Unfortunately, when you bet on baseball, this isn't like betting on a basketball game or a football game. All that you have to worry about in those sports are whether the game is played on time, whether it is played at the right venue, and whether it lasts long enough to be graded as an official wager. Sports betting fans know that it is incredibly rare that these events get cut short. However, MLB betting is a totally different creature, and you have to know the rules that can, and often times, do end up voiding your bets.
First off, be sure to check the rule at your individual sportsbook. Each book has slightly different rules at times and might handle situations very differently.
When you look at a baseball betting sheet, you see not only a team name and the line on the game, but the pitcher that is throwing that day as well. Most sportsbooks give you the option to either bet on the team with the listed pitcher, or under what's called "action." If you bet on the game with the listed pitcher and that pitcher doesn't start for whatever reason, your bet will be voided regardless of the outcome. If you bet via "action," you will have a bet on the game, but the price that you end up paying will be adjusted based upon whatever the final price is that the game ends at. In other words, if you bet on the Philadelphia Phillies with Cole Hamels on the mound and bet the game as "action," you might have the bet at $120 to win $100. If Hamels starts, your bet is locked in at the price you placed the bet at. If he doesn't, and say Roy Halladay starts, the line might go from Philly -120 to Philly -180. You'll still have $120 bet, but it will be to win $66.67 instead.
Most bettors bet MLB money lines. Moneylines are the popular and easy way to go about wagering. Baseball moneylines are simple. You pick which team is going to win the game. Join other bettors inside the CappersMall MLB forums.
The other major rule baseball betting rule is for games that are called for rain. Run line and 'total' betting is always void if either one of the starting pitchers scheduled doesn't pitch, or if the game, for whatever reason, doesn't last at least 8.5 innings.
Once you understand the baseball betting rules of the game, you're all set to go. Batter up, and good luck!
