Sports Betting Must Know Phrases
Many online sports betting sites offer a wide variety of bets on everything from simple money lines to more complicated propositions. This can be confusing for new bettors, which is why it’s important to familiarize yourself with some of the most common sports betting terms.
Action: A bet or wager of any kind.
Bankroll: The total amount of money a bettor has available to wager.
Book: A SportsBooks or betting venue.
Chalk: The favorite in a given matchup.
Circled game: A game in which the SportsBooks has reduced betting limits, usually due to uncertainty about one or both teams involved.
Futures bet: A bet on an event that will occur later, such as the winner of a championship.
Laying the points: Betting on the favorite in a given matchup.
Moneyline: A bet on which team win a game without regard to point will spread.
Off the board: A bet that a SportsBooks has refused to accept.
Parlay: A bet that involves two or more teams, all of which must win for the bettor to collect.
Sharp: A professional bettor.
Square: A recreational bettor.
Teaser: A type of parlay in which the point spread is adjusted in the bettor’s favor.
Underdog: The team that is expected to lose a given matchup.
Vig (or juice): The commission charged by a SportsBooks on a bet.
Wager: A bet or wager of any kind.
Other Common Sports Betting Terms
There are also several other common sports betting terms that you might come across. Here are just a few of the most important ones:
Bad beat: A bet that looked like a sure winner, but ended up losing due to late drama.
Hold: The percentage of money wagered that a bookkeeper expects to keep as profit.
In-running (or live) betting: A bet that can be placed on a game already in progress.
Matchup: A contest between two teams or individuals.
Proposition (or prop) bet: A bet on something other than the outcome of a game, such as which player will score the first touchdown.
Reverse: A type of bet that is essentially the opposite of a standard bet.
Risk: The amount of money a bettor stands to lose on a given bet.
Run line: A type of bet similar to a point spread but with different odds. Used primarily in baseball betting.
Side: A bet on the outcome of a game or matchup.
Total: A bet on the combined score of both teams in a given game. Also known as an “over/under” bet.
Now that you’re familiar with some of the most common sports betting terms, you’ll be better equipped to navigate the world of online sports betting. With a little practice, you’ll be making winning bets in no time!
