What is the run line in baseball betting?
The short answer
Baseball's version of the point spread, usually -1.5 / +1.5.
Watch the lesson
Play the Run Line videoBetting slang explained
Knowing the language is step one — knowing the true price is the edge. The Cold Line’s signal desk tracks the no-vig fair number and the closing-line value behind terms like this, before the market moves.
In plain English
Baseball's spread, almost always a run and a half. The favorite has to win by two.
What to remember about Run Line
The definition
Baseball's version of the point spread, usually -1.5 / +1.5.
In plain English
Baseball's spread, almost always a run and a half. The favorite has to win by two.
Example in context
"Take the run line if you think they win big."
Check yourself
Term quiz
Check yourself: Run line
1.The run line is…
2.You back the favorite at −1.5 on the run line. What is required?
3.Why does taking −1.5 pay more than the moneyline on the same team?
Keep learning
Explore the next question before you place a bet.
Put the concept to work
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Browse the full A–Z betting glossary or read the complete betting guide. The Cold Line also publishes a free year-round sports calendar and an odds board (Free account: delayed odds).

