Moneyline Bets Explained for Beginners
A moneyline bet is the simplest wager in sports: pick who wins the game. The margin does not matter, only the result.
Free for now. All sports, one page.
Favorites and underdogs
The favorite has a minus price and the underdog has a plus price. A minus number shows how much you must risk to win $100. A plus number shows how much you win on a $100 bet.
A bigger favorite costs more to back, and a bigger underdog pays more. The price reflects how likely the book thinks each side is to win.
Worked payout examples
At -150, a $30 bet wins $20, because $30 is 1.5 times $20. The total return is $50. At +130, a $10 bet wins $13, for a total return of $23.
Win or lose, the stake is part of the math. A $30 bet at -150 that loses costs $30. A $10 bet at +130 that loses costs $10.
- -150: risk $150 to win $100
- +130: risk $100 to win $130
Moneyline versus spread, overtime and ties
A moneyline can be cleaner than a spread when you only care about the winner, such as in a close game between two even teams. It also avoids the question of margin.
Overtime counts in most US sports, so the team that wins in extra time wins the bet. In soccer, the standard moneyline is three-way: home win, draw or away win. A draw is its own result, and a bet on either team loses if the match is drawn after regular time. Some books also offer draw no bet, which returns your stake on a draw.
Before you place a bet
Always read your book's rules on ties, overtime and postponements. They differ by sport and by sportsbook.
Bets can lose. Bettors must be 21 or older where betting is legal. If gambling is a problem for you or someone you know, call 1-800-GAMBLER.
Questions
What does -150 mean on a moneyline?
You risk $150 to win $100. Scaled down, $30 wins $20. The minus sign marks the favorite.
Does overtime count on a moneyline bet?
In most US sports it does, and the team that wins in overtime wins the bet. Soccer is different, since many markets settle after regular time only.
What happens if a game ends in a tie?
In sports where ties can happen, such as the NFL, a two-way moneyline is usually refunded. In soccer, a draw is a separate result in the three-way market.
More guides
For information and entertainment only. Bets can lose. 21+ only, and only where it is legal. If gambling is a problem, call 1-800-GAMBLER. See our responsible gaming page.