The typical ways to bet on MLB games are like most team sports. There is against the spread, where a team has to win by more runs than it is favored by or lose by less than it is the underdog.
There is the moneyline where you are betting on your team to win the game. Sounds simple, right? It isn’t because odds teeter and there is no guarantee an upset won’t happen. Then there is the total where you are betting whether a game will go over or under a certain number of runs. There are many MLB games every night – and sometimes during the day – so one can do their work and find the perfect spot to make a wager on the game of their choice.
MLB Moneyline Betting: Pick the outright winner, no spreads involved. Example: If the Yankees (-140) face the Red Sox (+120), betting $140 on the Yankees wins $100 if they win, while a $100 bet on the Red Sox returns $120 if they win.
MLB Spreads (Run Lines): MLB spreads are called Run Lines, typically set at ±1.5 runs. Example: If the Dodgers -1.5 beat the Mets by 2+ runs, the bet wins. If the Mets +1.5 lose by 1 run or win outright, the bet wins.
MLB Totals (Over/Under Bets): Bet on the combined total runs of a game. Example: If the total for Cubs vs. Phillies is 8.5, an Over bet wins if 9+ runs are scored, while an Under bet wins if 8 or fewer runs are scored.
MLB Player & Game Prop Bets: Bet on specific players or game events beyond just the final score. Examples:
- Player Prop: If Aaron Judge’s total home runs line is set at 1.5, an Over bet wins if he hits 2 or more home runs, while an Under bet wins if he hits 1 or none.
- Game Prop: If a bet is on “Will the Yankees score first?”, the wager wins if the Yankees score before their opponent.
First 5 Innings Lines (F5 Bets): Bet on the outcome of the game’s first five innings, focusing on starting pitchers and early scoring. Examples:
- F5 Moneyline: If the Braves F5 Moneyline is -150 against the Cubs, the bet wins if the Braves are leading after five innings. If the score is tied or the Cubs are ahead, the bet loses.
- F5 Run Line: If the Yankees -0.5 (F5) are playing the Red Sox, the Yankees must be leading after five innings for the bet to win. If tied or lost, the bet loses.
- F5 Over/Under: If the F5 total for Dodgers vs. Phillies is 4.5, an Over bet wins if 5+ runs are scored in the first five innings, while an Under bet wins if 4 or fewer runs are scored.
MLB History & Its Impact on Betting
Major League Baseball (MLB) has been the gold standard of professional baseball since its official formation in 1903. With 162 games per season, MLB offers more betting opportunities than any other major sport.
Betting on baseball dates back to the early 20th century, evolving from simple moneyline wagers to today’s run lines, player props, and live betting markets.
Advanced statistics and analytics have made MLB odds sharper than ever, giving bettors an edge when analyzing pitching matchups, run totals, and team performance trends.
Bet Responsibly with BetUS
Thanks for joining us in the thrilling world of MLB betting! Whether you’re a die-hard New York Yankees fan, love underdog stories like the Oakland A’s, or follow powerhouse teams like the Los Angeles Dodgers, we hope our insights help you make smarter wagers.
And when you’re ready to place your bets, don’t forget to use tools like our parlay calculator to maximize your potential payouts.
Here at BetUS Sportsbook & Casino, we encourage you to bet responsibly. Only wager what you can afford to lose, and always research key factors like starting pitchers, team form, and ballpark conditions before placing your bets.
Baseball is a game of strategy; make sure your betting approach is just as sharp.
Stay informed, play smart, and enjoy every pitch, home run, and extra-inning thriller. Good luck!
