If you’re new to sports betting, the first choice is often the simplest: moneyline (pick the winner) or the spread (pick a team against a point handicap). Both can be smart—depending on what you’re trying to accomplish.
This guide breaks down the differences, shows concrete examples, and ends with a quick decision tree you can use before any bet.
Need a refresher on odds formatting? Read How to read betting odds. For live examples, open the Schedule and click any game to see real moneylines and spreads.
Quick definitions
Moneyline
What it is: A bet on the winner.
Typical pricing: Favorites are negative (e.g., -160). Underdogs are positive (e.g., +140).
Spread
What it is: A bet on the margin with a handicap.
Example: -4.5 means the favorite must win by 5+. +4.5 means the underdog can lose by 4 or win.
Examples (same matchup, different bet types)
Example A: Favorite moneyline
The favorite is priced at -160.
- If they win: you win $100 profit for every $160 risked.
- If they lose: you lose your stake.
Example B: Favorite spread
The favorite is -3.5 at a standard price (often around -110).
- If they win by 4+: you win.
- If they win by 1–3 or lose: you lose.
Example C: Underdog moneyline
The underdog is +140.
- If they win: you win $140 profit for every $100 risked.
- If they lose: you lose your stake.
Example D: Underdog spread
The underdog is +3.5.
- If they win OR lose by 1–3: you win.
- If they lose by 4+: you lose.
Pros and cons for beginners
Moneyline pros
- Simpler: pick the winner.
- Less math: no margin tracking.
- Fits casual viewing: you can root for a team to win straight up.
Moneyline cons
- Favorites can be expensive: big favorites require higher risk for smaller profit.
- Underdogs are higher variance: you need the outright win.
Spread pros
- Better payout structure on favorites compared to heavy moneylines.
- Underdogs get “insurance” points—they can lose a close game and still win the bet.
Spread cons
- Requires tracking the margin, not just the winner.
- Half-points matter: -5.5 vs -6.5 can change outcomes.
Decision tree (use this before you bet)
| Question | If YES | If NO |
|---|---|---|
| Do you mainly want a simple bet to root for? | Start with Moneyline | Go to next question |
| Is the favorite price very steep (e.g., worse than -200)? | Consider the Spread instead | Moneyline may be fine |
| Do you think the underdog can keep it close even if they lose? | Consider Underdog +Spread | Consider Underdog Moneyline (higher variance) |
| Do you have a strong view on the margin (blowout or tight game)? | Lean Spread | Lean Moneyline |
Practical beginner tips
- Don’t force a bet. Start small and learn how lines move.
- Check injury/availability news (especially in NBA).
- Shop the number—half points can matter.
- Use live examples to learn: Schedule → pick a game → Odds.