Let’s quickly review what a +1.5 and -1.5 run line means in baseball betting. We’re basing this article on our more comprehensive MLB betting tutorial, which explains MLB run line, run total, and moneyline bets in more detail. Note that this bet functions similarly to a hockey puck line.
Sports betting sites typically release run lines after they’ve made a baseball game’s moneyline and run total markets. So if you don’t see a run line available right away, check the MLB odds again a few hours later. Note that some spring training games and exhibitions may not have run lines unless there is enough interest for a sportsbook to create a run line market.
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+1.5 Run Line
A +1.5 run line indicates a side is the underdog. In order to win a bet on a +1.5 underdog, the side must win outright or not lose by more than 1 run, including any extra innings.
Since baseball games go into extra innings until a team wins, a +1.5 run line means the team can lose by 1 run or win outright.
How the Underdog Wins
Here’s a quick way to tell if a +1.5 underdog won. Subtract the underdog’s score from the favorite’s score. If the value is negative or less than 1.5, the run line underdog won.
+1.5 Underdog Wins Example
- Favorite scored 8 runs
- Underdog scored 7 runs
- 8 – 7 = 1
- 1 is less than 1.5, therefore the underdog won.
-1.5 Run Line
A -1.5 run line indicates a side is the favorite. In order to win a bet on a -1.5 favorite, the side must win by 2 or more runs, including any extra innings.
Betting a -1.5 run line means you’re expecting the favorite to win handily. You shouldn’t place this bet unless you’re sure a team can win by 2 or more runs, including any extra innings.
How the Favorite Wins
Here’s a quick way to tell if a -1.5 favorite won. Subtract the underdog’s score from the favorite’s score. If the value is 2 or more, the favorite won.
-1.5 Favorite Wins Example
- Favorite scored 6 runs
- Underdog scored 3 runs
- 6 – 3 = 3
- 3 is greater than 1.5, therefore the favorite won.
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How +1.5 and -1.5 Run Line Odds Work
You’ll notice each side of the run line has odds that resemble a moneyline. Unlike NFL or NBA point spreads that usually have odds around -110, run lines typically have odds ranging from -125 to +225.
Run line odds work the same as any other moneyline. Minus numbers indicate how much you risk to win $100, while plus numbers indicate how much you win if you risk $100.
MLB Run Line Example
| Run Line Game | Line & Odds |
|---|---|
Arizona Diamondbacks
Texas Rangers
10/27/23 8:03pm EDT | +1.5 -145 -1.5 +120 |
What Run Line Odds Mean
In the example above, Texas is the -1.5 +120 favorite. That means favorite bettors risk $100 to win $120. In order for the favorite bettors to win, Texas must win the game by 2 or more runs.
On the other hand, Arizona is the +1.5 -145 underdog. That means underdog bettors risk $145 to win $100. In order for the underdog bettors to win, Arizona must not lose by more than 1 run, or must win the game outright.
You’ll notice that taking the run line favorite usually returns a higher win than the underdog. That’s because it will be harder for run line favorite to win by 2 or more runs than for the run line underdog to lose by 1 run or win outright. As a result, the sportsbook is willing to reward those who take the riskier favorite with a higher win than those who play it safe with the underdog.
Following the example, the odds on Texas -1.5 +120 mean it’s less likely they can win by 2 or more runs. Conversely, the odds on Arizona +1.5 -145 mean it’s more likely they will lose by 1 run or potentially win outright.
Don’t forget to review our helpful article about when to bet the run line, which can help you determine when the run line is a better value than the moneyline.
FAQs
A +1.5 run line indicates a side is the underdog. In order to win a bet on a +1.5 underdog, the side must win outright or not lose by more than 1 run, including any extra innings.
A -1.5 run line indicates a side is the favorite. In order to win a bet on a -1.5 favorite, the side must win by 2 or more runs, including any extra innings.
Run line odds work the same as any other moneyline. Minus numbers indicate how much you risk to win $100, while plus numbers indicate how much you win if you risk $100.
You’ll notice that taking the run line favorite usually returns a higher win than the underdog. That’s because it will be harder for run line favorite to win by 2 or more runs.
Taking the run line underdog usually returns a lower win than the underdog. That’s because it’s much easier for the run line underdog to lose by 1 run or win outright than for the run line favorite to win by 2 or more runs.
You’ll notice each side of the run line has odds that resemble a moneyline. Unlike football or basketball point spreads that usually have odds around -110, run lines typically have odds ranging from -125 to +225.
Sports Betting Lessons
- What + and – mean in betting
- What +125 and -125 odds mean
- What +1000 and -1000 odds mean
- +2.5 and -2.5 point spread
- +7 and -7 point spread
- 3 Game Parlay Bet Payout
- 5 Game Parlay Bet Payout
- 3-Way Moneyline
- +1.5 and -1.5 run line
- +1.5 and -1.5 puck line
- PK Point Spread Line
- Asian Handicap Lines
- What a Push Means
- Alternate Betting Lines
- “No Action” Bet
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Sports Betting Resources
- How to Read Sports Betting Odds – Our helpful tutorial explains what the numbers mean for point spread, moneyline, total, and Asian Handicap bets.
- Sports Betting Questions and Answers – Common sports betting questions and answers, a simple quick reference for beginners.
- Sports Betting vs Casino Gambling – Learn how sportsbooks and casinos make money, and the important differences between each business model.
- How to Read NFL Odds – Short and sweet guide to NFL point spreads, totals, and moneylines. We’ve got live example bets from upcoming NFL matchups.
- Point Spread Bet – Understanding the point spread is key to betting on football and basketball. Learn how the point spread bet works with our tutorial video and text.
- Over-Under Total Bet – Bet over or under the sportsbook’s line. We explain how to place this bet with easy examples, a video, and text explainer.
- Moneyline Bet – Whether it’s a 2-way or 3-way moneyline, we’ve got you covered. Moneylines are available for almost every major sport league, including football, basketball, baseball, hockey, soccer, tennis, and combat sports.
- Teaser Bet – A teaser is a modified parlay that lets you buy points to shift point spread and total lines in your favor. Our fun tutorial video and detailed text article explain how to place this bet.
- If Bet Win-Only – Sequence multiple bets together in an if-then sequence. Your next bet only sees action if the previous one wins. Ideal for bettors with small bankrolls.
- Futures Bet – We explain what a futures bet is, how it works, and when to bet on a future sporting event. Common futures bets include the winners of the Super Bowl, Final Four, Stanley Cup, World Series, and NBA Finals.
- Parlay Bet – Combine multiple selections into one bet that returns a huge payout if all your selections were correct. We explain how parlay bets work and provide common parlay payout tables.
- Progressive Parlay Bet – Also known as a “Close Call Parlay”, this parlay variant can win even if one or more of selections lose. Our article describes this bet in detail.
- Parlay Card Betting – Parlay cards are issued by major sportsbooks midweek, allowing bettors to make multiple point spread, total, and prop bet selections that can return big payouts. Not to be confused with an “off the board” parlay!
- Prop Bets – We explain what a prop bet is, how to place a prop bet, and provide an expansive list of sports leagues with plenty of props to bet on right now.