If you are new to sports betting in the United States, one of the first things you’ll come across is the choice between a moneyline bet and a spread bet. These two are the most common betting options in American football, particularly the NFL and college football. Understanding how they work is essential before placing your first wager.
This guide breaks down what each bet means, how odds are displayed, and the key differences between them.
What is a Moneyline bet?
A moneyline bet is the simplest type of wager in football. You are only betting on which team will win the game, with no regard for the final score margin.
- Favorites have a minus sign (–) in front of their odds. Example: –150 means you need to bet $150 to win $100.
- Underdogs have a plus sign (+) in front of their odds. Example: +130 means a $100 bet wins $130 if the underdog wins.
Also Read: US betting guide: How to create your own betting system and stick to it
Example:
If the New England Patriots are –150 against the New York Jets at +130:
- A $150 bet on the Patriots wins $100 if they win.
- A $100 bet on the Jets wins $130 if they pull off the upset.
What is a spread bet?
A spread bet (also called point spread) levels the playing field by giving one team an advantage and the other a disadvantage before the game starts.
- The favorite must win by more than the spread for your bet to cash.
- The underdog can lose by fewer points than the spread, or win outright, and your bet still wins.
Example:
Dallas Cowboys (–6.5) vs Washington Commanders (+6.5):
- If you bet the Cowboys, they must win by 7 points or more.
- If you bet the Commanders, they must either win or lose by fewer than 7 points.
Key differences between moneyline and spread bets
| Feature | Moneyline | Spread |
|---|---|---|
| What you bet on | Team to win | Team to win by a margin / keep it close |
| Risk vs reward | Simple, but favorites pay less | Balanced, better payouts on favorites |
| Best for | Beginners, close games | Experienced bettors, uneven matchups |
Which one should you choose?
- Go moneyline if you want simplicity or if you believe in an underdog upset.
- Go spread if you think the favorite will dominate, or the underdog will keep it tight.
Many bettors mix both types depending on the matchup. Over time, you’ll develop a sense of when each bet type offers better value.
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FAQs
1. Is moneyline betting easier than spread betting?
Yes. Moneyline bets are straightforward since you only need your team to win. Spread bets require you to consider the margin of victory.
2. Why do spreads often include half-points?
Half-points (like –6.5) prevent ties, known as “pushes,” ensuring the bet has a clear winner and loser.
3. Can I combine moneyline and spread bets?
Yes. Many sportsbooks allow parlays, where you combine different bets for a higher payout.
4. Which is better for beginners in NFL betting?
Moneyline bets are usually better for beginners because they’re simpler to understand.
5. Do college football spreads work the same way as NFL spreads?
Yes, the concept is the same, though spreads in college games can be much larger due to mismatched teams.
