How to Win Moneyline Bets

by Daniel Price from
How to Win Moneyline Bets

Moneyline betting is perhaps the most common form of sports betting but how to win moneyline bets is not straightforward. You must first know how to bet moneyline and then we will look at some of the best sports for moneyline betting and moneyline betting tips.

1. What is Moneyline Betting and How Does It Work

We begin by answering the question, what does moneyline mean in betting?. Moneyline betting is a bet placed on the outcome of a sports game. It could be the outcome of a hockey, baseball, football, soccer, or tennis game, to name but a few of the top sports betting moneyline. The wager is placed on which team or player will win, so that gives two potential outcomes but depending on the sport, there could be a third outcome, which is the draw.

When comparing moneyline vs spread betting, moneyline is the easier of the two to understand because the number of points or goals between the teams is irrelevant. So, you simply choose the team or player you think is going to win the game, click on the odds, and place the stake.

2. How to Read Moneyline Odds

The concept of Moneyline betting is basic but you must have an understanding of how bookmakers set moneyline odds and what they mean. You cannot know how to win moneyline bets without first understanding the odds.

We will begin by looking at the betting favorites vs underdogs. This is an example of the moneyline odds for an NBA game between Boston Celtics and Brooklyn Nets:

Nets: +150

Celtics: -130

Immediately, the odds tell us the Celtics are the favorites to win this game. We can work this out by placing an imaginary bet on the game. You can bet $130 on the Celtics and if they are successful, you will win $100 profit. If you bet $100 on the Nets to win and they are successful, you will win $150 profit. So, whenever you see the moneyline odds presented in this way, the team with ‘-’ figure is the favorite and you must wager that figure to win $100. The team with the ‘+’ figure is the underdog and a $100 wager will win that figure back in profit.

In terms of implied probability when moneyline betting, -100 is 50% and anything lower than that will see the implied win probability increase up to -10,000, which is 99%. The +100 is a 50% implied probability to win and anything higher than that sees the implied win probability drop and at +10,000, it will be just 1%. For the best moneyline odds, you can browse Pinnacle's sports section and use our Pinnacle VIP Code 2025 when you sign up!

That is moneyline odds explained. Now we can take a closer look at some sports betting moneyline strategies.

3. Moneyline Betting Expert Strategies

You now have a strong understanding of the moneyline for sports betting and now we come to how to win moneyline bets. There is no magic formula that guarantees a win and there are advanced betting strategies moneyline but even they do not lead to 100% success. However, we do have the best moneyline betting strategies 2025 to ensure you are well placed to win your bet.

3.1 Research Teams and Players Thoroughly

You must always research the teams and players before placing a moneyline wager. Team form, head-to-head results, scoring averages, player injuries, and the weather can all have an impact on the outcome of the game. For example, if the favorite has been relying heavily on the contribution of one player and that player is injured, it improves the chances of the underdogs causing an upset.

3.2 Identify Value in the Moneyline Odds

Assessing the value of moneyline odds is key. By using your research, as highlighted in the paragraph above, you can calculate implied probabilities, compare odds at multiple sportsbooks, and analyze the stats. This can reveal value in the odds you might otherwise have missed, especially when betting on underdogs.

3.3 Manage Your Bankroll

You must mange your bankroll effectively when moneyline betting. Set limits for each wager that are within your budget so you can absorb any potential losses from bets. Advanced betting strategies moneyline include combining the moneyline with parlays and live moneyline betting. We recommend starting with live betting because odds can shift favorably during a game. However, this requires quick decision making and should only be attempted when you are comfortable monitoring live odds. Additionally, for those interested in virtual sports, find the best tips and strategies for virtual sports betting in our guide!

4. Common Moneyline Betting Mistakes

Unfortunately, some gamblers make moneyline betting mistakes but we can learn from those mistakes and ensure they never happen to you. Betting with emotion rather than logic is the biggest error most gamblers make when betting on the moneyline. The best way to avoid this is to never bet on a team or player you support because you will be biased. Always assess the key factors, as discussed in the best moneyline betting strategies above, and use those rather than always backing your team.

If you lose a moneyline bet, accept the loss as part of your long term goals. Do not try and win your money back immediately by having another wager without thinking. This is where bankroll management comes into play.

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5. How to Recognize Mispriced Moneyline Odds

To recognize mispriced moneyline odds, you must work out the probability of a team winning. If your analysis suggests a team has a 40% chance of winning, you can use a moneyline odds calculator to work out the odds and if the sportsbook odds are a lower probability than your analysis, it could suggest the odds are mispriced in your favor. This can work two ways and the odds can always be mispriced lower and in that case, you want to avoid those odds. For more strategies and tools, check out our AI sports betting prediction guide 2025

6. How to Win Moneyline Bets 2025 – FAQ

6.1 🏆 What is a moneyline bet?

A moneyline bet is betting on the winner of the game.

6.2 📈 What do moneyline odds mean?

Moneyline odds tell us who is the favorite and underdog for the game.

6.3 💵 How to place winning moneyline bets?

How to win moneyline bets involves understanding the odds, implied probability, and statistical analysis.

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