Sports Betting Terms & Glossary

Learn the sport betting terms and gambling lingo that has been used for ages by professionals.

With the help of our glossary, you’ll be able to enter a room and have a rational conversation with top gamblers and sports bettors everywhere.

We are constantly adding new and popular terms and phrases with the goal of providing our users a complete, in depth and up to date online betting glossary.

Accumulator: An accumulator, also known as a parlay or combo bet, is a single wager that combines multiple individual bets into one. To win the accumulator bet, all of the included bets must be successful. If any of the individual bets within the accumulator loses, the entire bet is lost.

Action: The term “action” refers to any wager or bet that is currently in progress or has been placed. It indicates that a bet has been made on a particular game, event, or outcome, and it is active until the result is determined.

Across the Board: In horse racing betting, “across the board” is a type of bet where you wager on a horse to win, place (finish in the top two), and show (finish in the top three) in a single race. It essentially combines three bets into one. If the chosen horse wins, you receive payouts for all three positions (win, place, and show). If it finishes second, you receive payouts for place and show, and if it finishes third, you receive a payout for the show position.

Added Game: An “added game” refers to a game or event that is not part of the original betting lineup but is added to the betting options at a later time. This can happen for various reasons, such as a game being rescheduled, added due to popular demand, or included because of its significance.

Also Ran: In horse racing, the term “also ran” refers to horses that did not finish in the top positions in a race. Specifically, it is used to describe horses that finished outside the top few positions and were not contenders for winning, placing, or showing in the race. These horses are considered part of the field but are typically not noteworthy in terms of performance or results in that particular race.

Alternate Lines: Alternate lines refer to different point spreads or totals offered by sportsbooks for a particular game or event. These alternate lines provide bettors with options beyond the standard point spread or total, allowing them to adjust the betting odds to their liking.

American Odds: American odds, also known as moneyline odds, are a way of expressing betting odds commonly used in the United States. These odds are represented as either positive (+) or negative (-) numbers.

Positive (+) Odds: Positive odds indicate the potential profit you can make on a successful bet with a $100 stake. For example, if you see odds of +150, it means that a $100 bet would potentially yield a profit of $150, and you would receive a total of $250 (your initial $100 stake plus the $150 profit) if your bet is successful.
Negative (-) Odds: Negative odds represent the amount you need to bet to profit $100. For instance, if you encounter odds of -200, you would need to wager $200 to potentially make a profit of $100. If your bet wins, you would receive your initial $200 stake back plus an additional $100 in profit.

American odds can be used for various types of sports bets, including moneyline bets (picking a team to win), point spread bets (betting on a team to cover the spread), and over/under bets (betting on the total points scored in a game). Positive odds indicate an underdog, while negative odds indicate a favorite.

Ante-Post: Particularly in horse racing and some other long-term sports events, “ante-post” betting refers to placing wagers on events well in advance of their actual occurrence. These bets are often made weeks or even months before the event takes place.

Arbitrage: Arbitrage refers to a strategy where a bettor takes advantage of discrepancies in odds offered by different bookmakers to guarantee a profit, regardless of the actual outcome of the event being bet on. It involves placing bets on all possible outcomes of an event with different bookmakers, ensuring that the total amount wagered is less than the potential total payout.

Asian Handicap: Asian handicap is a popular type of sports betting, primarily used in soccer (football), which aims to level the playing field by giving one team a virtual advantage or disadvantage. It is designed to eliminate the possibility of a draw and provide more balanced odds for betting on favorites and underdogs.

ATS: ATS stands for “Against the Spread”. It is a term commonly used when wagering on the point spread in various sports, such as American football and basketball. When you bet ATS, you are not simply picking a team to win the game outright; instead, you are betting on whether a team will perform better or worse than the point spread set by the sportsbook.

Backdoor Cover: A “backdoor cover” occurs when a team that is losing the game by a significant margin, particularly late in the game, scores enough points to cover the point spread. This means that even though the team may not win the game outright, they manage to lose by fewer points than the point spread initially indicated.

Bad Beat: In sports betting and poker, a “bad beat” refers to a situation in which a bettor or player with a very strong hand or a winning bet ultimately loses to an opponent with an unlikely or inferior hand due to a fortunate turn of events, typically on the last card or play.

Bankroll: And gambling, a “bankroll” refers to the total amount of money that a bettor has set aside specifically for the purpose of placing bets

Bankroll Management: Bankroll management is a set of strategies and principles that sports bettors use to effectively control and allocate their betting funds (bankroll). It involves responsible and disciplined handling of one’s betting capital to minimize risk and maximize the chances of long-term success.

Beard: In the context of sports betting, a “beard” is a term used to describe a person who places bets on behalf of someone else, often a high-profile or professional bettor, in an attempt to conceal the true identity of the bettor.

Bet: A bet is a wager or stake placed by an individual or bettor on a particular outcome or event, often in sports, casino games, or other forms of gambling. The bet is a financial risk taken with the hope of winning additional money or prizes if the chosen outcome occurs as predicted.

Betting exchange: A betting exchange is an online platform where users can bet against each other, either backing (betting for) or laying (betting against) outcomes. It acts as a marketplace where users set the odds, providing a peer-to-peer betting experience. The exchange charges a commission on net winnings as its source of revenue.

Betting strategy: A betting strategy is a systematic approach or plan that a sports bettor uses to make informed and deliberate decisions when placing bets

Book: The term “book” can refer to two related concepts:

Sportsbook: A “book” is often used as a shorthand term for a sportsbook, which is an establishment or online platform that accepts bets on various sporting events and other gambling activities. Sportsbooks set the odds for different betting markets, accept wagers from bettors, and pay out winnings based on the outcomes of events.
Betting Record: In another context, a “book” can refer to a record or log that bettors maintain to keep track of their bets, betting history, and financial transactions related to sports betting. Keeping a betting “book” helps bettors manage their bankroll and assess the success of their betting strategies.

The specific meaning of “book” depends on the context in which it is used, but it is often associated with sports betting and gambling.

Bookie: “Bookie” is a colloquial term for a bookmaker. A bookie is an individual or organization that accepts and manages bets from bettors on various events, including sports events, horse races, and other forms of gambling.

Bookmaker: A bookmaker, often referred to as a “bookie,” is a person or organization that accepts bets from individuals (bettors) on the outcomes of various events, such as sports matches, horse races, casino games, or other contests.

Buy points “Buying points” is a sports betting strategy that allows bettors to adjust the point spread or total (over/under) of a game in exchange for a higher or lower payout, depending on their preferences. This option is commonly available in point spread and total betting markets.

Chalk: In sports betting and gambling, “chalk” refers to the team, player, or outcome that is the clear favorite to win an event. It is the opposite of an underdog. When something is described as “the chalk,” it means it is expected to win, and it usually has lower odds or a smaller potential payout compared to its opponent or alternatives.

Chalk bettor: A chalk bettor is a sports bettor who frequently places bets on the favored or “chalk” teams or players in a given sporting event.

Circled Game: A circled game is a game on which the sportsbook has imposed special restrictions or limitations, typically due to uncertainty or unusual circumstances. Bettors may have limited betting options or be restricted from betting on circled games until more information is available or issues are resolved.

Closing Line: The closing line refers to the final set of odds or point spreads offered by a sportsbook just before a game begins.

Co-Favorite: “Co-favorite” refers to a situation where two or more teams, players, or outcomes are considered equally likely to win according to the betting odds. Co-favorites have the same or very similar odds, indicating that the sportsbook views them as equally strong contenders with an equal chance of winning the event.

Combine: In sports, the term “combine” can have different meanings depending on the context. Here are two common uses of the term:

NFL Scouting Combine: The NFL Scouting Combine, often referred to simply as the “combine,” is an annual event in American football where top college football players showcase their physical and mental abilities to NFL teams. It typically takes place in the weeks leading up to the NFL Draft. At the combine, players participate in a series of drills and tests, including the 40-yard dash, vertical jump, broad jump, bench press, and various agility drills. These measurements and performances are used by NFL teams to evaluate the potential of draft prospects and make informed draft decisions.
NBA Draft Combine: Similar to the NFL Scouting Combine, the NBA Draft Combine is an event where top college basketball players showcase their skills and athleticism to NBA teams before the NBA Draft. Players participate in drills, measurements, and scrimmages to help teams assess their abilities.

These combines play a crucial role in the professional sports scouting and drafting process. They provide teams with valuable data and firsthand observations to make informed decisions about which players to select in the upcoming drafts.

Commission: “Commission” refers to the fee or percentage of a bet that a sportsbook or bookmaker charges for facilitating the betting transaction. It is also known as the “juice” or “vig,” and it represents the sportsbook’s built-in profit margin.

Cover/Covering the spread: “Cover” or “covering the spread” means that a team or player has outperformed the point spread or handicap set by the sportsbook. If you bet on the favored team and they win by more points than the spread, or if you bet on the underdog and they lose by fewer points than the spread, your bet “covers the spread,” and you win your wager.

Decimal Odds: Decimal odds are a format used to represent the odds or potential payout of a bet and gambling. They are expressed as a decimal number, such as 2.00, 3.50, or 1.25. To calculate potential winnings with decimal odds, you simply multiply your bet amount by the decimal odds.

Dog: In sports betting and gambling slang, “dog” is a shortened form of “underdog.” An underdog is a team, player, or outcome in a sporting event that is less favored to win, often with longer odds.

Double Action Bet: A double action bet is a type of wager that combines two separate bets into one. It often involves betting on both the outcome of a game and a specific condition within that game. For example, in a football game, you might place a double action bet on Team A to win the game and the total score to be over a certain number of points. Both conditions must be met for the bet to be successful, and the odds for a double action bet are typically higher than for individual bets.

Double Bet: A double bet, often referred to as a “double,” is a type of sports wager that involves combining two separate bets into a single betting selection. To win a double bet, both component bets must be successful. It offers the potential for higher returns than individual bets but also increases the level of risk because both conditions must be met for the bet to be successful.

Double Result: “double result” is a type of bet where the bettor predicts both the halftime result and the full-time result of a sporting event. This bet combines two separate outcomes into a single wager. To win a double result bet, the bettor must accurately predict both the score or outcome at halftime and the final score or outcome at the end of the game.

Double-Header: In sports, a “double-header” refers to a day or session in which two separate games or matches are played consecutively at the same venue. Double-headers are often scheduled to make up for postponed games, as part of a special event, or as part of a regular season in some sports leagues.

Draw: In sports betting and gambling, a “draw” refers to a specific outcome in which neither team or player wins a contest or match. Instead, the competition ends in a tie, with both sides having the same score or performance.

Drift: “drift” refers to a change in the odds or betting price of a team, player, or outcome that results in longer or less favorable odds. When the odds for a particular selection drift, it means that the betting market perceives it as less likely to win compared to earlier odds. This shift in odds may occur due to various factors, including public betting sentiment, news, injuries, or changes in the overall betting market.

Each-Way: “Each-way” is a type of sports betting wager that is common in horse racing and can also be found in other sports, particularly golf. It consists of two separate bets:

Win Bet: The first part of an each-way bet is a standard bet on the chosen selection to win the race or tournament outright.
Place Bet: The second part of the each-way bet is a bet on the same selection to finish in one of the predetermined places, usually second, third, fourth, or fifth, depending on the number of participants and the specific event. The place terms may vary.

An each-way bet effectively splits the total stake into two equal parts—one for the win and one for the place. If the selection wins the event, both the win and place bets are successful. If the selection finishes in one of the predetermined places but does not win, only the place bet is successful.

Edge: “edge” refers to a perceived advantage or favorable position that a bettor believes they have over the sportsbook or other bettors. It represents a situation where a bettor believes that the odds or the betting market’s perception of an outcome are in their favor.

Even Money: In sports betting and gambling, “even money” refers to a situation where the potential payout for a successful bet is equal to the amount wagered. In other words, it represents a 1:1 payout ratio. When you bet on an outcome at even money odds and win, you receive your original wager back along with an additional amount equal to your bet.

Exotic Bet: An exotic bet, also known as a “prop bet” (short for proposition bet), is a type of sports wager that goes beyond the traditional bets on the outcome of a game or match. Exotic bets are often more complex and involve predicting specific occurrences or details within a sporting event. These bets can encompass a wide range of possibilities, such as predicting the first player to score a goal, the number of touchdowns in a football game, or the exact order of finish in a horse race.

Exposure: In sports betting and gambling, “exposure” refers to the total amount of money or liability that a sportsbook, bookmaker, or bettor stands to lose on a particular bet or set of bets. It represents the financial risk associated with a bet.

Favorite: The “favorite” is the team, player, or outcome that is considered more likely to win according to the betting odds. It is the opposite of an underdog.

First Half Bet: A first-half bet is a type of sports wager where the outcome is determined by the performance or result of a sporting event during the first half of play. This type of bet focuses solely on the events and statistics that occur in the first half, and it does not consider the final outcome of the entire game or match.

First/Last/Anytime Scorer: These are types of sports bets, commonly used in sports like soccer and American football, where you predict which player will score a goal or point during a specific time frame within a game:

First Scorer: In a “first scorer” bet, you predict which player will score the first goal or point in the game. If your chosen player scores first, your bet is successful.
Last Scorer: A “last scorer” bet involves predicting which player will score the final goal or point in the game. If your selected player scores last, your bet wins.
Anytime Scorer: An “anytime scorer” bet allows you to choose a player and bet that they will score at any point during the game. It doesn’t matter whether they score first or last; as long as they score during the game, your bet is successful.

These bets provide opportunities to wager on individual player performances within a game and can add excitement to watching the match as you root for your chosen player to score.

Fixed Odds: Fixed odds, also known as fixed-odds betting, refers to a type of sports betting where the odds or potential payout for a bet are determined and set at the time the bet is placed. These odds remain constant and do not change, regardless of how the betting market evolves. If your bet wins, you receive a payout based on the fixed odds at the time of placing the bet.

Fractional Odds: Fractional odds, also known as “British odds” or “traditional odds,” are a way of representing betting odds commonly used in the United Kingdom and Ireland. These odds are expressed as fractions, such as 2/1, 5/2, or 3/4. The first number in the fraction (numerator) represents the potential profit, while the second number (denominator) represents the amount wagered (the stake).

Futures Bet: A futures bet is a type of sports wager in which you predict the outcome of a sporting event that will occur in the future, typically at the end of a season or tournament. These bets are not resolved until the specified event or season concludes, as opposed to bets on individual games or matches. Common examples of futures bets include predicting the winner of a league, championship, or tournament before it starts, or wagering on season-long achievements like the total number of wins for a team or the most valuable player.

Game Total Bet: A game total bet, often referred to as an “over/under” bet, is a type of sports wager in which you predict whether the total combined score or points in a game will be higher (over) or lower (under) than a specific number set by the sportsbook or bookmaker.

Graded Bet: A graded bet is a sports wager that has been officially reviewed and settled by a sportsbook or bookmaker. It means that the outcome of the bet has been determined, and any winnings or losses have been paid out or deducted from the bettor’s account.

Grand Salami: The term “Grand Salami” typically refers to a single over/under bet that covers the total combined number of goals or points scored in all the games played in a particular league or sport on a specific day. It is commonly used in hockey and baseball betting, allowing bettors to wager on the total goals or runs scored across all the scheduled games for that day.

Half Ball Handicap: Particularly in Asian handicap betting, a “half ball handicap” or “half-goal handicap” is a type of handicap bet used to eliminate the possibility of a draw or tie outcome in a contest, such as a soccer match.

Half Time Bet: A half-time bet is a type of sports wager in which you predict the outcome of a sporting event based on the score or performance during the first half of the game. Unlike traditional full-game bets, half-time bets focus exclusively on the events and statistics that occur in the first half, and the bet is resolved at the conclusion of that portion of the game.

Handicap: A handicap is a method used to level the playing field between two teams or competitors of unequal strength or ability. It’s designed to make the outcome of a bet more competitive by giving an advantage or disadvantage to one of the teams or players.

Handicapper: A handicapper is an individual or entity that specializes in analyzing sports events and making predictions or assessments regarding the outcome of those events, particularly in the context of sports betting. Handicappers use their knowledge, expertise, and statistical analysis to evaluate various factors that can affect the outcome of a game or match, such as team/player performance, injuries, weather conditions, and historical data.

Handle: In sports betting and gambling, the term “handle” refers to the total amount of money wagered or bet by all bettors on a particular sporting event, game, or series of games over a specific period of time. It represents the total betting action or volume for that event or period.

Hedge: “hedge” refers to placing additional bets to minimize potential losses or guarantee a profit, often by betting on the opposite outcome of an initial wager. Hedging is a risk management strategy used to balance potential gains and losses.

Holding Your Own: “holding your own” means maintaining a stable or neutral financial position without significant losses or gains.

Home Field Advantage: Home field advantage is a concept and sports analysis that acknowledges the inherent advantage that a team or player has when competing on their home turf or in their home venue. This advantage can be attributed to several factors, including familiarity with the playing surface, support from home fans, reduced travel time, and a generally more comfortable environment.

Hook: The term “hook” refers to the half-point added to point spreads and totals to avoid the possibility of a push or tie. It’s especially common in American football and basketball betting.

If Bet: An “if bet” is a type of sports wager that consists of two or more individual bets linked together, where the outcome of the second bet depends on the result of the first bet. If the first bet is successful, the winnings are then used as the stake for the second bet, and so on for subsequent bets. However, if any of the bets in the sequence loses, the remaining bets are not placed.

In-Play Betting: In-play betting, also known as live betting or in-game betting, is a type of sports wagering where bets are placed on a game or sporting event after it has already started. It allows bettors to make real-time bets on various outcomes and scenarios as the event unfolds, taking advantage of changing odds and game developments.

Joint Favorite: “joint favorite” refers to a situation where two or more teams, players, or outcomes are considered equally likely to win according to the betting odds.

Juice: “juice” is another term for the commission or vigorish that a sportsbook or bookmaker charges on bets. It represents the sportsbook’s profit margin on a given bet and is typically included in the odds offered to bettors.

Laying Points: “laying points” is a term used when a bettor places a wager on a favorite in a point spread or handicap bet. When you lay points, you are essentially betting on the favored team to win by more points than the specified spread or handicap.

Layoff: A “layoff” refers to a bookmaker’s practice of placing bets with other bookmakers or sportsbooks to reduce their own risk and balance their exposure on a particular event. This is done to minimize potential losses and ensure a more even distribution of bets on both sides of the betting market.

Limit: The term “limit” refers to the maximum amount of money that a sportsbook or bookmaker is willing to accept as a wager on a particular bet or event.

Line: The term “line” refers to the odds or point spread that a sportsbook or bookmaker offers for a particular sporting event. It represents the set of odds or the spread that bettors can wager on. The line includes information such as the teams or competitors involved, the type of bet (moneyline, point spread, or over/under), and the odds or point spread values.

Linemaker: A linemaker, often referred to as an oddsmaker or bookmaker, is an individual responsible for setting and adjusting the betting lines and odds for sports events.

Listed Pitchers: “Listed pitchers” is a term commonly used in baseball betting, particularly in moneyline bets and totals (over/under bets). When you place a bet with “listed pitchers,” it means your bet is contingent on both of the scheduled starting pitchers for the game.

Live Betting: Live betting, also known as in-play betting or in-game betting, is a form of sports wagering where bets are placed on a game or sporting event while it is in progress. Unlike traditional pre-game betting, which closes before the event begins, live betting allows bettors to place bets in real-time as the game unfolds.

Lock: The term “lock” is informally used to describe a bet or outcome that is considered extremely likely to be successful. When a bettor believes that a particular outcome is almost guaranteed to occur, they may refer to it as a “lock.”

Longshot: A “longshot” refers to a selection or outcome that is considered highly unlikely to occur, as reflected in the odds offered by sportsbooks. Longshot bets have a lower probability of winning but offer higher potential payouts if they do win.

Middle: “middle” refers to a betting strategy where a bettor places wagers on both sides of a point spread or total (over/under) bet in such a way that they have the potential to win both bets if the final result falls within a specific range or “middle.”

MLB: MLB stands for “Major League Baseball,” which is the highest level of professional baseball in the United States and one of the premier baseball leagues in the world. Major League Baseball consists of 30 teams divided into two leagues: the National League (NL) and the American League (AL). Each league is further divided into three divisions.

MLB Draft: The MLB Draft, officially known as the “Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft,” is an annual event in which Major League Baseball teams select amateur baseball players to join their organizations. It is the primary method by which teams acquire young talent to build their rosters for the future.

MLS: MLS stands for “Major League Soccer,” which is the top professional soccer league in the United States and Canada. MLS is a men’s soccer league that features teams from various cities across North America.

Moneyline: The “moneyline” is a type of wager that focuses on the outright winner of a game or event, regardless of the point spread. It presents odds for each team or outcome, with a plus sign (+) indicating the potential profit for an underdog bet and a minus sign (-) indicating the amount you need to bet to win a specified profit on the favorite. Moneyline bets are straightforward and do not involve point spreads.

Multiple Bets: “multiple bets” refers to a category of wagers where bettors combine two or more individual bets into a single betting slip. These bets are sometimes called parlays or accumulators. To win a multiple bet, all of the individual bets within the combination must be successful.

MVP: In sports betting and sports analysis, “MVP” stands for “Most Valuable Player.” It refers to an award or recognition given to the top-performing player in a particular sports league, tournament, or season.

N
Nap: In sports betting, particularly in horse racing, a “nap” is a term used to describe a highly confident selection or prediction for a particular horse to win a race. It signifies the bettor’s strong belief that the chosen horse is the most likely to be victorious.

NASCAR: NASCAR stands for the “National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing.” It is an American motorsport organization and the governing body for stock car racing in the United States. NASCAR is known for its popular stock car racing series, including the NASCAR Cup Series, NASCAR Xfinity Series, and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.

NBA: NBA stands for the “National Basketball Association,” which is the premier professional basketball league in North America. The NBA is widely regarded as one of the top basketball leagues in the world and features some of the most talented and well-known basketball players globally.

NCAA: NCAA stands for the “National Collegiate Athletic Association.” It is the primary governing body for college sports in the United States. The NCAA oversees and regulates college athletics, including various sports such as football, basketball, baseball, soccer, and more, at the collegiate level.

NFL: NFL stands for the “National Football League,” which is the premier professional American football league in the United States. The NFL is known for its high level of competition and is one of the most popular and widely watched sports leagues in the world.

NFL Draft: The NFL Draft is an annual event in American football where National Football League (NFL) teams select eligible college football players and other eligible players to join their organizations. The draft is a fundamental part of building and maintaining competitive NFL teams and serves as a means for distributing new talent to the league.

NHL: NHL stands for the “National Hockey League,” which is the premier professional ice hockey league in North America. The NHL is known for its fast-paced and physically demanding style of play and is one of the major professional sports leagues in the United States and Canada.

NHL Draft: The NHL Draft is an annual event in the National Hockey League (NHL) where NHL teams select eligible amateur and international ice hockey players to join their organizations. The draft is a significant means by which NHL teams acquire new talent and build for the future.

No Action: “no action” is a term used to describe a situation in which a bet is canceled or voided, and neither the bettor nor the sportsbook is held responsible for the wager. This typically occurs when certain conditions or circumstances specified in the sportsbook’s rules are not met.

Novelty Bets: Novelty bets, also known as special bets or prop bets, are a category of sports betting or wagering that involves placing bets on events or outcomes that are not directly related to the final result of a sports game. Instead, novelty bets focus on unique, entertaining, or offbeat aspects of sports, entertainment, politics, or other non-sporting events.

Odds: In sports betting, “odds” represent the likelihood of a specific outcome happening in an event or the potential payout for a bet.

Odds Formats: Odds formats are the different ways in which betting odds are expressed, helping bettors understand the likelihood of an outcome and potential payouts. Common odds formats include:

Fractional Odds: Presented as fractions (e.g., 3/1). The first number represents potential profit, and the second is the stake. For example, 3/1 odds mean a $100 bet wins $300 plus the $100 stake if successful.
Decimal Odds: Shown as decimals (e.g., 4.00). Potential winnings are calculated by multiplying the stake by the decimal odds. For instance, a $100 bet at 4.00 odds yields a $400 payout.
American Odds: Displayed with a plus (+) or minus (-) sign (e.g., +200 or -150). Positive odds (+) indicate potential profit on a $100 bet, while negative odds (-) represent the amount needed to win $100. For example, +200 odds mean a $100 bet wins $200.

Different regions and sportsbooks use these formats, so understanding them is crucial for effective sports betting.

Oddsmaker: An “oddsmaker” is a professional at a sportsbook or betting organization responsible for setting the initial odds or betting lines for various sporting events. Oddsmakers use a combination of statistical analysis, historical data, and their expertise to determine the odds that will attract betting interest and accurately reflect the perceived probabilities of different outcomes.

Odds-on Favorite: An “odds-on favorite” refers to a team, player, or outcome in sports betting that is considered highly likely to win, and as a result, it has odds that are less than even money (typically expressed as a minus (-) figure in American odds).

Odds Shopping: “Odds shopping” is a sports betting strategy where bettors compare the odds and betting lines offered by multiple sportsbooks to find the most favorable or advantageous odds for a particular wager.

Off the Board: In sports betting, “off the board” (often abbreviated as “OTB”) is a term used to describe a situation where a sportsbook temporarily removes a particular betting option or market from its offerings.

Outright Betting: Outright betting, also known as futures betting or future betting, is a type of sports wager where a bettor predicts the winner of an entire tournament, competition, or season rather than the outcome of an individual game or match.

Over Bet: An “over bet” is a type of sports wager where the bettor predicts that the total combined score of both teams or participants in a game or event will exceed a specified number, known as the “over/under” or “total” set by the sportsbook. This type of bet is also referred to as an “over/above” bet.

Over/Under (O/U): Over/under, often abbreviated as “O/U,” is a popular type of sports betting wager where bettors predict whether the total combined score of a game or event will be higher (over) or lower (under) than a specific number set by the sportsbook. This number is known as the “total” or “over/under line.”

Parlay: A parlay is a type of sports bet that combines multiple individual bets into a single, larger wager. In a parlay bet, all of the individual bets, known as “legs,” must be successful for the parlay to win. If any of the legs in the parlay loses, the entire bet is lost.

Parlay Banker: In a parlay bet, a “parlay banker” is a specific selection within the parlay that the bettor considers the most likely to win. The parlay banker is the bet that the bettor has the highest confidence in.

Payout: The term “payout” refers to the amount of money a bettor receives if their wager is successful. The payout is the total return on the bet, including both the original stake (the amount wagered) and the profit earned from the bet.

Pick ’em: A “pick ’em” (often written as “PK” or “PK’em”) is a betting situation in which there is no point spread or handicap applied to either team or participant in a game or event. It means that the outcome is considered evenly matched, and bettors are essentially picking the outright winner without any additional points or goals being given or taken away.

Point Spread: The point spread, often referred to simply as the “spread,” is a key component of sports betting used to level the playing field between teams of varying skill levels or perceived abilities. It is a margin of victory or defeat that one team is expected to achieve over the other in a given game.

Post Time: “Post time” is a term commonly used in horse racing and refers to the scheduled time at which a specific horse race is set to begin. It is the moment when the horses and jockeys are required to be in their starting positions at the starting gate or the designated starting point on the track.

Power Rankings: Power rankings are a subjective and regularly updated list or ranking of sports teams or participants within a particular league, division, or competition. These rankings are used to assess and compare the relative strengths and performance levels of the teams or individuals involved in a given sport.

Price: In sports betting and gambling, the term “price” refers to the odds or the payout associated with a particular bet. It represents the amount of money a bettor can potentially win if their bet is successful.

Proposition Bet (Prop Bet): A proposition bet, often referred to as a “prop bet,” is a type of sports bet that is not based on the final outcome of a game or event, but rather on a specific occurrence or statistical outcome within the event. Prop bets can cover a wide range of possibilities and are often related to specific player performances, team statistics, or other unique aspects of the event.

Proxy: In the context of sports betting and gambling, a “proxy” refers to an individual or service that is authorized to place bets or wagers on behalf of someone else. Proxies are commonly used in situations where a bettor is unable to physically be present at a sportsbook or betting venue to place their bets.

Public Money: The term “public money” refers to the bets placed by the general public or casual bettors, as opposed to professional or sharp bettors. Public money is characterized by the betting decisions made by a large number of recreational bettors who may not have in-depth knowledge or expertise in sports handicapping.

Puck Line: The puck line is a type of point spread commonly used in ice hockey betting. It is a way to handicap the perceived strength of two teams and create a more balanced betting situation. The puck line is unique to hockey betting and is used to level the playing field in terms of wagering.

Push: A “push” refers to a situation in which the final outcome of a bet results in neither a win nor a loss for the bettor. Instead, the bet is considered a tie or a draw, and the original stake is typically returned to the bettor.

Quarter Bet: A quarter bet is a type of sports betting wager that focuses on the outcome or events within a specific quarter (usually the first, second, third, or fourth) of a sporting event, particularly in games with four quarters like American football and basketball. This type of bet allows bettors to predict what will happen during a specific quarter rather than the overall outcome of the game.

Recreational Bettor: A recreational bettor, also known as a casual bettor or a leisure bettor, is an individual who engages in sports betting primarily for entertainment and enjoyment rather than as a profession or serious source of income.

Rotation Number: A rotation number is a unique identifier or code assigned to each team or participant in a specific game or event. Rotation numbers are used by sportsbooks and sports betting operators to simplify the betting process and ensure that bets are placed on the correct teams or outcomes.

Run Line: The run line is a type of point spread commonly used in baseball betting. It is similar to the point spread used in other sports but is tailored to the unique scoring system of baseball. The run line is designed to level the playing field between teams of varying abilities and create more balanced betting opportunities.

Second Half Bet: A second half bet is a type of sports wager that focuses exclusively on the outcome or events occurring in the second half of a sporting event. It is a popular betting option in sports like football, basketball, and soccer, where games are divided into halves or quarters.

Sell Points: “Sell points” is a sports betting option that allows bettors to adjust the point spread or total (over/under) in their favor by giving up some of their potential payout. This option is typically available in point spread and total bets, allowing bettors to buy or sell points to improve their chances of winning, although it comes at the cost of reduced potential winnings.

Sharp: A “sharp” is a term used to describe a highly skilled and knowledgeable bettor who consistently makes well-informed and successful bets. Sharps are often contrasted with “square” bettors, who are casual or recreational bettors without the same level of expertise or success.

Special: In the context of sports betting, the term “special” can refer to a type of bet or wager that is not part of the standard betting options like point spreads, moneylines, or totals. Special bets are often unique or novelty bets that focus on specific events or occurrences within a sporting event. These bets are designed to add entertainment and excitement to the betting experience, and they may not necessarily be related to the final outcome of the game.

Spread Betting: Spread betting is a form of sports betting, primarily popular in the United States that involves betting on the point differential between two teams in a sporting event. Unlike traditional sports betting, which typically involves wagering on whether a team will win or lose, spread betting focuses on the margin of victory or defeat.

Sportsbook: A sportsbook, often referred to as a bookmaker or bookie, is a business or entity that accepts and manages sports bets from individuals (bettors) on various sporting events and outcomes. Sportsbooks set odds and betting lines for different sports events and offer a platform for bettors to place their wagers.

Square: In sports betting and gambling terminology, a “square” is a term used to describe a bettor who is typically inexperienced, casual, or recreational in their approach to betting. Squares are often contrasted with “sharps,” who are knowledgeable and skilled bettors.

Stake: In sports betting and gambling, a “stake” refers to the amount of money that a bettor risks or wagers on a particular bet. The stake represents the financial investment made by the bettor in the outcome of a sporting event or other betting opportunity.

Staking Method: A staking method, also known as a bankroll management strategy, is a systematic approach used by sports bettors and gamblers to determine how much money (the stake) to wager on each individual bet.

Steam: The term “steam” refers to significant and rapid movement in the betting lines, odds, or point spreads across multiple sportsbooks or betting markets. Steam is characterized by a sudden surge of betting activity on one side of a game or bet, causing sportsbooks to adjust their lines quickly to balance their exposure and minimize potential losses.

Straight Bet: A straight bet, also known as a single bet or a straight wager, is one of the simplest and most common types of sports bets. It involves placing a wager on the outcome of a single sporting event or game, without any combination with other bets or events.

Syndicate (Betting Syndicate): A betting syndicate is a group of individuals or bettors who pool their resources, knowledge, and expertise to place bets collectively, often with the goal of increasing their chances of winning and maximizing profits.

Taking Points “taking points” refers to a betting strategy in which a bettor places a wager on the underdog in a point spread bet. When taking points, the bettor is essentially “receiving” or “getting” points added to the underdog’s final score for the purposes of the bet.

Teaser: A teaser is a type of sports bet that allows bettors to adjust the point spread or totals line in their favor for multiple selections in exchange for accepting lower odds and a lower potential payout.

Ticket (Betting Ticket): A “ticket” refers to the physical or digital record of a bet that a bettor has placed with a sportsbook or betting operator. It serves as proof of the wager and contains important information about the bet, including the selections, stake, odds, and potential payout.

Tip: A “tip” in sports betting refers to a piece of advice or recommendation regarding a specific bet, often shared by experts, analysts, or tipster services to help bettors make more informed wagering decisions.

Tipster: A “tipster” is an individual or service that provides sports betting tips, predictions, and advice to bettors. Tipsters analyze sporting events and offer recommendations on which bets to place, often based on their expertise and analysis of the games.

Three-Way Odds: Three-way odds, commonly used in sports like soccer (football), represent the betting options for a specific event with three possible outcomes: win for one team, win for the other team, or a draw (tie).

Two-Way Odds: Two-way odds, also known as “moneyline odds” or “win-draw” odds, are a type of sports betting odds commonly used in sports where a tie or draw outcome is not possible, such as basketball, baseball, or tennis. Two-way odds represent betting options for a specific event with only two possible outcomes: one team or player winning, and the other team or player losing.

Under: In sports betting, “under” refers to a type of bet placed on the total number of points, goals, or other statistical measures in a sporting event being less than a specified figure. It is commonly associated with the “under” or “under/over” (also known as “totals”) betting market.

Underdog: In sports betting and competitive contexts, an “underdog” refers to the team, player, or participant who is considered less likely to win or succeed in a given matchup or competition.

Vigorish (Vig): Vigorish, often referred to as “vig” or “juice,” is the commission or fee that a sportsbook or bookmaker charges for facilitating sports betting. It represents the sportsbook’s profit margin and is built into the odds offered to bettors.

Wager: A “wager” is a term used interchangeably with “bet” in the context of sports betting and gambling. It refers to the act of placing money or something of value on the outcome of a sporting event or other uncertain outcome with the hope of winning additional money or prizes based on the outcome.

Wise Guy (Sharps): In sports betting, a “wise guy” is a term used to describe a highly knowledgeable and experienced bettor who is considered to be sharp, skilled, and successful in making profitable wagers. Wise guys are often synonymous with professional or sharp bettors.