Betting Dictionary (A–Z)

A simple guide to common sports betting terms used in online betting and sportsbooks.

A

Accumulator (Acca)

A bet that combines multiple selections into one wager. All selections must win for the bet to pay out.

Against the Spread (ATS)

A bet on whether a team will cover the handicap (spread) rather than just win.

B

Banker

A selection you are very confident will win, often used in accumulators.

Bet Slip

Your digital or physical cart where selected bets are placed before confirming.

Bookmaker (Bookie)

A company or platform that accepts bets and sets the odds.

C

Cash Out

Option to settle your bet early for a guaranteed return before the event finishes.

Correct Score

A bet predicting the exact final score of a match.

D

Double Chance

A bet covering two of the three possible match outcomes (home win or draw, away win or draw).

Draw No Bet (DNB)

If the match ends in a draw, your stake is refunded.

E

Each-Way Bet

Two bets in one: one on the selection to win, and one to place.

Exposure

The total amount a bookmaker could lose on a set of bets.

F

Fixed Odds

Odds locked in at the time the bet is placed.

Favourite

The team or player most likely to win according to the odds.

G

Gamble Responsibly

A reminder to bet within your limits and treat betting as entertainment.

H

Handicap Betting

A system where points or goals are added or removed to level the playing field between teams.

I

In-Play Betting (Live Betting)

Placing bets while the event is happening.

J

Jackpot

A large prize, often from correctly predicting multiple outcomes.

L

Live Odds

Odds that change in real time during an event.

M

Multiple Bet

Another term for an accumulator bet.

Moneyline

A simple bet on who will win the match (no handicap involved).

O

Odds

Numbers that represent the payout and probability of an outcome.

Outsider

A team or player with a low chance of winning (long shot).

P

Parlay

International term for accumulator bets.

Payout

The amount you receive if your bet wins.

R

Return

The total amount paid back (stake + profit).

Risk

The chance of losing a bet or stake.

S

Stake

The amount of money you wager.

Single Bet

A bet on one selection only.

T

Ticket

Another name for a bet slip.

Tipster

Someone who gives betting predictions or tips.

U

Under/Over (Totals)

A bet on whether the total score will be under or over a set number.

W

Wager

Another word for a bet.

Win Bet

A simple bet on a selection to finish first.

Bonus Terms

GGR (Gross Gaming Revenue)

Bookmaker profit after payouts.

Yield

Profitability of betting activity over time.

ROI (Return on Investment)

Percentage return on stakes.