Sports Betting Terminologies – A-Z Guide For Beginner Bettors

1. Point spread: A point spread is a handicap given to the underdog team to level the playing field. The favorite team has to win by more than the point spread to cover the spread and be considered a winning bet.
2. Moneyline: A moneyline bet is a straight-up bet on the winner of the game, with no point spread involved. The odds determine how much money you can win by betting on either the favorite or the underdog.
3. Over/Under (Totals): Over/Under or Totals betting involves betting on the total number of points scored in a game by both teams. You bet on whether the final score will be over or under a set number determined by the sportsbook.
4. Parlay: A parlay bet involves betting on multiple outcomes and combining them into a single bet. All the selections in a parlay must be correct for the bet to win, but the payout is higher than if you bet on each selection separately.
5. Teaser: A teaser bet is similar to a parlay, but it allows you to adjust the point spread or totals in your favor, giving you a better chance of winning. However, the payout is lower than a parlay.
6. Prop bet: A prop bet is a wager on a specific event within a game, such as which team will score first, which player will score the most points, or how many yards a player will rush for.
7. Futures: Futures betting involves betting on an event that will take place in the future, such as who will win the Super Bowl or the World Series.
8. Handicap: A handicap bet is a bet that adjusts the final score by adding or subtracting a certain number of points from one team’s score, to make the contest more even.
9. Vigorish (or vig): The vig is the commission paid to the sportsbook for handling the bet. It’s usually a small percentage of the amount wagered, and it’s built into the odds.
10. Push: A push occurs when the final score lands on the exact point spread or total set by the sportsbook. In this case, the bet is refunded, and no money is won or lost.

A-Z Guide For Beginner Bettors

1. Always do your research: Make sure you understand the sport you are betting on, and do your research on the teams and players involved.
2. Bankroll management: Set a budget for your betting activities and stick to it. Don’t risk more than you can afford to lose.
3. Compare odds: Shop around and compare the odds offered by different sportsbooks to find the best value for your bets.
4. Don’t chase losses: If you lose a bet, don’t try to immediately recoup your losses by placing more bets. This can lead to bigger losses.
5. Evaluate betting lines: Analyze the point spreads, moneylines, and over/under totals to determine the best betting options.
6. Follow a strategy: Develop a consistent strategy for your betting activities, and stick to it.
7. Go with your gut: Don’t ignore your instincts when it comes to betting. However, make sure your decisions are backed by research and analysis.
8. Hedge your bets: Consider placing a bet on the opposite outcome to reduce your potential losses.
9. In-game betting: Consider making live bets during the game, based on how the game is playing out.
10. Join a reputable sportsbook: Only bet with a reputable and trusted sportsbook, with a proven track record of fair betting practices.
11. Keep records: Keep track of your bets, wins, and losses to evaluate your progress and refine your strategy.
12. Learn from mistakes: Analyze your losing bets to determine what went wrong and learn from your mistakes.
13. Manage your emotions: Don’t let your emotions guide your betting decisions. Stay calm and rational.
14. Never bet while intoxicated: Don’t make betting decisions while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
15. Over/Under betting: Consider betting on over/under totals, which can be less risky than point spreads.
16. Prop bets: Consider making prop bets on specific events within a game, such as the first team to score.
17. Quit while you’re ahead: Don’t get too greedy and know when to walk away after a winning streak.
18. Research promotions: Look for promotions and bonuses offered by sportsbooks to get the best value for your bets.
19. Spread betting: Learn about point spreads and how they work, as they are a common type of sports betting.
20. Teaser bets: Consider placing teaser bets, which allow you to adjust point spreads or totals to your advantage.
21. Understand the sport: Make sure you have a good understanding of the sport you are betting on, and the rules and strategies involved.
22. Vigorish: Understand how vigorish (or vig) works

Common Sports Betting Terms And What It Means

1. Action: The term “action” in sports betting refers to the amount of money being wagered on a particular game or event.
2. Chalk: The term “chalk” refers to the favorite team or player in a game.
3. Bankroll: A bankroll is the amount of money that a bettor has set aside for betting on sports.
4. Juice: The term “juice” refers to the commission that sportsbooks charge for taking bets. This is also known as the vig.
5. Lock: A “lock” is a term used to describe a bet that is considered a sure thing.
6. Steam: The term “steam” refers to a sudden and significant increase in the amount of money being wagered on a particular team or event.
7. Wise guy: A “wise guy” is a term used to describe a professional or experienced sports bettor.
8. Handicapper: A handicapper is someone who analyzes and evaluates sports events in order to make predictions and recommend bets.
9. Sharps: Sharps are professional bettors who are considered to be very knowledgeable and skilled at betting on sports.
10. Bookie: A bookie is a person who accepts bets on sports events and pays out winnings to winning bettors.