Sports betting doesn’t have to be complicated. At its core, it’s about seeing the game differently — not just as a fan, but as someone who understands how outcomes turn into opportunities.
That starts with knowing your bet types.
If you’ve opened up a sportsbook, whether on your phone, your iPad, or even your laptop mid-travel, you’ve probably come across three familiar options: moneyline, spread, and total bets. These are the staples. The go-to choices for new bettors, casual fans, and seasoned sharps alike.
Understanding how they work — and when to use them — can completely change the way you watch a game.
Especially if you’re using something like the Betway app. It’s fast, intuitive, and trusted by players around the world. Whether you’re following the Premier League, the NBA, or a late-night tennis match in China, these are the bet types you’ll lean on the most.
Let’s break each one down, no jargon, no guesswork — just clear, confident insight.
Moneyline: Straight to the Point
The moneyline bet is as simple as it gets: you’re betting on which team or player wins. That’s it. No point differences. No conditions. Just a clear win-or-lose outcome.
Example:
- Manchester City -150
- Arsenal +130
The negative number means City are the favorites. You’d need to bet $150 to win $100. Arsenal, the underdogs, pay out $130 for every $100 wagered if they win.
Why players love it:
- Clean and intuitive
- No extra math
- Ideal for quick bets or first-timers
It’s also a great way to support your favorite team without worrying about margins. You think they’ll win? Back them. That’s it.
You’ll see moneyline bets on everything from American football to international table tennis — especially in events with clear favorites and underdogs, like some of the more niche competitions hosted in China, where one strong player can shift the odds fast.
Spread: For the Stat-Savvy Player
Point spreads make things more interesting — especially in matchups that aren’t exactly even.
Instead of just picking a winner, you’re betting on the margin of victory. The sportsbook gives one team a head start or handicap to balance things out.
Example:
- Lakers -6.5
- Warriors +6.5
If you bet on the Lakers, they need to win by at least 7 points for your bet to win. A 5-point win? Not enough. If you back the Warriors, they just need to stay within 6 — or win outright — and your bet pays out.
This type of bet forces you to look deeper:
- How does each team perform under pressure?
- Are there injuries that could affect the margin?
- Is this a high-scoring rivalry, or a scrappy defensive grind?
Spread bets reward context. They make you think not just about who wins, but how.
And on platforms like the Betway app, live betting on spread changes lets you take advantage of game momentum. If a team starts hot, the line may shift in real time — giving you a new angle mid-game.
Totals (Over/Under): Betting on the Game, Not the Winner
Let’s say you’re watching two teams, but you don’t have a strong feeling about who’ll win. That’s where total bets (or over/unders) come in.
You’re betting on the combined score of both teams — and whether it’ll be over or under the number set by the sportsbook.
Example:
- Over/Under 44.5 points in a football game
If the teams combine for 45 or more, the over hits. If they stay at 44 or less, it’s the under.
It’s a clean option when:
- Both teams are unpredictable
- You expect a defensive grind or an offensive shootout
- You’re looking at weather, travel fatigue, or tempo
This bet isn’t about who wins. It’s about how the game unfolds. That gives you a different kind of control — and opens up ways to bet that go beyond team loyalty.
Totals are especially fun to play when you’re traveling or just watching casually. You might not know every roster detail, but you can still get a strong read based on pace, trends, or conditions.
When to Use Each Bet Type
Moneyline is for when you have a clear pick. One team just feels stronger. You don’t want to mess with margins — just back the win and ride it out.
Spread is for the matchups that are tighter. It gives you a reason to dig into the matchup, check injury reports, and think like a coach. It’s not just about the win — it’s about how much and how close.
Totals are for the game-readers. You know how a matchup will play out, even if the winner is up in the air. Fast teams? Over. Tough defenses and bad weather? Maybe under.
None of these are better than the others. They’re just different ways to see the same game — and knowing when to use each one gives you way more control.
Build Smarter Bets From the Ground Up
Sports betting doesn’t reward guessing. It rewards awareness. Awareness of how the game’s played, how the lines move, and how each type of bet gives you a different lane to work with.
So don’t feel pressure to pick the “perfect” type every time. Sometimes a straight moneyline win is all you need. Other times, digging into the spread or playing the total brings more value.
The key is clarity. And once you’ve got that? You’re not just a fan anymore — you’re in the game.
With tools like the Betway app, you’ve got all three bet types at your fingertips — quick toggles, updated lines, and all the info you need to move with confidence.
So the next time you’re placing a bet, ask yourself: What do I really know about this game? Then pick the bet that fits that answer.
Simple. Smart. And just the start.
