Applicable to many popular sports like football, basketball, and tennis, moneyline and point spread markets are the most popular betting markets for online sports betting. Moneyline wagers allow you to capitalize on the stronger team, allowing you to choose the winner of a match-up, while Point Spread introduces an element of complexity by focusing on the margin of victory.
Although players can easily find the best value for these lines with bookies featured on Allbets.tv, understanding these two options is still paramount to developing the right strategy that suits your playing style. Should you opt for the simplistic option of Moneyline bets or the challenge and potential rewards of Point Spread betting? Let’s explore both and find out which best suits your betting style!
Perfect for sports enthusiasts who have just discovered the thrill of sports betting, Moneyline betting is a market that allows you to wager on which team or individual will win a game or match outright. Odds displayed when wagering on this market vary depending on how likely the team or individual is to win. In this market, underdogs feature higher odds than the favourites, depicting that the bookmaker acknowledges the stronger team’s dominance.
Despite being popular among bettors looking to capitalize on the stronger teams, experienced bettors often watch for this market to capitalize on upsets. Moneyline betting has potential for huge payouts in this case due to conditions like managerial changes or absence of key players. Although some bettors may mistakenly consider home advantage when trying to capitalize on upsets, this is one of the things every punter should avoid when betting in general, as it has been shown to be declining in relevance.
● Easy to understand and place bets.
● There is potential for high returns, especially when betting on underdogs.
● Betting options are only limited to two, win or lose.
Point Spread Betting allows bettors to wager on the margin of victory or loss in a game. Unlike Moneyline betting where players get to wager on the outright winner of a match-up, Point Spread betting levels the playing field between the favourites and underdogs by attaching handicaps to both team’s points at the end of the game. Here’s how it works.
The bookmaker sets a point spread for each team, specifying the number of points by which one team is expected to win or lose. As a bettor, you are charged with wagering on the favourites or underdogs, betting whether the favourites will win by more than the spread or if the underdog will lose by less than the spread. However, If the game ends with the exact spread, it’s a “push”, and your bet is refunded.
For instance, in an NBA game where the Lakers are favoured by -7.5 points over the Celtics, and you bet on the Lakers to cover the spread, they would need to win by more than 7.5 points for you to win your bet. If the Lakers win by exactly 7.5 points, it’s a push, but if the Celtics win or lose by less than the set spread, you will win your bet.
● The betting market offers even more competition by levelling the playing field.
● Potential for higher payouts.
● Chance for a refund in case the game ends in a push.
● Understanding spreads and margins of victory can be challenging.
Key Differences Between Moneyline and Point Spread
| Moneyline Betting | Point Spread Betting | |
| Risk Level | This market offers generally lower risks by offering the straightforward win or lose option. | Due to the need to predict the margin of victory, this betting market offers higher risk levels. |
| Payouts | Potentially high payouts, especially for underdogs. | It offers more balanced payouts, which can be lower depending on the spread. |
| Complexity | Easier for beginners to understand. | This market can be more complex due to the handicap system that requires better game knowledge. |
Which Betting Option Suits Your Style?
While responsible gambling practices like budgets and limits are emphasized to reduce gambling risks, choosing the right betting option can limit your risks by focusing on your strengths. Your choice between these betting markets should align with your strategy and goals. Although there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, here’s what you should consider before placing your wagers.
For casual bettors, Moneyline bets offer the best value for your buck. Aside from its simplistic nature, this betting market also offers higher payouts and lower risk levels, perfect for you if you are finding your footing on the online betting scene or just playing for fun.
As an experienced bettor, point spread can be that opportunity to finally broaden your horizons after a while on the sports betting scene. Unlike moneyline bets, point spreads require a thorough understanding of the market and how to analyze previous statistics to inform their point spread wagers.
Overall, opting for either of these options depends on your risk tolerance and familiarity with each option. We recommend experimenting with both options to see which one complements your strategy. Whether you prefer the straightforward nature of Moneyline or the analytical depth of Point Spread, understanding both will help you become a more versatile and confident bettor.
