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What is Run Line Betting? How to Bet?

You might have seen the term run line bet and wondered what it’s all about. Well, online sportsbooks use the term run line to refer to point spread betting in baseball.

Claudia Hartley
Claudia Hartley

Last Updated: 2024-07-31

A. Tzamantanis

5 minutes read

If you’re a fan of baseball betting then you’ll want to stick around, because we’re going to cover how the run line works, the different types you’ll find and some tips on how to win run line bets more often. 

How Run Line Betting Works

So, how does the run line work in baseball? It works exactly like the point spread, but the standard run line is -1.5/+1.5.

This means that the winner has to win by at least 2 runs in order for your run line bet to payout, while the underdog can either win or lose by no more than 1 run for your bet to payout.

Different Types of Run Line Bets

The above example is how a standard run line bet works, but there are other options that you can pick from with this type of betting. Below are some of the most common.

  • First Five Run Lines - this is a wager on what the score will be after the first five innings of the baseball game. This can be useful if you feel strongly about a starting pitcher. It is usually -0.5/+0.5 allowing for a tie to payout.
  • Reverse Run Lines - this gives the favourite a +1.5 head start instead of the underdog. If you feel very confident about an underdog’s chances then this bet will let you put your money where your mouth is - usually for a very good price.
  • Alternate Run Lines - this increases the point spread from 1.5 runs to 2.5 runs. This means the favourite must win by 3 or more runs and the underdog could lose by as much as 2 runs and a bet would still pay out.

Pros & Cons of Run Line Betting  

If you’re thinking of placing a run line bet then it’s always good to know about the benefits and drawbacks of this type of betting. Below are some of the most important.

Pros:

  • Better Odds: When betting on the favourite team you’ll receive better odds in runline bets than moneyline bets.
  • Mitigate Risk: When betting on the underdog, you can mitigate some of the risk compared to a moneyline bet, by placing a run line bet instead.

Cons:

  • Reduced Value Favourites: The need for a favourite to win by at least 2 runs in a run line bet means you’re getting a smaller chance of winning.
  • Vig/Juice: The juice on run line bets can be greater than in a moneyline bet.

Tips for Run Line Betting

Now that you know all about run line betting, it’s time to put that knowledge into practice. Below are some tips to keep in mind when placing run line bets.

  • Consider Pitching Strength: Betting on the run line requires great pitching strength from your chosen team. If a team is defensive then they might be less likely to cover the run line.
  • Analyze Starting Pitchers: If a team has a very strong starting pitcher then you could consider a bet on the first five run lines.
  • Home vs Away: There is often a strong home advantage in baseball games which you should consider.
  • Watch the Weather: Wind blowing can often lead to higher scores if it’s going in the right direction! There are also special rules for run line bets when games get rained off.
    Monitor Line Movements: Watching to see if runline odds change leading up to a game is a good strategy. If you see a significant movement then there could have been sharp money placed on that outcome.

FAQs

What happens to my run line bet if a game is shortened by rain?

Different sportsbooks will have different rules, so you need to check before placing your bet. However, as a rule of thumb, if a game gets shortened before the seventh inning then runline bets are usually refunded. If a game makes it to the ninth inning then your bet will likely be paid out.

What happens to a run line bet if the listed pitchers change?

If there is a change of pitchers between the time you place your bet and the time that the game begins then your wager will usually be refunded. It’s important to check the terms carefully at your sportsbook of choice as this can vary, but usually doesn’t.

Can you place run line bets on sports other than baseball?

No, run line betting is specific to baseball. However, you can place point spread bets on any other sport that has two teams. These bets work just like run line bets, but the point spread isn’t necessarily -1.5/+1.5.

How does a run line bet differ from a moneyline bet?

In a moneyline bet you place a wager simply on which team will win. In a run line bet you need to place a bet on the team that you think will win and the margin with which they’ll win too. They’re identical to point spread bets and similar to winning margins bets (though slightly less specific).

Claudia Hartley
Claudia HartleySports Betting Writer

With a decade of experience in the sports betting industry, Claudia can spot a value bet from a mile off. She prides herself on not just being a sports writer, but a fastidious researcher too.