Introduction
If you’re new to sports betting, you’ll quickly encounter three core wager types: moneyline, spread, and total. Bettors often compare them under the phrase moneyline vs spread vs total, because knowing the differences is the first step to building a real strategy. Every bet begins with a simple question: What exactly are you betting on? In U.S. sportsbooks, almost every wager falls into one of these three categories. Understanding how each works — and when to use them — is what separates casual plays from sharp, data-driven betting.
Moneyline: Who Wins the Game
The simplest bet: pick the winner.
- Favorite example: -170 → risk $170 to profit $100.
- Underdog example: +150 → risk $100 to profit $150.
When to Bet Moneyline
- You like a team but don’t trust them to cover a spread.
- Games with volatile endings (OT, fouls, empty nets).
- When the underdog has real upset potential.
The Club Assistant™ is exclusive for Premium members. It calculates implied probabilities, runs simulations, and attaches TPC Scores™ so you know whether a moneyline is truly worth it.
- “Which NFL underdogs today have moneyline TPC Score™ ≥ 7?”
- “Show me NBA moneylines where the implied probability is 40% but our TPC Score™ is strong.”
Spread: Winning Margin Matters
The spread levels the field by applying a handicap.
- Favorite example: -3.5 → must win by 4+.
- Underdog example: +3.5 → can lose by 3 or less, or win outright.
When to Bet Spread
- You believe market mispriced team strength.
- You understand key numbers (NFL: 3, 7, 10).
- The favorite’s style supports covering margins.
Totals (Over/Under)
Betting the combined score of both teams.
- Example: Over 46.5 (-110) → total must hit 47+.
When to Bet Totals
- Pace or tempo drives scoring.
- Weather/injuries create scoring suppression.
- You have data showing market mispricing.
Choosing the Right Market
- Moneyline: when you just want the winner.
- Spread: when margin matters.
- Total: when game environment drives outcomes.
Want to know which market has the best value on any game? Join The Club and unlock the TPC Score™, PropView™, and The Club Assistant™ — your betting compass for every market.
Nick Travers is Senior Editor of The Pick Club, with 10+ years of experience in sports betting analysis and predictive modeling.