Juice: The bookmaker’s commission on a losing bet. In-Play: Bets made after a game has started. Hedge: Betting opposite of a previous bet to guarantee winning at least a small amount of money, or to cut losses. Handle: The total amount of money wagered on a game by every bettor for a particular book. Handicapper: A person who studies, researches, and wagers on sporting events. Grand Salami: The Over/Under total for how many points, goals, or runs will be scored across all games in a specific league on a certain day.

Such as who will win a division or a championship well in advance. Also known as a “prop bet.”Įxposure: The maximum amount of money a sportsbook stands to lose on a particular event.įading The Public: Betting on the team or player that the majority of the public is against.įavorite: The team or player that is expected to win a game or match.įield: In “prop bets, the field refers to an accumulation of all the teams or players that are not specifically listed.įirst Half Bet: A bet placed only on the first half of the game.įuture Bet: A bet on events that will happen further in the future. No “juice” or “vig.”Įxotic: Any wager other than a straight bet or parlay. The opposite of an underdog.Ĭontrarian: A person who “fades the public” and takes the opposite of the majority of bettors.Ĭover: The act of winning a point spread bet.ĭime Line: A line where the “juice” or “vig” is 10%.ĭouble Bet: A wager for twice the size of one’s usual wager.Įdge: The advantage a bettor has before placing a wager.Įven Money: A wager that pays out exactly the amount you bet. Usually by a last second score by the opposing team.īankroll: The amount of money a bettor has available for betting.īetting Line: The point spread, money line, or total that a bet must cover to win.īookmaker: A place where a person can make a wager (also called bookie).īuying Points: A player paying an additional amount to receive half of a point or more in their favor on a point spread game.Ĭhalk: The favorite in a particular betting scenario. Learn these terms today to start betting like a seasoned professional! Sports Betting Terms in Alphabetical OrderĪgainst the Spread (ATS): The result of a bet including the point spread.īad Beat: A bet that is a winner for most of the game but loses in the end.

This list features terminology that you’ll see on when betting with online betting platforms, traditional sportsbooks, and casinos.

Learning these sports betting terms will help you become a more skilled sports bettor and avoid common betting mistakes.

If you’re new to sports betting, you’ve likely come across a few unfamiliar sports betting terms.

Sportsbook betting percentages