NRFI betting is a bet that neither team scores in the first inning of a baseball game, NRFI being short for no run first inning. Its other side, YRFI (yes run first inning), wins if at least one run scores. Both halves count, the visitors batting in the top of the first and the home team in the bottom.
That makes it a bet on each starting pitcher against the top of the other team's batting order. It has to go on before the first pitch. Under the Interactive Gambling Act, an online sports bet is lawful only if it is placed and accepted before the event begins (s 10B, s 8A(3)) and the provider holds an Australian state or territory licence (s 15AA).
How an NRFI bet settles
With illustrative prices of $1.75 for NRFI and $2.05 for YRFI, implied chances adding to 1 / 1.75 + 1 / 2.05 = 105.9%, and $40 on each:
| First inning | NRFI at $1.75 | YRFI at $2.05 |
|---|---|---|
| No run in either half | Wins: 40 x 1.75 = $70.00 | Loses $40 |
| No run in the top, one in the bottom | Loses $40 | Wins: 40 x 2.05 = $82.00 |
| Two runs in the top | Loses, decided at the first run | Wins: $82.00 |
Under 0.5 first-inning runs is the same bet as NRFI, so compare those prices too. If rain stops play before the inning is decided, terms differ: some void the bet, others keep it live until the suspended game resumes.
Why NRFI prices off the starting pitchers
The first inning is the one inning in which the top of each batting order is certain to bat. MLB's glossary calls it traditionally the highest-scoring inning, which is why some clubs start a reliever as an opener to face those hitters. Since 2020 every pitcher, starters included, has had to face at least three batters or finish the half-inning unless injury or illness stops him.
Treat the halves as independent and NRFI's chance is a scoreless top times a scoreless bottom. With illustrative chances of 72% and 75%, that is 0.72 x 0.75 = 54.0%, a fair price of 1 / 0.54 = $1.85, so $1.75 returns 0.54 x 1.75 = 94.5c per $1. If the home starter is then scratched for a weaker arm and the top half drops to 64%, NRFI is 0.64 x 0.75 = 48.0%, a fair $2.08, and the same $1.75 returns 0.48 x 1.75 = 84c.
Pitcher and line-up rules
In NSW, the rule book for bookmakers authorised to take sports bets voids every bet on a baseball game if a nominated starter fails to start, unless agreed otherwise (clause 5.2.11). Other bookmakers write their own listed or action terms, which listed pitchers explained sets out: under a listed rule the 84c bet above is refunded, and under an action rule it stands.
Pitcher rules cover the starters, not the batting order: a rested leadoff hitter changes the first inning's chance without voiding anything, so a price taken before the line-ups are out is a guess at them.
NRFI beside the five-inning markets
An NRFI bet asks the starting-pitcher question over one inning, and first five innings markets ask it over five. The MLB betting guide covers the full-game markets, within US sports betting from Australia.
B337 compares prices; it does not rate pitchers or pick innings. Its Terminal shows head to head, line and total prices for the sports it covers, from 40+ bookmakers across racing and sports. Not every bookmaker prices every game or market, and a first-inning market may sit at your bookmaker alone. A free account opens a limited view of the Terminal with live odds.
Risk: Betting involves risk. One swing can settle an NRFI bet, and a pitcher change after you bet can leave you holding a price set for someone else. See responsible gambling for limits and support.