People often think that betting is a game of luck, but technique and strategy significantly increase your chances of winning a bet. If you are learning to bet on baseball, the essential first step is to learn how to read and measure the baseball betting lines. Without wasting any time, let’s get started. 

How To Read the Betting Lines For Baseball Bets

To read the Baseball Betting Lines, you must first consider the two most used odds formats: the American and the decimal. The American is the most used in America, while the decimal is in Europe. But understanding the odds is just one part of the equation. To really excel in baseball betting, it is also crucial to have reliable insights and expert opinions that will help you make informed decisions. This is where Doc’s sports handicappers come into play. With years of experience, the team at Doc’s has the expertise to analyze the complexities of baseball betting lines and offers valuable advice. Here you’ll get free MLB picks, enriched by the wisdom and extensive knowledge of these seasoned professionals, which can provide you with the extra edge you need in making successful bets.

Difference Between Decimal Bets and American Bets 

In the world of Sportsbooks, there are three ways to read a Bet line: the decimal, the American odds, and the Fractional Bets. In this article, we will focus on the first two as they’re mainly used for MLB betting:

Decimal Odds

Odds in decimal format are the most widely used in Europe. They usually include 2 to 3 decimals depending on the bookmaker and express the gross profits that we can get by betting on that event.

For example, if we bet ten at an odd of 2.3, our gross winnings will be 10 x 2.3 = 23 euros, while to obtain the net or real winning, we must subtract the bet amount; so the net profit would be: (10 x 2.3) -10 = 13.

American Odds

The American odds are very difficult to understand (although, to be honest, both are very easy). The reason is that this betting Line or odds are based on -negative and + positive numbers. We know it can be confusing sometimes; however, it’s much more common in Central America, making it much more familiar.

It’s due to the inclusion of two variants; a difference is made between odds above and below par. Odds less than two decimals are given a negative sign in front, while the higher are given a positive sign in front.

For example, for a bet on +170, we will earn 170 dollars net, risking 100. A stake on +500 gives us possible net dividends of 500 dollars for every 100 dollars of risk.

Now, as we have already said, these odds offer a variant, and that’s if the odds are less than even or 2 (in decimal). If that’s the case, they appear with a negative sign in front of the fee, and it shows us the risk that we must bear to win 100 dollars.

For example, for a -450 odd, we will win 100 dollars for every 450 dollars wagered. A fee of -200 gives us a profit of 100 dollars for every 200 dollars wagered.

How can we change an American odd to a decimal odd? There are two ways to do it, depending on whether we are in one or the other variant:

1. If the odds have a positive sign, the following formula must be used to obtain the decimal odds: (odds/100) +1.
2. If a negative sign precedes the quota, it will be necessary to apply the following formula: (100/odds in absolute value) +1.

How to Get Started with Baseball Betting

Of the major sports played globally, baseball has one of the longest playing matches, which allows for more creative betting. In fact, baseball betting has become very popular ever since the United States lifted the ban on sports betting. For those who want to try their luck, here are some things to know to get started:

Familiarize Yourself with The Different Types of Bets in Baseball and Their Odds

Not all baseball games are going to have the same type of bets. Each type of bet will also have different odds for baseball. To help you out as a rookie, here are the four main types of bets you can make during a baseball game:

• Spread betting refers to betting on a team to win the game by a certain number of runs.
• Money line betting refers to when you bet on a team based on whether or not they win the game. The number of races does not matter, so it’s the most common bet that beginners tend to play.
• Over/Under or Total bets refer to when you bet that the combined total score of the two teams playing during the game would be above or below a number determined by the bookmaker. Let’s say the number is 7.5; if the total score is eight or more, the bettors who chose More will win; but if it’s seven or less, the bettors who chose Less will win.
• Lastly, baseball “prop” betting refers to when you bet on other props specific to the game. For example, you can bet on which player will get the most strikeouts that will be the first result of the inning, and which team will score first.

Look at the Pitchers

It turns out that the P/BB (strikeouts to walks) ratio greatly affects the outcome of total Over/Under bets. So, if you are interested in putting your money in this type of bet, you will have to look at the pitchers. How much control do they have? Do they usually throw bats or touchdowns? By analyzing the performance of the pitchers, you can increase your chances of winning this particular bet.

Referee Stats Make a Big Difference

The referees also affect the results of the total Over/Under bets. Therefore, you need to be familiar with the ref who will be at the game on which you will bet. Do they usually announce strikes or touchdowns? Are there more or fewer runs behind the plate? Whoever the referee is could determine whether you lose or win the bet.

Rely on Facts and Statistics

You have to realize that betting on a baseball match, and especially MLB, is not as random as other types of games. In addition to pitchers and refs, you can analyze the performance of the teams playing to increase your chances of taking home some serious cash. Spreadsheets will be your best friend if you plan to bet on a baseball game.

As mentioned above, baseball betting requires a bit of analysis to have a better chance of winning money. Therefore, as a beginner, the best thing you can do is prepare yourself before placing a bet. Please don’t leave it in the hands of fate. Be a smart bettor.