Sports betting can be both exciting and profitable if you understand the terminology. This guide covers key terms used in the US sports betting market, helping you make informed bets.

1. Moneyline

The moneyline is one of the simplest forms of betting. It involves picking the outright winner of a game or event. Odds are displayed as either a positive or negative number:
• Negative Moneyline (-): Indicates how much you need to bet to win $100. For example, -150 means you need to bet $150 to win $100.
• Positive Moneyline (+): Indicates how much you will win if you bet $100. For example, +200 means you will win $200 on a $100 bet.

2. Point Spread

The point spread levels the playing field between two teams. The favorite is given a handicap, and the underdog is given an advantage:
• Favorite (-): Must win by more than the spread. For example, if the spread is -7.5, the favorite must win by 8 or more points.
• Underdog (+): Can lose by less than the spread or win outright. For example, if the spread is +7.5, the underdog can lose by 7 or fewer points or win the game.

3. Total (Over/Under)

Total betting involves wagering on the combined score of both teams in a game. You can bet on whether the total score will be over or under a specified number:
• Over: Bet that the combined score will be higher than the set number.
• Under: Bet that the combined score will be lower than the set number.

4. Parlay

A parlay is a single bet that links two or more individual bets, requiring all of them to win. Parlays offer higher payouts but are riskier since losing one bet means losing the entire parlay.

5. Teaser

A teaser allows you to adjust the point spread or total in your favor in exchange for a lower payout. It’s similar to a parlay, but with adjusted lines.

6. Prop Bet (Proposition Bet)

Prop bets focus on specific outcomes within a game that aren’t tied to the final score. These can include player performances (e.g., total yards by a quarterback), team statistics, or even quirky events like the length of the national anthem at the Super Bowl.

7. Futures

Futures bets are long-term wagers placed on events that will happen in the future, such as who will win the Super Bowl or the MVP award. These bets typically offer higher payouts due to the difficulty in predicting long-term outcomes.

8. Live Betting (In-Game Betting)

Live betting allows you to place bets on a game while it’s happening. Odds are constantly updated based on the current state of the game, making it an exciting way to engage with the action in real-time.

9. Juice (Vig or Vigorish)

Juice refers to the commission or fee that a sportsbook charges for taking a bet. It’s how sportsbooks make money. For example, if you bet $110 to win $100, the extra $10 is the juice.

10. Push

A push occurs when a bet results in a tie, neither winning nor losing. In this case, the bettor typically gets their original stake back. For example, if you bet on a team to cover a 7-point spread and they win by exactly 7 points, it’s a push.

11. Handicapper

A handicapper is an expert or analyst who provides betting advice, predictions, and picks. Many bettors rely on handicappers for insights and strategies to improve their betting success.

12. Bankroll

Your bankroll is the total amount of money you have set aside for betting. Proper bankroll management involves betting only a small percentage of your bankroll on each bet to minimize risk and ensure long-term participation.
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Understanding these terms will enhance your betting experience and improve your chances of making informed decisions. Always remember to gamble responsibly and enjoy the thrill of the game!

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