Reading MLB odds
With the popular bet types for wagering on MLB in Ohio in mind, let’s take a look at a few examples using Ohio’s own Cleveland Guardians. The same examples can be applied to all teams, and each one is set with hypothetical odds and scenarios.
Moneyline
Cleveland Guardians (-140) vs. Pittsburgh Pirates (+120)
In betting on the Guardians, a bettor has to wager $140 in order to win $100, with any wager bigger or smaller following the same math. Conversely, a $100 bet on the Pirates payouts $120 should it be a winner. In both instances, a winning bet gets both the amount won and the amount risked.
Run Line
Cleveland Guardians -1.5 (-130) vs. New York Yankees +105 (+120)
In this example, the Guardians have to beat the Yankees by at least two runs for a Cleveland backer to win this bet. If the Yankees can avoid losing by more than two, Yankee backers would win the bet. If, for example, the score ended Guardians 6 Yankees 3, the Guardians would win this run line bet.
Total
Cleveland Guardians vs. Houston Astros - Over 9.5 (-110) Under 9.5 (-110)
The total looks at the total runs scored by both teams, summing them together to compare to the total. At this number, if the final score was 6-4 Guardians, the over would be a winner because 10 runs were scored (.5 more than 9.5).
Strikeout Props
Cleveland Guardians vs. Cincinnati Reds- Shane Bieber Over 4.5 (-120) Under 4.5 (+100)
In this bet, in order to hit the over 4.5, starting pitcher Shane Bieber would have to throw at least five strikeouts while he was in the game. If he threw for just four strikeouts before being pulled from the game, the under would be a winner. The total score or who is winning is completely irrelevant from this type of bet.
Expert advice when betting on the MLB
With more than 160 games and a game nearly every single night from April to November, there is no shortage of ways to bet on the MLB. With so many games and bet types, here are a few pieces of expert advice when betting on the MLB.