Moneyline vs Spread vs Totals
The three core bets, and when each one is the smart play.
Almost every wager is a flavor of three core markets.
Moneyline
Pick who wins, straight up. Simple, but heavy favorites pay little (-300 risks $300 to win $100) and big underdogs pay a lot. Best when you have a strong opinion on the winner regardless of margin — and the go-to in low-scoring sports (NHL, soccer, baseball).
Spread (point spread / run line / puck line)
Levels the field with a handicap: the favorite gives points, the dog gets them. A -6.5 favorite must win by 7+; a +6.5 dog covers a loss of six or fewer. Both sides usually pay around -110. Best when you think a favorite wins comfortably or a dog keeps it close. In baseball and hockey the spread is fixed (±1.5) and the price moves instead.
Total (over/under)
Bet the combined score against a line, ignoring who wins. Driven by pace, weather, and matchups. Best when you have a read on how the game flows rather than who takes it.
A favorite too steep on the moneyline often makes the spread the better value, and vice-versa — compare them on the live lines and our Fair Value tool.