Understanding betting terms is key for anyone interested in online or in-person sports betting. "Moneyline" is a term players often see, but it can seem confusing at first, especially for beginners or those used to other odds formats.
This blog post explains what moneyline odds mean in a UK context, how positive and negative figures work, how payouts are calculated, and how to convert moneyline to decimal. It also looks at how draws are handled in football and how moneyline compares to handicap markets.
Along the way, you’ll find common mistakes to avoid and practical tips on choosing when this type of market might suit your approach. Keep things within your means and use deposit limits if they help you manage your play.
How Do Moneyline Odds Work?
Moneyline odds show who is favoured to win and the potential profit from a winning bet. Instead of fractional or decimal odds, the moneyline uses positive and negative numbers.
A positive number (for example, +200) shows how much profit a £100 stake could return if the selection wins. In this example, a winning £100 bet brings £200 profit, plus the £100 stake back.
A negative number (for example, -150) shows how much you would need to stake to make a £100 profit if the selection wins. Here, a £150 stake would return £100 profit, plus the £150 stake back.
You’ll often see moneyline odds on American sports, but some UK sites display them too. Once you’re comfortable with the signs, the next step is understanding what they tell you about favourites and underdogs.
What Do Positive And Negative Moneyline Odds Mean?
Positive moneyline odds (such as +250) usually appear next to the underdog. The figure shows the profit a £100 stake could deliver if that selection wins.
Negative moneyline odds (such as -120) usually mark the favourite. The number shows how much you would need to stake to make a £100 profit if that selection wins.
Reading these signs at a glance helps you judge how a market is priced without diving straight into calculations. If you do want to run the numbers, the method is straightforward.
How Do You Calculate Payouts From Moneyline Odds?
The calculation changes slightly depending on whether the odds are positive or negative.
For positive moneyline odds (for example, +250), use:
Profit = Stake × (Odds / 100)
A £10 bet at +250:
£10 × (250 / 100) = £25 profit
Total payout: £35 including stake.
For negative moneyline odds (for example, -150), use:
Profit = Stake ÷ (Odds / 100)
A £10 bet at -150:
£10 ÷ (150 / 100) = £6.67 profit
Total payout: £16.67 including stake.
Most betting sites show this for you automatically, but knowing the maths makes it easier to compare prices and plan your budget. If you prefer to work in decimal odds, conversion is simple.
How To Convert American Moneyline To Decimal Odds
The formula depends on whether the moneyline is positive or negative, and the result includes the stake.
For positive moneyline odds (such as +150):
Decimal odds = (Moneyline ÷ 100) + 1
Example: (150 ÷ 100) + 1 = 1.5 + 1 = 2.5
For negative moneyline odds (such as -200):
Decimal odds = (100 ÷ Moneyline) + 1
Example: (100 ÷ 200) + 1 = 0.5 + 1 = 1.5
Most UK sites default to decimal, so being able to convert at a glance helps when comparing markets across different formats. That becomes especially useful in football, where the way a draw is handled changes what a moneyline market looks like.
How Does Moneyline Work For Football Draws?
In football, a match can finish level. Moneyline markets handle this in two main ways.
A standard football moneyline, often called a “3-way moneyline,” offers three options: Home Win, Draw, or Away Win. If you back the home team and the match ends level, only those who picked Draw win.
Some markets use a “2-way moneyline,” also known as “Draw No Bet.” Here, only two outcomes are offered: one team or the other. If the match ends level, the stake is usually refunded.
For example, if Arsenal v Spurs finishes 1-1, a 3-way bet on Arsenal would lose. With Draw No Bet, the Arsenal stake would typically be returned. If you want to factor in margins rather than just the winner, that’s where handicap betting differs.
Moneyline Vs Handicap: What Is The Difference?
Moneyline and handicap betting predict outcomes in different ways.
A moneyline bet is direct: choose the team or individual you think will win. Settlement is based on the match result without any adjustment to the score.
Handicap betting attempts to balance perceived differences in ability. One team is given a starting advantage or disadvantage, shown as a plus or minus number. The bet then pays out based on the adjusted score. For instance, a -1 handicap means the team must win by two or more for the selection to land.
If you prefer to focus on the winner alone, moneyline keeps things simple. If you want to weigh up margins and performance gaps, handicap markets add that extra layer.
When Is Moneyline The Right Market To Use?
Moneyline betting suits moments when you simply want to back a winner without thinking about the scoreline or margin. That often fits sports where draws are rare or not offered, such as tennis or basketball, and certain knockout football stages where extra time or penalties settle the result.
It can also appeal when a match-up feels clear to assess and you would rather avoid the complexity of spreads, totals, or player props. If other markets feel complicated, the straightforward nature of moneyline can make comparisons easier.
Check the market rules for the sport you’re betting on so you know exactly how your selection will be settled.
Common Mistakes When Using Moneyline Bets
Misreading the signs is a frequent slip. Confusing positive and negative figures can lead to staking more or less than intended, or misjudging how a selection is priced.
Another pitfall is overlooking the draw in football. Backing a team in a 3-way market without spotting the Draw option can catch people out when the match ends level. Related to this, not understanding “Draw No Bet” can cause confusion over whether a stake is returned.
Some players skip comparing prices across sites, which can reduce potential returns over time. It is also easy to miss sport-specific rules that affect how bets settle, especially around extra time and penalties.
Finally, avoid chasing losses or staking beyond a set budget. If gambling starts to affect your well-being or finances, seek help early. Independent organisations such as GamCare and GambleAware offer free, confidential support.
With a clear grasp of the terms, calculations, and market types, moneyline becomes another useful option to weigh up alongside the rest.
**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.