Sports Betting Terms S-W
Spread
A spread in sports wagering is the predicted scoring differential between two opponents as quoted by a sports book. See "point spread."
Square
A novice when it comes to sports betting.
Steam
In sports betting steam is when a line starts to move rapidly. Most "steam games" do not necessarily reflect objective circumstances, but are games that a mass of bettors are drawn to for some reason.
Store
A bookie or sports betting establishment.
Straight Bet
In sports betting this is a wager on just one team or horse.
Taking the Points
When it comes to sports gambling this means betting the underdog and its advantage in the point spread.
Taking the Price
In sports wagering this means betting the underdog and accepting money odds.
Teaser
A teaser is a special type of parlay in sports betting in which you adjust the point spread or total of each individual play. The price of moving the point spread (teasing) is lower pay off odds winning wagers.
Ticket
A sports betting wager.
Tie
In sports betting a tie is a wager in which no money is lost nor won because the teams’ scores were equal to the number of points in the given line.
Total
The combined amount of runs, points or goals scored by both teams during the game, including the overtime.
Totals Bet
In sports gambling this is a proposition bet in which the bettor speculates that the total score by both teams in a game will be more or less than the line posted by the sports book.
Tout
Someone who sells their expertise on sports wagering.
Under
When it comes to sports betting a under is a wager in which the bettor guesses that the total points scored by two teams will be under a certain figure.
Underdog
The team perceived to be most likely to lose. Also known as the "dog" in sports betting terminology.
Value
In sports betting value means getting the best odds on a wagering proposition; the highest possible edge.
Vigorish
The bookmaker’s commission on a losing bet; also known as juice in sports betting.
Wise Guy
A wise guy is the sports gambling term for a well-informed or knowledgeable handicapper or bettor.