A spread bet is on the margin of victory. A moneyline bet is on who wins outright. A total, or over/under, is on the combined score. Most parlays are built from these three bet types.
Point spread
The book gives the underdog points and takes them from the favorite. You win if your side covers the number. Half points, like 3.5, remove the chance of a tie.
Road Dogs +3.5 (-110). The Road Dogs cover if they win, or lose by 3 or fewer.
Moneyline
Pick the winner. No points. Favorites pay less, underdogs pay more. See how to read American odds.
Home Favs ML (-135). Stake $135 to win $100 if the Home Favs win.
Totals: over/under
Bet on the combined score of both teams, over or under the number the book posts. Pace, weather and injuries drive most totals.
Over 221.5 (-110). Wins if both teams combine for 222 points or more.
Sport-specific versions
- MLB run line: a spread fixed at 1.5 runs.
- NHL puck line: a spread fixed at 1.5 goals.
- UFC method of victory: bet how the fight ends, like decision, KO or submission.
- Rounds: bet whether a fight goes over or under a set number of rounds.
Props
Props are bets on events inside a game, like a player's points or yards. They are popular in same game parlays.
| Bet type | You are betting on | SAMPLE |
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Margin of victory | Road Dogs +3.5 (-110) |
| Moneyline | Who wins | Home Favs ML (-135) |
| Total | Combined score | Over 221.5 (-110) |
| Method | How a fight ends | Red by Decision (+150) |
Key takeaways
- Spread: the margin.
- Moneyline: the winner.
- Total: the combined score.
- Run lines, puck lines and methods are sport twists on the same ideas.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a spread and a moneyline?
A spread bet needs your side to beat a points margin. A moneyline bet just needs your side to win.
What does over/under mean?
A bet on whether the combined score lands over or under the number the book posts.
Why do spreads use half points?
A half point, like 3.5, means the bet cannot tie, so there is no push.
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Picks from Nicky Brows, posted in the Discord with the why behind every play.
Join the Discord21+. Picks are opinions, not guarantees. All examples on this page are samples.
