Does Moneyline Count for Overtime in ESPN Bets?

Introduction

When placing a bet on sports, understanding the different betting options and their implications is crucial. One common question that arises is whether the moneyline bet includes overtime or not. This article will delve into the specifics of the ESPN moneyline bet and its implications for overtime, providing valuable insights for bettors.

ESPN Moneyline Definition

A moneyline bet is a wager on which team will win a game outright, without taking into account any handicaps or spreads. The odds are displayed in the American format, such as -110 or +150. A negative (-) sign indicates the favorite, while a positive (+) sign indicates the underdog. For example, a moneyline of -110 means you must wager $110 to win $100, while a moneyline of +150 means a $100 wager could yield a $150 profit.

Moneyline and Overtime

Does the Moneyline Count for Overtime?

The answer is yes, the moneyline bet counts for overtime in ESPN bets. This means that if the game goes into overtime, the moneyline bet will still determine the winner. The result of the overtime period is included in the final score, and the team that wins the game outright will be the winner of the moneyline bet.

Implications of Overtime for Moneyline Bets

Impact on Odds:

Overtime can have a significant impact on the odds of a moneyline bet. If a team is heavily favored to win in regulation, their moneyline odds may be lower than if overtime is considered. This is because the chances of an upset increase in overtime, especially if the underdog has a strong track record in close games.

Increased Risk:

Overtime introduces an additional element of risk for moneyline bettors. Even if a team is leading in regulation, they are not guaranteed to win the game. A single play or turnover in overtime could result in an upset, leading to a loss for the moneyline bettor.

Example:

Let's say the New England Patriots are playing the New York Jets in an NFL game. The Patriots are favored to win with a moneyline of -200, meaning you must wager $200 to win $100. If the game goes into overtime and the Jets win, the moneyline bettor will lose their wager, despite the Patriots being the favorites in regulation.

Stories and Lessons Learned

Story 1:

In the 2020 NFL playoffs, the Tennessee Titans faced the Baltimore Ravens in the Divisional Round. The Titans were 8.5-point underdogs on the spread but were favored to win on the moneyline at -115. The game went into overtime, and the Titans ultimately won 28-26. As the moneyline favored the Titans, bettors who wagered on Tennessee won their bets despite the Ravens covering the spread.

Lesson: Even if a team is an underdog on the spread, they can still be favored on the moneyline. Consider overtime when evaluating moneyline bets, especially in close matchups.

Story 2:

In the 2019 College Football Playoff National Championship, the Alabama Crimson Tide defeated the Clemson Tigers in overtime 44-16. Alabama was favored to win on both the spread (-5.5 points) and the moneyline (-320). However, Clemson's strong performance in overtime led to an upset, resulting in losses for moneyline bettors who had wagered on Alabama.

Lesson: Overtime can be a game-changer, even for heavily favored teams. Be cautious when betting on a large favorite in a close matchup, as the underdog may have a better chance of winning in overtime.

Story 3:

In a 2018 NBA playoff game, the Golden State Warriors faced the Houston Rockets. The Warriors were 5-point favorites on the spread and -240 favorites on the moneyline. However, the Rockets forced overtime and ultimately won the game 112-108. As the moneyline favored the Warriors, bettors who wagered on Golden State lost their bets due to the overtime result.

Lesson: Even in lopsided matchups, overtime can introduce an element of uncertainty. Consider the potential for overtime when evaluating moneyline bets, as the underdog may have a better chance of winning in extra time.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Assuming the Favorite Will Win in Regulation: Don't assume that the favored team will win the game outright. Overtime can level the playing field, giving the underdog an opportunity to upset the favorite.
• Ignoring the Overtime Impact on Odds: Overtime can significantly impact the odds of a moneyline bet. Factor in the potential for overtime when evaluating the odds and making your wagering decisions.
• Betting on a Large Favorite in a Close Matchup: Betting on a large favorite in a close matchup can be risky, especially on the moneyline. Consider the potential for overtime and the underdog's chances of winning in extra time.

Why it Matters and How it Benefits

Understanding the implications of overtime for moneyline bets is crucial for bettors who want to make informed wagering decisions. By factoring in overtime when evaluating the odds and considering the potential for upsets, bettors can increase their chances of making profitable wagers.

Call to Action

When placing moneyline bets on ESPN, remember that overtime is included in the final score. Consider the implications of overtime on the odds and potential outcomes before making your wagering decisions. By understanding the dynamics of overtime betting, you can enhance your betting strategy and increase your chances of success.