BASEBALL BET INFO
Baseball betting is one of the most simple sports betting markets to understand.
Due to the low-scoring nature of baseball and the fact that a high percentage of games are decided by one run, the preferred method of baseball betting is simply picking the winner outright, also known as betting the moneyline. Also, they have run line for a game where a team is heavily favored.
Another popular and simplistic baseball bet you can make is wagering on the total runs scored by both sides in the game, also known as the Over/Under.
BASEBALL RUN LINE (SPREAD) EXPLAINED
The run line is baseball’s version of the spread, in which the number of runs is designated as a handicap between the two teams. The most common run line is 1.5 runs with the favorite to win set at -1.5 and the underdog at +1.5.
That means that the favorite must win by two or more runs to cover the run line and the underdog can win outright or lose by less than two runs to cover the run line. Attached to each team’s run line is a set of odds known as the juice or vig. This is the cost of placing those run-line bets.
For example, if a run line favorite is -1.5 and the juice on that is +150 it is shown as -1.5 (+150). That means for every $1 bet on that -1.5 run line you could win $1.50. The run line underdog is +1.5 and that bet has juice of -170, displayed as +1.5 (-170). That means for every $1 you want to win on +1.5 you would need to bet $1.70.
BASEBALL MONEYLINE
The moneyline represents a set of odds for a baseball game based on each team’s implied probability of winning.
These are most often displayed in American odds (hundreds) with a negative value (-) assigned to indicate the favorite, and a positive value (+) to indicate the underdog. The moneyline is bet by wagering on the team you think will win, however, since some teams are stronger than others, the amount of money you can win depends on the risk involved.
For example, the favorite to win the game has a moneyline of -150. That means for every $1 you want to win you must bet $1.50 since the risk involved is lower because the favorite has a greater probability of winning the game. A wager of $150 at -150 has a potential win of $100.
If the underdog for that game has a moneyline of +130, that means for every $1 you bet you can win $1.30, because the risk involved is higher since the underdog has a smaller probability of winning the game. A wager of $100 at +130 has a potential win of $130. All that matters is who wins.
BASEBALL OVER/UNDERS
Another popular baseball bet type is the points total market, also known as Over Unders.
What is an Over/Under bet?
Over/Under betting in baseball is extremely popular with oddsmakers, who set a projected total of combined runs scored in a game by both teams, and bettors pick whether the final score will go Over or Under that total.
The Over and the Under both have odds attached, known as juice or vig. The juice is based on the implied probability of the final score going Over or Under the total.
For example, if a game total is 8.5 runs with the Over 8.5 (-120) and the Under 8.5 (+100). Due to a higher probability of the final score being 9 runs or more, the juice on the Over is set at -120, which means for every $1 you want to win you must risk $1.20. With the probability of a final score of 8 or fewer runs being smaller, the Under is set at +100 which means you win $1 for every $1 risked.
FIRST FIVE-INNING ODDS
Betting first five innings odds in baseball is similar to betting moneylines, run lines, or Over/Under for a full game, however, the bets are graded on the results through the first five innings of the contest.
Betting the first five innings odds is a great way to get more value from the starting pitchers and avoid late-game collapses by the bullpens.
BASEBALL PROP BETS
MLB prop bets are made by wagering on teams and players instead of betting on the final score. Prop bets can be based on individual team performance, such as a team’s total number of runs or hits in the game, as well as individual player performance for pitchers and batters.
PITCHING PROPS
Like hitting props, bettors are allowed to select how their ace pitcher will perform on the mound. Each starting pitcher usually receives a list of pitching props, such as: 'Total Pitching Strikeouts', 'Total Hits Allowed', 'Total Outs Recorded', 'Total Earned Runs Allowed', and more.
One can even wager on whether a pitching staff will record a shutout as a team, conceding zero runs after nine innings.
HITTING PROPS
Bringing more of a fantasy sports element to the wagering card, hitter prop betting allows customers to choose their favorite players, or players in the most favorable matchups, to record hits, smack home runs, drive in RBIs, steal bases and other offensive props tied to one player.
Wagering on baseball props such as 'Player To Hit A Home Run', 'Total RBIs', 'Total Runs Scored', 'Total Hits', 'Total Singles', 'Total Doubles' and 'Total Bases', are popular building blocks for baseball Same Game Parlays.
MLB FUTURES
MLB futures are odds based on long-running markets, like odds to win the World Series, league pennants, or division winners. MLB futures can also be set around season win totals and player honors, such as MLB MVP odds and Cy Young odds.
Most MLB futures odds open for betting in the offseason and take action all year, adjusting to results, injuries, and betting action until the market is closed by the sportsbook or the result is decided.