Moneyline Betting for 2026: Win Without Spread Bets with Our Comprehensive Guide
Today, we’re looking at moneyline bets. The simplest form of sports betting, moneylines are a great stepping stone for newbies of the betting world, as well as seasoned bettors who enjoy straightforward wagers across a wide range of sports.
We’re going to tell you everything you need to know about the meaning of moneyline. We’ll also help you find a great online sports betting site where you can place moneylines and many other types of bets. So come and join us as we dive into the exciting world of moneyline betting.
What does moneyline mean?
Moneyline betting is where you predict the overall winner of a match, event or league. It’s considered the most straightforward form of betting, as your aim is to predict a winner and nothing more.
While not as complex as parlays, futures or spread betting, moneylines are popular for many reasons. The first being that they are the simplest type of bet, and therefore, perfect for newcomers to the betting world.
The second is that moneyline betting often offers better value on underdogs. This is because the underdogs have a lower chance of winning, therefore, online sportsbooks that use American odds will give them ‘plus odds’, for example +180. This means that you could place a $100 bet and get a return of $280 if successful ($180 in winnings + your original stake), whereas on a spread bet, the same underdog may only come with odds of +110.
Finally, moneylines are perfect for creating parlay bets. This is where you combine individual bets, referred to as ‘legs’ into one larger wager. Using the moneyline, you can create parlays of two or more legs, resulting in wagers with a higher potential return on investment (ROI). Just bear in mind that all legs of a parlay need to be successful in order for the bet to pay out.
Pick‘em bets explained
Sometimes, two teams can be very equally matched in an upcoming match, which is when sportsbooks will offer a Pick’em bet. These types of wagers will give you equal odds on both teams, effectively turning the best into a coin toss-type scenario.
Let’s say you have Barcelona vs Arsenal in a Champions League soccer match and the bookmaker offers you odds of -110 on either side. Discounting the vig, which is the small percentage that the sportsbook takes as a commission, you now have more or less a 50/50 chance of winning. Pick’em bets are therefore another exciting way to create moneyline bets while you watch your favorite matches unfold.
Other popular types of bets
While moneyline betting remains popular, there are many other types of fun bets you can make at a great online sports betting site. Remember, you can go up against the bookmaker or choose to bet against other players at a betting exchange.
Betting exchanges offer a different experience, and there are some betting markets you’ll find at these sites that you can’t get at a traditional bookmaker. Lay betting, for example, is where you bet on an outcome not happening, i.e. a specific team not winning an event. Considered the opposite of a moneyline bet, you can only ‘lay’ teams and players on betting exchanges.
For now, let’s take a look at some of the most popular types of bets you can place at a traditional online sportsbook.
| Betting market | Definition | Best for | Risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Points spread | Betting on the margin of victory | High-scoring sports like NFL and NBA | Medium |
| Totals (over/under) | Wagering on if the combined score will be over or under a set number | NHL, NFL, MLB and soccer | Medium |
| Futures | Long-term bets that predict the final outcomes of a league or season | Any sport that offers a season | High |
| Prop betting | Betting on events within a match or league that don’t depend on the final score | All sports | Variable |
What do look for in a sports betting site that offers moneyline betting
Now that you know all about moneyline betting and other popular wagers, it’s time to look at what to consider when choosing a new online sports betting site. While the best sportsbook for you largely comes down to personal preference, there are some basic tips we can give you for finding a great site to suit your needs.
Here’s a quick guide on what to look for when shopping around for your next online bookmaker.
A comprehensive sportsbook
It goes without saying that you want an online bookmaker that offers a wide range of sports and markets to bet on. The great thing about moneyline betting is that it’s suitable for all sports, so therefore, you can explore a whole world of events to wager on at a good online sports betting site.
Look for both domestic and international bets, as well as competitive odds and a huge selection of markets. We also recommend looking for sites that offer live betting, where you can make moneyline bets and other types of wagers as you watch the action unfold on a live stream.
Value bets
This is when the bookmaker offers odds higher than the calculated probability of the outcome to happen. For instance, let’s say you have the New York Knicks against the Denver Nuggets in the NBA. The bookmaker predicts that the Knicks have a 40% chance of winning, but you notice that the Nuggets’ star center is injured and that the Knicks have won their last 4 games. You believe that this gives the Knicks a 50% chance of winning, which means you would take out more winnings from the bookmaker if this prediction is true.
Value betting is a great way to maximise your potential winnings, so be on the lookout for sportsbooks that create these opportunities.
A superb mobile experience
Most of us use our smartphones for everything these days, and that includes placing wagers. From moneyline betting and live streams to prop bets and microbetting, you want a sportsbook that offers a fantastic experience on any device.
Therefore, opt for an online bookmaker that offers either a native app to download or a mobile-optimised version of the site. The good news is that all reputable sports betting sites will give you an excellent mobile experience, but it’s always best to check first before you sign up.
Moneyline betting calculator
Pros and cons of moneyline bets
As straightforward as moneyline betting goes, bettors should still consider the advantages and disadvantages of this bet type.
- Easiest form of betting
- Great for creating parlays
- Can be applied to all sports
- Their simplicity could be considered boring
Moneyline betting – the perfect intro to wagering on sports
Even though moneyline bets are simple, they remain popular for many reasons. Wagering on the final outcome of a match or event is a straightforward and easy way to inject some fun into watching your favorite sports, and moneylines lend themselves perfectly to live-streamed events and parlays. This gives moneyline betting a level of versatility that you may not find with other betting markets.
The good news is that all sportsbooks offer moneyline betting, so use the banners on this page to find one to suit your needs. We only work with licensed and well-reputed sportsbooks that offer an unparalleled experience, so come and discover what’s on offer here today.
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Moneyline bets FAQs
🙋 Are moneyline bets worth it?
Absolutely! Sometimes overlooked due to their simplicity, moneyline bets are a great way to wager on your favorite matches and events. They’re also super simple, which makes them perfect for beginners and those looking to create parlays with multiple legs.
🏉 What’s the best sport for moneyline betting?
As you’re betting on the winner of an event or match, moneyline bets are suited to pretty much every sport on the planet! From soccer and football to golf, tennis, MMA and eSports, moneyline bets work across every genre imaginable.
🤑 Can I get a bonus to use on moneyline bets?
In many cases, yes. Most online sportsbooks will offer you a welcome bonus that may include free bets and/or bonus funds that can be used for moneyline betting. Each sportsbook will have different T&Cs attached to their bonuses, and the availability of these promos will also depend on where you live. Use the banners on this page to discover offers are available in your area.
