Bet Types
Updated: Dec 7, 2022
Quick Read
There’s many ways to bet on the same game...
Winner (moneyline)
Who will win?
Spread (+/-)
“+ spread” means a team can win outright or lose by less than the spread amount
“- spread” means a team must win by more than the spread amount
Total (Over/Under)
How many points will be scored in a game?
“Over” needs a combined score greater than the total line
“Under” needs a combined score less than the total line
Below I’ll show an example of each bet type as well as discuss their unique advantages
DYOR, never bet anything you can’t afford to lose
Example
Winner (Moneyline)
Cincinnati Reds Win @ +183
Reds must win the game outright
Odds show the Reds are an underdog to win this game
Philadelphia Phillies Win @ -204
Phillies must win the game outright
Odds show the Phillies are the favorite to win this game
Spread (+/-)
Cincinnati Reds +1.5 @ -119
Reds can win the game outright or lose by less than 1.5 runs
Reds are the moneyline underdog (+183) but spread favorite (-119)
“+ spread” helps the underdog
Philadelphia Phillies -1.5 @ +106
Phillies must win the game by more than 1.5 runs
Phillies are the moneyline favorite (-204) but spread underdog (+106)
“- spread” handicaps the favorite
Total (Over/Under)
Over 7.5 @ -108
Combined runs (Reds + Phillies) must total 8 or more
Under 7.5 @ -101
Combined runs (Reds + Phillies) must total 7 or less
Matchmaker
Each of these bet types appeal to certain people and are advantageous in their own way
Moneyline
The most basic form of betting (“I think this team will win!”)
If you’re confident with a winner but unsure of the path to victory
Causal and let’s you enjoy the game in its most natural form
Spread
Closes the gap between moneyline odds
Provides additional security for an underdog bet (smaller payout) and additional risk for a favorite bet (larger payout)
More advance bet that will have you focused on the score rather than just a winner
Total
Betting how “action packed” a game will be
If you have a feeling that it’s going to be a high/low scoring game but less certain of an outcome
Provides a different viewing experience for bettors, rooting for offense or defense rather than a specific team
Thanks for reading!