Baseball
Odds for major league baseball teams are usually determined in large part by the starting pitcher, and changes in the pitching order can dramatically change the odds. At most sportsbooks, you can specify that either one or both of the listed pitchers must start the game. If one or both of the starting pitchers change before the game, your bet is considered a push and is returned to you.
A typical baseball betting line looks like this:
Team |
Pitcher |
Odds |
Total |
Money Line for Total |
Cubs |
Wood |
-120 |
8.5 |
Over -110 |
Braves |
Ramirez |
+110 |
Under -110 |
The bottom team listed is usually the home team. The negative number on the Cubs' line indicates they are favored to win. The money line for the total refers to total runs scored in the game; you can bet that the two teams will score 9 or more runs or 8 or fewer runs.
In baseball, over/under bets have two specific rules. First, the game must go at least 8½ innings if the home team wins, or 9 innings if the visiting team wins. Second, both listed pitchers must start the game. If either of these rules is not satisfied — if the game is rained out after 6 innings, for example — the bet is a push and your wager is returned.
