House Rules Comparison
Key Takeaways
Warning
This guide does not cover all the house rules that can impact your MLB bets. Here are some that are not covered. There may be others.
- Weather delays/postponements
- Shortened games
- Batter prop: opposing pitcher change
- Same Game Parlays (SPG) may be treated differently than straight bets. This guide is only designed for straight bets.
Some sportsbook's house rules mention both action and listed pitcher, but they may not offer both markets. Be sure you understand which market you select, and the specific house rules for that market.
Introduction
The comparison tables below are a high-level starting point on how different sportsbooks may handle different MLB markets. Refer to the sportsbooks’ house rules to be certain. You can lower your risk by hedging your bet and choosing a hedge sportsbook with similar house rules as your primary sportsbook.
Please contact us at support@darkhorseodds.com if you notice any errors or discrepancies.
Read these guides first:
The term “pitching change” in this guide means a change to the listed starting pitcher before the game.
Money line Action
This table lists what happens to your odds on an already-placed Money line Action bet when there is a pitching change.
- Yes: House rules state that the odds will change.
- No: House rules state that the odds will not change.
- May Change: House rules state that the odds may change.
- Does Not Specify: House rules do not state if the odds change when there is a pitching change. Seems to imply that they will not change.
- Not Offered: Money line Action bets do not appear to be offered, only Listed Pitcher.
Run / Total / Alt Lines
This table lists what happens to your odds on an already-placed Run/Total/Alt Line bet when there is a pitching change.
Is The Bet Action?
- Yes: House rules state that the bet is Action (will not void).
- No: House rules state that the bet is No Action (void).
- Unclear: House rules state the bet will be No Action (void) if there is a pitching change, however, the bet does not have Listed Pitchers. This house rule might not apply, resulting in the bet being Action (will not void).
- Does Not Specify: House rules do not state what happens if there is a change to the starting pitcher.
- Not Offered: Action bets do not appear to be offered, only listed pitcher.
- Action If No Listed Pitcher: House rules state the bet is Action (will not void) if there is not a Listed Pitcher stated.
- Appears To Be Action: House Rules state listed pitcher must start, however, the bet slip typically shows “Action”.
Will The Odds Change?
- Yes: House rules state that the odds will change.
- No: House rules state that the odds will not change.
- Does Not Specify: House rules do not state if the odds change when there is a change. Seems to imply that they will not change.
- N/A: Not Applicable because the bet is No Action (void).
Player Props
This table lists how different sportsbooks treat different player prop bets. This is not an exhaustive list of house rules that affect player props.
Pitcher Prop - What Defines Action?
- Must Start: Must be the starting pitcher.
- Must Throw One Pitch: Must throw one pitch, does not have to be the starting pitcher.
- Must Play An Active Role/Must Participate: Not clearly defined. Assumed that they must throw one pitch.
- Does Not Specify: House rules do not state when a pitcher prop is action.
- Starter/Reliever: If the bet is on a starting pitcher must start and throw one pitch. If the bet is on a reliever, they must throw one pitch at any point.
- Enter The Game: The pitcher must enter the game at any point. Does not mention having to throw a pitch or start.
Batter Prop - What Defines Action?
- Must Start: The player must be in the starting lineup. Unclear if the bet is Action or No Action if the batter starts but never has a plate appearance.
- Start And Plate Appearance: The player must start and make one plate appearance.
- Must Play An Active Role/Must Participate: Not clearly defined. Unclear if they play defense, but do not have a plate appearance if the bet is Action or No Action.
- One Plate Appearance: The player does not need to start, they only need to make a plate appearance.
- Does Not Specify: House rules do not state when a batter prop is action.