NFL Football Betting

Football MoneyLines - Betting The Money Line

In a football "moneyline" wager, there is no point spread. The bettor just has to pick the winner of the game. But, of course, it's not that simple.

A moneyline involves a number that is based on 100. That number, usually anywhere from 110 to 1000 on football games, generally defines the oddsmaker's opinion as to which team will win a particular game. It works like this:

Sportsbooks list moneylines on games like so: Chicago -200 Green Bay (+180). On a moneyline wager on the Bears, the bettor must put up $200 to win $100. If the Bears win, the bettor collects $100. But if Chicago loses, the bettor loses $200.

Conversely, a winning $100 bet on underdog Green Bay will net the bettor $180, while a Packer loss only results in the loss of the $100 wagered.

The difference between the $200 collected and the $180 paid out is known as the "grease," "juice," or "vigorish," which is the profit made by the sportsbook.

The percentage of juice involved in a particular game increases as the odds on the favorite go up, and varies from book to book, depending on how much is wagered on each side. With a favorite of -300, an underdog might be listed at +250. A favorite of -500 might be paired with an underdog of +400. And so on.

Sportsbooks don't put out moneylines on every football game. Games with either very small or very large point spreads often will not have money lines attached to them.

Looking to get some bets down on football?
Get your bets down in minutes with Bodog Sportsbook's online check deposit option! Best dog lines to boot!
Click Here To Start Betting