Moneyline Bets – What are they? How to place them, and FAQ

Moneyline bets, known simply as ‘winner bets’ on Hard Rock Bet, are an extremely popular type of wager. Their simplicity appeals to sports bettors of all types. When placing a moneyline bet (or a winner bet on Hard Rock Bet!) the goal is straightforward – pick the winner. Nothing else matters. The point spread, total points, first or second half, etc. are all irrelevant to the success of the bet. The winner is all that matters.

While the concept of a moneyline, or winner bet, is simple, we’ve assembled the following page to serve as a resource on the subject. From understanding common moneyline odds, to actually placing a bet, and of course – we’ll cover any frequently asked question, too.

What is a moneyline bet?

A moneyline bet is a wager on a specific side to win outright.

Moneyline bets are the simplest form of sports betting. When you make a moneyline bet, success lies in the ability to predict the outcome of a game or contest – and that’s it. It’s a straightforward declaration of who will win the contest.

“Winner” bets on Hard Rock Bet

On Hard Rock Bet moneyline wages have been renamed as ‘Winner’ bets. While experienced bettors will know exactly what the moneyline stands for, the term ‘winner’ simplifies the meaning for everyone. With a winner bet, you’re betting on the winner.

When placing a winner bet the official Hard Rock Bet House Rules apply at all times.

Reading moneyline bets

With moneyline bets the odds take center stage. Why, you might ask? Because as much as we might like for them to be, it’s rare that a game or match is anticipated to be completely even. Broadly speaking there will be a favorite and an underdog for each matchup. Therefore the odds for a winner bet must be adjusted to compensate for the fact that one side is assessed to be more likely to win.

Moneyline odds communicate vital information through positive or negative numbers. Positive odds indicate the underdog (ex. +125), and signify the potential winnings from a $100 bet. Negatives are reserved for the favorite (ex. -110), and indicate the amount you must wager to pocket an additional hundred. It’s a language of risk and reward, where every digit carries weight.

At first glance moneyline odds, and sports betting odds in general may appear complicated. Understanding how they work rests on grasping a few fundamental principles.

With moneyline bets, there’s a crucial juxtaposition between favorites and underdogs. Favorites might yield modest returns but ensure a higher probability of success. Backing underdogs promises substantial payouts but treads a precarious path. It’s a delicate balance between risk and reward.

The Favorite: Understanding negative moneyline odds

When you see a moneyline bet with negative odds you’re looking at what Hard Rock Bet has judged to be the most likely outcome – this team is favored. When faced with a negative figure like -150, it signifies the amount you must stake to get a $100 return. A $150 bet on a team with -150 odds could net you an even $100 in profit ($250 total) if they emerge victorious.

The Underdog: Interpreting positive moneyline odds

If you take a moneyline bet with positive odds, you’re betting on the underdog. For example, if you wagered $10 on a team with +200 moneyline odds you would stand to profit $20 if the wager wins ($30 total, the $10 original stake + $20 profit).

Moneyline bet types

While the principal remains the same, there are two different types of moneyline wagers: 2-way and 3-way. With a 2-way, you just have to choose the side that you think will win. In the 3-way, you can also bet on a draw.

2-Way moneyline bets

With a 2-way moneyline you’re just picking the team that you think will win with no additional variables. For example, if the Heat are playing as the underdog against the Celtics in the NBA Playoffs and are offered at +700. The only other side of this winner bet would be taking the Celtics at -1300. There are just two options to pick from as no matter what happens, the game will declare a winner – even if it takes overtime.

1. Bet the favorite: Celtics -1300 to win outright
2. Bet the underdog: Heat +700 to win outright

3-Way moneyline bets

There are sports where a draw is a normal, and sometimes an expected outcome. For example, soccer games regularly end without a winner, thus a third option is introduced on the betting sheet. While you can still bet on either team to win, like with a 2-way winner bet, you can also bet on the tie.

In the example below, Manchester City is visiting Brighton for an English Premier League fixture and there are three separate moneyline options:

1. Bet the favorite: Manchester City -250 to win
2. Bet the underdog: Brighton +600 to win
3. Bet the tie: you’re wagering that the game ends with a tie

Pick’em bets

A pick’em in moneyline bets signifies a scenario where both sides carry the same odds. It eliminates a clear favorite or underdog. For example, the championship bout between Tyson Fury and Oleksander Usyk is assessed as a pick’em.

Hard Rock Bet deems both fighters to be evenly matched. This grants the bettor an equal opportunity to select either as the victor at the same odds.

A pick’em designation doesn’t necessarily equate to the teams being equal in strength. Rather, it suggests that they possess an equal likelihood of securing victory. A variety of factors will be taken into account when setting the line like home-field advantage, recent news, and historical performance.

Neither team holds a distinct advantage in the eyes of oddsmakers. This equilibrium presents both a challenge and an opportunity for bettors.

Moneyline bet outcomes

With moneyline bets, there are two standard, simple outcomes: the bet wins, or it loses.

A win, obviously, is when a bet is placed on the side that wins. The wager is paid out accordingly based on the stake and accepted odds. A loss? The bettor gets nothing if they select the losing side of a winner bet.

Notably, bets can push or become void if the circumstances dictate it. For example, let’s say you bet on your favorite NFL team to win on Sunday and they tie it up late in the fourth quarter. The game goes to overtime, and after 10 exciting minutes no points are scored… we have a tie. If a 2-way moneyline market results in a tie, the bet will be judged as a push and the stake will be returned.

Placing a moneyline bet

Placing a moneyline bet, or a winner bet on Hard Rock Bet, is a smooth, streamlined process. After creating your account (no Hard Rock Bet promo code is required to claim the best welcome offer!) and making a deposit, you’re ready to go.

Next, figure out what you want to bet on. Once you’ve narrowed it down, look for the ‘Winner’ column and pick your side. The default view for Hard Rock Bet’s website and betting app will be to display the spread first, then the total, and the winner odds will be listed third.

With your decision made, embark on the final leg of your journey. Tap the side of the bet you want to take and enter the amount you’re willing to stake and with a click, confirm your bet. Now, the die is cast, and all that remains is to await the outcome.

Remember, moneyline bets care not for margins or spreads. Victory lies not in the magnitude of triumph but in the simple act of emerging with the win. Manage your bankroll with prudence. Bet only what you can afford to lose.

FAQ about moneyline bets

Below we’ve put together a few questions and answers about moneyline bets.