You may have heard of “money lines” when betting on the NBA, NHL, or MLB. These are betting markets where you can bet on the win or loss of a specific game. In this article, we will discuss what a money line is, how it works, and how to determine the best betting option when placing a wager.
What is the Money Line in Vegas Betting?
The money line in Vegas betting is one of the most popular betting markets thanks to the fact that it is simple to understand and easy to use. If you’re not familiar, “money lines” are simply the win or loss bets for a specific game. For example, you can make a $100 bet that the Chicago Cubs will beat the Los Angeles Dodgers, +100 odds. That’s it. Simple enough, right?
Although this may be the simplest way to bet on sports in Vegas, it certainly isn’t the most lucrative. The problem is that there are so many variables that go into making sure you win or lose the right to win or lose your money. The sportsbooks in Vegas have figured this out and make more money off of these bets than they can off of straight up or against the spread bets.
How Does Vegas Determine The Money Line?
The sportsbooks in Vegas take all of the guesswork out of determining the money line by using statistical analysis. Before making the game odds public, they use complex algorithms to crunch the numbers and determine the exact betting line for each game. All you need to do is find the line that makes the most sense for you based on your own personal stats and situation.
Let’s say you’re a Dodgers fan. You know that they’re hot, having recently won 11 out of 12, but you also know that they’re facing a struggling Cubs team. One thing the sportsbooks have done is isolate the value of the Dodgers win this season compared to the rest of the 2015 schedule. By adjusting for their current form and the strength of the rest of their schedule, the books can assign them a different money line.
On the other hand, if you’re a fan of one of the other 29 teams, you may be praying for a large favorite in this game. This is because the vast majority of the games featured on the 2015 MLB schedule are played at half-time oddsmakers. While this may not sound like a perfect situation for a betting man, it is. Having a large favorite in a half-time game makes for some easy money. Just remember to bet on the UNDERDOG.
The Benefits of Using The Money Line In Vegas
One of the major advantages of using the money line in Vegas is that it is much easier to calculate the exact winning percentage for. Say you have $100 to risk. You can simply add up the total number of runs scored in the game and divide it by two. This gives you your winning percentage. For example, if the runs scored were 7 and you bet on the Cubs, +100, you would win $100 with a seven-run Cubs win. Simple enough.
Another advantage of using the money line in Vegas is that it is a safe way to place a wager. Let’s say you are at a casino and want to place a bet on the game. You can get in line at the sportsbook and wait for your number to be called. When it is, you will give them your wager and they will give you your winnings or losses. There is less room for error and fraud when using the money line. This is because you are dealing with only two possibilities – you either win or lose the bet. Sometimes, people will try to get away with fake bets by using inside information or manipulating the odds in their favor. This is not possible when betting on the money line. The only way to lose is if the other team scores more runs than you bet on them to do.
Choosing Your Money Line
When placing a wager using the money line in Vegas, you need to make sure that you are choosing the right side. This is easy enough. Just find the team that you like the most and go with them. If you’re following the above example and betting on the Dodgers, you will likely want to lay off the Cubs. There are numerous other variables depending on your personal situation so take some time to figure out which way you want to go.
One more thing, if you’re a student of the game and know what’s going on, you can place much more accurate wagers using the money line. The more you know, the better your odds of winning. With all of this information at your fingertips, you can beat the odds and win big!
Where Can I Bet On The Money Line?
You can bet on the money line in the following places:
- Major League Baseball
- NHL
- NBA
- Poker
- Betties in NJ (if in New Jersey)
- NASCAR
- College Basketball
- College Football
- Australian Football League
- Bandwagon Sportsbook
Find the sportsbook that has the game you’re interested in and use their website to place your wager. Remember to check the rules and regulations before placing a wager so you don’t get shut out because the book is shut when it’s your turn to bet. Make sure that you’re using the right credit card or debit card for the transaction and that you’re using a verified email to avoid any delays or hassles in the event that you win or lose. You should also look into joining online betting communities to get the best odds possible and to be able to communicate with other users about winning strategies and promotions.
If you want to get paid out promptly, make sure to use an online banking method to receive your winnings. This way, you’ll have the money in your account before the end of the day. If you don’t have an online banking method, make sure to ask a bank teller to give you a physical money order for your winnings. This will ensure that you receive your winnings in a timely manner. Remember, the sooner you receive your winnings, the better because there is more taxes owed on them. If you win, you’ll have to pay federal income tax on your winnings along with Nevada state income tax. So, if you want to maximize your winnings, you’ll have to bet quick!