Sports Betting Glossary
Our Sports Betting Glossary includes important terms for learning how to bet on your favorite teams.
A
Accumulator
A multiple bet in which the punter makes simultaneous selections on two or more games. All the selections made must win for you to win the accumulator. Also, Parlay.
Action
A valid bet or wager of any kind.
A baseball bet becomes action only once it reaches 4½ innings of play.
All-In
With all-in betting there are no refunds given for scratched or withdrawn competitors or teams in an event where a bet is placed. Should an event be canceled then the amount bet will be refunded.
Ante Post
Bets placed in advance predicting the outcome of a future event, risking losing their bet if their selection pulls out or is canceled.
B
Bettor
Someone who places or has a bet in US English. A Punter in the UK.
Bookmaker
Person who is licensed to accept bets on the result of an event based. A Sportsbook in US English.
C
Closing Line
The final list of point spreads offered before game time.
Combination Bet
Selecting any number of teams/horses to finish first and second in either order.
Cover
To bet the spread by the required number of points.
D
Double or Nothing
An even-money bet, a bet that pays off exactly the amount wagered.
E
Even Money
A 1:1 odds bet. A $1 stake would return $2 dividend ($1 win plus $1 staked).
F
Fixed Odds
The punter's dividend is fixed at the odds when the bet is placed, no matter how much the odds fluctuate later on.
H
Handicap
Spread.
L
Lines
Odds offered to the punter.
Long Odds
Generally greater than 10:1.
O
Over/Under
A bet on whether the total points or goals scored by the two teams will be over or under a specified number.
P
Parlay
See Accumulator.
Place
Finish in the top three, top four and sometimes also top five in a competition or event. A Place bet will win if the selection you bet on is among those placed.
Different sportsbooks have different Place terms and should be checked closely.
Prop Bets
Also known as proposition, side, or exotic bets, these are bets that are made on an outcome or a proposition. Prop bets could be on statistics or one-time events, or quirky and extraordinary bets as well (will any actor to receive an Oscar trip and fall when getting on stage).
Prop bets are exclusive to online gambling sites and are not offered by Las Vegas bookies. The law prohibits Vegas casinos from offering any bets on events that can be controlled.
Punter
See Bettor.
S
Sportsbook
The person, shop or website who accepts bets.
T
Totals
Sports bet on whether the combined number of points or goals scored by the two teams will be over/under a given mark.
