Although it implores the longest scheduled regular season in any of the four major North American sports, MLB betting is one of the biggest niches in the industry. Throughout baseball, there are many variables and most online betting handicappers do not have the patience to go through all of them prior to making a wager. One of the most overlooked approaches to baseball gambling is the importance of the listed pitcher on a betting line.

It is surprising, that many baseball bettors do not take the starting pitchers being listed into account. Why you may ask? Well, as we noted before there are a lot of different variables when it comes to making a wager on the MLB. As a result, many bets are reliant on the variables. One such variable is the listed pitcher.

Basically betting on the listed pitcher can occasionally make you a winner before the game ever starts. Throughout the season, pitchers just like any other player can suffer injuries, be scratched out of a line up or be pulled due to illness. How the importance of a listed pitcher affects you is twofold. First, the listed pitcher can be the decider of the game. If Roy Halladay of the Phillies faces Nate Robertson of the Marlins, odds are you will bet on Halladay for the win. Secondly, if Halladay can’t pitch for any reason and you bet on him specifically, the sportsbook has to refund your wager. This makes you a winner before the game even starts, because you did not lose your money.

When bettors base their wagers on the listed pitcher, they should also consider all of the conditions each sportsbook has. Some shops base the listed pitchers on the previously mentioned approach of that specific pitcher must start in order for the wager to be allowed. Yet, other sportsbooks, make the wager based on a term called ‘action’ where you would have to go through with the bet regardless of if the listed pitcher you bet on is playing or scratched.