Moneyline, spread and totals are the three core bet types you will use in almost every sport — moneyline picks the winner, the spread handicaps it, and totals bet on combined points. Understand these three and you can bet any game. Here is exactly how each works, with examples, and when to use which.
The three main bet types explained
Moneyline, spread and totals each answer a different question about the same game. The moneyline asks who wins; the spread asks by how much; the total asks how many points both teams combine to score. Most other bets are variations on these three.
| Bet type | What you are betting on | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Moneyline | Which team wins outright | Lakers to win (−150) |
| Spread | Win by more / lose by less than a margin | Lakers −5.5 (−110) |
| Totals (over/under) | Combined points over or under a line | Over 220.5 (−110) |
Moneyline: picking the winner
A moneyline bet simply backs a team to win, with the odds reflecting how likely that is. Favourites pay less than your stake (e.g. −150), underdogs pay more (e.g. +130). Moneylines are simplest for beginners, but heavy favourites offer little value — convert the price to a probability with our implied probability guide before betting.
Spread: levelling the field
The spread handicaps the favourite so both sides have a roughly 50% chance, which is why spread bets usually pay around −110. If the Lakers are −5.5, they must win by six or more for the bet to land; the underdog +5.5 covers if they lose by five or fewer, or win. Spreads are where efficiency models add the most value.
Totals: betting on points, not the winner
A totals bet ignores who wins and asks whether the combined score goes over or under a set line. It is ideal when you have a read on pace and scoring rather than the result — for example, two fast NBA teams suggesting the over. AI models that estimate pace and efficiency are especially strong on totals.
Which bet type should you use?
Use the bet type that matches where your edge is: moneyline when an underdog is underpriced, spread when a model rates a team differently from the market, and totals when you read pace better than the line. Whatever you choose, bet only on value — our expected value guide shows how. Find prediction tools in our best AI prediction sites comparison.
Related reading: implied probability · player props · expected value
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between moneyline, spread and totals?
Moneyline bets on which team wins, the spread bets on the margin of victory, and totals bet on the combined points scored. Each answers a different question about the same game.
What does a point spread mean?
The spread handicaps the favourite by a number of points. If a team is −5.5, it must win by six or more to cover; the underdog +5.5 covers by losing by five or fewer, or winning.
What is an over/under bet?
A totals (over/under) bet is on whether both teams’ combined score finishes above or below a set line, regardless of who wins.
Which bet type is best for beginners?
The moneyline is simplest because you just pick the winner. As you learn, spreads and totals often offer more value, especially with AI models.
Do AI tools help with spreads and totals?
Yes. Efficiency-based AI models are particularly strong on spreads and totals because they estimate team strength and pace, which is where many edges appear.
