Sports Betting Glossary

Sports betting terms in plain English: American odds, implied probability, vig, no-vig fair odds, closing line value, alternate lines, hit rates, BTTS and more.

Alternate linesThe same spread, total or prop at a different number, repriced for how likely the new number is.American oddsThe US way of quoting a betting price: + numbers show the profit on $100, - numbers show the stake needed to win $100.Anytime touchdown (ATD)A prop that pays if the player scores a rushing or receiving touchdown at any point in the game.Both teams to score (BTTS)A soccer bet on whether both teams score at least one goal.Break-even win rateThe share of bets you must win at a given price just to come out even.Closing line value (CLV)How much better (or worse) your price was than the final price before the game started.Expected value (EV)The average profit or loss of a bet if you could place it over and over, given your win probability and the price.First touchdown scorerA prop that pays only if the player scores the game’s first touchdown.Hit rateHow often a player cleared a prop line in past games, e.g. 7 of the last 10.Implied probabilityThe win rate a price needs to break even, worked out from the odds.Kelly criterionA formula for the share of a bankroll to stake on a bet with an edge; many bettors use a fraction of it.Line movementHow a spread, total or price changes between when it opens and kickoff.Line shoppingComparing several sportsbooks to take the same bet at the best available price.MoneylineA bet on which team wins the game outright, with no point spread.No-vig fair odds (de-vig)A price with the sportsbook’s margin removed: what the market really thinks the chance is.ParlayOne bet combining several picks; every leg must win, and the odds multiply.Player propsBets on one player’s stats, such as passing yards, receptions, shots on goal or a touchdown.Point spreadA handicap: the favorite must win by more than the spread, the underdog must lose by less (or win).Total (over/under)A bet on whether the combined score lands over or under a number.Vig (vigorish, juice)The sportsbook’s built-in margin: the reason both sides of a bet add up to more than 100%.

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