Sports Betting Guide and Terms - Run Line Sports Betting Terms

Run Line

Definition

A ‘run line’, in the sports betting industry, refers specifically to the spread in a Major League Baseball game. It is usually a –1.5 runs for the favorite (on the moneyline).

Why bet the run line?

Sometimes the moneyline on heavy favorites is too steep for some sports gamblers. It can run anywhere from –101 to as high as –400. Laying this kind of juice, or vigorish, is not only mathematically unsound, but is also a bad way of betting. Thus, most gamblers bet on the runline. Although it is not a true spread, the run line makes the favorite have to win by 2 runs for the run line bet to win. Accordingly, run line bets are often at (+) money, unless the favorite is heavily favored (>-200)—then the run line bet can be at (-) money.

The alternate run line

Baseball underdogs can also have an alternate run line. Such run lines are dangerous to bet on, but can be quite profitable if used properly. This type of bet is not offered by all sportsbooks; such a bet can usually be found in the proposition section of the sportsbook. The author suggest a few pointers when considering the alternate run line:

Bet the alternate run line on visiting teams (they have an extra inning to contend with if they are tied or behind)

Bet on American League Underdogs

When to bet the run line / alternate run line

This question persists and is pretty tough to answer. The author wishes to express his cautious blessing in playing the run line. Some factors that one must consider when playing the runline, include but are not limited to:

A team’s momentum

Pitching matchup

Bullpen

How a team wins / looses (do these teams win / loose by 2 runs or more)

Batting average

How teams fair against right / left handed pitching

Some generalities

The author has discovered that betting the runline for home favorites can be a tough venture to undertake. Unless it is a total mismatch, the home team really only has 8 innings to be able to beat its opponent by 2 runs (remember that after 8 innings, the home team can only win by 1 run, unless such a team has a walk-off 2+ run home run) Summary

In closing, the run line is the spread for baseball games. It is usually considered to be –1.5 for the favorite. There are also alternate run lines for the underdogs, but this bet must be used carefully, lest the sports gambler deplete his bankroll.