What Is a Run Line Bet in Baseball?

The run line is baseball's version of the point spread, almost always set at 1.5 runs. The favorite at -1.5 must win by two or more runs to cover, while the underdog at +1.5 covers by winning outright or losing by exactly one run.

How does a -1.5 run line pay compared with the moneyline?

Definition. The run line is a fixed 1.5-run spread on a baseball game.

Worked example. Moneyline -180: $100 profits 100 x 100 / 180 = $55.56. Run line -1.5 at +130: $100 profits $130. A 5-2 win (margin 3) pays the run line; a 3-2 win (margin 1) pays the moneyline but loses the run line. Break-even rates are 180 / 280 = 64.29 percent and 100 / 230 = 43.48 percent.

How the run line works

Because most baseball games are decided by a run or two, books use a fixed 1.5-run spread instead of a variable number. Taking a -1.5 favorite gets you a better price than the moneyline but requires a two-run win. Taking a +1.5 underdog costs more than the moneyline but gives you a cushion: you win if your team wins or loses by one.

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A worked example

A favorite is -180 on the moneyline but +130 on the run line at -1.5. If they win 5-2, they cover -1.5 and the run line pays +130, more than the moneyline would. If they win 3-2, the moneyline cashes but the run line loses. That is the trade: a bigger payout for the extra run of risk.

When to use the run line

The run line rewards you for backing strong favorites expected to win comfortably, and it lowers the cost of backing live underdogs. Run-line splits often diverge from the moneyline on the same game, so check where the money sits in each market before you decide which one gives you the better number.

Frequently asked questions

Is the run line always 1.5?

Almost always. Standard MLB run lines are set at 1.5 runs. Some books offer alternate run lines at 2.5 or higher for different prices.

What does -1.5 mean on the run line?

The favorite must win by two or more runs for the bet to cover. A one-run win does not cover -1.5.

Your next step

1Learn itRun Line (this page)
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4Master itDay 1: The Wise Guy Code →

Related terms

Point Spread: A point spread is a handicap that levels a matchup: the favorite must win by more than the spread to cover, and the underdog covers by losing by less than the spread or winning outright.
Moneyline: A moneyline bet is a straight wager on which team or player wins the game, with no point spread involved.
Over/Under (Total): An over/under bet, also called the total, is a wager on the combined score of both teams rather than who wins.

MLB Betting Splits →Full glossary →

21+. For entertainment and educational purposes, not financial advice. If gambling stops being fun, take a break. 1-800-GAMBLER. Regulated US books only.