If you’re new to sports betting, we recommend checking our guide on getting started with sports betting before diving into this terminology.
A
Accumulator (Acca)
The English term for a combined bet. It involves a ticket that groups several selections (matches, options), all of which must be correct for the bet to win. The more selections there are, the higher the final odds, but the greater the risk.
All-in
A risky strategy where you wager your entire bankroll on a single bet. Generally discouraged as it leaves no room for error.
Pre-match Analysis
A study conducted before a sporting event. It includes team form, statistics, absences, match stakes, and other factors that influence a bet.
Arbitrage (Surebet)
An advanced method involving betting on all possible outcomes of the same match through different bookmakers to guarantee a profit, regardless of the conditions. It relies on odds discrepancies.
Asian Handicap
A variant of handicap betting that removes the possibility of a draw. It uses decimal or quarter-point values (e.g., -0.5, +1.25) to create more balanced scenarios. Sometimes allows partial stake refunds depending on the score.
B
Bankroll
The total budget a bettor allocates to their betting activity. Good bankroll management involves setting a reasonable stake for each bet as a percentage of this capital.
Bet Builder
A feature offered by many bookmakers that allows you to create a customized bet on the same match by combining several options like goal scorer, score, number of corners, or cards.
Betting Exchange
A platform where bettors can wager against each other without a traditional bookmaker. One proposes odds, another accepts them. You can bet “for” or “against” an event.
Both Teams to Score (BTTS)
A bet on both teams scoring at least one goal in the match. It’s a popular bet in football, especially in leagues with high offensive output.
Bookmaker
A company or online platform that offers odds, accepts bets, and manages wagers. The bookmaker adjusts odds based on probabilities and the balance of bets to ensure its margin.
C
Cash Out
An option that allows the bettor to close an ongoing bet before the event ends. The bookmaker offers an amount (lower or higher than the initial stake) to secure part of the profit or limit a loss.
Clean Sheet
A bet on a team not conceding any goals during a match. It’s said that they keep a clean sheet.
Combined / Multiple
A bet grouping two or more selections is called a combo bet. The potential gain is the product of the odds, but all selections must be correct for the bet to win.
Correct Score
A bet on the exact result of a match (e.g., 2-0, 1-1). It’s a difficult bet to get right but often very well rewarded.
Odds
A number assigned to a selection by a bookmaker. It reflects the estimated probability of an event and is used to calculate the gain: gain = stake × odds.
Boosted Odds
Odds temporarily increased by the bookmaker, often as part of a promotional offer.
Floating Odds
Odds that change over time, based on player bets, match-related information, or market adjustments.
Fixed Odds
Odds that are locked in when you place the bet. They do not change even if they evolve later on the site.
Implied Odds
The implied probability represented by odds. It is calculated by inverting the odds: 100 / odds. E.g., odds of 2.00 equal a 50% probability.
D
Double Chance
A double chance bet covers two out of three outcomes (home team win or draw, etc.). Ideal for reducing risks while maintaining interesting odds on some balanced matches.
Draw No Bet
A draw no bet is a bet refunded if the match ends in a draw. If the chosen team wins, the bet wins. In case of a draw, the stake is returned. If they lose, the bet is lost.
Dropping Odds
A sudden decrease in odds, often caused by a massive influx of bets or influential information about the event (e.g., injury of a key player).
E
eSports
Video game competitions on which you can bet, such as League of Legends, Dota 2, or CS:GO.
Even Money
Odds at 2.00: for every euro wagered, one euro is gained net.
F
Favorite
The team or player considered most likely to win. It is often the one with the lowest odds.
Freebet
A free bet offered by the bookmaker, usable as a stake. If the bet wins, only the net gain is returned.
Full Time Result
A bet on the result at the end of regulation time (90 minutes for football, excluding overtime).
G
Potential Gain
The total amount you can win if the bet is successful. Calculation: stake × odds.
Bankroll Management
A method of managing your betting budget. It involves distributing your stakes wisely to avoid losing everything quickly.
H
Handicap
A handicap bet is a bet that gives a fictional advantage or disadvantage to a team. It helps balance the odds when a match seems uneven.
Head-to-Head (H2H)
The history of confrontations between two teams or players.
I
Inside Info
Non-public information that could strongly influence a bet. It may be related to an injury, absence, or internal tension within a team.
J
(No major term identified to date)
K
(Few specific terms in sports betting – to be completed if needed)
L
Lay Bet
A bet against a selection on an exchange platform. For example, betting that a team will not win.
Betting Limit
The maximum amount a bookmaker allows for a bet.
Live Betting
Betting live during the match. Odds change in real-time.
M
Market
Type of bet offered (e.g., correct score, goal scorer, number of goals).
Stake
Amount of money placed on a bet.
Multiple
See: Combined Bet. Several selections in a single ticket. Learn more about multiple bets.
N
No Action
Bet canceled by the bookmaker, often in case of a postponed or canceled match. The stake is refunded.
O
Odds
Representation of the probability of an event and potential gain. Expressed in decimal, fractional, or American format. For a deeper understanding, see our guide on understanding betting odds.
Over/Under
A over/under bet on a total: goals, points, games… E.g., Over 2.5 = more than 2 goals.
P
Combined Bet
A bet with multiple selections. All results must be correct to win.
Double Chance Bet
See Double Chance.
Live Bet
See Live Betting.
Handicap Bet
See Handicap.
Draw No Bet
See Draw No Bet.
System Bet
A bet composed of sub-combinations (e.g., Trixie, Yankee) allowing you to win even if some selections are lost.
Single Bet
A bet on a single event, without combination.
Win to Nil Bet
A bet on a team’s victory without conceding a goal.
Bet on the Exact Score
See Correct Score.
Q
Yield
A performance indicator for a bettor: (profits ÷ total stakes) × 100.
R
Rake
Commission taken by some platforms (especially betting exchanges) on winnings.
Final Result
Score at the end of regulation time (excluding overtime).
Rollover
Condition to meet to unlock a bonus. Corresponds to a number of bets to be placed with a specific amount.
S
Exact Score
See Correct Score.
Stake
English term for “stake.”
Suspension of Odds
Temporary interruption of a bet offered by the bookmaker (e.g., important action in progress).
T
Tipster
A person sharing predictions publicly or commercially.
Total
See Over/Under.
Trixie
A system with 3 selections generating 4 bets: 3 doubles + 1 triple.
U
Under
A bet on a total lower than a certain threshold (e.g., Under 2.5 = 0, 1, or 2 goals).
V
Value Bet
A value bet whose odds are higher than the estimated real probability. Sought after by long-term bettors.
Final Winner
A long-term bet on the team or player who will win a competition.
W
Win to Nil
Victory without conceding a goal. Learn more about win to nil bets. See also Clean Sheet.
X
X
Symbol for a draw in 1X2 betting.
Y
Yield
See Yield.
Z
(No common terms identified to date)
