Understanding MLB Betting
Major League Baseball (MLB) enjoys vast popularity in the United States and draws numerous sports bettors, particularly those involved in Online Sports Betting. With 30 teams divided between two leagues, the regular season offers thousands of games for betting, making MLB an attractive choice for betting enthusiasts. From the season’s opening day to the climactic World Series championship, the MLB season exudes excitement. Sports betting enthusiasts can indulge in this exhilaration by wagering on the moneyline, run line, and over/under totals.
Juice or Vig
In MLB betting, juice, also known as vig or vigorish, refers to the commission or fee charged by bookmakers or sportsbooks for accepting a bet. It’s essentially the price you pay for placing a bet. Juice typically represents as a percentage of the total amount wagered, with a common rate being around 10% of the bet.
Example: let’s say you want to bet on an upcoming MLB game. The sportsbook offers odds of -120 on your chosen team, which means you would need to wager $120 in order to win $100 if your team is victorious. The extra $20 represents the juice that the sportsbook is charging for taking your bet.
Run Line
The run line is one of the most popular types of bets when it comes to MLB. Similar to the point spread in football, the favorite team is marked with a minus (-) sign and the underdog with a plus (+) sign. Let’s say the New York Yankees are playing the Boston Red Sox, and the run line is:
- New York Yankees: -1.5
- Boston Red Sox: +1.5
In this scenario, the Yankees are the favorite and are giving 1.5 runs, while the Red Sox are the underdog and are receiving 1.5 runs. This means the Yankees would need to win the game by more than 1.5 runs to cover the run line, while the Red Sox could lose by up to 1 run and still cover the run line.
If you bet on the Yankees to cover the run line, they would need to win the game by 2 or more runs for you to win the bet. In the case that they only win by 1 run, the bet would be considered a push and your wager would be refunded. If you bet on the Red Sox, they would need to either win the game or lose by 1 run for you to win the bet.
For example, if the Yankees win the game 5-3, they would cover the run line because they won by 2 runs, which is more than the 1.5-run spread. However, if they only win by 1 run, they would not cover the run line and a bet on the Red Sox would win.
Moneyline
Moneyline betting in MLB means that you have to wager on who you think will win the game. The odds are determined by the sportsbook and the favorite and underdog are marked by the odds.
For example, let’s say the New York Yankees are playing the Boston Red Sox and the moneyline odds for the game are:
- New York Yankees: -150
- Boston Red Sox: +130
In this scenario, the Yankees are the favorite to win the game, as indicated by the negative number (-150). This means that a bettor would need to wager $150 on the Yankees to win $100 if they win the game. Conversely, the Red Sox are the underdog, as indicated by the positive number (+130). This means that a bettor who wagers $100 on the Red Sox would win $130 if they pull off the upset and win the game.
So, if you believe that the Yankees will win the game, you would need to wager $150 to win $100. Alternatively, if you think the Red Sox will win, you would only need to wager $100 to win $130. Remember that moneyline bets only require you to pick the winner of the game, and the odds reflect the probability of each team winning.
Over/Under Bets
In MLB, an over-under bet works similarly to other sports. The sportsbook sets a total number of runs expected to be scored by both teams in a game, and bettors can wager on whether the actual total will be over or under that number.
For example, let’s say the New York Yankees are playing the Boston Red Sox, and the over-under total for the game is set at 9 runs. If you bet the over, you are betting that the total combined score of both teams will be higher than 9 runs. But, if you bet the under, you are betting that the total combined score of both teams will be lower than 9 runs.
If the game’s final score is Yankees 5, and Red Sox 4, the total combined score would be 9 runs, which is exactly equal to the over-under total. In this case, the bet is considered a push, and all bets are refunded.
However, if the total combined score is 10 runs or higher, then the over bet would win. If the total combined score is 8 runs or lower, then the under bet would win.
MLB Stats
MLB betting stats refer to the statistical information used by sports bettors to make informed decisions when betting on Major League Baseball games. These stats can provide valuable insights into the performance of individual teams and players and trends and patterns in historical data. Some common MLB betting stats include Pitcher ERA and WHIP, Team OBP: On-base percentage, Average runs scored and betting trends such as home/away records and performance against left or right-handed pitchers.
- Pitcher ERA and WHIP: The starting pitcher in a game can have a significant impact on the outcome, so it’s important to look at their earned run average (ERA) and walks plus hits per inning pitched (WHIP) stats. A lower ERA and WHIP generally indicate a better pitcher.
- Team OBP (On-base percentage): Measures how often a batter reaches base, and it’s an important stat to consider for individual batters as well as the team as a whole. A higher OBP generally indicates a stronger offense.
- Average runs scored: This stat is a simple way to gauge a team’s offensive production, as it measures the total number of runs scored divided by the number of games played.
- Betting trends: Refer to the patterns and statistics that have emerged over time in terms of how teams perform in various situations. You can use these trends to make more informed decisions about which teams to bet on.
Latest AI and Expert Picks
At Sports Betting AI, we offer both AI Picks and Expert Picks to help you make profitable betting decisions. Whether you choose to rely primarily on AI or expert analysis, or a combination of both, we’re here to provide you with the insights and tools you need to succeed in the exciting world of sports betting.
MLB Betting Tips
- Use AI Picks: Artificial Intelligence (AI) can be a valuable tool for improving your sports betting strategy, particularly for MLB games. By analyzing historical data, player statistics, and other factors, AI can provide insights and recommendations to help you make more informed decisions when placing your bets. By using AI technology, you can increase your chances of success and hopefully come out ahead in your betting endeavors.
- Shop for the best odds: Just like with any other sports betting, it’s important to shop around for the best odds before placing your bets. Comparing odds from multiple sportsbooks can increase your chances of finding the most favorable lines and maximizing your potential payout.
- Analyze pitching matchups: Starting pitchers can have a significant impact on the outcome of a game, so it’s important to take into account their stats and performance when analyzing the matchup.
- Consider home field advantage: Home field advantage can play a role in the outcome of games, especially in baseball where field dimensions and conditions can vary widely between ballparks.
- Look for value in underdogs: While betting on favorites can be tempting, underdogs can often provide more value in terms of favorable odds and potential payout. Look for underdogs with strong pitching matchups or favorable situations.
Legal States for MLB Betting
- Nevada
- New Jersey
- Pennsylvania
- Delaware
- Rhode Island
- Mississippi
- West Virginia
- New Mexico
- Arkansas
- New York
- Iowa
- Oregon
- Indiana
- New Hampshire
- Montana
- Colorado
- Illinois
- Tennessee
- Michigan
- Virginia
- Washington DC
- Wyoming
- Arizona
- Louisiana
- Maryland
- South Dakota
- North Carolina
- Colorado
- Ohio
- Connecticut
- Nebraska
- Massachusetts
- North Dakota
- Missouri
- Kentucky
- Georgia
- Florida
- Maine
- South Carolina
- Texas
MLB Season, Playoffs and World Series
The MLB season usually begins in late March or early April and runs until late September or early October. In this season, 30 teams from two leagues, the American League (AL) and the National League (NL), compete against each other to determine which teams will advance to the playoffs.
During the regular season, each team plays 162 games, with 81 games at home and the other 81 games on the road. There are three divisions in each league: East, Central, and West. The team with the best record in each division at the end of the regular season advances to the playoffs, along with two wild card teams from each league.
MLB Playoffs
The playoffs consist of three rounds: the Wild Card Round, the Division Series, and the Championship Series. The Wild Card Round is a single-elimination game between the two wild card teams in each league. The winner advances to the Division Series, which is a best-of-five series between the division winner and the wild card winner. The winners of the Division Series then advance to the Championship Series, which is a best-of-seven series to determine which team from each league will advance to the World Series.
MLB World Series
The MLB World Series is the championship series of Major League Baseball, and it is the MLB Playoff Final Series between the two league champions, the American League (AL) and the National League (NL). The series is played in a best-of-seven format, with the winner being crowned the MLB champion for that season. The World Series is one of the most significant events in sports, drawing millions of viewers from around the world. The series has a rich history dating back over a century, and it has seen some of the most iconic moments in baseball history. Winning the World Series is the ultimate goal for every MLB team, and it is a moment of great pride and celebration for the players, coaches, and fans alike.
MLB Conferences
Major League Baseball (MLB) is divided into two conferences, the American League (AL) and the National League (NL). The two conferences have a long and storied history that dates back to the early days of professional baseball.
American League Conference
The American League (AL) is one of the two conferences that make up MLB. The AL was founded in 1901 as a rival to the National League (NL), which was already an established baseball league at the time. The AL is made up of 15 teams, divided into three divisions: East, Central, and West.
AL East
- Boston Red Sox
- New York Yankees
- Tampa Bay Rays
- Toronto Blue Jays
- Baltimore Orioles
The AL East, featuring historic teams like the Red Sox and Yankees, is among baseball’s toughest divisions. With recent successes from the Rays and Blue Jays, it’s renowned for fierce rivalries and competitive matches.
AL Central
- Chicago White Sox
- Cleveland Indians
- Detroit Tigers
- Kansas City Royals
- Minnesota Twins
The AL Central is a diverse division with teams from all over the midwestern United States. The division has seen some recent success from teams like the White Sox and Royals, and the Indians have a long history of success dating back to the early 1900s.
AL West
- Houston Astros
- Los Angeles Angels
- Oakland Athletics
- Seattle Mariners
- Texas Rangers
The AL West is a division with teams from the western United States, including California, Texas, and Washington. The Astros and Athletics have been successful in recent years, and the division is known for its exciting games and talented players, including Mike Trout of the Angels.
National League Conference
Founded in 1876, the NL is one half of MLB alongside the AL and stands as the world’s oldest pro sports league. It comprises 15 teams, split into East, Central, and West divisions.
HNL East
- Atlanta Braves
- Miami Marlins
- New York Mets
- Philadelphia Phillies
- Washington Nationals
The NL East is a division with teams from the eastern United States. The Braves have a long history of success, including winning 14 consecutive division titles from 1991 to 2005. The Mets and Phillies have also had success in recent years, and the division is known for its competitive games and talented players.
NL Central
- Chicago Cubs
- Cincinnati Reds
- Milwaukee Brewers
- Pittsburgh Pirates
- St. Louis Cardinals
The NL Central is a division with teams from the midwestern United States. The Cardinals are one of the most successful teams in baseball history, with 11 World Series championships to their name. The Cubs have also had recent success, winning the World Series in 2016 after a 108-year drought. The division is known for its passionate fans and intense rivalries.
NL West
- Arizona Diamondbacks
- Colorado Rockies
- Los Angeles Dodgers
- San Diego Padres
- San Francisco Giants
The NL West is a division with teams from the western United States. The Dodgers are one of the most successful teams in baseball history, with seven World Series championships. The Giants have also been successful in recent years, winning three championships in a five-year span from 2010 to 2014. The division is known for its talented players and exciting games played in picturesque ballparks.
MLB History
Major League Baseball (MLB) is the oldest of the major professional sports leagues in the United States and Canada. Founded in 1903, the MLB is now a multi-billion dollar industry with 30 teams in the US and Canada, split between the National (NL) and American (AL) Leagues, each with 15 teams.
The MLB season runs from April to September, with each team playing 162 regular season games.
Top teams from each conference vie in the playoffs, ending in the World Series between the NL and AL champions. MLB has hosted legends like Babe Ruth, Jackie Robinson, and Derek Jeter, along with historic moments like Aaron surpassing Ruth’s home run record and the 1919 Black Sox scandal.
MLB Teams with National Championships
New York Yankees
Championships: 1923, 1927, 1928, 1932, 1936, 1937, 1938, 1939, 1941, 1943, 1947, 1949, 1950, 1951, 1952, 1953, 1956, 1958, 1961, 1962, 1977, 1978, 1996, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2009
St. Louis Cardinals
Championships: 1926, 1931, 1934, 1942, 1944, 1946, 1964, 1967, 1982, 2006, 2011
Boston Red Sox
Championships: 1903, 1912, 1915, 1916, 1918, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2018
Los Angeles Dodgers
Championships: 1955, 1959, 1963, 1965, 1981, 1988, 2020
San Francisco Giants
Championships: 1905, 1921, 1922, 1933, 1954, 2010, 2012, 2014
Oakland Athletics
Championships: 1910, 1911, 1913, 1929, 1930, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1989
Pittsburgh Pirates
Championships: 1909, 1925, 1960, 1971, 1979
Chicago Cubs
Championships: 1907, 1908, 2016
Cincinnati Reds
Championships: 1919, 1940, 1975, 1976, 1990
Detroit Tigers
Championships: 1935, 1945, 1968, 1984
