There are also their own lingo in sports betting, and some of the most frequently used words you will hear in sports betting include parlays, spreads and moneyline bets. You can use the information on how these types of bets operate to make better decisions whether you are a beginner or you just want to sharpen your knowledge before you place your next bet. This is a straightforward breakdown of each of them, with examples and information on the usage.
Moneyline bet is the easiest bet in sports-betting-you are simply selecting the winner of a game or a match. There is no diffusion of points, no conditions.
Favorites are not associated with positive returns (betting -150).
Underdogs are with good chances, such as +200, which is a 100-rupee bet that makes you win 200.
Example:
India versus Sri Lanka produce -180 to beat Sri Lanka in a cricket match and that of Sri Lanka is +160.
Bet ₹180 on India to win ₹100 profit.
Bet ₹100 on Sri Lanka to win ₹160 profit.
Great for beginners
Sports with low scoring such as baseball, UFC, hockey or cricket are better.
No maths needed and no complexities.
A point will level the playing field where a complainer will be awarded a margin of victory. You are not merely betting as to the winner but to what extent.
The favorite has to pay the spread by winning with a margin.
The underdog will be able to either win outright or lose by the spread and win anyway.
Example:
In an NFL game:
Chiefs: -6.5
Raiders: +6.5
When betting on the Chiefs, the team has to win by a margin of 7 points or higher. When Raiders are bet against, they can lose on the score of 6 points-or they can win-by the bait.
Brings value in cases where favorites are greatly favored.
Makes games interesting even in case one team dominates.
Frequent in football and basketball.
A parlay is a bet that has two or more bets attached to it. In order to win the parlay all selections have to be right.
Example Parlay Ticket:
Lakers -5.5 (spread)
Brazil to win (moneyline)
Over 2.5 goals in a soccer match
Should any of the legs be lost, the whole of the parlay is lost.
Pros:
Higher payouts
Has the ability to make big fortunes out of small bets.
Cons:
Dangerous since all the legs have to strike.
A single error nullifies the whole thing.
When to use parlays:
When you love a number of safe favorites.
In following superior chances with a low stake.
In the combination of spread and moneyline bets.
Here’s a quick comparison to help you decide:
| Bet Type | Difficulty | Risk Level | Payout Potential | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Moneyline | Easiest | Low | Moderate | Beginners, clear favorites |
| Spread | Medium | Medium | Good | Football, basketball bettors |
| Parlay | Hard | High | Very High | Experienced bettors seeking big wins |
The knowledge on parlays, spreads and moneyline bets will be the starting point towards wagering with confidence.
Having the clear understanding of these three forms of betting, you will be in a better position to investigate sportsbooks and design better strategies.
Sports gambling can be exciting, tactical and even lucrative, but only when done with discipline…
On Thursday, October 16, the Los Angeles Dodgers (2–0 series lead) host the Milwaukee Brewers…
Betting in sports has transformed past the hunch and hopeful betting. Modern day experienced punters…
On a Friday, October 10, the Milwaukee Brewers (season record 62-38) take on the Chicago…
On Friday, October 10, 2025, the Chicago Cubs (92–70) host the Milwaukee Brewers (97–65) at…
On Friday, October 10, the Detroit Tigers (91–78) travel to Seattle to face the Mariners…