A money line bet is simply a wager on who wins. No spread, no margin — just pick the winner. These answers cover the questions new bettors ask most often.
What is a money line bet?
It's a straight-win wager. You pick a side and if that side wins the game, you win the bet. No point spread involved. For the full breakdown, see the money line bet explained guide.
What does –150 mean on the moneyline?
The minus sign means favorite. At –150 you risk $150 to profit $100. The bigger the number, the heavier the favorite — and the less you collect relative to what you stake.
What does +200 mean?
The plus sign means underdog. A $100 wager at +200 profits $200 if that side wins. Higher positive numbers mean bigger underdogs and bigger potential payouts.
How do I read positive and negative odds?
Negative = favorite, positive = underdog. That's the short version. For pick 'em games, both sides often sit near –110. The full walkthrough lives in the guide to reading moneyline odds.
How much do I win on a moneyline bet?
Favorite profit: (100 ÷ |odds|) × stake. Underdog profit: (odds ÷ 100) × stake. Want a quick calculator? The moneyline payout calculator guide walks through both formulas with examples.
Is a moneyline bet better than the point spread?
Depends on the game. Moneylines are simpler — just pick the winner. Spreads can offer better value on heavy favorites. See the full comparison in the moneyline vs point spread breakdown.
Does a moneyline bet include overtime?
Standard moneylines include overtime. If the game goes to OT, the final result counts. Some markets are labeled "regulation only" — those are the exception. More detail in the guide on whether moneyline bets include overtime.
Can I parlay moneyline bets?
Yes. Every leg must win or the whole ticket loses. Parlays raise the payout but also the risk. The moneyline parlay guide covers how the math works.
Where is moneyline betting legal?
Online sports betting is live in 38+ states as of 2025, following the Supreme Court's 2018 ruling that struck down the federal ban. California, Texas, and Florida are among the states where it remains unavailable online. Check the state-by-state legal betting overview for current status where you live.
Which sportsbooks offer moneyline betting?
All major licensed US operators do — DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, Caesars, BetRivers, and others. The best sportsbooks for moneyline betting page compares the top options side by side.
Must be 21+ in most states (18+ in select states). Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.