Moneyline Betting Explained: A Beginner’s Guide to Simple Sports Bets

If you’re new to sports betting, moneyline bets are the easiest place to start. They’re straightforward, simple to understand, and don’t require advanced strategy or math.

This guide explains what a moneyline bet is, how moneyline odds work, and when moneyline betting makes sense for beginners. By the end, you’ll know exactly how to place your first moneyline bet with confidence.

What Is a Moneyline Bet?

A moneyline bet is a wager on which team or player will win the game outright.

There’s no point spread, no margin of victory, and no extra conditions.
If your pick wins the game, your bet wins.

That’s it.

How Moneyline Odds Work

Moneyline odds are shown with a plus (+) or minus (–) sign.

Negative odds (–) indicate the favorite
Positive odds (+) indicate the underdog

Example: Moneyline Odds

Chiefs –150
Raiders +130

If you bet:

–150 → You risk $150 to win $100
+130 → You risk $100 to win $130

The favorite pays less because they’re more likely to win.
The underdog pays more because the risk is higher.

If you want a deeper breakdown of how odds and payouts are calculated, read our Betting Odds Explained guide.

Why Moneyline Bets Are Popular With Beginners

Moneyline bets are often recommended for beginners because:

They’re easy to understand
You don’t need to calculate point margins
You can focus on learning odds and bankroll management

If you’re watching a game and think, “That team is going to win,” a moneyline bet is usually the cleanest option.

Favorites vs Underdogs in Moneyline Betting

Betting the Favorite

Higher chance of winning
Lower payout
Requires risking more money

Betting the Underdog

Lower chance of winning
Higher payout
Higher risk

Beginners often start by betting favorites while learning how odds and payouts work, then gradually explore underdogs once they’re more comfortable.

Moneyline Bets vs Other Bet Types

Moneyline betting is simpler than many other common bet types.

Moneyline: Pick the winner
Point Spread: Pick the winner plus a margin
Totals (Over/Under): Bet on combined points
Parlays: Combine multiple bets into one

If you’re deciding between bet types, moneylines are usually the best place to begin. Once you’re comfortable, you can move on to spreads or totals.

👉 See our Moneyline vs Point Spread guide to understand the difference.

Common Beginner Mistakes With Moneyline Bets

Even though moneylines are simple, beginners still make a few common mistakes:

Always betting favorites without checking value
Risking too much money on one game
Ignoring odds and payouts
Jumping into parlays too quickly

Winning at sports betting isn’t about picking the best teams — it’s about managing risk.

Where Do You Place Moneyline Bets?

Moneyline bets are placed inside sportsbook apps or websites. Most sportsbooks clearly label moneyline odds next to each team once you select a game.

If you’re new to betting, choosing a beginner-friendly sportsbook makes the process much easier.

👉 See our recommended sportsbooks for beginners

Can You Use Moneyline Bets in Parlays?

Yes. Moneyline bets can be combined into parlays, where multiple picks are grouped into one wager.

Important for beginners:

Every leg must win
Risk increases quickly
One loss means the entire parlay loses

If you’re still learning, it’s best to stick to straight moneyline bets before adding them to parlays.

👉 Read our Parlay Betting Explained guide to learn when parlays make sense (and when they don’t).

When Moneyline Betting Makes the Most Sense

Moneyline bets are a good choice when:

The game feels evenly matched
You don’t trust the point spread
You want a simple, low-stress wager
You’re learning how betting works

They’re especially useful for beginners betting on sports they already watch and understand.

Moneyline bets are especially common in NFL betting, where spreads can move quickly during the week.

What Should Beginners Do Next?

If you’re brand new to sports betting, here’s a simple path forward:

Choose a beginner-friendly sportsbook
Start with small moneyline bets
Learn how odds affect payouts
Explore point spreads once you’re comfortable

Sports betting rewards patience more than boldness.

Frequently Asked Questions About Moneyline Betting

What is the easiest sports bet for beginners?

Moneyline bets are generally the easiest because you’re simply picking the winner of the game.

Can you lose a moneyline bet if your team wins?

No. If your team wins the game, your moneyline bet wins.

Why do favorites have negative moneyline odds?

Negative odds show that the sportsbook considers that team more likely to win, so the payout is smaller.

Are moneyline bets safer than parlays?

Yes. Parlays dramatically increase risk because every leg must win. Moneyline bets are much simpler and safer for beginners.

Final Thought

If you’re new to sports betting, moneyline bets are the best way to learn without overcomplicating things. Master moneylines first — everything else builds from there.

Ready to Place Your First Bet?

If you understand how moneyline betting works, your next step is choosing a sportsbook that makes placing these bets easy.

👉 See our recommended sportsbooks for beginners