A moneyline bet is the simplest wager a sportsbook offers: you pick which team wins outright, with no point spread involved. The math underneath that simplicity, however, carries a cost that most casual bettors underestimate. Understanding how odds are priced — and what the book's margin actually takes from your return — is the single most useful thing you can do before placing a bet at any licensed New York sportsbook.
How does a moneyline bet actually work?
When you open an app at any NYSGC-licensed operator and see a moneyline market, you'll find two numbers: a negative number on the favorite and a positive number on the underdog. A -150 favorite means you risk $150 to win $100 in profit. A +130 underdog means you risk $100 to win $130 in profit. Neither side is priced at "true" probability — the book builds in a margin on both sides, which is where the house retains its edge. That margin is sometimes called the vig or juice, and it compounds quietly every time you bet. For a plain comparison of how these numbers translate across different display formats, see New York Sportsbook Odds Formats: American, Decimal, and Fractional Explained.
What does the vig cost you on a moneyline versus a spread?
On a standard point-spread bet, the pricing is transparent and nearly universal: -110 on each side, meaning you risk $110 to win $100, implying roughly a 4.5% margin per side baked into the price. Moneyline pricing is less standardized — the margin shifts based on how lopsided the matchup is. A heavy favorite priced at -400 carries a much wider implied margin than a near-even game priced at -115/-105. NY mobile sportsbooks have posted a blended hold percentage — that is, revenue as a share of total handle — of approximately 7–10%, with state reporting showing figures in the 8–9% range on a blended basis. That blended figure reflects spread bets, totals, props, and moneylines combined; in practice, moneyline markets on lopsided favorites tend to sit at the higher end of that range for the bettor willing to examine the math.
If you're evaluating how moneyline costs stack up against the multi-leg alternative, Parlay Betting at New York Sportsbooks: What the Odds Really Cost You breaks down how margin multiplies across combined wagers — a useful read before you decide which bet type fits your style.
Which sportsbooks offer the tightest moneyline prices in New York?
Line shopping — checking the same game at two or three apps simultaneously — is the most practical way to reduce the vig you pay. A difference of just -110 versus -115 on the same moneyline adds up significantly across a full season of bets. The table below compares key attributes across three major licensed NY operators so you can identify which platform suits your priorities. For a broader look at the full field, visit Best New York Sportsbooks Ranked: FanDuel, DraftKings & More.
| Sportsbook | License Status (NY) | Default Odds Format | Moneyline Market Availability | Best Suited For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FanDuel NY | Licensed & live (NYSGC) | American (moneyline) | NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, college, and more | Bettors who want deep same-game markets and fast withdrawals |
| DraftKings NY | Licensed & live (NYSGC) | American (moneyline) | NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, college, and more | Bettors who prioritize a wide prop menu alongside straight wagers |
| BetMGM NY | Licensed & live (NYSGC) | American (moneyline) | NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, college, and more | Bettors who want retail casino integration and loyalty rewards |
Can you bet the moneyline on the Giants, Yankees, or Knicks?
Yes — professional franchises are fully available for moneyline wagering in New York. The in-state team restriction applies to college programs only: NY-based schools such as Syracuse, St. John's, and Fordham are off-limits under NYSGC rules. The Giants, Yankees, Knicks, Rangers, and every other professional franchise are fair game, which matters if you're building your betting calendar around local teams.
What does FanDuel's pricing look like in practice?
FanDuel is consistently among the highest-volume operators in the NY market, and its moneyline depth across major sports is extensive. If you want to evaluate its specific odds, bonus bet terms, and withdrawal speeds in one place, the FanDuel New York Review: Odds, Bonus Bets, and Withdrawal Speed covers all three. Bonuses and sign-up offers are available to eligible new users in New York State; terms, minimum odds restrictions, and expiry windows vary, so read the full conditions before opting in. Legality and bonus availability apply to users physically located within New York State at the time of wagering.
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