How to Bet on the MLB - Baseball Betting Guide 2024

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Before locking in your MLB picks, it helps to understand the different ways you can bet on baseball. Whether you're new to sports betting or just need a refresher, this guide covers the most popular MLB bet types, key strategies, and helpful resources to get started.

How to Bet on MLB

Betting on MLB can be simple once you know the basics. Here's a breakdown of the main types of baseball bets.

Moneyline

The moneyline is the most straightforward bet. You're simply picking which team will win the game. The odds indicate how much you stand to win and how likely each outcome is perceived to be.

For example, if the Yankees are -185 against the Blue Jays (+140), this means a winning $185 bet on the Yankees would net you $100, while a $100 bet on the Blue Jays would net you $140. While a Yankees win is more likely, the odds aren't 50/50 as "who will win" might suggest. If you're looking for more value, you could consider a Runline bet (see below).

Totals (Over/Under)

This is a bet on the total number of runs scored by both teams combined. The sportsbook sets a line (e.g., 8.5 runs), and you simply pick whether the total will be OVER or UNDER that number.

If the Dodgers are playing the Padres and the total is set at 9.5 runs, betting the OVER means you think the teams will combine for at least 10 runs. If the final score is 6-5, the OVER wins. If it's 4-3, the UNDER hits.

Runlines (Spread)

MLB's version of a point spread is usually set at 1.5 runs. For example, if the Yankees are -1.5 against the Blue Jays (+1.5), the Yankees must win by 2 or more runs for your bet to cash. Conversely, the Blue Jays can lose by 1 run or win outright, and you still win your bet. This can provide better odds than a moneyline bet, especially if you're betting on the favorite.

If you bet on the Yankees -1.5 and they win 5-3, your bet wins because they covered the spread. However, if they win 5-4, the bet loses since they only won by 1 run.

NRFI/YRFI (No Run First Inning / Yes Run First Inning)

These bets focus exclusively on the first inning. NRFI means you're betting on a scoreless first inning, while YRFI predicts at least one run will be scored. These quick bets are popular with baseball fans looking for immediate results and often hinge on starting pitcher matchups.

If Paul Skenes is starting against a weak-hitting lineup, an NRFI bet might be attractive because of his dominance in the first inning. Conversely, a YRFI bet could be the better choice if two teams with explosive offenses face off. We have a full NRFI betting trends guide to help you with your NRFI wagers.

Player Props

Player props let you bet on individual performances, like whether Spencer Strider will strike out OVER 7.5 batters. Strider's line might be higher due to his strikeout-heavy style and recent performances, whereas a pitcher like Casey Mize might have a 5.5 K line due to lower strikeout rates or tougher matchups. When betting on props, consider factors like player splits, opposing lineups, and alternative lines for riskier payouts.

If Shohei Ohtani is facing a pitcher with a high home run rate, betting on Ohtani to hit a home run could be a smart prop. Alternatively, if Strider is pitching against a strikeout-prone lineup, taking the OVER on his strikeouts is worth exploring. Our MLB player props projections model is a great resource to help you handicap the various MLB player prop markets.

Team Props

Team props are similar to player props but focus on team performance. Examples include betting on how many total hits or home runs a team will record or whether they'll score in the first inning. These bets can be particularly enticing when a team faces a struggling pitcher or excels in certain conditions.

If the Braves are playing at Coors Field, you might bet on them to score OVER 4.5 runs due to the hitter-friendly environment. Conversely, if they face an elite pitcher like Gerrit Cole, the UNDER might be more appealing.

Futures Picks

Futures bets focus on long-term outcomes, such as who will win the World Series, claim division titles, or earn individual awards like MVP or Cy Young. These bets require patience, but they can offer great value if you spot trends or underrated teams and players early.

Preseason odds might list the Phillies at +2500 to win the World Series. Betting $100 would return $2,500 in profit if they win. Similarly, you might bet on a breakout player at +1500 to win AL MVP before the season starts.

Here are some futures odds and picks to get you started:

Parlays

A parlay combines multiple bets into a single wager with a higher potential payout. For instance, you could parlay the Yankees moneyline, the OVER 8.5 total, and Shohei Ohtani hitting a home run. While hitting all legs of a parlay can lead to big winnings, remember: one loss ruins the entire ticket.

A three-leg parlay of the Dodgers -1.5, the UNDER 7.5 runs in a separate game, and Freddie Freeman to record 2+ hits might pay out at +600 odds. A $100 bet would win $600 if all three legs hit.

Our parlay calculator will help find out what your potential payout would be.

Live Betting

Live betting allows you to place wagers during the game. You can bet on updated moneylines, run totals, or in-game props like the outcome of the next at-bat. Live betting is a great way to capitalize on changing dynamics, like bullpen usage or weather shifts.

If the Red Sox fall behind 3-0 early but are facing a weak opposing bullpen, betting on their live moneyline at +200 could offer value. Be sure to take advantage of our MLB live betting cheat sheet to help you find opportunities to cash your in-game betting experience.

First Five Innings (F5) Bets

F5 bets let you focus solely on the first five innings of the game. You can bet on the moneyline, runline, or totals for just the first five innings. This type of bet is ideal for games featuring strong starting pitchers but unreliable bullpens.

If Jacob deGrom is starting for the Rangers, you might bet on them to win the F5 moneyline or take the UNDER for the first five innings, anticipating a low-scoring start.

Check out our first five betting report to see how every team performs in this type of wager.

MLB Betting Tips & Strategies

There are many ways to go about strategizing your baseball bets, here are just a few things to consider:

Recent Performance

Understanding a team's recent performance is critical. If the Dodgers are first in the NL West but have gone 3-12 in their last 15 games, it's worth reconsidering their chances. Look at recent MLB scores and schedules to assess form, while also accounting for injuries or hot streaks.

The Rays might be on a 7-game win streak with an average margin of victory of 3 runs. Betting on them to cover the runline could be a good choice.

Starting Pitchers

Starting pitching is a game-changer in MLB betting. Consider how pitchers perform in various scenarios, such as home vs. away games, against specific teams, or under certain weather conditions. Strikeout-heavy pitchers often dominate player props, while contact pitchers may influence totals betting.

If Clayton Kershaw has a career 2.00 ERA at home but struggles on the road, betting on the Dodgers at home with him on the mound might be a strong play.

Umpires

Umpires can significantly impact the game. Some have smaller strike zones, leading to higher-scoring games, while others favor pitchers. Researching the day's umpire assignments can provide an edge. If an umpire is known for a tight strike zone, betting the OVER on runs might be worth considering. You can see which home plate umpires statistics are in terms of OVER/UNDERs and home team results here.

Weather

Weather conditions, especially wind, play a big role in MLB outcomes. A strong wind blowing out at Wrigley Field could turn routine fly balls into home runs. Always check forecasts before locking in bets.

If wind speeds of 15+ mph are blowing out at Fenway Park, betting on the OVER for runs or more home runs could be advantageous. Be sure to bookmark our weather report page for daily insights.