FAQ
You may be new to the world of sports betting, or possibly you’ve heard something at the sportsbook that you’re not familiar with. We all have to start somewhere in understanding the sports betting space. Have a question about something? Check out our sports betting glossary of terms or hit us up on social media. Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, & Facebook to find out about our new features before email alerts are sent!
Glossary of Terms
ACTION
Having a wager on a game or event
ATS (Against the Spread)
Refers to the result of a game with the point spread taken into account
BACKDOOR (cover)
A cover that occurs when a team scores at the end of a game to impact the cover of the spread, often unexpectedly or without altering the overall outcome of the game
BAD BEAT
Slang term for a losing a bet that should have been a winning wager, usually with very bad luck or circumstances
BEARD
Also known as a “runner” this is someone who places a wager for someone else
BOOK (Sportsbook)
An either physical establishment or online establishment that accepts bets from customers
BOOKIE
A person who illegally accepts bets and charges “juice” or “vigorish” to make a profit
BUY POINTS
When a bettor pays additional money or price to receive more points in their favor during a game
CHALK
Refers to the favored team
CIRCLED GAME
A term used to describe a game where betting is limited or maximum amounts allowed are lowered
CLOSING LINE
The final point spread line before an event begins
COVER
To beat the point spread. For a favorite to cover they must win by more than the point spread. For an underdog to cover they must either win the game outright or lose by less than the point spread
DIME LINE
A line with the vigorish or juice is 10%
DOG (Underdog)
The team or individual who is not favored or expected to win
EVEN MONEY
A wager in which you risk the same amount that you would win or lose. (No “juice” or “vig”)
FAVORITE
The team or individual expected to win an event
FIXED
A term used to describe an event where the outcome was unfair or illegal or predetermined.
FUTURES
A bet that is placed on an event or totals that happen some time in the future. An example is betting on the Super Bowl winning team at the beginning of the season
HALFTIME BET
A bet that is placed on the second half of an event
HANDICAPPER / HANDICAPPING
Handicapping refers to trying to predict the outcome of a game and can include trying to determine a point spread usually through research, trends and statistics
HANDLE
The total amount of money that is wagered on an event
HEDGING
Betting the opposite side of the original bet placed to minimize risk or loss
HIGH ROLLER
A person who bets large amounts of money
HOOK
The hook generally refers to ½ point in a point spread that can often determine a win or a loss
HOT GAME
A game that draws a large amount of bets on one side, usually by professional bettors
Glossary of Terms
JUICE
Also referred to as “vig” or vigorish, this is the percentage commission that a bookie or sportsbook takes
LAYING THE POINTS
Betting on the team favored to win by more than the point spread represented with a minus sign
LAYOFF
A sportsbook term for when a book bets with another casino or book to reduce it’s odds of losing
LIMIT
The maximum amount that a sportsbook will allow for a bet before they change the odds/juice
LINES
Another term for the odds or point spread
LIVE BETTING
A bet that is placed after a game or event has started with an updated line and odds
LIVE DOG (Live Underdog)
An underdog team that has the incentive and ability to compete with a favored team
LOCK
A near guaranteed win in the opinion of a bettor
RUN LINE
A term used primarily in betting baseball where a spread is used rather than a moneyline
RUNNER
Also known as a “beard” this is someone who places a wager for someone else
SHARP
A term for a professional sports bettor
SPREAD
Short for point spread it’s the number of points that a favored team is expected to beat the underdog team by
SQUARE
A novice or casual bettor who is not using any detailed logic when placing a wager
TAKING THE POINTS
Betting on the underdog to stay within the point spread represented with a plus sign
TEASER
A bet consisting of two or more teams where the line will be adjusted in the favor of the bettor on all games. To win a teaser you must win every “leg” or game in the teaser
TICKET
A sports betting wager
TOTAL
Similar to the Over/Under, it’s the total number of points/runs/goals/scoring projected in an event during regulation and any overtime periods
TOUT
A person or group of people who provide picks to the general public either for free or at a price
UNDERDOG
The team or individual that is expected to lose in a game or contest
VIGORISH (Vig)
More commonly referred to as “juice” this is the bookmaker’s commission on a losing bet
WELCH
Term used to not pay off a losing bet
