Decoding Betting Jargon: Moneyline Bets – What They Are and How They Work

Betting terminology can feel like a different language at times. If you’ve ever scrolled through a bookmaker and seen the term moneyline bet, you might have wondered what it actually means. This guide explains what a moneyline bet is, how it works, and how it differs from other betting options.

Essential Takeaways

• A moneyline bet is the simplest type of wager, where you bet on which team or player will win outright.
• Moneyline odds vary based on favourites and underdogs, with lower payouts for favourites and higher payouts for underdogs.
• This type of bet is ideal for beginners since it doesn’t involve point spreads or complex betting rules.

What Is a Moneyline Bet?

A moneyline bet is one of the simplest forms of betting. It involves placing a wager on which team or player will win a match outright. Unlike other bets that involve point spreads or handicaps, a moneyline bet is purely about picking a winner.

For example, in a football match, you’ll see odds listed for each team. If you place a moneyline bet on a particular team and they win, your bet pays out based on the odds provided.

Moneyline bets are popular across various sports, including football, tennis, basketball, and more. They provide a straightforward way for both beginners and experienced bettors to engage with sports betting.

How Do Moneyline Bets Work?

A moneyline bet assigns odds to each outcome based on the perceived probability of a team or player winning. In most bookmakers, odds are presented in either decimal, fractional, or American formats.

• Decimal Odds – Common in the UK and Europe. If a team has odds of 2.50, you’d win £2.50 for every £1 wagered.
• Fractional Odds – Traditional in the UK. If the odds are 5/2, you’d win £5 for every £2 wagered.
• American Odds – Often used in the US. A favourite may be listed as -150, meaning you’d need to bet £150 to win £100. An underdog could be +200, meaning a £100 bet would win £200.

Moneyline Betting Example

Imagine a Premier League football match between Team A and Team B:

• Team A: 1.75 (-133 in American odds)
• Team B: 2.20 (+120 in American odds)

If you bet £10 on Team A and they win, your total payout would be £17.50 (including your stake). If you bet £10 on Team B and they win, you’d receive £22.

Moneyline Bets vs Other Bet Types

Moneyline bets differ from other betting markets in a few key ways:

Moneyline vs Point Spread Bets

• A moneyline bet simply picks a winner.
• A point spread bet involves a margin of victory (e.g., one team must win by at least a certain number of points/goals to cover the spread).

Moneyline vs Over/Under Bets

• A moneyline bet is about who wins.
• An over/under bet (also known as total goals or total points) is based on predicting whether the combined score will be over or under a set number.

Moneyline vs Draw No Bet

• A moneyline bet includes the possibility of a draw.
• A “draw no bet” means if the match ends in a draw, the stake is refunded.

When to Use Moneyline Bets

Moneyline bets are best used in the following scenarios:

• When there’s a clear favourite – If one team is much stronger than the other, a moneyline bet may provide a safer option (though the payout might be lower).
• When betting on underdogs – If you believe an underdog has a strong chance of winning, a moneyline bet can offer higher returns.
• When you’re unsure about point spreads – Some bettors find spreads more complex. A moneyline bet keeps things simple.

Risks and Considerations

While moneyline bets are easy to understand, there are a few things to keep in mind:

• Favourites offer lower returns – Betting on strong favourites can lead to small payouts, requiring larger stakes.
• Underdogs are risky – Higher odds mean bigger payouts, but upsets are less common.
• Potential for a draw – In some sports like football, a draw is possible. Some bookmakers offer three-way moneyline bets (home win, away win, draw), while others use a two-way system with refunds for draws.

Common Strategies for Moneyline Betting

• Research team form and player injuries – Always check recent performance, injuries, and head-to-head records.
• Compare odds across bookmakers – Different betting sites may offer better odds for the same outcome.
• Consider bankroll management – Avoid betting large amounts on short-odds favourites without a solid strategy.
• Look for value bets – Sometimes, underdogs have better odds than their true probability suggests, providing value for experienced bettors.

FAQs About Moneyline Bets

What happens if a match ends in a draw in a moneyline bet?

It depends on the type of moneyline bet you placed. If you bet on a three-way moneyline, a draw is a separate outcome. If you placed a two-way moneyline bet (common in sports like tennis or basketball), a draw may result in a voided bet with a refund.

Is a moneyline bet better than a point spread bet?

It depends on the situation. A moneyline bet is simpler because you only need to pick a winner. A point spread bet adjusts the odds by factoring in the expected margin of victory. If you want a straightforward bet, moneyline is easier. If you think a team will win comfortably, a spread bet may offer better odds.

How are moneyline odds calculated?

Bookmakers use algorithms, team performance, injuries, and betting trends to set odds. If a team is heavily backed by bettors, bookmakers may adjust the odds to balance the risk. Factors like home advantage, player availability and recent form also influence the numbers.

Can you place live moneyline bets during a match?

Yes, most bookmakers, including 7Bet, offer live betting for moneyline wagers. Odds change throughout the match based on real-time events like goals, injuries, or shifts in momentum. This allows for dynamic betting opportunities during the game.

Understanding Moneyline Bets for Smarter Betting

Moneyline bets are a solid entry point into sports betting, offering a simple yet effective way to wager on different matches. Whether betting on football odds or other sports, knowing how moneyline bets work helps you make better decisions.

By understanding how odds are calculated, when to use moneyline bets, and how they compare to other bet types, you’ll be able to navigate bookmakers markets with confidence.