Even if you are brand new to sports betting, there is a good chance you have heard or seen the term “money line” whether on the internet or one of the many sports apps, such as ESPN. But what does this mean as it pertains to the sports betting industry?
Luckily, the guide we have created below is set to explain what a money line bet is and how it works when it comes to making sports bets.
Money Line Definition
The definition of a money line is simply the wager you make on a team to win a game or event.
What is a Money Line in Betting?
When it comes to sports betting, the money line is perhaps the most straightforward bet you can make. Depending on which sport you are betting on, the money line is likely going to be what you bet most often.
How Does the Money Line Work?
A money line bet simply works by you placing a wager on a team or a player in individual sports to win the game or event that is being played. With most money line bets, there are only two outcomes. Either the team or player wins the event and your bet wins, or the team or player loses the event and you lose the bet you made.
How to Read a Money Line
No matter what the money line is for a particular bet, it is important to know how to read it in order to calculate what that bet will pay out and how much it will cost you to bet.
Example:
- Team A money line: -250 → You must bet $250 to win $100.
- Team B money line: +250 → You can bet $100 to win $250.
The closer a favorite “- money line” is to +100 (even), the less you will have to bet to get a return of $100. Conversely, the further a favorite “-” money line is from +100, the more you will have to wager.
Sometimes, extreme favorites can be -2000, meaning you must risk $2,000 to profit only $100.
For a plus “+” money line, you always bet $100 to win the amount reflected by the odds.
What Does -/+ Mean Next to the Money Lines
When viewing a money line, there are two things you will almost always see:
- Minus “-” → the favorite
- Plus “+” → the underdog
Example in soccer:
- Team A: +140 (Favorite)
- Team B: +180 (Underdog)
In individual sports like golf, most players will have plus odds in outright markets.
Is it Better to Bet on Money Line Favorites or Underdogs?
Betting money line favorites usually requires more risk for a smaller return but higher win probability. Betting underdogs requires less risk and offers higher payouts, but they are less likely to win.
Each option has advantages — research each matchup before deciding.
How Are Money Lines Calculated & Made?
Money lines are often derived from the point spread.
Example: If Team A is an 8.5-point favorite, their money line won’t be -130 but closer to -280.
Oddsmakers consider form, strengths vs. weaknesses, and overall matchup to set these lines.
What Factors Influence the Money Lines
Factors that can influence money lines include:
- Weather (in outdoor sports)
- Recent form of teams/players
- Injuries to key players
- Home/away records
- Team strengths/weaknesses
What is Covering the Money Line?
The term “covering the money line” simply means whether the team won the game or not. If they win, they covered. If they lose, they did not.
How Money Lines Work in Different Sports
Money Line Betting in Baseball
- Full game money line: Standard 9-inning bet. If your team wins, you win.
- 5-inning line: Bets only the first 5 innings. Useful if one team has a strong starting pitcher but a weak bullpen.
Money Line Betting in Hockey
- Full game: Includes overtime.
- 60-minute line: Regulation only, must win in 3 periods.
- Period money lines: Bet outcomes for each period individually.
Money Line Betting in Soccer
Standard money line bets include the possibility of a draw:
- Team A: +150
- Draw: +200
- Team B: +180
In tournaments like the World Cup, you may see a “to advanc
e” money line, which covers extra time and penalties.
Other options: bet first-half or second-half money lines.
Final Word: Is Money Line Betting for You?
Money line betting is the simplest way to get started. You only need your team to win outright, regardless of margin.
Favorites = safer but smaller returns.
Underdogs = higher payouts but riskier.
Best advice: try money lines for yourself and see if they suit your strategy and bankroll.
Quick Glossary
- -/+ Money Lines: Minus indicates favorite, plus indicates underdog.