Moneyline vs Point Spread: A Beginner’s Guide to NFL Betting

Betting on sports for the first time can feel confusing, especially when you’re staring at a sportsbook and trying to decide what kind of bet to place. Two of the most common options you’ll see are moneyline bets and point spread bets — and understanding the difference between them is essential for beginners.

This guide is written for new bettors. We’ll explain moneyline vs point spread betting in plain English, show real examples, and help you decide which one makes sense for your first bets.

What Is a Moneyline Bet?

A moneyline bet is the simplest type of sports bet. You’re just picking which team will win the game, regardless of the score.

There’s no point spread to worry about. No math. No margin of victory.
If your team wins, your bet wins.

Example: Moneyline Bet

Chiefs -150
Raiders +130

If you bet on:

Chiefs (-150): You need to bet $150 to win $100
Raiders (+130): You bet $100 to win $130

The minus sign (–) shows the favorite.
The plus sign (+) shows the underdog.

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

When Moneyline Bets Are Best for Beginners

Moneyline bets are often the best starting point if you’re new to sports betting because:

They’re easy to understand
You don’t need to worry about point margins
You can focus on learning odds and payouts

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

This is why most beginner NFL bettors start with moneyline bets before exploring spreads or parlays.

What Is a Point Spread Bet?

A point spread bet adds a handicap to make games more evenly balanced for betting purposes.

The favorite must win by more than the spread.
The underdog can either win outright or lose by fewer points than the spread.

Example: Point Spread Bet

Eagles -3.5
Cowboys +3.5

If you bet on:

Eagles (-3.5): They must win by 4 or more points
Cowboys (+3.5): They can win outright or lose by 3 points or fewer

The half point (.5) prevents a tie (also called a “push”).

Why Sportsbooks Use Point Spreads

Point spreads exist to:

Balance betting on both sides
Make mismatched games more interesting
Offer better payouts on favorites

Instead of favorites having massive moneyline prices, spreads give bettors another way to bet with more reasonable odds.

Moneyline vs Point Spread: Side-by-Side Comparison

Moneyline

Pick the winner only
Easier for beginners
Favorites cost more
Underdogs pay more

Point Spread

Involves margin of victory
Slightly more complex
Often better odds
Requires understanding game flow

Which Bet Should Beginners Choose?

For most beginners:

Start with moneyline bets
Add point spreads once you’re comfortable

Moneylines help you:

Learn how odds work
Understand bankroll management
Avoid unnecessary complexity early

Point spreads make more sense once you:

Follow teams closely
Understand scoring patterns
Are comfortable with betting terminology

Common Beginner Mistakes to Avoid

Betting point spreads without understanding how they work
Always choosing favorites without checking odds
Assuming point spreads predict exact scores
Jumping into parlays before mastering straight bets

Learning the basics first helps you avoid donating money to the sportsbook.

Where Do You Place Moneyline and Point Spread Bets?

Both moneyline and point spread bets are placed inside sportsbook apps or websites. Most beginner bettors use sportsbooks that clearly label bet types and make it easy to see odds before placing a wager.

If you’re new, choosing a beginner-friendly sportsbook makes a big difference.

👉 See our recommended sportsbooks for beginners

Moneyline and Point Spread Bets in Parlays

Both bet types can be combined into parlays, where multiple bets are grouped into one wager.

Important for beginners:

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

If you’re still learning, it’s best to master moneylines and spreads before adding them to parlays.

What Should Beginners Do Next?

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

Choose a beginner-friendly sportsbook
Start with moneyline bets
Learn point spreads once you’re comfortable
Avoid parlays until you understand both

Sports betting rewards patience more than excitement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is moneyline or point spread better for beginners?

Moneyline bets are generally better for beginners because they’re simpler and easier to understand. Point spreads require more strategy and familiarity with scoring.

Why do favorites have negative moneyline odds?

Negative odds indicate a favorite. You must risk more money to win a smaller amount because the sportsbook believes that team has a higher chance of winning.

Can you lose a moneyline bet if your team wins?

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

Are point spread bets riskier than moneylines?

Not necessarily, but they are more complex. You’re betting on how much a team wins by, not just if they win.

Final Thought

If you remember one thing:
Moneyline = pick the winner.
Point spread = pick the outcome plus the margin.

Master those two, and everything else in sports betting becomes much easier.

If you’ve learned the difference between moneyline and point spread betting, your next step is choosing a sportsbook that makes placing these bets simple.

Beginner-friendly sportsbooks clearly label moneylines and point spreads, show odds up front, and make it easy to place your first wager without confusion.

👉 See our recommended sportsbooks for beginners.