How to bet on MLB

Before we dive into the different types of MLB bets, let’s take a moment to explain what MLB betting is and why it’s so popular. MLB betting involves placing wagers on the outcome of baseball games, including everything from which team will win to how many runs will be scored in a game. Betting on MLB games can add a layer of excitement to watching the game, as well as give you the potential to win some extra cash.

There are several different types of bets you can place on MLB games, each with its own pros and cons. Let’s take a closer look at the most popular betting types for MLB.

Moneyline

Moneyline betting is the most popular type of MLB betting. It involves betting on which team will win the game outright. Moneyline bets are based on a $100 wager, and the odds will either be positive or negative. A negative number indicates the favorite, while a positive number indicates the underdog. For example, if the New York Yankees have odds of -150 and the Boston Red Sox have odds of +130, this means that the Yankees are favored to win the game.

The amount you can win on a moneyline bet depends on the odds. If you bet $100 on the Yankees at -150 odds and they win, you would win $66.67 in profit. If you bet $100 on the Red Sox at +130 odds and they win, you would win $130 in profit.

While moneyline bets are straightforward, they can be risky. Because they’re based solely on which team will win the game, the odds can sometimes be lopsided, and the payout may not be worth the risk.

Run Line

Run line betting is another popular MLB betting type. It’s similar to a point spread in football, where a team must win by a certain margin to cover the spread. In MLB, run line betting involves a team needing to win by a certain number of runs or to lose by a certain number of runs.

For example, if the Yankees have a -1.5 run line, they would need to win by at least two runs to cover the spread. If the Red Sox have a +1.5 run line, they would need to win the game outright or lose by only one run to cover the spread.

Run line bets can be more complicated than moneyline bets, but they also offer the potential for higher payouts. If you feel confident that a team will win by a certain margin, run line betting can be a good option.

Totals (Over/Under)

Totals betting, also known as over/under betting, involves betting on the total number of runs that will be scored in a game. The sportsbook will set a number, and you can bet on whether the actual number of runs scored will be over or under that number.

For example, if the total is set at 8.5, you can bet on whether the actual number of runs scored will be over or under 8.5. If the final score is 5-4, the total runs scored would be 9, so the over would win.

Totals bets can be a good option if you have a strong feeling about the total number of runs that will be scored in a game, but they can also be risky if you’re not familiar with the teams or pitchers playing.

Futures

Futures betting involves placing a bet on a team to win a championship or division title before the season even starts. The odds for futures bets can change throughout the season based on the team’s performance and injuries, so it’s important to keep an eye on the odds and make your bet at the right time.

While futures bets can offer the potential for big payouts, they can also be risky. Because they’re based on events that haven’t happened yet, there’s always the chance that a team won’t perform as expected.

Props

Prop bets, short for proposition bets, are bets on specific events or outcomes that don’t necessarily relate to the final outcome of the game. Some examples of prop bets in MLB include:

• Which player will hit the first home run?
• Will there be a home run hit in the first inning?
• How many strikeouts will a pitcher record?

Prop bets can be a fun way to add some excitement to a game, but they can also be difficult to predict and may not offer as high of a payout as other types of bets.

Parlay

A parlay bet involves combining multiple bets into one, with the payout increasing with each additional bet. For example, you could place a parlay bet on the Yankees to win and the total number of runs to be over 8.5. If both bets are successful, you would win a higher payout than if you had placed each bet separately.

Parlay bets can be a good way to increase your potential payout, but they can also be risky. Because you need all of the bets in the parlay to be successful to win, even one incorrect bet can result in losing the entire parlay.

Teasers

Teaser bets are similar to parlay bets, but they allow you to adjust the point spread or total for each bet in the teaser. This can give you a better chance of winning each bet, but it also results in a lower payout.

For example, if the Yankees are favored to win by 2.5 runs, you could place a teaser bet to move the line to -1.5 runs, making it easier for the Yankees to cover the spread. However, the payout for this bet would be lower than if you had placed a regular parlay bet.

Now that we’ve covered the different types of MLB bets, let’s take a look at some betting strategies and things to be minful of to help increase your chances of success.

Do Your Research

Before placing any bets, it’s important to do your research. This includes looking at the teams playing, the pitchers starting the game, and any recent injuries or trades. You should also consider the venue of the game, as some ballparks may be more hitter-friendly or pitcher-friendly than others.

Pay Attention to the Odds

The odds for each bet can vary between different sportsbooks, so it’s important to shop around for the best odds. Even a small difference in odds can have a big impact on your potential payout.

Manage Your Bankroll

It’s important to have a solid bankroll management strategy in place to avoid losing too much money on bets. This includes setting a budget for how much you’re willing to spend on bets, as well as setting limits on how much you’re willing to bet on each game.

Consider Betting on Underdogs

While favorites may be more likely to win, betting on underdogs can offer a higher potential payout. Look for situations where an underdog may have an advantage, such as when a top team is dealing with injuries or a pitcher is struggling. However, it’s important to still do your research and make sure that the underdog has a realistic chance of winning.

Look for Value Bets

Value bets are bets that offer a higher potential payout than the odds suggest. For example, if the odds for a team to win are +200, but you believe that their chances of winning are closer to 50/50, then this could be a value bet. By identifying value bets, you can increase your chances of making a profit in the long run.

Consider the Starting Pitchers

Starting pitchers can have a big impact on the outcome of a game, so it’s important to consider their recent performance and any matchup advantages or disadvantages. For example, if a team’s starting pitcher has a high strikeout rate and is facing a team with a lot of strikeouts, this could be an advantage for the pitcher and increase their chances of winning.

Be Mindful of the Weather

Weather can also have an impact on the outcome of a game, particularly in outdoor ballparks. For example, if there’s a strong wind blowing in, this can make it more difficult for batters to hit home runs. Pay attention to the weather forecast and adjust your bets accordingly.

Bet Responsibly

Lastly, it’s important to bet responsibly and avoid chasing losses. Don’t bet more than you can afford to lose, and take breaks if you’re on a losing streak. Remember, betting should be a fun way to add some excitement to watching baseball, not a way to make a quick profit.