On the other hand, if the Red Sox are +1.5 (-110), they are the underdog, and you would win $110 if you bet $100 on them. You would, therefore, need to bet $110 to win $100. For example, if the Yankees are -1.5 (-110)against the Boston Red Sox, they’re the favorite. The run line betting odds will be listed next to the moneyline. If you bet on the underdog, they can lose by 1 run, and you will still win your bet if they don’t lose by 2 runs or more. If you bet on the favorite, they must win by 2 or more runs for you to win your bet.

If either listed pitcher doesn’t start, then all moneyline bets and run line bets are void, and your money is refunded. Typically, the listed starting pitchers must start the game for the bet to have action.

This explains why the run line is sometimes referred to as the 1.5-run line. This gives the favorite team a head start of 1.5 runs, while the underdog gets to start the same game with an advantage of 1.5 runs. In baseball betting, however, the run line is set at 1.5 runs and works in conjunction with the money line. The run line is similar to a point spread bet in other sports. Much like betting the spread in football or basketball, the run line sets a handicap for the favorite and underdog in MLB betting. Baseball’s version of the point spread is available to bettors courtesy of runline betting action.

How do sportsbooks set betting lines