How to Bet on MLB Baseball: A Complete Beginner's Guide
What is MLB Betting?
MLB betting is the act of wagering on the outcome of Major League Baseball (MLB) games. It allows you to test your knowledge of the sport and potentially win money by predicting game results, player performances, and more. With a long 162-game season, there are plenty of opportunities to get in on the action.
Basic Rules and Format
The MLB season is a marathon, not a sprint. It consists of a lengthy regular season, followed by a postseason playoff tournament that culminates in the World Series. Understanding the different phases of the season is crucial for making informed bets. For example, a team's motivation and performance can vary significantly between a regular-season game in June and a do-or-die playoff game in October.
Types of Bets Available
Baseball betting has its own unique set of wagers, but also shares some common bet types with other sports:
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Moneyline: This is the most common way to bet on baseball. You simply pick which team will win the game. The odds are adjusted based on each team's perceived strength, with a favorite (indicated by a minus sign) and an underdog (indicated by a plus sign).
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Run Line: Similar to a point spread in football or basketball, the run line is typically set at -1.5 for the favorite and +1.5 for the underdog. This means the favorite must win by two or more runs to cover the run line, while the underdog can win the bet by winning the game outright or losing by just one run.
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Totals (Over/Under): The sportsbook sets a total number of runs to be scored by both teams in a game. You can bet on whether the actual total will be over or under that number.
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First 5 Innings (F5): This bet focuses on the outcome of the first five innings of a game. It's a great way to isolate the starting pitching matchup and avoid the unpredictability of bullpens.
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Prop Bets (Propositions): These are bets on specific events within a game, such as a player's total strikeouts, hits, or home runs.
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Futures: These are long-term bets on outcomes like which team will win the World Series or which player will win the Cy Young Award.
Step-by-Step Guide to Placing a Bet
- Choose a Sportsbook: Select a legal and reputable online sportsbook.
- Create an Account: Sign up and deposit funds into your account.
- Find the MLB Section: Navigate to the baseball or MLB section of the sportsbook.
- Select a Game: Choose the game you want to bet on.
- Choose Your Bet: Select your desired bet type (moneyline, run line, etc.).
- Enter Your Wager: Decide how much you want to bet.
- Confirm Your Bet: Review your bet slip and confirm your wager.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overvaluing Starting Pitchers: While starting pitching is important, it's not the only factor to consider. Bullpen strength, hitting, and defense are also crucial.
- Ignoring Weather Conditions: Wind and weather can have a significant impact on the number of runs scored in a game.
- Not Considering Umpire Tendencies: Some umpires have a reputation for having a larger or smaller strike zone, which can affect the number of runs scored.
- Chasing Steam: "Steam" is when the betting line moves significantly in one direction. While it can be an indicator of sharp money, it's not always wise to blindly follow it.
Tips for Beginners
- Focus on Divisional Games: Teams within the same division play each other more often, which can give you a better understanding of their matchups.
- Pay Attention to Bullpen Usage: A team's bullpen may be fatigued if it has been used heavily in recent games.
- Look for Value in Underdogs: Baseball is a sport with a lot of variance, and underdogs win more often than in other sports.
- Consider Reverse Line Movement: This is when the betting line moves in the opposite direction of the betting percentages, which can be a sign of sharp money.
- Have Fun and Bet Responsibly: Set a budget and stick to it. Sports betting should be an enjoyable form of entertainment.