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What is Moneyline Betting?
Moneyline betting is the simplest form of NFL betting, as it involves wagering on which team will win the game outright.
How Moneyline Betting Works:
- Each team is assigned odds based on their chances of winning.
- The favourite has lower odds (e.g., -150), meaning you must bet more to win less.
- The underdog has higher odds (e.g., +200), meaning a smaller bet can yield a bigger payout.
Example of a Moneyline Bet:
- Kansas City Chiefs (-180) vs. Green Bay Packers (+160)
- A $180 bet on the Chiefs would return $280 if they win ($180 stake + $100 profit).
- A $100 bet on the Packers would return $260 if they win ($100 stake + $160 profit).
Moneyline betting is best for bettors who are confident in picking straight-up winners and prefer a simple approach without worrying about point margins.
What is Spread Betting?
Spread betting, also known as point spread betting, is a more strategic way to bet on NFL games. Instead of betting on a team to win outright, you’re betting on whether they will cover the spread set by the sportsbook.
How Spread Betting Works:
- The favourite is given a points handicap, requiring them to win by a certain margin.
- The underdog is given a points advantage, meaning they can lose by a small margin and still win the bet.
Example of a Spread Bet:
- Kansas City Chiefs -7.5 (-110) vs. Green Bay Packers +7.5 (-110)
- A bet on the Chiefs means they must win by at least 8 points to cover the spread.
- A bet on the Packers means they must lose by 7 points or fewer, or win outright.
- Both bets have odds of -110, meaning a $110 bet wins $100.
Spread betting is ideal for bettors who want to balance risk and reward, as it offers a way to wager on favourites without needing to risk large amounts for small payouts.
Key Differences Between Spread Betting and Moneyline Betting
| Aspect | Moneyline Betting | Spread Betting |
| Bet Type | Predicting the winner outright | Betting on the margin of victory |
| Risk Level | Lower for favourites, higher for underdogs | Moderate, as it depends on the point spread |
| Potential Payout | Higher for underdogs, lower for favourites | More balanced, but dependent on the spread |
| Best for Beginners? | Yes, due to simplicity | Some experience required |
| Flexibility | Limited—team must win outright | More flexible—team can win or lose by a certain margin |
Which Betting Strategy Works Best?
When to Use Moneyline Betting:
- If you’re confident a team will win outright: This is a safer option when betting on strong favourites.
- For betting on underdogs with high payouts: A single upset can yield significant profits.
- In close matchups where spreads are small: If the spread is only 1-2 points, moneyline bets may offer better value.
When to Use Spread Betting:
- If the favourite is heavily favoured: Instead of betting a large amount on a low-payout moneyline, spread betting allows for a better return if they win convincingly.
- When you expect a close game: Betting on an underdog with a reasonable spread provides a cushion in case they don’t win outright.
- When teams have strong offensive or defensive trends: Understanding how teams perform against the spread (ATS) is key to spread betting success.
Neither option is inherently better than the other—it depends on the game situation and your risk tolerance. Moneyline bets are simpler and ideal for those looking for straightforward wagers, while spread betting offers more strategic depth and better value in certain scenarios.
NFL betting can be incredibly rewarding when you understand the strengths and weaknesses of moneyline and spread betting. If you’re looking for simplicity and safe bets, moneyline betting is a great option. However, if you want to maximise value and balance risk, spread betting may be the better choice. Regardless of your approach, always research matchups, injury reports, and team statistics before placing your bets.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is spread betting or moneyline betting better for beginners?
Moneyline betting is easier for beginners since it only requires picking a winner. Spread betting involves more strategy and knowledge about team performance.
What happens if a team wins but doesn’t cover the spread?
If a favourite wins but does not cover the spread, spread bettors who backed them lose their bet, while underdog bettors win because the team stayed within the margin.
Why do sportsbooks adjust point spreads?
Point spreads change based on factors like injuries, weather conditions, and where the money is being placed by bettors. This helps sportsbooks balance betting action on both sides.
Klemens Kamiński
Interest in Esports. Wanted to try writing for different platforms. He is a 38-year-old who enjoys playing soccer, mountain climbing, and charity work. He mostly travels to games and investigates current events in sports. Follow him on Quora today.
