Moneyline vs Spread Betting Explained: Similarities, Differences, and More (Updated March 2025)

Daniel Collins

Written by: Daniel Collins

Last Updated: Sun Feb 09, 2025, 12:31 PM

Read Time: 7 minutes

When many sports bettors get ready to place a bet on their favorite sport, they typically face a choice of whether to bet on the moneyline or the spread.

These are the two most common betting markets for betting on sports such as basketball and football.

Spread betting is also popular in hockey, baseball, and soccer. However, different names are used to refer to spread betting in those sports. In MLB betting, the run line refers to the spread. In NHL betting, the spread is known as the puck line. And in soccer odds, the spread is known as either the goal line or the handicap. So, if you see any of those terms when betting on those sports and leagues, they refer to the spread.

If you are new to sports betting, you may not know what moneyline and spread bets are or the similarities and differences between them. Here, we are going to break each down for you to help you understand them better and when it is advantageous to choose one over the other.

Where Can You Make Moneyline and Spread Bets?

Because moneyline and spread bets are so popular, you can find odds for them at any and all of the best sports betting sites, including the below sites.

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If you are unfamiliar with any of these sportsbooks, check out our sportsbook reviews for each of them to learn more.

In the latter half of winter each year, many people are making Super Bowl spread and moneyline bets and looking ahead to betting on March Madness.

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What Is Point Spread Betting?

So, what is point spread betting? The point spread is a wagering option where the favorite is handicapped by a specific number of points. This is the type of betting market that you most often hear about with football and basketball games.

Point Spread Betting Explained

Let’s use the NFL to make an example of point spread betting. At a sportsbook like BetOnline, the point spread for a game between the Browns and Patriots might look like this:

  • Las Vegas Raiders +13.5 (-110)
  • Kansas City Chiefs -13.5 (-110)

What does that mean?

In this matchup, oddsmakers see the Chiefs as the much stronger team. To draw betting interest on the Raiders, a handicap must be applied. Expert linemakers have determined that the listed handicap must be applied to even out the game.

If you believe the Chiefs will win by 14 or more points, your bet will be Chiefs -13.5. Betting on the spread favorite is referred to as “laying the points.”

On the other side, if you think that the Raiders can keep the game close, your bet will be Raiders +13.5. Betting on the spread underdog is known as “taking the points.”

One reason why spread betting is advantageous is that if you bet the underdog, they don’t actually have to win the game for your bet to win. Instead, they must be within the posted number. If you bet Raiders +13.5, that means they must lose by 13 or fewer points for your bet to win.

What Is Moneyline Betting?

Now, let’s use that same game in a moneyline example. What is moneyline betting? A moneyline bet is one where you are solely picking the winner of the game, no matter what the final score ends up being.

Moneyline Betting Explained

If you are new to learning how to read moneyline odds, we have another example using NFL odds. For a game with a heavy favorite like our example, here is what a moneyline could look like:

  • Las Vegas Raiders +500
  • Kansas City Chiefs -700

The numbers next to each team represent the return in factors of $100.

In this scenario, the Chiefs are likely going to win the game. So, you will have to wager a significant to get a return. If you wanted to come away with $100 in winnings if the Chiefs win, you would have to bet $500.

If you think the Raiders will pull the upset, a $100 bet would net you $500 in winnings.

Similarities and Differences Between Moneyline and Spread Betting

So, how are moneyline and spread betting similar? Both are side bets and involve wagering directly on the outcome in some form.

And how are moneyline and spread betting different? Whereas the outcome of a moneyline bet is dependent on wins, a team can be a loser on the moneyline but still cover the spread or win on the moneyline but fail to cover the spread.

Which Option Is Better?

How do those differences impact which bet may be better? Whether or not the moneyline or spread is better depends on the situation.

There are times when spread betting is more advantageous than moneyline betting. For example, if you think that an underdog will perform well enough to cover but not necessarily win outright, the spread is a better choice.

Then there are times where moneyline betting may win out over spread betting. For example, if a team is a small favorite, you may prefer to take the moneyline over the spread with the potential for a very close game in mind.

Use your best judgement and assess your bets on a game-to-game basis.

Other Sports Betting Information

Did you find this guide to moneyline and spread betting helpful?

We have many other sports betting guides designed to help bettors learn more about the basics of sports betting. That includes types of bets, betting strategies, how to bet on certain sports, leagues, and events, and more.

Here are some of the other guides you can find at Betting News:

To keep up with the content we offer, bookmark Betting News and keep coming back. Our list of guides is only increasing, and we churn out betting insight for a wide variety of sports and events daily.

Moneyline and Spread Betting FAQ

Is it better to bet the moneyline or the spread?
It depends on the situation. While betting the spread requires a favorite to win by a certain amount or an underdog to not lose by a certain amount, moneyline bets are determined by who wins outright.
Can you combine moneyline and spread odds from the same game?
In recent years, same game parlays, also known as SGPs, have become popular at many sports betting sites. SGPs allow bettors to place bets on multiple outcomes from the same game, including betting both the moneyline and spread together.
Do you win more on moneyline or spread bets?
Again, it depends on the situation. Most spread lines have similar odds, but there is much more variation with moneyline bets. As a result, the potential payouts can be vastly different. If you are betting on a sizable favorite, betting on the spread will offer a higher payout. But if you are betting on an underdog, betting on the moneyline will offer a higher payout.
What does it mean to take the points?
Taking the points means to take the underdog on the point spread. If the underdog was +10.5 in an NFL game and you want to bet on them, you would “take” 10.5 points and add them to the underdog’s final score.
What is the number after the point spread?
The number after the point spread is the “juice” or “vig” that you will pay on a given wager. If the juice is -110, it means you will have to bet $110 to make a $100 profit.
Are moneyline bets the easiest bets to make?
There are no easy bets or guarantees. That said, moneyline bets are very popular with bettors of all experience and knowledge levels because they are determined by the result of the event itself, not how much a team or person won by or didn’t lose by.