A moneyline bet is a type of wager in sports betting where you simply pick the team or individual you think will win a game or match. It’s the most straightforward form of betting, avoiding the complexities of spreads or totals (over/unders).
In a moneyline bet, the odds are represented by three-digit numbers accompanied by a plus (+) or minus (-) sign. These numbers indicate the payout on a $100 bet and also reflect the perceived strength of the teams or individuals involved.
Here’s how the moneyline odds work:
– **Favorite (-)**: The team or player expected to win is indicated by a minus sign. For example, if the New England Patriots are listed as -150 favorites, you would need to bet $150 to win $100.
– **Underdog (+)**: The team or player expected to lose is indicated by a plus sign. For instance, if the Miami Dolphins are listed as +130 underdogs, a $100 bet would win you $130 if they win the game.
The moneyline odds can vary depending on the sportsbook and the perceived likelihood of each outcome. Moneyline bets are common in sports like baseball, hockey, basketball, soccer, and martial arts, among others. They are popular with bettors who prefer to keep their wagers simple and focus solely on picking the winner.