the denominator is larger than the numerator (e.g. 1/3), this indicates that the team is the favorite (or has a greater than 50/50 chance of winning).
Golden State: 1/3
Oklahoma City: 5/2
In this case, Golden State is the favorite because their denominator (3) is larger than their numerator (1). That 1/3 fraction means that they are expected to win three times out of every four times (1+3) that this game is played (1+3). Oklahoma City, on the other hand, is only expected to win twice out of every seven times (5+2) this game is played.
A 1/3 fraction is the same as a -300 moneyline. A 5/2 fraction is the same as a +250 moneyline.
If you want more detail on reading and converting odds, please visit our guide.
Why Do Sports Betting Odds Change?
Sportsbooks often adjust the moneyline odds in the lead-up to the game. This is wholly dependent on where bettors are placing their money.
Sports betting sites want money distributed equally on >sides, regardless of probability. If significantly more money is being wagered on one team, sportsbooks change odds to encourage betting on the team to lower the chance of losing money.
If equal money is bet on both teams, then sportsbooks can simply pay the winners from money wagered by the losers, while keeping the 'juice' for themselves.
If Odds Change, Does That Affect Me?
Once you make your bet, it's locked in. If the odds shift, it has no effect on the bet you already made. But if you haven't wagered yet, then of course it does!
As more money comes in, the moneyline can vary from hour to hour. Moneylines on particular sporting events will also change from sportsbook to sportsbook. Be sure to shop around to find the best basketball moneyline for you: It matters in the long run!
Ready to Take on the NBA Moneyline?
Now that you've mastered the ins and outs of betting on the basketball moneyline, you're ready to begin betting with confidence this NBA season. If you're looking to expand your horizons to other types of NBA betting, be sure to check out the rest of the basketball articles in our sport-specific betting advice section.
Those looking for more advanced strategic considerations will be well-served by the content in our sports betting strategy section, where you'll find articles specific to NBA betting and more.
However you choose to wager this basketball season, remember to bet responsibly and enjoy the action!