Summer is synonymous with baseball, and betting on the sport can elevate your season to a whole new level of excitement. With a staggering 2,430 regular season games to bet on, baseball offers a plethora of opportunities to test your betting skills and potentially win big. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the ins and outs of baseball betting, covering various wagering options and essential strategies to help you make informed decisions when betting on MLB games with DraftKings Sportsbook.
Moneylines
In baseball, the money line bet revolves around predicting the outright winner of the game. By understanding the odds, you can make strategic bets to maximize your winnings. For example, if the money line shows St. Louis at +150 and Cincinnati at -170, Cincinnati is the favoured team, requiring a $170 bet to win $100. Conversely, a $100 bet on St. Louis would yield a $150 win if they emerge victorious.
Run Lines
Baseball run lines introduce a point spread or handicap bet, adding an extra layer of excitement. Bets are based on a 1.5-point spread, requiring teams to win by a specific margin. For instance, if Houston is at +1.5 runs with odds of +140, and Chicago is at -1.5 runs with odds of -110, a $110 bet on Chicago would secure a $100 win if they win by 1.5 or more runs. Conversely, betting $71.43 on Houston not losing by more than one run could result in a $100 win.
Totals
Baseball totals focus on the combined runs scored in a game. You can wager on whether the total runs will be over or under a number set by oddsmakers. For example, if the over/under for a game between Seattle and Philadelphia is set at 8 runs, you would need a minimum of 9 runs to win the over bet or a maximum of 7 runs to win the under bet. Final scores like 4-5, totalling 9 runs, would result in a winning over bet.
Parlays
Parlay bets involve wagering on multiple outcomes, requiring all selections to be correct to win. For instance, if you parlay $100 on New York and Los Angeles, both teams must secure victories for your parlay bet to succeed. While parlays come with higher risks, they offer greater rewards due to the increased difficulty of predicting multiple outcomes accurately.
Futures
Futures bets allow you to place wagers on long-term outcomes, such as predicting the World Series winner. These bets are typically made well in advance of the season and offer continually adjusted odds as the season progresses. For example, if you bet $100 on Boston to win the World Series at +500 odds, a successful outcome would yield a $500 win.
Prop Bets
Prop bets provide additional betting options related to specific game outcomes (game props) or player performances (player props). These bets allow you to wager on various aspects of the game, from predicting home runs to specific team statistics. Prop bets are popular for their entertainment value and are available for almost anything related to the game.
Live/In-Game Betting
Live/in-game betting enables you to place bets on a game as it unfolds, with dynamic odds that update throughout the match based on real-time action. For example, if San Diego is leading Colorado by 4 runs after the third inning, you can place a bet on San Diego to win, taking advantage of the current game situation.
Conclusion
With an array of betting options, baseball offers an exciting platform for sports enthusiasts and bettors alike. By familiarizing yourself with the different wagering types, odds, and strategies outlined in this guide, you can approach baseball betting with confidence. Whether you prefer predicting the game-winner, betting on run lines or totals, exploring futures and prop bets, or engaging in live/in-game betting, the world of baseball betting offers endless excitement and the potential for significant winnings. So, gear up for a thrilling baseball season, place your bets wisely, and enjoy the exhilarating journey of sports betting.