The MLB playoffs are underway, and bettors from across North America are attempting to test their luck on the final eight teams. Some people have the misconception, that because it is playoff time, the odds and principles for sports betting on baseball changes. Instead rather, playoff baseball lines and rules are the same as they have always been. For those bookie software enthusiasts unfamiliar with baseball wagering, here is a guide to help you along the way.
Baseball similar to hockey is considered to be a distant cousin to major sports the NFL and NBA. However, with the NBA on strike for the foreseeable future, plenty of basketball handicappers are now shifting their attention to MLB lines. There are three main lines that baseball bettors use, moneylines, runlines and totals. Here is a look at the moneyline.
Moneyline – Known as the universal straight bet, the goal of the moneyline is to allow the bettor to take the team they believe will win the game outright. In baseball, the moneyline is the most used line, as it is the simplest. If you take the favorite on the moneyline, you have to risk more to get back less, because the favorite is the team that is expected to win. At the same time, the underdog provides higher odds because of an expected loss. Here is how it appears.
Arizona Diamondbacks (+180)
Milwaukee Brewers (-140)
In this example, the Arizona Diamondbacks are the underdog, because they are down two games to none in their best of five series. To bet the Diamondbacks, you have to risk $100 to get back $180. On the other hand, because the Milwaukee Brewers are the favorite, you will have to risk $140 to get back $100 on your winning ticket.
