Sports Betting Glossary
Learn common betting terminology to build your foundation and read lines like a pro.
Added Game
A game that is not part of the regular Las Vegas rotation. Oftentimes this will be a rescheduled game or the second game of a doubleheader.
Against the Spread (ATS)
Refers to taking or laying points (aka the spread) as opposed to taking a game straight up.
Arbitrage
The simultaneous purchase and sale of the same game in different markets to profit from unequal prices, guaranteeing profit.
Bankroll
The available funds you have to bet with.
Bookmaker
A person who is licensed to create betting lines and take wagers.
Buying Points
Paying an additional fee in order to get a game at a more attractive price. Often used around key numbers such as 3 and 7 in football.
Chalk
The favored team.
Contrarian Betting
Also known as betting against the public; finds value by betting on games with lopsided betting percentages.
Cover
Winning a spread bet. If you bet a 7-point favorite and they win by nine, you have covered the spread.
Dime
A bet of $1,000.
Dog
Short for underdog, the team which bookmakers assume will lose.
Draw
Also known as a push. If a game falls exactly on the spread, there is no winner and bettors receive their stake back.
Edge
A bettor's advantage against the house, typically where you have positive expected value.
Even Money
A bet with no vigorish (odds are +100).
Favorite
The team bookmakers expect to win.
Field
In prop bets, the accumulation of all teams/players not specifically listed.
Future
Bets made in advance of an event, e.g., Super Bowl winner before the season.
Hedging
Placing bets on the opposite side after an initial wager to cut losses or guarantee profit.
Hook
An extra half-point in spread betting, e.g., 3.5.
Grand Salami
The over/under total for combined goals/runs across all games in a league.
Juice
The tax sportsbooks charge for a wager (e.g., -110). Reduced juice lines are closer to -104 to -107.
Key Numbers
Common margins of victory (e.g., 3 and 7 in football) that influence spread pricing.
Limit
The most money a sportsbook will accept on a single event.
Lines
Another term for betting odds.
Middle
When you hold both sides at different numbers and can win both (e.g., +10.5 and -7.5 with an 8–10 point final margin).
Moneyline
Betting a team to win straight up, common in low-scoring sports.
Nickel
A bet of $500.
Off the Board
A game/event sportsbooks temporarily won’t accept bets on.
Over/Under
The total points/goals/runs scored. Over wins if combined score is above the line; under if below.
Parlay
Tying multiple selections into one bet that requires all legs to win for a higher payout.
Pick ‘Em
No favorite; spread is 0.
Prop Bet
Wagers on events within a game (e.g., player stats) rather than the final outcome.
Public Betting Percentage
Real betting percentages from sportsbooks indicating where the public is betting.
Push
No winner for the bet (tie). Stake is returned.
Real Time Odds
Live lines that update immediately as books adjust (in-game wagering).
Reverse-Line Movement
Movement that contradicts public percentages, often indicating sharp money.
Return on Investment (ROI)
A measure of efficiency of an investment (profit divided by total cost).
Run Line
The baseball/hockey spread (puck line) where favorites must win by two or more; underdogs can lose by one or win.
Runner
Someone who places a bet on behalf of another person.
Steam Move
A fast, uniform line move across the market.
Teaser
A special bet that adjusts the spread/total in your favor for a reduced payout.
Tout
An individual who sells picks or betting expertise.
Units
A standardized bet size (often 2–4% of bankroll) used to measure results.
Wager
Any type of bet.