Sports betting has its own unique terminology. Some of the more common terms are familiar to many and used regularly, while others aren’t quite as clear to those who don’t have extensive experience in the space.
This comprehensive glossary should help clear up any confusion. In this guide, we’ll cover the essential terms and concepts of sports betting, clearly explain what they mean, and get you up to speed in no time. Consider this your go-to resource for mastering the language of sports betting.
Sports Betting Terms, Glossary & Guide
Action: Any bet placed on a sporting event. Having action means you have money riding on the outcome.
Against the Spread (ATS): Rather than betting on a game’s outright winner, betting against the spread refers to picking a team to cover the sportsbook’s set line (point spread).
Bad Beat: Losing a bet in an unlikely or heartbreaking fashion when you were in a strong position to win.
Bankroll: The total amount of money you’ve set aside specifically for placing bets.
Buying Points: Paying extra to adjust a point spread in your favor. For example, moving a football line from +3 to +3.5 to increase your chances of covering.
Cash Out: The act of settling your bet early for a guaranteed amount, locking in profits or cutting losses before the game ends.
Chalk: The heavy favorite in a game or market.
Closing Line: The final odds available before an event begins.
Cover: When a team wins (or even loses) by enough points to beat the point spread. For example, if you bet on the Buccaneers -7.5 and they win the game 35-10, it would mean Tampa Bay covered the spread and your bet was successful.
Dead Heat: A tie in individual sports like golf, where multiple participants finish in the same position.
Even Money: A bet with no juice or vig. You win exactly what you risk, represented by odds of +100.
Fade: Betting against a team, player, or popular opinion.
Favorite: The team expected to win, as determined by oddsmakers. For example, if the Jaguars are listed at -5.5 in their matchup against the Jets, Jacksonville is the favorite.
Flex Parlay: An exclusive bet type at Hard Rock Bet Sportsbook that allows players to cash in even if some parlay picks lose, offering a lessened payout when a majority of the selections are correct.
Future: A long-term wager placed on an event that will be settled at a later date. For example, players at Hard Rock Bet Sportsbook can bet on which NBA player will win the league’s MVP award, which MLB teams will reach the World Series, or which NFL team will win the next Super Bowl.
Handle: The total amount of money wagered on a game or event.
Hook: A half-point added to a betting line to prevent a tie or push, such as a spread of 3.5 instead of 3.
Laying Points: Betting on a favorite and giving up points via the spread. For example, if you place a bet on the Heat -4.5, you are effectively laying 4.5 points.
Leg: Each individual bet within a parlay. For example, a 4-leg parlay includes four separate wagers (legs) that all must win in order for the bet to cash.
Line Movement: Changes in odds or spreads based on betting action or new information.
Lines: The odds set by a sportsbook that determine how each wager is priced.
Moneyline: A type of wager based on which team will win the game outright, without using point spreads. At Hard Rock Bet Sportsbook, these bets are referred to as Winner bets.
Over/Under: Formally known as the total, this bet type focuses on whether the combined score in a game will be higher (over) or lower (under) than the set line.
Parlay: A bet type that links two or more wagers together for a larger payout. In exchange for the increase in odds, all selections in a parlay must hit in order for the bet to be successful.
Pick ‘Em: A game with no point spread, meaning both teams are considered evenly matched. It’s essentially a coin flip.
Point Spread: A number set by sportsbooks to even the odds between two teams, representing how many points the favorite is expected to win by.
Prop Bet: A wager on an event within a game rather than the final outcome. For example, wagering on Jaylen Waddle’s total receiving yards in a game or Baker Mayfield to score the first touchdown on primetime.
Puck Line: Hockey‘s take on the point spread. Favorites are listed at -1.5 goals in most cases, while underdogs get a +1.5-goal cushion. In order for bets to cash, puck line favorites must win by 2 or more goals, while puck line underdogs can win the game outright or lose by 1 goal.
Push: A result where the game ends in a tie or lands exactly on the betting line, so all bets are voided.
Round Robin: A betting type that creates multiple smaller parlays from a larger group of selections, allowing some combinations to win even if others lose.
Run Line: Baseball‘s version of a point spread, typically set at -1.5 runs for the favorite and +1.5 runs for the underdog. When an MLB team is favored on the run line, they must win by 2 or more runs for any bets to be successful. Conversely, run line underdogs can either win the game outright or lose by just 1 run to cash.
Same Game Parlay: A parlay combining multiple selections from a single game. An example of a Same Game Parlay at Hard Rock Bet Sportsbook would be parlaying the Magic to win with Paolo Banchero to score more than 20 points.
Taking Points: Betting on an underdog and receiving additional points via the spread. For example, if you decide to back the Rams +3, you are taking the points.
Teaser: A multi-game wager that allows you to move point spreads or totals in your favor in exchange for a lower payout.
Totals: Also known as over/under wagers, totals involve betting on whether a game’s combined score will be above or below the set line.
Underdog: The team that oddsmakers believe is less likely to win.
Units: A standardized way to track bet sizes relative to your bankroll.
Wager: A general term for any bet you place.
Get started with Hard Rock Bet Sportsbook today
Now that you’ve got a better understanding of sports betting vernacular, it’s time to put that knowledge to the test. Creating a new account at Hard Rock Bet Sportsbook is a seamless process that can be completed in just a few minutes by following these steps:
- Step 1: Head over to Hard Rock Bet Sportsbook on your mobile device or computer. iOS users can download the top-rated mobile app on the App Store, while Android users can do the same over at the Google Play Store.
- Step 2: Once inside the app or website, click on Sign Up on the homepage.
- Step 3: From there, enter the requested personal details. You’ll need to provide information including your full name, date of birth, phone number and the last four digits of your SSN.
- Step 4: Once you finalize your account details and complete the signup process, it’s time to claim your welcome offer. Keep in mind that no Hard Rock Bet promo code is required, as your offer will automatically be applied to your new account.
- Step 5: Place any qualifying bets needed to claim your bonus and you’re all set!
After creating your account, you can take advantage of exclusive perks including weekly Legendary Reward Drops, Unity Points with every bet placed and special promotions like The Hundred. There’s a ton in store at Hard Rock Bet Sportsbook, so fire up the app or website and get to exploring today!
