.webp){kind=small}
Baseball is the most exciting sport in the world today. Baseball used to be mainly popular in some American countries but over time, it has gained status in Asian countries such as China, Japan, Taiwan and some others. Even so, baseball betting is nothing new for bettors in the Asian market. Now, you can search baseball betting at online bookmakers to participate in betting. Before you go into betting, you need to learn about Baseball betting rules that Wintips will share below.
Understanding baseball betting rules correctly before placing bets
When it comes to baseball betting, many people immediately think it’s simply about picking the winning team. While that’s true, it’s not the whole picture. Baseball is a unique sport where game duration is not fixed, and betting outcomes can be influenced by many external factors such as weather, the minimum number of innings played, or even the starting pitcher.
Why does game duration affect betting outcomes?
Unlike football or basketball, a baseball game can end early if the score difference is too large, according to the Mercy Rule. Specifically, if a team leads by 15 runs after 5 innings, or by 10 runs after 7 innings, the game may be concluded early. However, betting results in such cases will still be considered valid, as long as the game has reached the minimum required innings according to the rules.
On the other hand, if a game is postponed or canceled before completing 5 innings, most types of bets will be voided, and players will receive a refund. Understanding these critical time thresholds helps bettors avoid unwanted situations where their bets are canceled unexpectedly.
Common types of baseball bets and how results are calculated
When starting to bet on baseball, players will frequently encounter three basic types of wagers: Moneyline (betting on the winner), Run Line (point spread), and Total Runs (Over/Under). Each type of bet has its own rules for determining win/loss outcomes, especially when a game is suspended or not completed.
Moneyline – A simple but risky bet on the winner
With a Moneyline bet, players only need to predict which team will win. This is the easiest type of bet to understand, making it suitable for beginners. However, if the game is stopped before completing 5 innings (or 4.5 innings if the home team is leading), all bets will be voided. This often puts inexperienced players at risk if they do not closely follow the game's status.
Run line – Point spread bets that require careful calculation
Run Line bets help balance the odds between two teams of differing strengths. The stronger team must "give" the weaker team a handicap of 1.5 runs or more. However, for a Run Line bet to be considered valid, the game must be completed with a full 9 innings (or at least 8.5 innings if the home team is ahead).
If the game is stopped early and the required innings are not played, the bet will be voided regardless of the current score.
Total runs (Over/Under) – Betting on the combined score of both teams
Similar to the Run Line, Total Runs (Over/Under) bets require the game to be fully completed to count. If the game is postponed, canceled, or ends prematurely before 9 innings are played, Over/Under bets will not be settled and the stakes will be refunded to the players.
Refer to bet football tips to grasp team information, understand odds and manage budget to win.
Pitcher – The crucial factor you cannot overlook in baseball betting
One of the key factors that significantly influence betting outcomes but is often overlooked by new players is the Pitcher, the starting pitcher of the game. Many international sportsbooks allow players to place bets based on the listed starting pitcher. If there’s a change in the starting pitcher before the game begins, bets may be voided if the player has chosen “Listed Pitcher.” On the other hand, if the player selects “Action,” the bet will remain valid even if there’s a pitcher change.
Understanding which pitcher is starting is extremely important because the difference in skill level between pitchers can greatly impact the game's outcome, directly affecting a player’s chance of winning their bet.
How sportsbooks handle postponed, canceled, or changed results
One important thing newcomers should remember is that sportsbooks will settle bets based on the official result immediately after the game ends. Any subsequent changes made by the baseball league due to protests or doping investigations will not affect settled bets.
If a game is postponed or canceled before the scheduled start and cannot resume within 12 hours, most reputable sportsbooks will issue refunds to the bettors. However, if a game starts earlier than planned, bets placed before the new start time will still be considered valid.
To Wrap It Up
Baseball betting is not just a game of chance but requires players to truly understand the rules and master the factors that affect the betting results, from the number of innings, stoppage rules, to the important role of the pitcher. With careful preparation and full knowledge of baseball betting rules, players can not only limit risks but also fully enjoy the appeal and drama of this tactical sport. Always stay alert, closely follow the match developments and choose a reputable bookmaker to ensure the safest and most effective betting experience.
See also: Summary of baseball betting terms that you need to grasp
