PA Sports bettors can choose between a large selection of bet types on BetMGM for most major markets. The book is especially known for offering odds on niche sports as well. Let’s take a look at the most common types of bets:
1. Point Spreads
The point spread requires bettors to wager on the difference in the final score, rather than just who wins. The book will set the projected difference in the final score for the public to choose between “taking the points” or “laying them.”
Say the Commanders are -4.5 favorites over the Steelers, with odds listed at -115. The Steelers are +4.5 underdogs with the same -115 odds. If you bet on the Commanders, they have to win by more than four points. Pittsburgh can lose by up to four points or win the game for a bet on them to cash.
Note that the little .5 means there won’t be a tie in this case (also known as a Push). When a line is set at a whole number there is the possibility for a Push and the initial bet is simply returned back into your account.
2. Moneyline
A moneyline bet is dependent upon who wins the game outright. A team with a very low return on its moneyline odds is considered a heavy favorite to win the game.
Let’s say the Denver Broncos moneyline is -200 in a game against the Seattle Seahawks, listed at +170 on the moneyline. The Broncos are pretty heavy favorites to win in this scenario. Bettors need to place $200 in order to win $100.
First Half & Second Half Bets
PA sports bettors can also place moneyline and points spread bets on the outcome of one half or period, rather than the full game. BetMGM even offers player props for a half or period. As always, remember that a bet on the outcome of the second half or final period of a match also considers overtime. If you place a bet on a team to cover the spread for the second half but it goes into extra time and they get blown out in OT, you will lose that bet.
3. Totals
A bet on the point total is dependent upon the amount of points scored by both teams combined. Sportsbooks list a projected number for that total, allowing bettors to select over or under that amount.
Say the total between the Washington Commanders and Pittsburgh Steelers is set at 45.5 points. If the game ends with a score of 26-20, the over would cash and all bets placed for the game to go over would hit.
Side Note: It’s crucial to remember that when you place a bet on the total and the game is tied when the clock runs out, all overtime periods are taken into account. Those betting the under will come to hate overtime games.
4. Player Props
Rather than trying to predict the outcome of a game or team statistics, you can bet on a single player’s performance. You’ll find these types of bets listed as over/under bets, similar to the structure of a bet on the total.
PA Sportsbooks set a projected total for a particular stat category, allowing bettors to decide if they think that person will go over or under that number.
For example, Buffalo Bills’’ quarterback, Josh Alen may have a passing yards prop listed at 265.5 yards. Bettors can then wager on whether he will throw for more or less than that.
5. Futures
Future bets can be placed on props in the longer-term future. Here you can bet on anything from a player’s season-long totals, to division or conference winners. You should find juicier odds than normal since so much can change over time.
6. Parlays
Parlays allow bettors to piece together multiple wagers for an increased payout.
Using the NBA this time, let’s say the Los Angeles Lakers are favored against the Memphis Grizzlies (-140 on the moneyline) and the Boston Celtics are favored over the Brooklyn Nets at -200 on the moneyline.
By combining these bets together into one parlay you take on a greater risk that one of them won’t hit and you lose it all, but you also win bigger if your action cashes.
7. Teasers
A teaser allows bettors to move multiple point spreads or totals. Let’s say you like the Lakers (-4.5) in their matchup with the Chicago Bulls. In Toronto, you like the Raptors (-5.5 favorites) to defeat the Detroit Pistons.
You can tease both lines by four points so the wager now looks like this: Los Angeles (-0.5) / Toronto (-1.5). Now, both teams need to win by four-fewer points than the original lines for your bet to cash.
8. Live Betting
Shopping for various game lines early is a great way to get ahead of market pressures. But, if you can’t manage to do so, live betting is a great alternative to ensure you’re staying ahead of the books. BetMGM Sportsbook continues to offer updated lines and odds as a match progresses. If the Panthers are -7 favorites in a game against the Atlanta Falcons, an early Carolina touchdown will bump that line closer to about 13.5 directly afterwards.
BetMGM does a great job of prominently featuring events that are in-play. Every second counts when you’re trying to place a live bet!