When you bet the money line in sports betting, you are essentially wagering on which team or individual will win a game or match outright, without any point spread involved. Unlike point spread betting, where you have to account for a handicap given to one team, the money line is a straightforward bet on the winner.
Here’s how it works:
1. **Odds Representation**: Money line odds are represented by a plus (+) or minus (-) sign. The minus sign indicates the favorite, and the plus sign indicates the underdog.
2. **Favorite (-)**: If you see a team with a minus sign and a number next to it (e.g., -150), that team is the favorite. You would need to bet that number to win $100. So, if you bet $150 on the favorite, you would win $100 if they win the game.
3. **Underdog (+)**: Conversely, if you see a team with a plus sign and a number (e.g., +130), that team is the underdog. If you bet $100 on the underdog, you would win that number in profit if they win the game. In this example, you would win $130.
4. **Payouts**: The payouts for money line bets are determined by the odds. The higher the number, the less likely the outcome is considered to be, and thus the higher the potential payout. Favorites have lower payouts because they are expected to win.
5. **No Point Spread**: Unlike point spread betting, where the margin of victory is relevant, in money line betting, you only care about the winner. The game can be won by one point or 50 points; as long as your chosen team wins, your bet is a winner.
Money line betting is often preferred by bettors who are confident in their ability to pick winners but are less interested in the nuances of point spreads. It’s also a simpler form of betting that can be easier for beginners to understand.