Major League Baseball betting lines are set by the public and change constantly. These changes come from a variety of factors, including the number of games each team plays during the season, the pitching matchup, and the weather at a particular game. Having a good understanding of each of these factors can help you make the most informed wagers possible.
The basic MLB bet involves betting on who will win the game. Moneyline bets are often the easiest to make, as they do not involve point spreads. It is possible to put together a combination of moneyline, run line, and total predictions to create a parlay bet. You should always be careful when placing bets and make sure you look for value and edge.
One of the most popular MLB betting lines is the run line. Similar to the point spread, a run line is a measurement of how many points a team must lose or win to be considered a winner. For example, if a team is listed at -1.5 runs, it means the favorite must be defeated by two or more runs. This is because the team must be able to score at least one run in order to win the game. If they win by just a single run, the line will be +1.5.
Another popular MLB bet is the total. As with the run line, the total is based on a number of different factors. A team’s starting pitching matchup is a big factor, as it can impact the overall outcome of the game. Often, a stronger pitcher will result in a lower total. Similarly, if a team has a starting pitcher who isn’t very good, the total will be higher.
One of the most important aspects of MLB betting lines is home field advantage. Home teams have a significant advantage, but this can change depending on a variety of factors, including whether or not the team is playing at hitter-friendly parks. Some teams, like the Houston Astros, are considered slight favorites due to their home field. Other teams, like the Los Angeles Dodgers, are considered underdogs.
In some cases, weather can also affect the outcome of a game. During a windy day, for example, a team that is down to its final out can still rip three-run rallies. Likewise, a team that is winning the game might find itself getting swept because a solo home run in the bottom of the ninth inning can change the outcome of the game.
When making your bets, it is important to know the difference between the run line and the money line. Moneyline bets are not as accurate as they are for the NFL, so you may want to look for value in an underdog. Also, if you have a strong feeling that the team will lose, you should look for a better wager to place.
Finally, when betting on MLB games, keep in mind that it is possible to place a prop bet. These bets include things like the number of home runs a team will have in a best of seven series, or the most strikeouts as a starting pitcher.