How to bet on MLB
Baseball is a moneyline sport: most bets pick the winner, and the starting pitchers set the price.
Key points
- The run line is almost always 1.5 runs: the favorite at -1.5 has to win by 2 or more.
- A change of starting pitcher can move a moneyline a long way, for example from -150 to -200.
- Extra innings count for the moneyline, run line and total.
On this page
The main MLB bets
Here is one of this week's games with the best price on each bet at the four sportsbooks we compare.
- Moneyline: pick the winner. Most baseball bets are made this way, because a single run often decides the game.
- Run line: a spread fixed at 1.5 runs, priced so the favorite at -1.5 often pays a plus price.
- Total: over or under the combined runs, with prices that move as much as the number.
The run line
Many baseball games are decided by one run, so -1.5 is a much harder bet than the moneyline, and +1.5 a much easier one. The prices show it:
One favorite, two bets (example prices)
- Moneyline
- -150
- $100 wins
- $66.67
- Run line -1.5
- +140
- $100 wins
- $140
The run line bet loses every one-run win. When the books disagree on the favorite, both teams can show +1.5 as their best run line at different books.
Comparing the run line across books works like any spread: take the most runs (+1.5 beats -1.5 for the same team), then the best price. Our point spread guide explains the rule.
Starting pitchers set the price
One player, the starting pitcher, shapes a baseball game more than any one player in other team sports. Books price each game on its listed starters.
- Listed pitchers: many books let you bet with the listed starters required. If either one doesn't start, the bet is voided.
- Action: the bet stands whoever starts. If a pitcher changes, many books adjust the moneyline odds to the new matchup; check the book's rules.
- Check which one you're placing. A late scratch can leave an action bet on a much worse matchup.
When MLB lines move
Lines usually open the day before, once starters are announced, and move on lineup news, weather and money. The regular season has games almost every day from spring to fall, and October brings the playoffs, with fewer games and more attention on each.
Our MLB odds page shows each game's first recorded price next to the current one.
MLB picks and odds on BettingPicks
Every game with lines gets a pick on our MLB picks page: the market favorite at the best price among MyBookie, Bovada, BetOnline and BetUS. The MLB hub has the week's games and standings.
Frequently asked questions
What is the run line in baseball?
A spread fixed at 1.5 runs. The favorite at -1.5 has to win by 2 or more; the underdog at +1.5 covers by losing by 1 or winning.
What does 'listed pitchers' mean?
The bet only stands if both listed starting pitchers start. If either changes, the bet is voided.
Do extra innings count?
Yes, for the moneyline, run line and total. A shortened game is another matter. A moneyline usually needs 5 innings (4.5 if the home team leads). Run lines and totals usually need 9 (8.5 if the home team leads), or the bet is void.
Why do baseball bets use the moneyline?
Games are low-scoring and often decided by one run, so picking the winner at a price works better than a spread.
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