Just like every aspect of life, sport betting also has its sets of jargons and terms used to describe a particular sporting situation or outcome. This article will discuss the top betting terms, with the intention to help the beginner and the regular sports bettor to have a perfect understanding of the terms used in sports betting especially when they come across it on Free football Prediction Site like AccuratePredict
Have you been in a situation where you’re hanging out with a group of friends, and everybody's placing bets on an upcoming London-derby or El-classico match. All of you are probably bragging to one another about how great they are at predicting games. However, as the conversation unfolds, you find yourself lost in some sports betting terms used by your friends. Over/under, Handicap, etc.
What does it all mean? You ask yourself while nodding along like an agama lizard and hesitant to ask questions. Also, you don’t want to ask your friends, else you will become the topic of discussion. So you placed a bet and you lost because you don’t even know what you are betting on.
Awful right? The good news is you can learn it here, at least before your secret is out in the open, Lol. Irrespective of what your friends think about you, you want to win also. You want to double or triple profits on your stakes and make some good money. That’s why you need to read this piece till the end.
In this post, we break down all the jargons and guide you through the basic betting terminologies for anyone starting out in the world of sports betting.
Why You Should Know Sport Betting Terms
Betting terminology is not like your regular industry jargon; it’s the backbone of your betting experience. Having a deep knowledge of the terms allows you to navigate sportsbooks, understand odds, stake effectively, and make informed decisions. Without this knowledge, you are at risk of placing uninformed bets and losing your money cheaply in the process. You have to learn the rules of the game before playing. In sports betting, your knowledge is your most valuable asset.
However, with a little guidance and some practice, you will soon develop a strong foundation in betting terminologies, analyse odds, avoid rookie mistakes, build your confidence, and start winning.
How to Learn Sports Betting Terms
Start with the basics. Odds, market types, etc. This will create a strong base for understanding more advanced concepts down the line. Learn them at your pace. Also, take advantage of the right information.
Online glossaries, tutorials, and free prediction sites like AccuratePredict, offer detailed explanations and examples to help you grow. They often provide invaluable insights, break them down into actionable steps, making it easier to understand and apply.
What’s Next?
Sports betting is a mix of skill, strategy, and luck, and understanding betting terminology is your first step toward becoming a confident and successful bettor. Not only do you improve your ability to communicate effectively, but also to implement strategies, and make informed betting decisions that increase your chances of winning. It is not a one-time task but an ongoing process.
If you are ready to win, read the next post on "Sport Betting Terms and their Meaning (Complete List)", where we explored key betting terms and concepts that can give you an edge in prediction markets.
Sports Betting Terms and their meaning (Complete List)
Here’s a betting glossary where we will explain and walk you through the most popular sports betting terminologies, and take you from Johny just come to a pro, so you can bet accurately with confidence and increase your chances of winning.
Let's dive in.
Basics Terms
Odds: Often in Decimal, this is the chances or likelihood of a particular outcome/event occurring. It can also be referred to as the ratio of the payout to your stake.
Payout/Potential Winnings/Cash Out: The amount you get paid if you win. Simply multiply Your Stake by Your Odds. For instance, the Payout for a Stake of ₦1,000 with an odd of 1.605 is ₦1,605.
Single Bets Prediction and their Meaning
What does Single bet mean?
It involves placing a bet on a single outcome for a particular event. Single bets are a simple, clear, and direct approach to staking your money, without relying on a complex string of outcomes.
If you’re betting on Team A to win in a match. If they do, you win your bet; if they don’t, you lose. Unlike other bet types that require multiple outcomes for you to win, a single bet focuses on just one event.
Pros of Single Bets
- Easy to Manage: They are less stressful, with a straightforward win-or-lose dynamic.
- Higher chances of winning: Less risky and are famous especially among new bettors or people who prefer staking moderately.
Cons of Single Bets
- Lower Payouts: Because you’re betting on a single event and lower risk is involved, the potential payout will be typically smaller compared to other types of bets.
- High Stakes to Maximize Returns: In order to achieve significant winnings, you might need to stake higher which increases your risk.
- Time-Consuming for Frequent Bettors: Staking on each game might be time-intensive.
How to Place Single Bets
- Choose a Reputable Sports Betting site: Start by selecting a platform that offers fair odds, a user-friendly interface, and secure payment options.
- Select Your Sport and Market: Football, Tennis, Basketball, Horse racing etc., are various sports to bet on. Within each sport, there are markets such as double chance, both teams to score, win either halves etc.
- Place Your Bet: Enter your stake amount and confirm your bet. At the end of the event, you’ll know whether you’ve won or lost the bet.
Enhanced Single Bets
Sometimes called boosted odds bets, are occasionally offered by sport betting sites to attract bettors. In these cases, the bookmaker increases the odds for a specific outcome, which implies a potentially higher payout or return for the same stake.
They are often used as promotional features and ways to maximize returns. However, they might come with conditions like stake limits or restrictions on cash out or withdrawals.
Are Single Bets Profitable?
Yes, depending on your strategy, research, and discipline. When executed carefully, single bets can offer steady returns and act as a reliable betting strategy.
Here are some tips though;
- Focus in One Sport or Market: This allows you to develop expertise and make more informed decisions over time.
- Analyze the Odds: Research team form in the last 5 matches, player statistics, absent key team players in the lineup, and other relevant factors before placing your bet. The highest odds don’t always translate to winnings.
- Free Prediction Sites: Use or compliment your research with reliable free sports betting prediction sites before staking.
- Stay disciplined: Avoid emotional or impulse betting, stick to a betting budget you can afford and avoid chasing losses.
Can I Place Single Bets During Live Matches?
Yes, you can! Live betting, or in-play betting, allows you to place single bets in an ongoing match. You can quickly adjust based on live performances of the teams.
For instance, if you notice that football team A has a higher possession or shots on targets, you might place a live single bet on them scoring the first goal in the match. In the same vein, odds can rapidly swing in the favour of Team B, so this requires a good understanding of the game as well.
1: Home Team Wins at Full-time
X: Match Ends in a Draw at Full-time
2: Away Team Wins at Full-time
1X: Home Team Wins or Draw at Full-time
X2: Away Team Wins or Draw at Full-time
GG: Both Home and Away team will Score a goal In the Match at Full-time (Also known as BTTS: Both Teams to Score)
NG: Home and Away team will not Score a goal In the Match at Full-time
Over/Under: It's often called "the total." You're placing a bet on whether or not the total number of goals scored by both teams will be over or under a specific number.
Over 1.5: At least 2 or more goals in total will be Scored in the Match at Full-time
Under 1.5: Less than 2 goals in total will be Scored at Full-time
Over 2.5: At least 3 goals or More in total will be Scored in the Match at Full-time
Under 2.5: Less than 3 goals in total will be Scored in the Match at Full-time
Over 3.5: At least 4 goals or More in total will be Scored in the Match at Full-time
Under 3.5: Less than 4 goals in total will be Scored in the Match at Full-time
What’s Next?
You are already considering diving into single bets in sports betting, but keep in mind their pros and cons, the role of personal research, and the potential for profitability.
If you have mastered single bets, the next step is exploring accumulator bets, which combine two outcomes for higher payouts and slightly increased risk. Keep reading to see what accumulator bet means and how you can win more with it.
Accumulator and their Meaning: Accumulator is a bet that is determined by multiple outcomes, Win, Draw or Lose. You are simply combining two selections into a single bet. It offers a higher potential return compared to a single bet or two single bets. Examples include;
What Are Accumulator Bets? When you hear accumulator betting in sports betting, think of a multiple-edged strategy that offers higher payouts with just a hint of added risk. The idea is about combining two bets into one, that involves multiple outcomes.
A more exhilarating approach to sports betting that can be more rewarding, when done right. accumulator bet is famous among bettors who are experienced or confident in their predictions and want to maximize returns.
In this piece, together we’ll explore everything you need to know about accumulator bets, what they are and how they work, and whether they’re worth your time and money.
For you to win an accumulator bet, each individual bet must win. This is obviously riskier compared to single bets, but the risk also amplifies the payout because all bets odds are multiplied together.
Placing an accumulator bet implies that the combined odds become 3.00 (2.00 × 1.50). A ₦100 stake would return ₦300 if both outcomes are successful. However, if one of the two teams loses, the entire bet is lost. If you accumulate more than two teams, the odds of each bet are multiplied together as well.
Pros of Accumulator Bets
- Higher Payouts: Combining two or more bets will make you huge returns due to multiplied odds.
- Sweet spot: Unlike larger bets/accumulators, accumulator bets are relatively balanced in terms of risk to reward ratio. Also, if you understand single bets, this should be a cake walk.
- Flexibility Across Sports: You can mix and match various sports or bet types, which adds variety to your strategy.
Cons of Accumulator Bets
- Higher Risk: Both bets have to win. A much higher risk-reward dynamics compared to single bets.
- No Partial Wins: Accumulator bet does not offer any returns if one of the bets fails.
- It's More Tempting: Higher payouts are attractive and can lure inexperienced bettors into taking unnecessary risks.
How to Place a Accumulator Bet
- Choose Your Events Carefully: Study form, injuries, historical performance, and other key metrics for both or multiple events. Then pick two or more match outcomes that you believe will occur, either from the same sport or different sports.
- Add to Bet Slip: Add each outcome to your online or in-person bet slip.
- Choose "Double" Option: Select the "Double" option. This will automatically calculate the combined odds.
- Stake and Confirm: Enter the amount you want to stake and confirm your bet.
Most betting sites also provide calculations of your potential winnings, making it easier to assess the risk-to-reward ratio before you confirm the bet.
Are Accumulator Bets Profitable?
Again, several factors such as your knowledge of the sport, the odds you select, the two teams involved, etc can determine profitability. If you are a smart bettor, who has done research meticulously and spot value odds, accumulator bets can be a lucrative option to win.
For casual bettors on the other hand, many may find it challenging to win consistently, as the increased risk might often outweigh the occasional big wins.
Can I Place Accumulator Bets During Live Matches?
Yes, similar to single bets, accumulator bets can often be placed during live matches, depending on the policies of the betting site and types of bets available. Same with Single bets, you can adjust your predictions real-time, based on how the events are unfolding.
A Balance of Risk and Reward
Accumulator bets offer higher payouts while demanding more accurate predictions. They’re perfect for bettors looking comfortable with taking more risk. A clear understanding, weighing the pros and cons, and betting responsibly, accumulator bets is far risky, exciting and potentially rewarding at the same time.
There you have it. If you enjoyed this piece, keep scrolling exploring to see more sports betting terms and markets.
More Sports Betting Terms
1 DNB: Home team will win, but your bet is returned if they draw. However, you lose your bet if the home team loses the match.
2 DNB: Away team will win, your bet is also returned if they draw. You lose your bet if the away team loses the match as well.
HWEH: Home team will win either the first match or the second match.(Also known as Win Either Halves)
AWEH: Away teams will win either the first match or the second match.
HT 1: Home team will win at half-time.
HT 2: Away team will win at half-time.
HT X: This means the game must be a draw at half-time, irrespective of the scores.
HT/FT: The Results at half-time and full-time of the Match. These ranges from the following;
1/1: Home team wins at half-time and full-time
1/X: Home team wins at half-time and draws at full-time (Or match ends in draw at full-time)
1/2: Home team wins at half-time, but the away team wins at full-time.
2/2: Away team wins at half-time and full-time
2/X.: Away team wins at half-time and draws at full-time (Or match ends in draw at full-time)
2/1: Away team wins at half-time, but the home team wins at full-time.
X/1: Draw at half-time, but the home team wins at full-time.
X/2: Draw at half-time, but the away team wins at full-time.
X/X: Both home and away teams draw at half-time and full-time.
140+ Ultimate sports betting terms and definitions
The list is arranged alphabetically to ease your reading, and also makes it easy for you to spot out your favorite betting term.
Betting Terms and Their Meaning
- Act: is used to describe a horse suitableness for various conditions such as, racecourses and goings.
- Accumulator: also known as “acca” which refers to a bet that combine two or more individual bets into a single bet slip
- All Out: is used to describe a dog, horse or a contestant who is trying his best.
- All Weather: this term is used to describe a sports that can be played on all-weather grounds, which is usually an artificial surface.
- Also Ran: This refers to a race where a horse or a person finishes the race, but could not win a place.
- Ante Post: this refers to odds and prices allotted on an event before the commencement of the event and usually take place in horse racing.
- Arbitrage: also called hedging is a situation where a sport bettor backs all the selections for a particular market, using several bookmakers. With the aim of exploiting the price difference.
- Asian Handicap: this is a market that uses a point or goal Handicap to remove any bias between competing teams, removing the possibility of draws in a game.
- ATC – is an abridged version of any-to-come, which is usually a conditional bet.
- At The Post – this term is used to state that the horses or dogs are ready for a race, and the race will soon begin.
- Advantage: is a betting term used to describe a team’s chances of winning a game
- Back: this is used to describe a person’s support for a team in sport betting, usually represented by bet on the team e.g.: backing Madrid to win
- Banker: a particular bet or selection which is favored to win and has the likelihood of being successful a bet.
- Best Price: is a betting terms that is used to describe the odds that gives the best value for a game.
- Best-price percentage (BPP): this is used to describe the advantage a betting site has over other sites, that is when the odds on a particular game is priced more on the site than other sites.
- Bet Slip: this is the slip or the online section, where your bet choices and selections appear.
- Bookmaker: is a company or an individual that is licensed to receive sports bets from the public.
- Bookie: an abridged for bookmaker or a sports site.
- Both teams to score: Mostly called BTTS where you are predicting that both teams will score in a football match
- Century: a term used to describe 100, e.g. 100 runs in a cricket game.
- Chalk: is used to describe the option in a betting market that is considered the most likely to win.
- Chase: is used to describe the situation where bets are placed in other to recover losses. E.g. chasing losses.
- Cockle: a bookmaking term for 10-1.
- Colt: is used to describe a male horse that is under the age of 5.
- Correct score: is used to describe a bet, where one predicts the exact goals to be scored in a match.
- Course Specialist: usually a horse, that is good at winning on a particular track.
- Dam: used to describe the mother of horse
- Dead Heat: used to describe an event where the selections end in a draw or a tie
- Dime: is a betting terms used to describe a bet of $1000, 3 dime here means a bet of $30000
- Double carpet: a bookmaking term used to represent 33-1.
- Double Up: used to describe the process of stake doubling, after the first bet losses.
- Dual forecast: is used to describe a bet that involves two selections, usually the winner and runner-up in a race.
- Dutching: is used to describe a bet that is spread across different selections on a single game.
- Double chance: usually in football, here a sports bettor backs a team to win the match or the match ends in a draw, when either one of the options goes through the win is won.
- Early Price: used to describe odds that are offered in advance.
- Evens: used to describe a bet that gives you the same amount used in staking the game, as winnings. Usually a bet that has odds of 1/1
- Expected goals: is used to describe the number of goals a team is expected to score in a match.
- Extra Time: is used to describe a situation where some minutes are added to a game, in other to have a winner from the match.
- Favorites: is a betting terms used to describe the team or selection that is favored to win.
- Filly: is a name used for a female horse usually under the age of 5
- Fixed Odds: mostly used to describe manipulated football outcomes, with huge odds.
- Foal: a name for a young horse that is 1-year-old.
- Form: used to describe a team’s performance over a period of time.
- Full-Time: the end of a standard time given for games, in football full-time means 90 minutes of play.
- Going Down: a situation when horses make their way to the starting post.
- Grand Salami: is used to describe a bet placed on the total goals to be scored in all the listed games of the day, in a specific league.
- Guineas: is used to describe 2 classics flat races usually run at a New market, e.g. 1000 Guineas and 3000 Guineas.
- Hacked up: is used to describe a horse that wins easily.
- Half-ball handicap: is a betting terms used to describe a handicap selection of 0.5 goal or point in a game.
- Half-Time: used to describe an interval in a game, in football it is used to describe the first 45 minutes of the game.
- Handicap Betting: used to describe a system where points are added or removed a predicted outcome of a game, to make an otherwise one sided game, attractive.
- Head: used to describe the head of a horse.
- Hedging: is a betting terms used to describe a system of bet, where one places a bet on two opposite outcomes, with different bookmakers, with the aim to make gains on the prize difference.
- Home Advantage: is a betting terms used to describe the advantage a team has, when they play at home.
- Hunter Chase: is a betting term used to describe a race for the hunting of horses.
- If bet: is used to describe multiple bets, all of which are conditioned on a series of outcomes.
- Injury Time: is used to represent the last minutes of a game, in football the last 2-3 minutes.
- In Play: is a betting term used to represent a live betting, in-play bet is a bet placed on live options.
- Jack: is used in sport betting to mean £5
- Jackpot: is used to represent the top prize in a game or competition, or very large winning.
- Jolly: is a betting term, which in horse racing is used to represent the favorite.
- Juice: is a term used to mean the commission taken by a sport company.
- Kite: is used to mean cheque.
- Lay: is a term used to describe a bet, placed against a certain outcome.
- Limit: is a term used to describe the maximum bet that is allowed on game.
- Live-betting: is a sport betting term used to describe a bet placed on live event, a game that is going on.
- Long Shot: is a term that is used to describe a selection with high odds, with little or no chances of winning.
- Mare: is a name given to a five-year-old female horse.
- Martingale: is a betting system that allows one to double his bet, each time until one wins.
- Match: is a game played by 2 or more teams.
- Match Betting: is a term used to describe a bet placed on a game.
- Monkey: is a sport betting term used to mean £500.
- Money Line: is a term used to describe a bet on a match
- Multiple: this a bet that involves more than one selection.
- Nailed On: is a betting term that is used to describe a bet that is favored to be a winner.
- Nap: is a betting term used by tipsters and punters to mean their strongest selection, and favorite game to win.
- Neves: is a term used to mean the best or strongest bet of the day.
- Non-Runner: is a term used to describe a selection that is withdrawn before the commencement of the race or sporting event
- Normal Time: is used to describe a game, is played out during the standard time approved for such game, like 90 minutes in football.
- Nursery Race: is a betting term used to describe a game, where all the horses involved are under two years.
- Odds: is a top betting term used to describe the returns offered by a sports company for a particular selection
- Odds On: is a term used to describe odds in a game that are than evens.
- Official Result: is used to describe the result on which bets are settled, or determined. E.g. the result of a football game at the end of 90 minutes
- On the Nose: is used to describe a situation where a person backs a team or event to win only.
- Out of The Money: is used to describe a situation where in a horse race, a horse ends a race outside the places.
- Outright betting: is a top betting term used to describe a bet placed the winner of a competition. E.g. a bet placed on Manchester united to win the premier league.
- Pace: is a term used to describe the speed at which a race is run.
- Parlay: is an American term that means an accumulator that has 2 or more selections.
- Payout: is a betting term that is used to mean the return or money paid on winning a bet.
- Picks: is a betting term that means individual selections for a bet.
- Pony: is a term that is used to mean £25.
- Price: is a term used to describe the rates offered by bookies, otherwise called odds.
- Punter: is a term used to mean a sports bettor
- Push: is a term used to describe a draw or a tie, where a contest ends without a winner or loser and stakes placed on the games are returned.
- Quinella: is a term used to describe a forecast bet, which predicts the horses that will finish in the first places.
- Rating: is a sports betting term used to describe the ability of a team.
- Re-run: refers to race that is taken again
- Return: is the amount one gets from winning a bet, or the expected amount to be gotten from winning a race.
- Ringer: is used to describe a runner who has abilities that makes him better than the rest on the field, the best runner on the field.
100. Scalping: is used to refer to refer to the system, where prices are exploited between bookies for the purposes of gain making.
- Score: is a slang that is used to mean £20. It can also mean the result of a match
- Selections: is a betting term used to mean picks made by a punter.
- Sharp: is a term used to refer to a professional gambler
- Shortening the Odds: this a betting term used to describe a sport company’s decision to lower the odds for a game, most times due to heavy bets received on the tip.
- Shut Out: is a term used represent a closed bet.
- Spread: is a betting term that is used to describe the lowest to the highest odds, for a selection.
- Square: refers to a novice or amateur at betting
- Stake: this refers to the amount of money placed on a game or event.
- Straight: is a sports betting term that is used to mean a win. E.g. straight win
- Straight Forecast: refers to a prediction, where a punter predicts the teams or contestants to finish in a specific order at the end of a race. E.g. 1st to 3rd.
- Stoppage Time: refers to the last minutes or seconds of a match before the final whistle is blown to end the game.
- Super Heinz: is a form of sports betting that involves a bet placed on 7 selections usually consisting of 120 bets
- Super Yankee: is a form of sports betting that involves a bet placed on 5 selections and 26 bets.
- Sure Thing: this refers to a game or event that has little or no chances of losing.
- System: refers to a sport betting system or method employed for the purpose of sport betting. E.g. martingale, under/over betting.
- Tie: is a sport bet that ends in a draw, where no money is lost except for punters who tip the event to end as a straight win. A tie means a draw
- Tip: refers to a selection or pick given by an expert punter. It can also mean a selection or pick.
- Tipster: refers to professional who predict the outcome of events and games and sells the tips to punters or gives them out freely.
- Totals: this refers to bets placed on the over/under options. It can also mean the total goals or runs made in a game or an event.
- Treble: is a form of selection or prediction that involves an accumulator bet of three selections.
- Tricast: is a prediction where a punter predicts the teams that will finish in the top 3 positions. 1st – 3rd
- Trixie: is a bet that consist of 4 sections on a single bet, a selection of 3 doubles and a treble.
- Under: is a selection that refers to the over and under options in match or event, this bet involves predicting that the number of goals or runs in a game will be under a certain number. E.g. over 2.5 in football
- Underdog: this is a selection that involves a team with little chances to win, this is usually what happens when a top ranking team plays another team that is in the lower leagues.
- Unfancied: this is a selection of the least favorite team to win a match or an event, this selection usually comes with great odds.
- Union Jack: is a sports betting term used to describe a selection of 8 trebles
- Value: refers to the best price or odds for a game or event.
- Vig or Vigorish: is another name given to a sport company’s commission
- Void Bet: means a cancelled bet, when this happens the stake on the bet is often returned. A condition that can lead to bets being cancelled is when the match or event is called off, or betting terms are contravened.
- Wager: is placing money on an event, placing a stake on a game. It means betting
- Walk over: is a sports betting term that is used to define an event where points are awarded without a competition playing out, an example is when a team fails to show up for a match. Also the term is used to describe a match or an event where one team was the standout performer. E.g. the match was a walkover for Barcelona.
- Weigh in: is sports betting term often used in boxing, and it is the process involves weighing a fighter to ascertain the fighter is within the best weight limits for a fight.
- Welch: is used to describe a situation where a sports betting company fails to pay the total amount on winning, or varies in its payments.
- Win: this is a term used to mean an event that ends in a positive event or result for a team, a team that finishes in first place.
- Win / Draw / Win: this refers to a selection that involves 3 possible results in a match.
- Winning Margin: this refers to the point difference between the winning team or selection in a match or event and the runner up, this difference is what makes a team a winner.
- Winnings: this refers to the profits or gains made from a stake placed or can also refer a team’s unbeaten run in a given competition.
- With a Run: this refers to a bet when the stake placed on the bet is returned, if the horse or dog does not run in the competition.
- Withdrawn: refers to a selection that is removed from a selection before the start of the event.
- X: is used to mean a draw or tie where there is no winner.
- Yankee: is a selection that involves 4 selections of 11 lines.
- Yankee Patent: is a selection involving 4 singles, and is popularly called Lucky 15
- Zoo: is a term used to describe a combination of several selections and events in one pick.
This list is not exhaustive, as you can add your own jargons to the list. This is however, a list of popular sports betting terms used by punters and tipsters all over the word. An understanding of the terms mentioned in this list, will guide you to make the best decisions with your picks, it will also give you a better understanding of sport betting terms.