Baseball Betting Rules

Written by Steve Janus - Google +

While betting on baseball is pretty straight forward, there are a few things that the casual better might not know. To make sure you get the full potential out of your betting experience here is a quick breakdown of the rules for MLB betting.

Types of Bets You Can Make:

Money Line – With this bet you are simply betting on which team you think will win the game. Oddsmakers will put odds based on who they think will win. For example, if a team is listed at -150, you would have to place a $150 bet to win $100. On the other hand if a team is listed at +130, you would win $130 on a $100 bet.

Run Line – The MLB run line is the same thing as a point spread in other sports expect oddsmakers use the same -1.5/+1.5 lines for every game. If you place a bet on a team at -1.5, that team must win the game by at least two runs for you to cash in. For a +1.5 bet you win if the team either wins the game outright or loses by one run. The team that is favored on the money line will always be the team with the -1.5 run line. Both scheduled starters must start the game for this bet to be official.

Over/Under – With this bet you are simply betting on how many runs will be scored in a given game. Oddsmakers will set this line based on who is pitching that given day and the offenses that are playing. If you tie a total bet the bet is considered a push and you will be refunded. Both scheduled starters must start the game for this bet to be official.

Future Bets - Many sportsbooks will give you the option of betting on who you think will win each division, World Series, MVP, Home run champion, etc. These bets are normally placed at the beginning of the season, but many times you can still bet on them throughout the year. Future bets during the season will get adjusted based on how a particular team/player is performing. If you win a future bet you must wait till the season is completed before receiving your winnings.

First 5 Innings – This is bet has the same principal as the money line bets, but it only refers to the first five innings of a game. This bet allows you to focus more on the starting pitching and not worry about the bullpen costing you a win. Both scheduled starters must start the game for this bet to be official.

Pitching Options (For Money Line Only)

Listed Pitchers – If you place a money line wager with this option the two scheduled starters must start the game in order for this bet to count. If one or both scheduled starters do not start the game the bet is considered invalid and your money will be refunded.
Action – This option allows you to bet on a game no matter who starts for each team.

Official Bets:

Money Line – For a baseball game to be considered to be official 4.5 innings must be completed if the home team is winning or 5 innings if the away team is leading. If a game is ended early because of rain the team that is ahead at that point is considered the winner. If a game does not reach the specified inning mark it will be considered a no contest and your money will be refunded. If a game is suspended and must resume play the following day the bet is considered invalid and your money will be refunded.

Run Line/Totals - A baseball game isn’t considered official unless 8.5 innings have been played with the home team leading or 9 innings with the away team winning. If games go into extra innings those innings count towards both the run line and total bets. If a game is suspended after 9 innings both run line and total bets will be determined at the point the game is stopped.

First 5 Innings – A full 5 innings must be completed for this bet to count. Any game that is suspended before 5 innings are complete will be considered an invalid bet and your money will be refunded.

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