Question 1

Is it better to bet the moneyline or the spread?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the situation. While betting the spread requires a favorite to win by a certain amount or an underdog to not lose by a certain amount, moneyline bets are determined by who wins outright.

Question 2

Can you combine moneyline and spread odds from the same game?

Accepted Answer

In recent years, same game parlays, also known as SGPs, have become popular at many sports betting sites. SGPs allow bettors to place bets on multiple outcomes from the same game, including betting both the moneyline and spread together.

Question 3

Do you win more on moneyline or spread bets?

Accepted Answer

Again, it depends on the situation. Most spread lines have similar odds, but there is much more variation with moneyline bets. As a result, the potential payouts can be vastly different. If you are betting on a sizable favorite, betting on the spread will offer a higher payout. But if you are betting on an underdog, betting on the moneyline will offer a higher payout.

Question 4

What does it mean to take the points?

Accepted Answer

Taking the points means to take the underdog on the point spread. If the underdog was +10.5 in an NFL game and you want to bet on them, you would "take" 10.5 points and add them to the underdog's final score.

Question 5

What is the number after the point spread?

Accepted Answer

The number after the point spread is the "juice" or "vig" that you will pay on a given wager. If the juice is -110, it means you will have to bet $110 to make a $100 profit.

Question 6

Are moneyline bets the easiest bets to make?

Accepted Answer

There are no easy bets or guarantees. That said, moneyline bets are very popular with bettors of all experience and knowledge levels because they are determined by the result of the event itself, not how much a team or person won by or didn’t lose by.

Moneyline vs Spread Betting Explained: Similarities, Differences, and More (Updated March 2025)