In sports like baseball, scoring isn't high enough to use a point spread. The money line is used instead. Imagine that using the money line with the White Sox and the Astros, you want to win about $100. If you place your bet on the favored White Sox, you will pay the bookie $120. If you win, you get your $120 back, plus $100 in winnings. If you lose, the bookie keeps your $120.