Sportsbook Promos
What’s the Difference between the Moneyline and the Spread?
Written by: Daniel Collins
Last Updated:
Read Time: 6 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 betting, 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.
If you are unfamiliar with any of these sportsbooks, check out our sportsbook reviews for each of them to learn more.
What Are Point Spread Bets?
Let’s start with the spread.
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.
Let’s look at a typical point spread, using the NFL as an example.
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 Are Moneyline Bets?
Now, let’s use that same game in a moneyline example.
A moneyline bet is one where you are solely picking the winner of the game, no matter what the final score ends up being.
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.
Which Market is Better?
So, whether or not the moneyline or spread is better depends on the situation.
There are times when betting the spread is more advantageous. 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 the moneyline may win out over the spread. 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:
- NFL Betting Guide
- NBA Betting Guide
- MLB Betting Guide
- NHL Betting Guide
- College Football Betting Guide
- College Basketball Betting Guide
- WNBA Betting Guide
- NASCAR Betting Guide
- Super Bowl Betting Guide
- When Should You Hedge Your Bets?
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
Free Betting Picks