The newcomer’s guide to betting on baseball

 How to bet on baseball: A beginner's guide

Bettors who were used to betting on football or basketball may be confused when they shift to baseball.

Where is the point spread located? What does it mean to list the pitcher in your opinion? Why did my total bet get refunded?

The odds of total bets are usually -110 on both ends. But, often the under or over is "favored", and the price for each side is -120. (Or -125 and -105, respectively.) ).

Run line

One version of baseball against the spread betting allows bettors to either take 1 1/2 runs with their favorite or lay 1 1/2 with the underdog. Laying 1 1/2 runs results in a "plus-money" price. Laying 1 1/2 runs for the favorite usually results in a win rate of less than 1 run. While taking 1 1/2 runs for the underdog typically means that the bettor must place a price.

To get better odds, bettors will often opt for this option with big favorites. On the money line, the Mets are -200 favorite against the Marlins, but +100 for the -1 1/2 run line. The Dodgers, on the other hand, are -150 favorites over the Nationals, but +125 on run line.

First five innings

An example of a bet on the first half for basketball or football, this bet is about which team leads after five innings. It also determines whether the game will go over or under the initial-five total.

Other popular game bets

Totals of teams: One team can place an over/under wager. For example, 8 is the total of the Marlins/Mets game. However, it's possible to bet on either the Mets or Marlins going over or under 3 1/2. While the odds could be -110 for one side, it is more common to have them weighted in one of two directions.

Will either team score within the first inning of the game? : This simple prop can be used to determine the winner or loser of a particular game. A prop is also offered by some sportsbooks on which team will score the most points.

Alternate Run Lines: This is where the underdog must pay the -1 1/2 run line. This results in a higher potential payout. For example, the Marlins are +180 against the Mets on money line but +300 to pay the -1 1/2 line. The favorite +11/2 can be taken by those who are willing to put a larger price. The Mets are -200 against the money, but -360 for the favorite +1 1/2.

Circa Sports will offer -2 1/2-run lines this season. A bettor who believes that the Dodgers will defeat the Nationals can place a bet on Los Angeles at +220-21/2 runs, instead of the money line.

Proponent bets: Some betting sites will place wagers on certain players in order to make money for certain games. Example: Will Manny Machado of the Padres hit a homerun against Rangers (no 370/yes +280). Max Scherzer of the Nationals will be able to score more than 8 1/2 strikes against the Dodgers (under +130/over +100).

General prop bets. BetMGM provides props for the total number and hits of both teams during a game. Nationals-Dodgers 25/5, (under –145).

Futures

Season-long betting is available on the World Series winners, whether they be from the American League or National League. While odds may fluctuate through the season, bettors are guaranteed a fixed price once they place their wagers.

Some sportsbooks offer the MVP, Cy Young, Rookie of Year, as well the major league leaders for various statistics (home runs and RBIs, pitching wins etc.). While the odds may fluctuate throughout the year, bettors can lock in their price when placing their wagers. How to Bet in Baseball - Everything You Need to Know