If you’ve ever wondered whether it was better to bet on the spread, moneyline, or total on a game, you’re not alone.
These three types of bets are the most popular options for sports bettors, and each has its own risks, rewards, and situations when each of them is the best option.
But first, what exactly is a point spread bet? And how does it differ from a moneyline or total bet?
Let’s look at all three of them together.
What is a Point Spread?
A point spread is a way for sportsbooks to even the playing field in a sports betting matchup.
It helps to create a balance in terms of the money placed on favorite and underdog teams.
The point spread assigns a margin of points that the favorite must win by, or the underdog must lose within, for the bet to be successful.

Examples of Point Spread bets in different sports
1. Football (NFL)
Let’s say the New England Patriots are playing the New York Jets. The sportsbook may set the point spread at Patriots -7.5.
This means that if you bet on the Patriots, they need to win by more than 7.5 points for you to win your bet.
If you bet on the Jets, they need to either win the game or lose by less than 7.5 points for you to win a bet on them.
2. Basketball (NBA)
For example, the LA Lakers might be playing the Boston Celtics with a point spread of Lakers -10.5.
If you bet on the Lakers, they must win by more than 10.5 points. If you bet on the Celtics, they must either win the game or lose by less than 10.5 points.
3. Baseball (MLB)
In baseball, point spread betting is often referred to as run line betting.
For instance, the New York Yankees might be playing the Boston Red Sox with a run line of Yankees -1.5. This means the Yankees must win by 2 runs or more if you bet on them.
If you bet on the Red Sox, they need to win the game or lose by no more than 1 run.
4. Hockey (NHL)
Similar to baseball, hockey uses puck line betting, which is a form of point spread betting.
If the Tampa Bay Lightning were playing the Detroit Red Wings with a puck line of Lightning -1.5, the Lightning would need to win by 2 goals or more for a bet on them to win.
If you bet on the Red Wings, they would need to win or lose by no more than 1 goal.
In each of these examples, the team with the negative number is the favorite and must win by more than the spread.
The team with the positive number is the underdog and must lose by less than the spread or win the game for your bet on them to win.
Analyzing and Betting on Point Spread Lines
For example, let’s say Team A is the favorite, and Team B is the underdog. The point spread might look like this:
- Team A (-4.5) – The Favorite
- Team B (+4.5) – The Underdog
This means that Team A must win by more than 4.5 points for the bettors who bet on them to win, whereas Team B must lose by 4.5 points or fewer, or win outright for their bettors to win.
The odds of point spreads will usually be associated with a numeric value such as -110 or +110.
- -110: Represents the amount you need to bet to win $100
- +110: Represents the amount you would win if you bet $100
For example, if you want to bet on Team A at -4.5 (-110), you need to bet $110 to win $100.
Covering the Spread: What it Means?
To cover the spread means that a team has won or lost by the necessary number of points to satisfy the conditions of the point spread bet.
In our previous example, if Team A wins by 5 points or more, they have successfully covered the spread.
On the other hand, if Team B loses by 4 points or less, or wins the game, they have also covered the spread.
What are Alternate Spreads?
Alternate spreads are variations of the standard point spread offered by bookmakers, allowing bettors to find different margins for their bets.
These spreads often come with adjusted odds, offering more or less potential payout based on the risk level.

For example, if Team A’s standard point spread is -4.5, then an alternate spread might be -3.5, with lower payout odds, or -6.5, with higher payout odds.
You might come across this type of betting on sportsbooks and use them to create different point spreads from what is listed, but ofcourse you never have to bet on any alternate point spreads.
Think of alternative spreads as a convenience rather than a necessity.
The advantages and disadvantages of Point Spread betting
Advantages of Point Spread Betting:
- Equality: The point spread creates an even playing field for bettors. Regardless of how mismatched the two teams may be, the point spread gives each side a roughly equal chance of winning.
- More Exciting: Point spread betting can make games more exciting. Even if one team is heavily favored to win, the point spread ensures that there’s still something to root for.
- Greater Strategy: Point spread betting requires strategic thinking. You’re not just predicting which team will win, but by how much they’ll win.
Disadvantages of Point Spread Betting:
- Complexity: For new bettors, understanding how point spreads work can be confusing. It’s not as straightforward as simply picking the winner on a moneyline bet.
- Potential for Close Calls: With point spread betting, it’s possible to lose a bet even if the team you wagered on wins the game. If they don’t win by enough points to cover the spread, you could lose your bet, especially when betting on the favorite.
- Increased Risk: Because you’re not just betting on who will win, but also by how much, there’s an increased risk. A last-minute score change can turn a winning bet into a losing one.
Total Bets and Over/Under Betting
Over/Under betting, also known as total bets, is a popular form of sports betting where you wager on whether the combined score of both teams in a game will be higher or lower than a specified number set by the bookmaker.
Instead of focusing on the winner, you’re betting on the total amount of points, goals, or runs scored in the game.

Examples of Total bets in different sports
1. Football
In football, you can place a total bet on the combined points scored by both teams during a game.
For example, if the over/under is set at 45.5 for a game between Team A and Team B, bettors who think the combined score will be more than 45.5 would bet the over, while those who think it will be less would bet the under.
2. Basketball
Total bets are quite popular in basketball due to the high-scoring nature of the game.
Similar to football, bettors wager on the combined points scored by both teams.

If the over/under is set at 232 points for a basketball game, bettors who predict the total score will exceed that number would bet on the over, while those who predict it will be less would bet on the under.
3. Baseball
In baseball, total bets often focus on the combined runs scored by both teams.
For instance, if the over/under is set at 8.5 runs for a game between Team C and Team D, bettors who believe the combined runs will be more than 8.5 would bet the over, while those who believe it will be less would bet the under.
4. Hockey
Total bets in hockey typically revolve around the combined goals scored by both teams.
If the over/under is set at 5.5 goals for a match, bettors who think the total goals will exceed that number would bet the over, while those who think it will be less would bet the under.
It’s worth noting that total bets are not about who wins the game but rather about the total points, runs, or goals scored by both teams.
Over/Under betting exists for virtually every wagerable sport but is much more popular for higher-scoring games.
Analyzing and Betting on Over/Under Lines
When you come across an Over/Under line, it will look something like this:

In this example, the sportsbook has set the total at 8 runs in this entire baseball game.
You can place a bet on whether the combined number of runs scored by both teams will be over or under 8.
The odds for each side are typically -110 for the favorite team or +110 for the underdog. This means you’d need to:
- Bet $110 on a -110 odd to win $100
- Bet $100 on a +110 odds to win $100
You don’t have to bet $100, you can bet $1 and even lower if you want.
What are Alternate Total Bets?
Alternate total bets give you the option to choose a different Over/Under line than the one set by the sportsbook.
By selecting an alternate line, you can increase or decrease the odds for your bet, which will affect your potential payout.

For example: New York Yankees vs. Boston Red Sox
Over 6.5 (+130)
Under 6.5 (-160)
In this scenario, by choosing the alternate Over/Under line of 6.5, the odds for the Over have increased to +130, while the Under odds have decreased to -160.
This means that if you bet $100 on the Over and successfully pick the outcome, you would win $130, whereas you’d need to wager $160 on the Under to potentially win $100.
The advantages and disadvantages of Total betting
Advantages of Total Betting
- Simplicity: One of the primary advantages of total betting is its simplicity. You only have to decide whether the total score will be over or under the bookmaker’s prediction. This straightforward approach makes it appealing to both beginners and experienced bettors.
- Excitement: With total betting, every point counts. This adds an extra level of suspense and excitement to watching games.
- Less Research: Unlike other forms of betting that require in-depth knowledge about individual players, teams, or statistics, total betting primarily focuses on the overall score. This can make it a less time-consuming option.
are - Neutral Perspective: If you don’t want to pick sides in a match, total betting allows you to stay neutral and only focus on the game’s overall outcome.
Disadvantages of Total Betting
- Unpredictability: Sports outcomes can be highly unpredictable, making it difficult to accurately predict the total score. A single unexpected event, like an injury to a key player or a sudden change in weather conditions, can dramatically affect the game’s outcome.
- Limited Returns: The odds in total betting are usually close to even, meaning the potential returns may not be as high as other forms of betting.
- Less Control: In total betting, your fate is tied to the performance of both teams rather than just one. This means you have less control over the outcome of your bet.
- Potential for Push: A “push” occurs when the total score equals the set number, resulting in a tie. When this happens, all bets are returned, which can be disappointing if you are on the verge of winning.
What is a Moneyline?
A moneyline is a type of bet used in sports betting where you simply choose which team or player will win a game or match outright.
Unlike point spread betting, there are no handicaps or points to cover. The team or player you bet on just needs to win the game.

Examples of Moneyline bets in different sports
- Basketball: The Los Angeles Lakers might be listed at -200 against the Boston Celtics at +180. This means you’d have to bet $200 on the Lakers to win $100 if they win. However, a $100 bet on the Celtics would win you $180 if they come out on top.
- Baseball: In a game between the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox, the Yankees might be listed with a Moneyline of -130, and the Red Sox at +110. Here, you’d have to bet $130 on the Yankees to win $100, while a $100 bet on the Red Sox would net you $110 if they win.
- Soccer: If Manchester United is playing Arsenal, and the Moneyline is Manchester United -150, Arsenal +130, and Draw +220. You can choose to bet on either team to win outright or the match to end in a draw. A $150 bet on Manchester United would win $100 if they win, a $100 bet on Arsenal would win $130 if they win, and a $100 bet on a draw would win $220 if the match ends in a draw.
Analyzing and Betting on Moneylines
Analyzing and betting on Moneylines requires a good understanding of the sport, the teams involved, and the context of the game. Here are some tips:
1. Understand the Basics: In Moneyline betting, you are simply betting on who will win the match. The favorite has a negative number (e.g., -150), and the underdog with a positive number (e.g., +130).
The numbers indicate how much you need to bet to win $100 if you’re betting on the favorite, or how much you could win from a $100 bet if you’re betting on the underdog.
2. Analyze the Teams: Look at each team’s recent performance, head-to-head history, player injuries, and other relevant factors. If one team has been on a winning streak and the other on a losing streak, this could influence your decision.
3. Consider the Context: Is this a regular-season game or a playoff game? The stakes of the game can influence how each team will perform. Some teams perform better under pressure, while others may crumble.
4. Value Betting: Sometimes, the underdog might be undervalued. If you believe that the underdog has a better chance of winning than the odds suggest, it could be a good idea to place a bet on them. You can use tools like OddsJam to find value bets with positive expected value.
5. Manage Your Bankroll: Always manage your bankroll responsibly. Don’t bet more than you can afford to lose, and try to spread your bets across multiple games instead of putting all your money on one outcome.
6. Shop Around for the Best Odds: Different sportsbooks can offer different odds on the same game. It’s always a good idea to shop around to find the best possible odds for your bet. If you need a tool to help you find the best sportsbook odds you can use OddsJam.
The advantages and disadvantages of Moneyline betting
Advantages:
- Simplicity: Moneyline bets are straightforward– you’re simply picking who will win the game or event. This makes it easy for beginners to understand and participate in sports betting.
- Good for Underdogs: If you have a strong feeling that the underdog is going to win, Moneyline bets can be profitable. The potential payout is often higher when betting on the underdog.
- No Point Spread Issues: With Moneyline bets, you don’t have to worry about the favorite winning by enough points (or the underdog losing by less than the spread). Your team just needs to win.
Disadvantages:
- Less Profitable for Favorites: Betting on the favorite with a Moneyline bet generally doesn’t pay out much unless you’re willing to wager a significant amount. This is because the odds are skewed to reflect the fact that the favorite is expected to win.
- Potential for Big Losses: On the flip side, while betting on the underdog can be more profitable, it also carries a higher risk because they’re less likely to win.
- No Middle Ground: Unlike point spreads, where you can win your bet if the team you wagered on covers the spread even if they don’t win the game, with Moneyline bets it’s win or lose. There’s no middle ground.
Differences between point spread, total, and Moneyline bets
- Point spread focuses on the difference in scores between two teams.
- Total bets deal with the combined score of both teams.
- Moneyline bets are based on who will win the game.
Point Spread
The point spread is a bet on the margin of victory in a game.
Example: Let’s say the point spread is -3.5 for Team A against Team B, if you place a bet on Team A, they need to win by 4 points or more for you to win the bet. If they win by 3 points or less, or lose the game, you lose your bet.
Moneyline
Moneyline bets are simply about who will win the game or event. There’s no point spread to cover. The negative value (-) indicates the favorite and the positive value (+) indicates the underdog.
Example: If Team A has a moneyline of -200 against Team B, you would need to bet $200 on Team A in order to have a profit of $100.
On the flip side, if Team B has a moneyline of +180, you would win $180 if you bet $100 and Team B wins the game.
Total Bets (Over/Under)
Total bets (also known as over/under bets) are wagers on the combined score of both teams in a game.
You’re not betting on who will win, but whether the total points scored by both teams is over or under the amount set by the bookmaker.
Example: If the over/under on a basketball game is set at 210.5, you can bet either “over” or “under”. If you bet the over, you’re betting that the combined score will be 211 points or more. If you bet the under, you’re betting that the combined score will be 210 points or less.
Each type of bet offers different strategies and can be more or less suitable depending on the specifics of the game and your knowledge about the teams involved.
Reading point spreads, total and moneyline bets
Understanding how to read point spreads, total, and moneyline bets odds is an important part of sports betting. Let me guide you through the process in a friendly and straightforward manner.
Point Spread Betting: The favorite team has a minus (-) sign and an accompanying number representing the number of points taken away from their final score.
The underdog team has a plus (+) sign and a number showing the amount of points added to their final score.
For example, if Team A is favored to win by 7 points, the point spread would be -7 for Team A and +7 for Team B, their opponent.
- Team A (-7) – The Favorite: Need to win by more than 7 points for you to win the bet
- Team B (+7) – The Underdog: Need to lose by less than 7 points or win the game for you to win the bet.
- A Tie: A tie, or push, occurs when the difference in points exactly matches the point spread, resulting in your bet amount being paid back to you.
Total Bets is betting on the combined total number of points scored by both teams. Oddsmakers set a predicted total, and you can bet on whether the actual total will be over or under that number.
For example, if the predicted total for a game is 45 points, you can bet on the game going over (combined points scored by both teams more than 45) or under (combined points scored less than 45).
How you bet in this scenario will based on how well you think the performance will be for both teams in a particular game you’re betting on.
Moneyline Bets is betting on the team that you think will win the game. With a moneyline bet, positive numbers indicate the underdog and negative numbers show the favorite.
For example, if Team A has odds of -200 against Team B with odds of +200, this means you’d need to bet $200 on Team A in order to win $100.
For Team B who has odds of +200, you would need to bet $100 to win $200.
How are point spreads, totals and moneylines determined in sports betting?
Point spreads are established by oddsmakers to level the playing field between two mismatched teams.
Essentially, the oddsmakers’ goal is to create a handicap that gives the underdog a theoretical advantage, resulting in an equal amount of bet on both sides.
Determining the total, also known as the over/under, involves predicting the combined score of both teams participating in the game.
Moneylines odds in sports betting are determined by; Initial line creation, public perception, market movements, and late information
When To Bet on Point Spreads, Total and Moneyline Bets?
Let’s take a look at these two popular betting options and when to use each one.
Point Spread Bets
Point spread bets are useful when:
- You have a strong opinion on which team will win and by how much.
- The teams are unevenly matched, making a moneyline bet less attractive.
- You want a more challenging bet than just picking the winner.
Total Bets
Total bets are suitable when:
- You’re unsure of which team will win but expect a high- or low-scoring game.
- You want to focus on the game’s overall pace or style of play.
- You want a more straightforward bet based on points scored.
Moneyline Bets
Moneyline bets are ideal when:
- You’re confident in which team will win the game.
- The point spread is too high, making it difficult to cover.
- You want a more straightforward bet without worrying about point differentials or totals.
To make the best decision between point spreads, total, and moneyline bets, consider your knowledge of the sport, the teams involved, and your overall betting style.
Factors To Consider When Choosing Between Point Spreads, Total, and Moneyline Bets
1. Understanding of the Game
This is a fundamental factor. Different sports have different dynamics, and understanding these can help you decide which type of bet is more suitable.
For example, in football where scores tend to be lower, point spreads and totals may offer better opportunities.
In contrast, for basketball where scores are typically higher, moneyline bets can be more straightforward.
That said, you can use each type of betting on any of the sports if you see the value in doing so.
2. Team Performance
Consider how the teams have been performing recently. Are they on a winning streak?
Have they been scoring high or low in their recent games? All of this information can help you decide whether to place a point spread, total, or moneyline bet.
3. Familiarity with both playing teams
Think about your level of familiarity with the teams involved in the game. Point spread betting involves choosing a side, while total betting is based on the combined score of both teams.
If you feel confident about one team’s performance and the individual matchups, then a point spread bet might be more suitable for you.
On the other hand, if you’re unsure about the exact outcome, but have a good sense of the overall offensive and defensive trends, a total or moneyline bet could be a better option.
4. High scoring teams
Certain situations might favor one bet type over the other.
For example, if two high-scoring teams are playing, a total bet might be more sensible than a point spread bet, as the game could be unpredictable in terms of victory margins.
Similarly, if one team has a significant advantage due to injuries or a winning streak, a point spread or moneyline bet might be more appealing.
5. Playing Venue
Home-field advantage can be a real factor in sports. Some teams play significantly better at home than on the road, and vice versa.
When placing a bet based on where the teams are playing, making a moneyline bet might be best.
6. Odds offered on each type of bet
Another factor to consider is the odds being offered for each bet type.
Different sportsbooks might offer different odds, so it’s important to compare them and choose the one that provides the most value.
As for a moneyline bet look for situations where you believe the odds may be in your favor. To find odds to bet on that are in your favor you can use tools like OddsJam.
7. Your risk tolerance
Consider your own betting strategy and risk tolerance.
Point spread bets can be riskier, as the outcome often depends on a single scoring play, whereas total bets are based on the cumulative performance of both teams.
Moneyline bets are often seen as less risky than both point spread and total bets since you’re just picking the winner.
Point spreads and totals require a more precise prediction and therefore carry more risk so if you prefer lower-risk bets, you might want to lean towards moneyline and total bets.
However, if you enjoy the thrill of predicting specific game scores, point spread bets could be more engaging for you.
Common Totals Betting Strategies
Below are some beginner-friendly strategies to help you get started with total bets.
1. Choose the Right Sports and Matchups
Totals bets may be more suitable for certain sports and specific matchups. Look for games where scoring tends to be higher or lower, depending on your bet preference.
High-scoring sports like basketball or football offer more opportunities for over/under betting, while soccer or hockey games may have lower scores, making it harder to predict.
2. Understand the Teams and Their Playing Styles
When betting on the over/under, research the participating teams’ average scores and playing styles.
A team with a high-octane offense and weak defense might often be involved in high-scoring games, increasing the likelihood of an over bet.
A matchup with two high offensive teams could also be great for an over bet, while two defensively strong teams with lower-scoring averages may be better suited for an under bet.
3. Keep Current with Injuries and Suspensions
Always be updated on key player injuries and suspensions.
A star player’s absence can significantly impact a team’s scoring or defensive ability, which could lead to lower scores and increase the likelihood of an under bet.
4. Monitor Weather Conditions
In some sports, weather conditions may affect scoring and overall gameplay.
For example, windy or rainy football games can lead to more fumbles and missed kicks, potentially lowering the total score.
Pay attention to the weather conditions in outdoor sports to better inform your over/under bet.
5. Stay Cautious of Big Numbers
When you see a high total line, like in basketball or football games, be cautious about automatically betting on the over.
Often, oddsmakers will set high lines to entice inexperienced bettors into thinking there will be a high-scoring game.
However, these high lines can sometimes account for gambling behavior (too many people betting on one side) and not just statistical analysis.
Common Point Spread Betting Strategies
Here are some beginner-friendly strategies to help you get started with point spread betting.
1. Understand the Basics
Familiarize yourself with the basic concepts of point spread betting.
Essentially, this system is designed to even out the odds between competing teams by handicapping the stronger team, giving the weaker team a “head start.”
Knowledge of these fundamentals sets a strong foundation for your betting success, so make sure you understand this before you start betting on spreads.
2. Research the Teams
Always research the competing teams. Statistically analyze their past performance, head-to-head matchups, and current form.
Look out for injuries, home-field advantage, and anything that could influence the outcome.
The more information you gather, the better your chances of accurately predicting the point spread and placing successful bets.
3. Focus on a Few Sports
It’s tempting to bet on various sports events, but focusing on just a couple of sports maximizes your chances of success.
Knowing more about a specific sport or league allows you to better understand the dynamics and make more informed decisions when placing bets.
4. Bet with Your Head, Not Your Heart
Betting on your favorite team may feel satisfying, but don’t let personal bias cloud your judgment.
Analyze the odds objectively and avoid emotional decision-making and if you can’t bet without emotions use betting tools like OddsJam to help you make your bets.
Successful sports bettors often rely on systematic analysis and data rather than gut feelings.
5. Start Small and Manage Your Bankroll
As a beginner, it’s important to start with small bets and gradually increase them as you become more confident and experienced.
Set a budget and try to manage your bankroll properly to avoid losing money in the long run. Sports betting is a marathon, not a sprint.
Common Moneyline Betting Strategies
Moneyline betting is a popular strategy used in sports betting. Here are some common strategies you might want to consider:
1. Understanding the Odds
The first step in any betting strategy is understanding the odds. In moneyline betting, you’re simply betting on who will win the game.
The favorite will have a negative number (-), indicating how much you need to bet to win $100, and the underdog will have a positive number (+), indicating how much you will win if you bet $100.
2. Betting on Underdogs
One common strategy to use when betting on a moneyline is to bet on underdogs.
This can be risky, as you’re betting on the team that is expected to lose. However, the potential payout can be significant if the underdog wins.
3. Flat Betting
Flat betting is a strategy where you bet the same amount on every game, regardless of the odds.
This can be a good strategy for beginners, as it helps manage your bankroll and reduces the risk of big losses.
4. Arbitrage Betting
Arbitrage betting involves placing bets on all possible outcomes of an event at odds that guarantee a profit, regardless of the outcome. So, basically betting on both sides of a game to ensure a profit.
For example, in a basketball match:
- Team A has: -250 odds in one sportsbook
- Team B has: +350 odds in another sportsbook
If you bet $250 on team A (to win $100) and about $80 on team B (to win $280), regardless of which team wins, you would make a profit of about $20 minimum.
Arbitrage betting requires quick action and can be tricky to find opportunities, but it can be a profitable strategy for advanced bettors.
Try OddsJam if you want to find out more about arbitrage betting and how you can start making profitable bets. Try OddsJam for free.
5. Research and Analysis
Like any form of betting, research and analysis are key.
You should always do your homework before placing a bet, looking at factors like the teams’ recent performance, injury reports, matchup against opponents, and other relevant statistics.
6. Bankroll Management
Responsible bankroll management is important to successful betting. Set a budget for your betting activity and stick to it.
Never bet more than you can afford to lose.
How to find the Best Bets on Sportsbooks?
Finding the best point spreads, total, and moneyline bets on sportsbooks are important to succeed in sports betting.
As a beginner, you want to be able to compare various sportsbooks to find the most favorable odds and lines to bet on.
One of the best sports betting tools that I have found to help me do this and win some of my bets is OddsJam.
Let’s break down a few steps to help you find the odds for the best bets:
1. Research the sportsbooks
A good starting point is to look at different sportsbooks and their offerings.
A few popular sportsbooks that you can explore include Fanduel, DraftKings, BetMGM, Caesars, and PointsBet.
Spend some time on each site and understand how they display odds, spread, and totals.
2. Consider the bonuses and promotions
Many sportsbooks offer welcome-deposit bonuses, enhanced odds, and other promotions to new users, that can boost your potential returns.
Opt for the ones that provide the best value for your betting strategy.
3. Compare the odds
Once you have signed up for a few sportsbooks, compare their odds and lines for the matches you want to bet on. You can use a tool like OddsJam if you want this to be easier for you.
This helps you identify the best value bets, which can improve your winning chances.
4. Keep an eye on the line movements
Track the changes in point spreads and total bets as the event approaches. You can also do this with OddsJam.
This is everything that you need to know about point spreads, moneylines, and total bets if you’re a beginner.
Look at strategies and when it’s best to place bets on each of these.
Remember to always stay disciplined, manage your bankroll properly, and use all of the sports betting tools you can to ensure you’re always making bets that are in your favor and are more likely to win.
Good luck and please bet responsibly.