Newcomers to the world of sports betting are often confused about how to read baseball odds. As baseball is most predominantly enjoyed in the US, baseball odds are commonly represented in the standard American way. Odds like -110 are given to the favorite in the matchup and the underdog normally receives odds like +100, though these numbers can vary greatly. If you place a $100 bet with odds like +100, your bet would win $100 for a total payout of $200. If the odds were instead -110, a $100 bet would win $90.91 for a total payout of $190.91.

One of the most popular types of wagers in baseball betting is money line bets. In this type of sports betting, you are betting on the overall winner of the matchup with no other factors involved. This is very simple and straightforward for bettors. Let’s look at an example.

Money Line:

New York Yankees: (-180)

Boston Red Sox: (+220)

In the above example, the New York Yankees are the favorites and are thus represented by odds of -180. The Boston Red Sox are the underdogs in this matchup, and the sportsbooks have placed them at +220. If your $100 bet was on the Yankees as the winners, you would win $55.56 with a total payout of $155.56. If you instead chose the Red Sox, a winning bet would net $220, with a total payout of $320. You can easily see how it can be profitable to wager on underdogs, but the favorites will always win more often in the long run. Always keep an eye on the baseball betting lines here at OddsChecker for the latest changes.

When you begin sports betting, you may be unfamiliar with how baseball betting odds are calculated. The truth is, baseball odds are dynamic, and in a constant state of change. With every new development that is announced in sports media, the odds fluctuate in reaction. Initially, the odds are set by the different sportsbooks and betting platforms after many different factors are considered.

With every matchup, the teams and players involved are analyzed by their corresponding data and statistics and then odds are set to match the likely outcome of the game. After the odds are initially set, OddsChecker will then list and track these odds across dozens of different sportsbooks. As more fans choose a side in the matchup, the odds will continuously change until game day. It’s important to keep in mind that different platforms will have slightly more favorable odds than others. When it’s time to place your bet, always consult OddsChecker to determine where you will get the most value!

Fans that enjoy baseball betting normally gravitate towards these more common types of bets. OddsChecker is here to educate you and give you all the tools you need to be successful in the sports betting markets. Here are some of the most popular types of bets in major league baseball.

Money Line:

Money line bets are the most straightforward and simple way to place wagers on professional baseball. Enjoyed by professionals and beginners alike, in this type of bet you are selecting the overall winner in a matchup with no other factors swaying the bet.

Point Spreads:

By now, you are surely familiar with the concept of a favorite and an underdog in every matchup. In a point spread system, the difference between the two teams’ expected total points is represented by a margin and this is called the spread. Underdogs are given extra points on top of their final score and favorites are given a point handicap.

These baseball lines are normally represented like +1.5 and -1.5. This number is added or subtracted to your team’s total points at the end of the game. If your team has the higher score after this, they have beat the spread and your bet is profitable. Here is an example to illustrate:

Los Angeles Dodgers: +1.5 (+110)

Chicago Cubs: -1.5 ( -110)

In the above example, the Cubs are the favorite to win and thus given a handicap of -1.5 runs. If the final score of the game is 7 - 5 with the Cubs as the winner, you can subtract 1.5 runs from 7 and you are left with a score of 5.5 - 5. If you bet on the Cubs to win, your bet would be profitable as they are still the winner. If you instead placed your wager on the Dodgers, you would add 1.5 points to 5 for a total of 6.5 runs. Unfortunately, if you bet on the Dodgers this wager would be unsuccessful.The corresponding odds of +110 and -110 are the odds of your team beating the spread.

Total:

Total or Over/Under as it is commonly known in some sports is a wager on the cumulative amount of points scored by both teams in a matchup. This can be an exciting wager as you do not have to pick an overall winner, you are just predicting if it will be a high scoring or low scoring game. This type of wager allows betters to analyze the matchup between a team's offense and the opposing team’s defense and vice-versa.

Prop Bets:

When it comes to prop bets, there is truly no limit to what you can wager on. Instead of the usual bets regarding winners and losers, you can instead choose to bet on things like “how many runs will be scored before the end of the first inning?” “Will the game go into overtime?” Or even more unique aspects like “how many strikeouts will this pitcher get in this game?” The only limits in prop bets are what your chosen platform offers.

When you get started with baseball betting, it's beneficial to find successful baseball betting strategies to help you keep a clear mind and stay accountable to yourself. Before you place any wager in the baseball betting market, it’s advisable to refer to OddsChecker and find the best odds available online. OddsChecker offers detailed insight delivered directly from our team of sports analysts that have years of experience with sports betting. Utilizing the most up to date statistics and data, our team ofproven handicappers select the bestpicks and parlays for our incredible audience.

For the latest in baseball lines, OddsChecker will always have you covered. We are continuously on the hunt for the most favorable odds available online. There are many reputable sportsbooks that offer attractive offers likefree bets for new clients, and better odds than the competition. Here at OddsChecker, our team of pro analysts and industry wizards review not only the best MLB picks of the week, but also the best sportsbooks and betting platforms online. This is just another way we stay dedicated to our amazing fanbase.

OddsChecker is always looking ahead to the upcoming season for baseball fans around the world. The latest baseball playoff odds are available to review anytime here on our platform. Stay on top of the latest baseball playoff odds by checking here regularly. We watch the baseball futures markets closely to ensure that you always have up to date information.

While you are searching for the latest baseball lines, you may be surprised to find that there can be a wide margin between the odds that different platforms offer. Las Vegas baseball lines can be surprisingly different than the odds offered on online platforms. This is why it is always beneficial to refer to OddsChecker when you are researching your pick. We track numerous sportsbooks and betting platforms. When you come to OddsChecker, you can rest assured that you will leave more knowledgeable, and with the best value for your wager.