How to Bet on MLB Baseball
Everything you need to know to place your first baseball bet with confidence
8 min read
3 Things You Need to Start Betting
1. A Sportsbook Account
Sign up with a legal sportsbook like FanDuel or DraftKings. Must be 21+ and in a legal state.
2. A Betting Budget
Set aside money you can afford to lose. MLB has 162 games per team - lots of opportunities!
3. Basic Knowledge
Understand moneyline, run line, and totals. Plus MLB-specific factors like pitching and weather.
Understanding MLB Betting Markets
Baseball betting is unique among major sports. With 162 games per season and games often decided by 1-2 runs, moneylines dominate over run lines. Here's what you need to know.
Moneyline Bets: Pick the Winner
Simply pick which team wins. Moneylines are by far the most popular MLB bet because baseball games are so close.
Example:
Yankees -145 vs. Red Sox +125
• Bet $145 on Yankees to win $100
• Bet $100 on Red Sox to win $125
Note: MLB moneylines are typically closer than other sports. Even heavy favorites rarely exceed -200.
Run Line Bets: Baseball's Spread
The run line is almost always set at ±1.5 runs. This is baseball's version of the point spread, but it's fixed rather than moving like football spreads.
Example:
Yankees -1.5 (+130) vs. Red Sox +1.5 (-150)
• Yankees -1.5: They must win by 2+ runs (better payout but riskier)
• Red Sox +1.5: They can lose by 1 run and you still win (safer but worse odds)
Best for: When you're confident in a team but want better odds than the moneyline.
Totals (Over/Under): Combined Runs
Bet on whether both teams will combine for over or under a set number of runs. MLB totals typically range from 7 to 10.5 runs.
Example:
Total: 8.5 runs
• Over 8.5: Final combined score of 9+ runs (e.g., 6-4)
• Under 8.5: Final combined score of 8 or fewer runs
Key factor: Pitching matchups and ballpark factors drive totals more than any other sport.
Key MLB Betting Factors
Baseball betting success depends heavily on understanding these unique factors:
| Factor | Impact |
|---|---|
| Starting Pitcher | The most important factor. Ace vs. #5 starter can swing a line by 50+ cents. |
| Bullpen Usage | Check if key relievers pitched recently. Overworked bullpens blow leads. |
| Ballpark | Coors Field (Denver) inflates totals. Petco Park (San Diego) suppresses them. |
| Weather/Wind | Wind blowing out can add 2-3 runs. Check forecasts for day games. |
| Lefty/Righty Matchups | Teams stack lineups based on opposing pitcher handedness. Check daily lineups. |
Pro tip: Always verify the listed starting pitcher before placing your bet. Lines can change drastically if a starter is scratched.
MLB Betting Tips for Beginners
Do This
- Check starting pitchers first
The most important factor in baseball betting
- Factor in ballpark dimensions
Coors Field plays very differently than Petco
- Be selective with so many games
15 games daily means you can wait for value
- Consider underdogs seriously
Even the best teams lose 40% of games
Avoid This
- Ignoring pitcher changes
Use 'listed pitcher' option to avoid surprises
- Chasing yesterday's results
Baseball has huge day-to-day variance
- Betting every game
Volume is tempting but selectivity wins
- Ignoring weather for totals
Wind direction can swing totals by runs
Where Can I Bet on MLB Games?
Sports betting is legal in 38+ states as of 2026. Popular legal sportsbooks for MLB betting include:
- FanDuel Sportsbook
- DraftKings Sportsbook
- BetMGM
- Caesars Sportsbook
You must be 21+ and physically located in a state where sports betting is legal.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the easiest MLB bet for beginners?
Moneyline bets are the simplest - just pick the winner. Unlike football or basketball, baseball moneylines are the most popular bet type since games are often decided by 1-2 runs, making run lines riskier.
What is the run line in MLB betting?
The run line is baseball's version of the point spread, almost always set at ±1.5 runs. Betting the favorite at -1.5 means they must win by 2+ runs. Betting the underdog at +1.5 means they can lose by 1 run and you still win.
How important is the starting pitcher?
Extremely important - the starting pitcher is the single biggest factor in baseball betting. Lines move significantly based on who's pitching. Always verify the listed pitcher is actually starting before betting.
What happens if the starting pitcher changes after I bet?
Most sportsbooks offer "listed pitcher" and "action" options. Listed pitcher bets are voided if either starter changes. Action bets stand regardless of pitcher changes, with adjusted odds.
How does weather affect MLB betting?
Weather significantly impacts totals. Wind blowing out at hitter-friendly parks can add 2-3 runs to expected totals. Cold, damp conditions typically suppress scoring. Always check weather for day games especially.