Sports Betting 101

Baseball betting can be exciting once you grasp the key wager types: moneyline, run line, and totals (over/under). This guide uses an example matchup between the home team Boston Red Sox and the visiting New York Yankees.

Moneyline Bets

In this scenario, the Yankees are -115 favorites against the Red Sox underdogs. To win $100 on the Yankees, you must wager $115. A $100 wager on the Red Sox pays $105 profit if they win.

Run Line Bets

The run line in baseball functions like a point spread in football but is typically ±1.5 runs. Odds vary from the moneyline and aren't always -110.

Betting the Yankees -1.5 at -160: wager $160 to win $100. Yankees must win by 2+ runs.

Conversely, Red Sox +1.5 at approx. -140: wager $10 to win $7 (scaled). Red Sox win outright, tie, or lose by 1 run.

If the home team leads, game must complete 8.5 or 9 innings. Bets may refund if listed starting pitchers don't pitch.

Over/Under Totals

Assume over/under of 9 total runs. Bet over or under at -110 odds each side.

Exact total on 9 is a push (refunded).

If home Red Sox lead, full 9 innings (or 8.5 if visitors batting last).