Glossary: Betting Terms A–Z

Clear, concise definitions of betting and offshore sportsbook terms are used across our reviews and guides. Tap any term to expand its full explanation and real-world examples. Use these entries to understand bonus T&Cs, payment options, and betting types before you place a wager.

Rollover (Wagering Requirement)

Definition: The number of times you must wager the deposit and bonus (or the bonus only) before you can withdraw bonus-derived winnings.

Example: A $100 deposit + $100 bonus with a 10× rollover typically requires $2,000 in bets (deposit + bonus = $200 × 10).

Always confirm whether the rollover applies to deposit+bonus or bonus-only; this changes the betting volume required and the true cost of the bonus. See our wagering requirement entry and the BetUS review for an applied example.

Offshore Sportsbook

Definition: A betting operator licensed outside the U.S. that accepts US customers. Typical jurisdictions include Curaçao and Malta.Offshore sportsbooks enable markets and features not always present on regulated U.S. sites—such as higher bonuses, crypto deposits, and certain international markets. Licensing establishes a baseline of oversight but varies by jurisdiction, so check the license number and jurisdiction on every review page.

Related: BetUS review, BetOnline review.

Crypto Sportsbook

Definition: A sportsbook that accepts cryptocurrency deposits and withdrawals (e.g., BTC, ETH, USDT).Crypto betting often yields faster withdrawals and lower fees. Some crypto sportsbooks offer exclusive crypto bonuses or higher rollover multipliers for crypto deposits. Be aware of on-chain confirmation times and withdrawal policies.

Bonus Code

Definition: A code entered at registration or deposit that activates a promotion or enhanced offer.Always input the correct bonus code when signing up; failing to do so may forfeit the offer. We list active codes inside each review and test whether the code works at signup.

No-Deposit Free Bet

Definition: A promotional free wager granted without requiring an initial deposit.No-deposit offers allow you to test a site risk-free. They often have lower value and stricter wagering rules, but are useful for trying the interface or market coverage without committing funds.

Reload Bonus

Definition: A recurring bonus credited on subsequent deposits after the welcome offer (e.g., weekly or monthly percentage match).Reloads are useful for ongoing bankroll boosts, but check expiry and rollover. Some sites reward crypto reloads with better percentage matches than card deposits.

Cashback

Definition: A percentage refund on net losses over a period (daily, weekly, monthly).Cashback cushions losses and is usually paid in cash or bonus funds. Read whether the cashback is capped or requires betting before withdrawal.

Free Bet

Definition: A wager provided by the sportsbook that doesn’t deduct from your cash balance if it loses.Free bets may return stake only on wins (stake not returned) or stake plus win depending on T&Cs. Check market restrictions and minimum odds required.

Parlay / Accumulator

Definition: A combined bet linking two or more selections — all must win for a payout.Parlays boost payout multipliers but increase risk. Some sportsbooks offer parlay insurance or boosted parlay odds as promotions.

Each-Way Bet

Definition: A two-part bet (win / place) commonly used in horse racing; pays if the selection places in a top position.Each-way terms vary by sport and event; note the place payout fraction and number of places covered.

Point Spread

Definition: A handicap applied to teams to balance betting; bettors wager on team covering the spread.Understanding spreads and implied probability helps identify value. Check vig/juice for spread lines to measure bookmaker margin.

Moneyline

Definition: A straight bet on which team/player wins the event; odds expressed in American, decimal, or fractional formats.For novices, moneyline is the simplest way to bet on outright winners. Converting formats helps compare prices across books.

Odds Formats

Definition: Ways of expressing probability: American (+/-), Decimal (1.50), Fractional (1/2).Switch formats in your account to make comparisons easier. Decimal is easiest for multiplying parlay payouts.

Juice / Vig

Definition: The bookmaker’s margin embedded in odds; also called vigorish.Lower vig means better value for bettors. Compare same-market odds across books to find lower juice opportunities.

In-Play / Live Betting

Definition: Betting on events after they have started, with odds updating in real time.Live betting requires fast market updates and reliable mobile UX. Watch how quickly a site updates odds before using it for in-play strategies.

Cash-Out

Definition: Feature allowing bettors to settle a bet early for a reduced payout.Cash-out helps manage risk but often comes at a built-in cost. Use it strategically when preserving a portion of stake is preferred to full loss risk.

Staking Plan

Definition: A fixed approach to stake sizing (fixed stake, Kelly criterion, percentage of bankroll).Good staking plans protect capital and improve long-term results. We recommend simple percentage-based staking for most bettors.

Bankroll Management

Definition: Rules for how much to risk per bet and per session to avoid ruin.Set limits, keep records, and avoid chasing losses. Offshore betting can be volatile; strong bankroll discipline is essential.

Arbitrage (Arbing)

Definition: Simultaneously placing bets across books to guarantee a profit from differing odds.Arbing requires quick execution, multiple accounts, and awareness of stake limits. Some sportsbooks limit or ban arbing accounts, so proceed carefully.

Matched Betting

Definition: Using matched bets and promotions to lock in profits regardless of event outcome.Often uses free bets and exchange sites; profitable when executed correctly but requires attention to bonus T&Cs and qualifying bets.

KYC (Know Your Customer)

Definition: Identity verification process required by sportsbooks for withdrawals and regulatory compliance.Expect to provide ID, proof of address, and sometimes payment proofs. Completing KYC speeds up payouts and prevents account holds.

Payout Proof

Definition: Evidence provided by sportsbooks (or posted by users) showing successful withdrawals.Payout proof builds trust. We publish payout experiences in our reviews (e.g., typical crypto payout times and any delays encountered).

Max Bet / Limits

Definition: The maximum stake a sportsbook accepts on a market or account tier.High-rollers should check limits; some promotions reduce max bet sizes or restrict winnings from bonus-funded bets.

System Bets

Definition: Complex multi-leg bets (e.g., Yankee, Heinz) that pay out if a subset of picks win.System bets balance risk and reward better than full accumulators; useful in horse racing and multi-game parlays.

Responsible Gambling

Definition: Practices and tools to keep betting safe—limits, self-exclusion, and time-outs.Always set deposit/ loss limits and use self-exclusion if gambling becomes a problem. We link to international responsible gambling resources on every review page.

Quick FAQ

Q: How should I use this glossary?

A: Link terms from our reviews and guides back here whenever you see an unfamiliar phrase (e.g., “rollover”). This improves your knowledge and helps verify promo rules.

Q: Are glossary terms the same across all sportsbooks?

A: Core definitions are the same, but operators may implement rules differently—always read the sportsbook’s T&Cs and our review for the specific implementation.

Q: Can I suggest new terms?

A: Yes — contact us at our contact page with suggestions or if you want a term clarified.

Sports Betting Glossary Demystified for New Bettors

Sports betting has its own language. Learn that language, and the numbers on a screen turn into clear signals you can act on. A solid betting strategy is built on mastering this sports terminology while consulting a comprehensive sports betting glossary.

This guide organizes the most useful terms, spotlights how offshore sportsbooks talk about payments and promotions, and shows how slight wording differences can affect your wallet.

Odds: the price tag of a prediction

Odds tell you two things at once: how likely an outcome is, and how much you get paid if it happens. Three formats show up most often.

• American: favorites carry a minus number (for example, -150 means risk 150 to win 100), underdogs carry a plus number (+200 wins 200 on 100).
• Decimal: a single multiplier that includes your stake. Odds of 2.50 pay 250 total on 100, which is 150 profit.
• Fractional: common in horse racing. Odds of 5/2 pay 250 total on 100.

Implied probability translates odds into a percent. A quick mental model helps:

• American to probability:
  • Negative odds: probability = odds / (odds + 100). So -150 implies 150 / 250 = 60 percent.
  • Positive odds: probability = 100 / (odds + 100). So +200 implies 100 / 300 = 33.3 percent.
• Decimal to probability: 1 / decimal. So 2.50 implies 40 percent.

Small edges on price matter. Taking -105 rather than -110 on a spread cuts your required long-term hit rate from about 52.38 percent to 51.22 percent. Remember, even money bets can sometimes provide just the edge you need when applied in the right context.

The core bet types you will place most

The majority of tickets fall into one of three buckets.

• Moneyline: pick the winner. That’s it. Whether you place your money line bet with a traditional bookmaker or even explore a betting exchange, the basic idea stays the same. The favorite carries a minus price, the underdog a plus price. Three-way lines in soccer include the draw.
• Point spread: the book evens up a mismatch by assigning points. A favorite at -3.5 must win by 4 or more. The underdog at +3.5 can win outright or lose by 3 or less to cover. In ATS (Against The Spread) betting, this concept is fundamental.
• Total, or Over/Under: bet on combined points scored. If the total is 47.5, Over wins at 48 or more, Under wins at 47 or less. Exact totals with whole numbers may push and return stakes.

These show up across football, basketball, baseball, and hockey. Each sport also carries variations that reflect how scoring works.

Sport-specific lines that act like spreads

Baseball and hockey are low scoring, so spreads arrive in a standardized size.

• Run line, baseball: usually ±1.5 runs. Favorites at -1.5 need a two-run win or more. Underdogs at +1.5 can lose by one and still cash.
• Puck line, hockey: usually ±1.5 goals. Same idea.

You’ll also see period or inning markets, such as a hockey first-period puck line at ±.5 or a baseball first-five money line.

Parlays, teasers, and props

Combining bets can create bigger payouts, but it also compounds risk.

• Parlay: link two or more selections. All must win. Also known as an accumulator in some regions, the odds multiply, which can turn small stakes into large returns. One losing leg kills the ticket.
• Teaser: a parlay that lets you move spreads or totals in your favor across all legs, with a reduced payout. Common in football at 6, 6.5, or 7 points.
• Prop bet: a wager on a slice of the game. Player props like passing yards Over 249.5, team props like first team to score, or game props like will there be overtime.

Experienced bettors treat parlays and teasers as entertainment or as specific math plays—not as a steady-income plan. Some even look for arbitrage opportunities where different bookmakers offer alternate lines that can be exploited.

Futures and how to avoid freezing your funds

Futures are long-term bets on season outcomes. Think conference titles, MVP awards, or tournament winners. They carry larger prices early and settle well after you place them, which ties up capital.

Two habits improve results:

• Set a cap on the portion of your bankroll you commit to futures, since the money is unavailable for weeks or months—a critical aspect of bankroll management.
• Consider hedging when your position has gained value. If you hold a team at +500 and they reach a final, the opposing side might be priced short enough to lock profit.

Bankroll, units, and juice

You control risk with structure, not hunches. Smart bankroll management is essential for long-term success.

• Bankroll: the money you set aside only for betting. Decide this number before you place a single bet.
• Unit: a standard stake that is a small slice of the bankroll. Many use .5 to 2 percent per unit. Talking in units keeps your sizing consistent through ups and downs.
• Juice, or vigorish: the house commission built into lines. Standard spreads at -110 on both sides include juice. Shopping for -105 instead of -110 cuts your average cost, which compounds over time.

A simple rule that works: never raise unit size because of a hot streak. Only adjust after a planned bankroll review. Whether you are betting with a bookmaker or on a betting exchange, discipline in bankroll management is key.

Quick glossary table

A compact reference helps when a term pops up mid-game.

Term	What it means
Odds	Price and implied probability of an outcome, shown in American, decimal, or fractional formats
Moneyline	Bet on who wins the game or match; a money line bet is often the simplest betting option
Point spread	Handicap that requires a favorite to win by a margin and gives the underdog a cushion
Total	Over or Under a posted combined score
Parlay	Multi-leg ticket (accumulator) where all selections must win
Teaser	Parlay with adjusted lines that pays less but wins more often
Run line	Baseball spread, commonly ±1.5 runs
Puck line	Hockey spread, commonly ±1.5 goals
Futures	Long-range bets that settle later, like champions or awards
Bankroll	Funds set aside for betting only
Juice	Book’s commission embedded in the odds

Slang you will hear in every sportsbook chat

• Dog: underdog, usually shown with plus odds.
• Chalk: favorite. Heavy chalk means a big favorite.
• Cover: beat the spread. A favorite that wins by more than the spread or a dog that stays within it. Sometimes a team might secure a backdoor cover in unexpected ways.
• Push: tie against the number, stakes returned.
• Hook: the half point that turns 3 into 3.5 and removes the possibility of a push.
• Square: casual bettor with public tendencies.
• Sharp: pro or expert bettor whose wagers can move lines.
• Steam: sudden line movement caused by heavy, often respected action.
• Handle: total dollars wagered on an event or period.
• Bad beat: a painful loss on a late or fluky play.
• Hedge: place a wager on the other side to reduce risk or lock profit.

Offshore sportsbook vocabulary that saves time and money

Offshore operators run outside your local regulator. Their cashier pages, promotions, and small-print policies often use terms that deserve careful reading.

Payments and verification

• Deposit and withdrawal: crypto, international e-wallets, bank wires, and credit cards appear often. Crypto can settle fast with low fees, while wires can take days and carry minimums.
• Cashier: the central hub that lists payment methods, minimums, fees, and processing times. Some methods are one-way only.
• KYC: know your customer checks. Even sites that advertise light verification can require ID before releasing a large withdrawal. Uploading documents early prevents delays.
• Payment processors and restrictions: third-party gateways may be labeled Instant Banking or similar. Some deposit methods are excluded from bonuses. Check the eligible methods list before funding.

Bonuses and promotions

• Wagering requirement, or rollover: how many times you must bet bonus funds, and sometimes both deposit and bonus, before a withdrawal is allowed. A 5x rollover on a 200 deposit plus a 200 bonus means 2,000 in qualifying bets.
• Bonus expiry: the window to complete rollover. Deadlines like 7 or 30 days are common.
• Max bet: a cap on bet size while a bonus is active. Going over can void the promotion.
• Sticky bonus: non-withdrawable bonus credit that exists only to generate withdrawable winnings through play.
• Reload bonus: a match offer on subsequent deposits.
• Cashback: a percentage of net losses returned, often with a small rollover.
• Free bet vs bonus bet: free bets typically return only the profit, not the stake. Bonus bets may have stricter rules.
• Cash Out: early settlement feature. Some books exclude Cashed Out bets from counting toward rollover.

Interface and lines

• Odds format: toggle between American, decimal, and fractional. Pick one and stick with it to avoid mistakes.
• Bet slip: your staging area for selections, stakes, parlays, and teasers. Watch for auto-accept odds changes toggles.
• In-play or live: markets that update during games. Latency matters, so confirmations can be delayed.

Legal and risk language

• Licensing jurisdiction: Curacao, Malta, Isle of Man, and Gibraltar licenses appear often. Oversight quality varies by location.
• Geo-blocked countries: a list of forbidden territories. Using a VPN can violate terms and put funds at risk.
• Dispute and arbitration clauses: many sites route complaints to internal review or private arbitration. No public mediator means you rely on the operator’s policy.

A quick cautionary scenario
A player deposits via an e-wallet that is excluded from promotions, then activates a welcome bonus. Later, the site removes the bonus because the deposit method was ineligible under the terms. Two minutes spent skimming the cashier’s eligibility line would have prevented the problem. Always match the deposit method to the promotion’s small print.

Side by side: regulated vs offshore terminology in practice

Differences in policy shape the meaning of everyday terms, which affects how you read a page, clear a bonus, or request a payout.

Aspect	Regulated books	Offshore books
Licensing	Local regulator with firm consumer protections	Foreign licenses with lighter oversight
Payments	Cards, ACH, local wallets, slower but familiar channels	Crypto, international wallets, gift cards, mixed speeds and fees
Markets	Restricted by local law, some events unavailable	Wide menu, including college sports, niche leagues, esports, and politics in many cases
Promotions	Smaller offers with relatively clear rules	Larger matches and crypto bonuses with tighter rollover and more exclusions
Odds and limits	Standard -110 spreads, conservative limits in some markets	Often -105 or better on spreads, higher or flexible limits
Disputes	Regulator or ADR options exist	Operator-controlled process, often with arbitration only
Taxes	Winnings reported over thresholds, forms issued	No reporting by the book, player remains responsible
Terms in T&Cs	Precise definitions enforced by local law	Terms defined by the operator, stronger emphasis on site discretion

This is not a value judgment. It is a reminder to read the words in context. The same label can imply different protections depending on where the site is licensed. Even seasoned bettors know that choosing the right bookmaker is crucial, and a reliable bookmaker will clearly display alternate lines to enhance your sports betting experience.

Rollover math without the headache

Bonus clearing gets easy when you break it into a short checklist.

• Identify what counts: some books exclude low-odds markets, certain parlays, or opposite-side bets from qualifying play.
• Confirm the base: is rollover on bonus only, or on deposit plus bonus.
• Compute the target: amount to be wagered equals base times the rollover multiple.
• Pace yourself: divide the target by the number of days before expiry to get a daily goal.

Example

• Deposit 200 with a 100 percent match. Rollover is 6x on deposit plus bonus.
• Base = 200 + 200 = 400.
• Target = 400 x 6 = 2,400 in qualifying bets.
• With 15 days to clear, daily goal = 160 in stakes. Keeping unit size steady, such as 1 percent of bankroll, avoids overbetting to chase the clock.

Line shopping and the quiet power of half points

Half points, or the hook, matter more around common margins.

• Football key numbers: 3, 7, 10, and 14 carry outsized weight. Moving from -3. to -2.5 can be worth far more than moving from -4.5 to -4..
• Totals banding: basketball totals shift with pace and foul trends. Locking a number before news moves the market can be valuable.
• Shop several books: -105 at one place versus -110 at another reduces your hurdle rate by more than one percentage point.

Additionally, many bookmakers offer alternate lines to give you more precise control over your betting strategy. Small improvements accumulate. Over a season, that is real money.

Live betting without chasing

In-play markets react to possession changes, injuries, and pace. Three habits improve decisions:

• Watch the delay: your bet may wait for a confirmation. If a big play happens during the delay, the price can change or the book can reject the ticket.
• Pre-plan your triggers: set price and time windows ahead of the game, like grabbing a favorite at even money if they fall behind early with no injuries.
• Use partial positions: rather than going all-in at one price, scale in with smaller stakes as the number improves.

Live betting rewards discipline, not impulsive clicking. This is where knowing your bookmaker and understanding both conventional spreads and asian handicap options can provide a crucial edge.

Practical rules for offshore cashier pages

• Verify minimums: both deposit and withdrawal minimums can be higher than you expect, especially with wires.
• Match currency: avoid hidden conversion fees by selecting the account currency that fits your funding method.
• Pre-clear docs: upload ID and address proof before requesting a large payout.
• Confirm eligible methods: tie your deposit choice to the promotion’s rulebook.
• Record timestamps: keep a simple log of deposits, bonuses, and turnover. It makes support chats faster.

Mini case study: applying the glossary on a Sunday slate

You see an NFL favorite at -3.5 -105 on one site and -3 -120 on another.

• Spread choice: your model projects a 3-point win. Paying -120 to grab -3 turns pushes into refunds and avoids losing on a field-goal margin. If your projection had 4 as the median, the cheaper -3.5 could be preferable.
• Parlay itch: you consider coupling the favorite with a total Over. Rather than an accumulator parlay where one leg can spoil the ticket, you split them into two singles. If you still want combo risk, keep parlay stake to a fraction of a unit.
• Live entry: if the favorite trails by 3 early with no injuries, your plan calls for live entry at a pick’em price. You wait for that number rather than chasing at -130 mid-drive.
• Bonus clearing: a 100 percent crypto bonus at 4x on deposit plus bonus tempts you. You map out a 30-day schedule, confirm max bet during rollover, and decide to opt in only if the max bet allows your normal unit size.

Nothing here is flashy. It is consistent application of terms and math to protect your edge. Whether you’re using a traditional bookmaker or a modern betting exchange, the language and numbers remain your guide.

Odds conversion cheatsheet

A few common conversions keep mental math quick.

American	Decimal	Implied probability
-110	1.91	52.4 percent
-105	1.95	51.2 percent
-150	1.67	60. percent
+100	2.00	50. percent
+130	2.30	43.5 percent
+200	3.00	33.3 percent
+300	4.00	25. percent

Keep these in view when shopping for numbers or weighing parlays.

A final word on language shaping outcomes

Words in betting are not decoration. The hook on a spread, a line in the cashier about eligible methods, or a clause about KYC can change both your experience and your results.

Treat the glossary like a toolkit, apply it with steady unit sizing, and let the math do the heavy lifting.

Also, remember that even a great bookmaker—with the right alternate lines and a robust understanding of ATS and asian handicap markets—will only support your betting strategy if you adhere to sound bankroll management and continuously scout for arbitrage plays or backdoor cover scenarios.

By incorporating these key elements—from the traditional money line bet to exploring betting exchanges—you'll be better equipped to navigate the dynamic world of sports betting.