Moneyline Betting Explained
Moneyline is the simplest sports bet: pick the winner. The odds tell you how much you win for every dollar staked. Favorites pay less than even, underdogs pay more. This guide covers how to read moneylines, when to use them, and where they offer the most value in Tennessee.
How moneyline odds work
Moneyline odds in the US format use a base of $100. A negative number tells you how much you must stake to win $100. A positive number tells you how much you win on a $100 stake.
| Odds | Stake required to win $100 | Profit on $100 stake | Implied probability |
|---|---|---|---|
| -200 | $200 | $50 | 66.67% |
| -150 | $150 | $66.67 | 60.00% |
| -110 | $110 | $90.91 | 52.38% |
| +100 | $100 | $100 | 50.00% |
| +150 | $66.67 | $150 | 40.00% |
| +200 | $50 | $200 | 33.33% |
Moneyline vs. point spread
In games with clear favorites (e.g., a Tennessee Volunteers home game vs. an out-of-conference opponent), the moneyline can be -1500 or longer. At those prices, you stake $1,500 to win $100, which is poor risk-reward. Spread betting at -110 either way is usually the better choice.
In close games (point spread between -1 and -3), the moneyline often offers cleaner value than the spread, because you avoid the risk of a one-point loss costing you the bet on a winning team.
Example: Titans -2.5 (-110) vs. Jaguars +2.5 (-110). The moneyline might be Titans -130 / Jaguars +110. If you think Titans win but worry the spread covers, take the moneyline. You give up some payout but avoid backdoor cover risk.
When moneyline is the right pick
- Pick'em or near-pick'em games: spreads of 2.5 or less make moneyline cleaner.
- Underdogs you back to win outright: a +250 underdog moneyline pays handsomely if your read is correct.
- Sports without spreads as the default: baseball, soccer, hockey, tennis are all primarily moneyline markets.
- Building parlays: moneyline legs are easy to combine into multi-game parlays.
Best TN sportsbook for moneyline value
Line shopping matters most on moneylines because the price difference can be significant across books. Caesars and bet365 typically post sharper moneyline prices on moderate underdogs. DraftKings and FanDuel drive the heaviest market and often have shaded prices, particularly on heavy public favorites.
Tennessee-specific notes
NCAA player props are prohibited in Tennessee. Game-line moneylines on every NCAA team are fully available.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum moneyline bet at TN sportsbooks?
Most Tennessee sportsbooks accept moneyline bets from $0.10 to $1.00 minimum. The minimum deposit ranges from $5 (DraftKings, FanDuel, Fanatics) to $10 (BetMGM, Caesars, bet365).
What's the difference between moneyline and spread?
Moneyline picks the winner regardless of margin. Spread requires the favorite to win by a set number of points (or the underdog to lose by less). In tight games (spread within 2.5), moneyline is often cleaner; in lopsided games, the spread offers better payout structure.
Which TN sportsbook has the best moneyline odds?
Caesars and bet365 typically post the sharpest moneyline prices on moderate underdogs. DraftKings and FanDuel often shade prices on heavy public favorites. Line shopping across multiple books is the most reliable way to find moneyline value.
Can I parlay moneyline bets at TN sportsbooks?
Yes. Moneyline parlays are available at every TN-licensed operator, typically supporting two to twelve legs depending on the book. FanDuel and DraftKings have the deepest moneyline parlay markets and most frequent parlay-insurance promos.
What does +150 vs -150 mean on a TN sportsbook?
+150 means you win $150 on a $100 stake if the bet hits, implying ~40% win probability. -150 means you must stake $150 to win $100, implying ~60% win probability. Use the implied probability calculator to convert any moneyline to percentage form.
Are moneyline bets settled on full-time score in NFL?
Yes. NFL moneylines settle on the final score including overtime. NBA moneylines also include overtime. NHL moneylines typically settle on regulation time only (a separate 3-way line covers OT and shootouts).