What Is Money Line? Complete Guide
Money Line is a sports betting market where you wager on which team or player will win a game or match outright, without considering point spreads or totals. Odds are expressed in American format, with negative numbers showing favourites (e.g., -150 means bet $150 to win $100) and positive for underdogs (e.g., +130 means bet $100 to win $130). Canadian players use this in regulated sportsbooks for hockey, football, and other sports. Grasping Money Line helps evaluate straightforward win probabilities and potential payouts, key for bankroll management.
How Money Line Odds Work
Money Line odds reflect implied win probability. A -200 favourite implies 66.7% chance (200/(200+100)=66.7%), while +200 underdog implies 33.3% (100/(200+100)=33.3%). Payouts adjust for juice or vig, typically 4.5-10% baked into lines. In Canada, lines appear on licensed sportsbooks for straight bets, distinct from spreads which handicap mismatches.
Money Line in Canadian Betting
Popular for even contests like NHL overtime games or soccer draws excluded. Players calculate value by comparing implied odds to perceived probability—if you rate a -150 team at 65% but line says 60%, it’s plus-EV. Ties push in some markets or count as losses; always check rules. Focus on disciplined unit sizing to sustain play.
| Odds | Implied Probability | Payout on $100 Bet |
|---|---|---|
| -150 | 60% | $66.67 |
| -200 | 66.7% | $50 |
| +130 | 43.5% | $130 |
| +250 | 28.6% | $250 |
| Even (+100) | 50% | $100 |
