October is arguably the best month of the year for sports gamblers, especially if you love Major League Baseball.
The month marks the end of a drawn-out, 162-game season and the beginning of high-stakes baseball games.
Even the most casual sports fans who otherwise wouldn’t watch the MLB should be able to appreciate the postseason play.
While you should have a decent idea of which teams are favored, there are no guarantees when it comes to baseball in the fall.
If you’re hoping to bet on the postseason without much preparation, then it’s time for a quick refresher. Here are the 7 types of bets you can make on the MLB Playoffs.
1. Moneyline Wagers
Gambling on baseball is tough for several important reasons.
- Modern-day baseball is often misunderstood
- Gamblers often focus on stats and analysis that isn’t as significant as it once was
- The MLB is often very unpredictable
- Sustainable success is best achieved through volume betting
- Casual sports fans might not want to invest the time it takes to watch games and analyze results
Despite these difficulties, it’s still possible to win money on baseball in October. One of the most common bets placed on playoff baseball is what’s known as a moneyline bet. Just like in other sports, betting on the moneyline simply means picking which team you think will win the game outright.
There are a few things you should consider about placing moneyline wagers during the postseason. There’s more parity and competitiveness among the most playoff teams. Prepare to see a lot of tightly contested matchups that can come down to a run either way.
2. Betting the Run Line
Most serious sports bettors are likely familiar with betting on the spread. The spread is a way that the online sportsbooks even the matchup by giving or taking away points to either side. Instead of having to bet on the pure outcome, bettors can wager on which side they believe will cover the spread.
Instead, baseball gamblers bet on what’s known as the run line. Unlike a spread, which can vary from half a point to dozens of points, the run line is set at a 1.5 for every contest.
However, it can be slightly more difficult in the postseason.
3. Playoff Over Unders
Betting on the over-under is one of the most exciting wagers in sports gambling.
While many detractors and baseball critics claim that baseball is too slow and not exciting, betting on the run total adds some entertainment. While betting on the over-under of a baseball game might not be as exhilarating as say, football, it’s still worthwhile.
Not only does it add some spice to watching baseball, but it can be a good way to make money.
Sure, you can blindly bet on either side, but sharp bettors should be able to feast off of playoff run totals. Before you put a few units on the run total of a particular game, there are a few things to consider.
- Monitor the pitching matchup before all else
- Try to wait until each team’s lineup is posted
- Don’t bet on games featuring teams and players you aren’t familiar with
- Understand that elimination games will more than likely be tightly contested
4. Postseason Player Props
Next to betting on run totals, placing prop bets can turn any average playoff game into a fun viewing and betting experience. Prop bets allow gamblers to place wagers on things besides the final score and run differential.
Casual gamblers might be familiar with more popular types of prop bets like the length of the national anthem or whether the coin toss will be heads or tails. These types of bets, while mildly entertaining, require no skill and depend completely on luck.
Player props force gamblers to have an edge on the competition and make predictions about a particular player’s performance.
5. World Series Futures
Eventually, 2 teams will emerge as the best in the bigs and face off in the World Series. The history surrounding the final series of the postseason is truly second to none. But, sports gamblers can appreciate more about the World Series than its historical significance.
If you haven’t placed any futures to this point, there’s still plenty of time. The odds might not be as tantalizing as they were mere months ago…
Those gamblers who don’t keep up with the regular season might want to steer clear of playoff futures. There’s always a chance you can luck into some wins, but it’s much harder than you’d imagine.
6. Wagering on the First 5 Innings
The old saying goes, “it’s not how you start but how you finish.” This might often be the case, but not if you enjoy betting on the results of the first 5 innings. This concept isn’t exclusive to baseball, but it is slightly different than other sports.
In the playoffs, if you believe that a team’s ace will dominate the opposition in the early going, this type of bet is a great alternative to a moneyline or run line bet.
7. Live Betting on the Postseason
Live betting on playoff baseball can be exhilarating and heartbreaking.
The answer to this question depends on a few factors. Some people believe that live betting on a baseball game is easier than other sports.
That’s due to the game’s slower pace and ease at which viewers can keep up with a game. Still, if you aren’t familiar with betting on baseball, it can be incredibly challenging. Baseball does move slower than say, the NFL or NBA, but that can also make it difficult to maximize value.
Consider starting slow, and don’t live bet until you feel like you’re in a good rhythm this postseason.
Conclusion
There are plenty of different types of wagers baseball gamblers can make on the MLB playoffs. Depending on how much risk you’re willing to take, you have the option to bet on the moneyline or the run line.
For those of you who don’t feel like betting on each playoff game, you can opt to place a future bet on the team you believe will bring home the World Series.
