If you have ever placed an NFL bet in the US, you have probably come across a moneyline bet. Moneylines are some of the most straightforward wagers you can place, which is why they are so popular on legal US sportsbooks. A sportsbook will offer you odds on two NFL teams to win a game. You will have to pick between the favorite and the underdog and select which you think will win. As with any kind of betting, there is some balance between risk and reward. The less likely it is for the team you bet on to win, the greater your payout will be.
NFL moneyline betting is an excellent place for you if you are new to sports betting. The results are easy to understand, but that doesn’t mean this is a type of betting to be looked down on. Experienced bettors incorporate moneylines into their betting as well. Learning about moneylines will give you a foundation for future wagers.
Our experts have created this guide to give you all the information you need for moneyline wagers. Learn what these bets are and expert tips to make the most out of your NFL moneyline bets.
What Is A Moneyline Bet?
The goal of a moneyline bet is to predict the winner of a single game. In moneyline betting, the favorite will have a (-) symbol next to its odds. The underdogs will have a (+) symbol.
We’re going to use a matchup between the NFL’s Carolina Panthers and Las Vegas Raiders to illustrate how the odds will appear on a sportsbook.
- Panthers – 150 vs. Raiders +140
The example above shows American odds used next to both the (-) favorite and (+) underdog. The number next to the favorite indicates how much money you need to wager to win $100. The number next to the underdog suggests how much money you would win if you wagered $100.
So if you wanted to win $100 while wagering on the Panthers, you would need to stake $150. If you wanted to win $140 by betting on the Raiders, your stake would be $100.
Although moneyline betting is pretty simple in multiples of 10, the maths can get pretty tricky when you want to bet different amounts. Luckily sportsbooks will calculate your payout for you on your bet slip.
NFL Moneyline Betting Tips
Avoid the big favorites: There are many NFL games where the winner seems certain. So it tracks that betting on that winner is a sure-fire way to make money, right? Yes and no. Although you will more than likely win your payout, the profit will be so small that you will have to wager large amounts to make it worth it. Of course, then if it doesn’t come off, you lose a huge amount of money.
Bet on more even games, or occasionally pick the underdog. Always bet within your limits.
Choose the game wisely: During the season, there are many NFL games played each week, meaning there are loads of betting opportunities. That doesn’t mean you should bet on every game. Be smart with your betting, and only place wagers you think will win.
Research: Weather, injuries, form, and previous history can all play a part in the result of an NFL game. You can gain the edge with your betting by committing a little bit of extra time to do some research.
Legal Moneyline Betting in the US
Online sports betting in the US is legal in many states, thanks to the US Supreme Court striking down the PASPA in 2018. In places like Indiana, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and more, you can place wagers on the NFL legally and safely.
Visit a state where online sports betting is legal to get involved yourself. Make sure you are of legal gambling age, and then download a sportsbook app. Use the app to start placing your own NFL moneyline bets.
