Moneyline betting is one of the simplest and most commonly used betting formats. It is particularly popular because of the straightforward approach and how easy it is to understand for both new and experienced bettors.
While it is the most straightforward type of wager, understanding exactly how it all works is key to an informed and responsible betting experience. That is why we have put this short guide together so you know exactly what to expect, and can get started with confidence when you are ready.
Moneyline markets are available at every sportsbook
Limited options for strategies
What Is Moneyline Betting?
Before we start this guide, an important note: You might be more familiar with it as ‘head to head’ betting, as the term moneyline is of American origin. It is not to be confused with line betting, which often involves point spreads or handicaps. In moneyline betting, the focus is purely on which team or players wins.
Simply put, moneyline betting is a form of wagering where you select the outright winner of any sporting or real world event at the
best betting sites. There are no other factors considered like score or size of win, it’s all about the team or individual that emerges victorious. This basic binary outcome makes it straightforward and accessible and most bettors first ever wager is likely to be a moneyline bet. Although the term moneyline is from America, the way the type of bet works is the same the world over, in that you choose one side, and if that side wins, so do you.
The odds associated with each of the choices show you the sportsbook’s assessment of each participant’s chances. It’s easy to spot the favorite as they have lower odds, while the underdogs are equally easy to spot with their much higher odds and lower perceived chance of winning.
How Do Moneyline Odds Work?
Placing a moneyline or head to head bet involves selecting the winner of the event and wagering part of your bankroll based on the available odds. Once the event has finished (provided no tools like a cashout button were used) you will either lose your stake or be paid out your winnings. These are calculated by multiplying your stake by the odds, so it is easy for even the newest bettor to see the potential returns from any wager. This straightforward nature is one of the main reasons why this type of bet is a good starting point for responsible bettors, as it is easier to make an informed decision.
While American moneyline odds have plus and minus signs in front of them, you are likely to be more familiar with the decimal format. To illustrate how it all works, we have provided a totally hypothetical example from the AFL:
Team
Moneyline odds
Total return on a $50 stake (inc. stake)
Carlton
$1.65
$82.50
Collingwood
$2.30
$155.00
Carlton are the favorite here with the shorter odds, showing a total return of $1.65 for every $1 placed successfully ($0.65 in winning plus your $1 stake), giving you a total return of $82.50 on a successful $50 wager.
Collingwood are the underdog here with much higher odds, and that is reflected in the potential returns of $2.30 for every $1 successfully wagered ($1.30 in winnings plus your $1 stake) and a more high risk return of $155 for that same $50 bet.
As with all wagers, correct research is essential for making an informed decision about which bets to place, and which odds to take. If any event has the potential to end in a tie/draw, the markets could be extended to include that option, or the sportsbook may simply return your stake. Always check the T&Cs before placing a wager to establish exactly what the possible outcomes of your wager might be.
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Conclusion – Get the Lowdown on Moneyline Betting to Make Informed Decisions and Gamble Responsibly
Moneyline betting may be more familiar to you as head to head betting, but regardless of what it is called, it’s a simple wager that concentrates on one factor – who will win. This simple premise makes it a good starting point for most bettors, who can see easily what’s involved, and due to the equally simple decimal odds system, what the potential returns are for success. After reading this guide you will have a good understanding of what is involved and that no matter how simple the betting format happens to be, research is still essential to make an informed decision. That way, you can go about making moneyline bets responsibly. Don’t forget to choose a trusted betting site you’ll find them listed in the banners here.
Moneyline Betting FAQs
Moneyline betting is placing a wager on the team or individual to win a sporting event. There is no consideration for other factors like handicap or points spread, and is also known as head to head betting.
No. Moneyline is the common term used for head to head betting which concentrates on predicting the winner, whereas many bettors will also know line betting as handicap betting where the margin of victory is also a factor.
Yes. What you might know as head-to-head betting, where you pick the winner of any contest, is also known as moneyline betting around the world. This is especially true in the US, where the odds format is also different, although the principle is exactly the same.
