What Is A Run Line? Sports Betting Terms Explained

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In the world of baseball betting, the term “Run Line” is a crucial concept that every bettor should understand. It represents an alternative to the traditional money line, offering a unique and exciting way to wager on baseball games. In this article, we’ll explore what the Run Line is and how it functions.

What Is the Run Line?

The Run Line is a betting term exclusive to baseball. It serves as an alternative to the money line, providing bettors with an intriguing option to bet on games. Instead of simply picking a team to win or lose, the Run Line introduces a point spread, adding an extra layer of complexity to baseball wagering.

How Does the Run Line Work?

To grasp the concept of the Run Line, let’s consider an example in the context of a Major League Baseball (MLB) game:

Suppose the New York Yankees are playing the Boston Red Sox. The money line might offer odds like Yankees -150 and Red Sox +130, indicating the odds for a straight-up win.

However, if you choose to bet on the Run Line, you’ll encounter a point spread. Let’s say the Run Line is set at Yankees -1.5 and Red Sox +1.5.

  • If you bet on the Yankees to cover the Run Line, they must win by at least two runs for your wager to be successful.
  • Conversely, if you bet on the Red Sox to cover the Run Line, they must either win the game outright or lose by just one run for your bet to win.

The Run Line introduces an element of strategy, allowing bettors to wager on whether a team will win by a specific margin or keep the game close.

Here you can see a couple examples from the 2023 World Series between the Diamondbacks and the Rangers. This is shown on both FanDuel and the DraftKings app.

Run line example on FanDuel Run line example on DraftKings

Advantages of the Run Line

The Run Line offers several advantages for baseball bettors:

  1. Increased Odds: Betting on the Run Line often provides more attractive odds compared to the money line, especially when backing the favorite.
  2. Greater Strategy: The point spread aspect of the Run Line allows for strategic betting, particularly when analyzing team strengths, pitching matchups, and recent performance.
  3. Alternative Betting: For those seeking an alternative to traditional money line bets, the Run Line provides a fresh and exciting way to engage with baseball games.

In conclusion, the Run Line is a significant concept in baseball betting that introduces a point spread as an alternative to the money line. Whether you’re a seasoned baseball bettor or new to the world of sports wagering, understanding the mechanics of the Run Line can provide you with additional betting options and enhance your overall baseball betting experience. As you explore baseball betting, consider incorporating the Run Line into your strategy to make the most of this unique wagering opportunity.

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Eamonn KeenanEamonn Keenan
Eamonn Keenan, with a Digital Arts Degree from the University of Tampa, brings over a decade of sports betting experience to his role as Creative Director at BettingHero.com. Starting with Betting Hero in the Fall of 2020, Eamonn has been deeply involved in the industry, assisting customers with major sportsbook and casino operators like BetMGM, Caesars, DraftKings, and others. A self-proclaimed sports fanatic, he has a keen interest in professional hockey, MMA, NFL, NCAAB, NCAAF, and MLB. Eamonn enjoys researching teams and players to predict game outcomes, highlighting his passion for sports betting.