Sportsbook Terms
This glossary is supposed to be readable and sensible. If it is not or (worse yet) contains an error, please send additions and corrections to Patrick
E
Earn
Practical hold percentage
East Coast Line
Mainly used in hockey, which has a split-goal line e.g. - NY Rangers (1 - 1 1/2) favorite over the Vancouver Canucks as opposed to goal spread plus moneyline (-1/2 -180)
Edge
Advantage or house edge, is the casino's advantage.A persons Advantage when it comes to sports betting. An advantage over an opponent
Even Money
Sports betting term "Even money" is a bet whose odds are 1/1; a wager in which no vigorish or juice is laid. No odds or vig. A bet that pays you back the same amount that you wagered, plus your original wager. shown as a ratio of 1:1. A wager in which no vigorish or juice is laid. A wager on which neither side lays any odds or vigorish
Exacta
Horse/Dog racing wager in which you must select 1st and 2nd place in exact order A player must select the two first horses on a race to come in 1st and 2nd places in exact order
Exotic
In sports gambling the term Exotic is any wager other than a straight bet or parlay - also called a prop or proposition
Exotic Bet
Action other than a straight bet or parlay
Exotic Wager
Usually refers to a proposition wager A bet posted for customer accommodation such as first half, second half, futures, run lines or money line wagers. Any bet other than a straight bet, i.e., parlays, teasers, if bets, reverses, round robin, round robin box reverses, etc.
Expected Return
In video poker it's the average amount payed back on a particular play for a particular bet.
Exposure
The amount of money the house or somebody actually stands to lose on a game or race
Expected Win Rate
A percentage of the total amount of money wagered that you can expect to win or lose over time
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F
Face Cards
The jack, queen, and king of any suit of cards
Family Pots
In poker, when everyone at the table decides to enter a pot
Favorite
In sports betting this it the team expected to win an event. The quoted odds reflect the extent to which the choice is favored. The contestant in any given contest that is considered the most talented, or has the best chance to win the contest
Fifty Cents
$50.00 of sports betting action
Figure
Amount owed by or to a bookmaker. For sports betting, Figure is the amount owed to or by a bookmaker
Fifth Street
In seven-card stud, the third round of betting is called Fifth Street because players have five cards. In hold ‘em , fifth street is the fifth card on board and the final round of betting
Fifty Cents
$50.00
Filly
A female horse whose age is 4 or under
Final Four
Remaining four college teams from a field of 64. They meet to determine the National Champion. Final four teams in the NCAA basketball tournament
Firing
Betting a lot. Betting a lot. A player who is "firing" is wagering large sums
First Base
At the blackjack table, the position on the far left of the dealer is considered to be first base and is the first position dealt with. The first base is the first seat nearest the shoe in blackjack
First Half Bet
A bet placed only on the first half of the game
Fishing
A player who stays in a poker game longer than advisable generally is fishing for the card or two that will make the hand a winner
Five Number Bet
A bet only possible on the double zero roulette games which includes 00,0,1,2,3 and has the highest house edge of 7.89%
Flat Top
A slot machine whose jackpot is always a fixed amount,as opposed to a progressive
Flea
An annoying human parasite who wants something for nothing; a $2 bettor who expects to be comped for his action
Float
The table bank
Floorman
A casino employee who is part of the management team
Floorperson
Casino employee who helps supervise the dealers at gaming tables and watches for any problems or irregularities
Flop
In a game of hold ‘em, the three cards dealt face-up in the center of the table
Flush
In poker, a hand consisting of five cards of one suit
Fold
In poker, when a player declines a bet and drops out of the hand
Foots
Slang term used for Football
Form
A tabloid used for horse racing
Forum
Place where gamblers congregate to discuss the upcoming games
Foul
In pai gow poker, a hand is fouled when the two-card low hand is set higher than the five-card high hand, or when the hands are set with the wrong number of cards. A fouled hand is a losing hand
Four of a Kind
Four cards of the same rank, also known as quads
Four Majors
Golf's most prestigious events: the Masters, the US Open, PGA in the US and the British Open
Fourth Street
In seven-card stud, the second round of betting is called fourth street because players have four cards. In hold‘em, fourth street is the fourth card on board and the third round of betting
Front Money
Cash or bank checks deposited with the casino to establish credit for a player who bets against that money
Full House
In poker, a hand consisting of a three of a kind and a pair
Full Play
In video poker it's usually the best payoff schedule offered for a particular game
Furlong
A unit of distance used in horse racing equal to 1/8 or a mile or 220 yards
Future
Odds posted in advance on the winners of various major events including the Super Bowl, the World Series, the Stanley Cup, and the NBA Championship. In sports gambling odds are posted in advance on the winners of various major events. This is called a Future bet Wager in which your gambling on the result of a team relative to season wins, standings, playoff finish etc Wagers made, or lines/odds posted on an event or outcome taking place some time in the future, e.g. betting during the season on the SuperBowl winner
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G
Galloping Dominoes
What casino workers and gamblers jokingly call dice
Gambling
Wagering money with the intention of profiting more money
George
A good tipper. What dealers in Las Vegas call a good tipper. Also someone who makes bets on the dealer's behalf
Get Down
Make a bet
Getting Down
Practical hold percentage
Get On
Have your bet accepted
G.I. Marbles
What casino workers and gamblers jokingly call dice
Grand Salami
A slang word for the over/under total for the combined score of all the hockey contests on the schedule for that day The grand total of goals scored in all the hockey games of the day. It can be wagered to go Over/Under
Grand Slam
The four major tennis tournaments: Wimbledon, Australian Open, French Open, U.S. Open. Also the four major golf tournaments: The Masters, U.S. Open, British Open, PGA Championship (Professional Golf Association). Also in baseball, a homerun with the bases loaded, scoring four runs
Green
The most common color used for $25 chips
Grind Player
A gambler who slowly works through his bankroll, betting very conservatively and in small amounts
Group Bet
Betting between a selected group of teams or players, not necessarily in direct competition with each other
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H
Half a Dollar
$50.00 in sports betting action
Half Time Bet
A bet placed only on the second half of the game (overtime included). - In sports betting this is a bet placed only on the second half of the game
Half Time Line
A line on only the first half, or only the second half scoring of a football or basketball game
Hand
Refers to the cards that you hold, or to everything that happens in a card game between shuffles of the deck
Handicapper
Person who analyzes games and predicts outcomes on sporting events. When it comes to sports betting a handicapper is one who studies, rates and wagers on sporting events and/or races. Somebody who analyzes, studies, and forms an option with regard to betting on a game, horse race, etc. One who studies sports and predicts outcomes
Handicapping
The attempt to predict the outcome of sporting events
Handle
Total amount of bets taken. Total amount of money wagered
Hard Count
Activity in which coin (hard) currency is counted. It is usually done in a special room under tight security
Hedge
Bet the opposite of your original wager in order to reduce the amount of exposure you have on a game
Hard Hand
In blackjack, any hand that does not contain an ace valued at eleven.
Hedging
The placing of a bet on the other side in order to cut losses or guarantee profit on a wager Placing bets on the opposite side in order to cut losses or guarantee a minimum amount of winnings
High Poker
Standard poker, as compared to low poker or lowball. In high poker, high hands win
High Roller
A big bettor
Hit
In blackjack, to take another card. The card received is also called a hit. To take another card
Hold'em
A class of poker games
Holding your Own
Breaking even Neither winning nor losing, just breaking even
Hold
The percentage the house wins
Hole Card
Card that is dealt face down. - In blackjack, the facedown card that the dealer gets. In stud and hold ‘em poker, the facedown cards dealt to each player
Home Field Advantage
Edge the home team is expected to have as a result of familiarity with the playing area, favorable demographics and effect of travel on the visiting team
Home Team
The team playing in its own town
Hook
A half point added to football and basketball betting lines. Also see "buy." Half point in point spreads, as in "lost by the hook." -1/2 point
"Hoops"
Basketball. Slang word used to indicate the game of basketball
Horn Bet
A one roll bet that combines the 2, 3, 11 and 12
Hot
A player who is on a winning streak, or a slot machine that is paying out
Hot Game
A game which is drawing a lot of action on one side by knowledgeable handicappers
Hot Tip
Information the bookmaker is not yet privy to give
House Advantage
In simple terms, the mathematical winning edge a casino has provided for itself. This is done by manipulating the game rules and payoff amounts, ensuring that the casino will maintain a certain level of profitability. Also know as the "house edge" or "casino percentage."
House Edge
The percentage of each bet that you make that the house takes in. Winning bets are paid off at less than the true odds to generate income for the house.
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I
IBF
International Boxing Federation
In the Money
In horse racing, a horse that finishes first, second or third
Inside Bet
A bet in roulette on a single number including 0 or 00, or any combination of numbers
Inside Straight
In poker, four cards of a straight where the straight can only be completed one way
Insurance
A side bet in blackjack that's offered when the dealer's upcard is an ace. In blackjack, a side bet that the dealer has a natural. Insurance is offered only when the dealers up card is an ace. The insurance bet wins double if the dealer has a natural, but loses if the dealer does not
Invited Guests
Industry term for special high rollers who casinos cater to using a variety of comps. Some invited guests will literally bring millions of dollars of action to a casino in one visit
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J
Jackpot
A big win on a slot machine
Joker
The 53rd card in a deck, sometimes used as a wild card.
Juice
The bookmaker's commission; also known as the vigorish. Knowing the so-called right people in town. A person is said to have "juice" if he is well connected in the casino industry and as such, wields a lot of power. (U.S) See 'Vig'.. -Book commission
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K
Keno Board
A large electronic board that displays the winning keno numbers
Keno Lounge
The main area within a casino where keno is played
Keno Runner
A casino employee who shuttles your keno bet from wherever you are to the keno writer, and also delivers payment for winning tickets
Kicker
In a draw poker game, an odd high card held that doesn’t contribute to a straight or a flush, usually an ace or a king
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L
Lay
Take a bet on, like a Bookmaker
Lay a Price
Bet a favorite, lay the points
Laying the Points
Betting on the favorite by giving up points. A wager on a favorite in a point spread contest
Lay the Price
In sports wagering, laying the price means betting the favorite by laying money odds. A wager on a favorite in a moneyline contest
Layoff
Money bet by a house with another bookmaker to reduce its liability
Layoff Bet
A wager made by one bookmaker with another to help balance his action and reduces his risk on one side or one horse
Let it Ride
A poker game
Limit
The maximum amount a bookmaker will allow you to bet before he changes the odds and/or the points; also the "cap" on what you can personally wager.. Line The current odds or point spread on a particular event. In poker, any game that has a fixed limit on how much you can bet or raise in each round. Limit - Maximum bet accepted by the house before the price will be changed Maximum amount of money accepted for one wager
Line
Odds or spread on a game - The current odds or point spread on a contest. The moneyline, odds, or pointspread of any given contest or particular event. The betting proposition on a game and/or payoff odds on the bet
Line Betting
It is an even-money paid bet where you take a position either side of two possible outcomes of the event. e.g. England runs vs. Australia may quote 225-230 (a bit like a spread), thats called the Line. Selling the Line means you win if they score less than 225 and Buying the line means winning if they score more than 230. This is popular in the U.S.
Linemaker
The person who establishes the original and subsequent betting lines. The person or group that establishes the line, spread, or odds
Listed Pitchers
In baseball wagering, a bet which will be placed only if both of the pitchers scheduled to start a game actually start. If they don't, the bet is cancelled. Stating that you will place bet only if one or both of the pitchers scheduled to start a baseball game actually start. The pitcher or pitchers listed by Las Vegas oddsmakers as probable starting pitchers for a scheduled baseball game. You do this when you want guaranteed action on a game. If the listed pitcher does not start your game is no action. Conversley, if you list a game as action you get whatever pitchers start.
Loader
A dealer who is careless and shows the hole card while dealing
Load Up
To play the maximum number of coins per spin that a slot machine or video game will allow
Lock
Easy winner. A supposedly "can't lose" wager. Guaranteed winner. A term meaning can't lose
Longshot
A team or horse that is unlikely to win. A team or horse perceived to be unlikely to win. Large underdog
Loose
Slot machines are loose when they are paying off and giving the house only a small advantage over the player
Loose/Tight Slots
A loose slot indicates a machine with a higher payout over a period of time. Conversely, tight slots have a lower payout over a period of time
Low Poker
Also called lowball, is poker in which the pot is awarded to the hand with the lowest poker value
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M
Mare
A female horse whose age is 5 or more
Marker
A check that can be written at the gaming tables by a player who has established credit with the casino
Markers
Common name casino personnel use for what are essentially players' I.O.U. slips. When wagering in unusually large amounts, credit often will be extended to the player in the form of markers
Matador
A cover that occurs in the waning moments of a game (also referred to as a back door cover)
Match Bet
A bet between two teams or people, not necessarily in competition with each other. e.g. two golfers who will be trying to win their tournament, not beat each other or be aware that the bet exists
Michigan Bankroll
Used jokingly when a large denomination bill is wrapped around several smaller bills, such as $100 bill wrapped around a core of $1 bills, giving the impression that the player is a high roller with many $100 bills to wager
Middle(s)
To win both sides of a game. To win both sides of the same betting proposition; betting the favorite team at -1.5 with one bookmaker and then taking +3.5 with another bookmaker; the game ends up with the favorite winning by exactly 3 points, you have then "middled the game"; a favorite betting method of "Wise Guys". For example, if you bet the underdog +3 1/2 and the favorite -2 1/2 and the favorite wins by 3, you've middled the book. The book has been middled
Middler
Gambler that takes both sides of a game hoping for result to land in middle
Mini-Baccarat
The scaled-down version of baccarat, played with fewer players, dealers, and formality but following the same rules as baccarat
MLB
Major League Baseball (divided into two leagues: the National and the American)
Money Line
The amount you must bet to win 100 or the amount you win if you bet 100.- Odds expressed in terms of money. With money odds, whenever there is a minus (-) you lay that amount to win a hundred dollars, where there is a plus (+) you get that amount for every hundred dollars wagered
Move the Line
A player pays an additional price to receive half a point or more in his favor on a point spread game. See "buy."
MVP
Most Valuable Player. Leagues give MVP Awards to the best regular-season and to the outstanding player in championship games or series
Mush
A better who is bad luck
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N
Natural
In blackjack, a natural is a two-card hand of twenty-one points. In baccarat a natural is a two-card total of eight, or nine
NBA
National Basketball Association
NCAA
National Collegiate Athletic Association
Neutral Site
Field where neither side has a home field advantage. Arena, court or field where neither side has a home field advantage
Newspaper Line
The betting line which quite often appears in the daily newspapers; the lines are only approximate and quite often totally inaccurate and misleading.
NFC
National Football Conference
NFL
National Football League (divided into American Football Conference and National Football Conference)
NHL
National Hockey League (teams divided into Eastern Conference and Western Conference).
Nickel
$500. A $500.00 wager
Nickel Line
A line where the juice is 5%
NIT
National Invitational Tournament
No Action
A bet in which no money is lost nor won. See "push
Non-Negoriable
A promotional chip that can't be exchanged for cash
Number Pool
The range of numbers from which you select the ones you want to play. A typical lottery pool ranges from 1 to 60, and the keno pool is 1 to 80
Nut
Either the overhead costs of running a casino, or the fixed amount that a gambler decides to win in a day
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O
Odds
Ratio of probabilities The ratio to which your bet will be paid if your bet wins. e.g. 3-1 means for every £1 you bet, you will receive £3 of winnings. - The amount a bet pays. For example 2-1, 5-2
Oddsmaker
Same as a linemaker. The person or group that establishes the line, spread, or odds
Off
Bets that are not working
Off the Board
Game where no bets are being accepted. A game on which the bookmaker will not accept action
One-Roll Bets
Bets that win or lose depending on the next roll of the dice
On Tilt
Losing the ability to rationalize bets and betting wildly on everything
Open
In poker, the player who bets first
OTB or Off the Board
A game the book is not currently accepting action on. OTB is usually due to the uncertainty of the status of a player or inclement weather
Outside Bet
Roulette bets located on the outside part of the layout. They involve betting 12 to 18 numbers at one time
Off the Board
Game where no bets are being accepted. A game on which the bookmaker will not accept action
One
$100.00
Out
Bookmaker usually refers to an illegal bookmaker
Outlaw line
An overnight line not used by casinos or offshore establishments
Overlay
A good bet where you have an edge over the casino
Over
A sports bet in which the bettor guesses that the combined point total of two teams will be above a specified total.
Over/Under
A wager for the total score of both teams. A bet on whether the combined total of the points/goals scored by the two teams will exceed or be less than a specified number
Overlay
When the odds on a proposition are in favor of the bettor rather than the house. This is a price offered on a particular result that is higher than the true odds of it actually happening
Overtime
The continuance of a contest that is tied at the end of regulation time until a winner is determined or the maximum number of overtime periods have expired. Extension to a tied contest at the end of regulation play that lasts until a winner is determined or maximum overtime periods expire
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P
Paddle
Plastic device that dealers use to push paper money into the drop box
Pair
Any two cards that have the same rank
Pallette
The flat paddle used on the baccarat table to gather the cards
Parimutuel
Refers to races where the wagers are pooled and the winner's payoff relates to the number of total winners, minus a commission paid to the track
Parlay
(1) A sport bet with two or more teams in which all teams must win or cover for the bettor to to win and receive higher payouts
(2) a wager on two or more horse races in which the winnings are carried over to the next race. A wager in which you get enhanced odds however all games in your "parlay" must win or your ticket is void
Parlay Cards
Wagers on a minimum of 3 and up to 15 propositions; the more you pick, the higher the payoff
Pass
To not bet, to fold
Pass Line Bets
A wager made prior to the Come-Out roll that a point will be repeated
Past Performance
What has occurred previously to the forthcoming games.
Past Post
To place a wager after an event has started
Pat
In draw poker, a hand that does not need any more hands. In blackjack, an unbusted hand worth at least 17 points
Pay Cicle
A theoretical expression that reflects the number of plays required for the machine to cycle through all possible winning and nonwinning combinations
Payline
The line on a slot machine window on which the symbols from each reel must line up. Slot machines can have as many as eight paylines, although most have only one
Payoff
Your payback; the return you see on a wager
Payout Percentage
Also referred to as the payback percentage, the percent of each dollar played in a video or slot machine that the machine is programmed to return to the player. Payback percentage is 100 percent minus the house edge
Payoff Schedule
In video poker it's the details of the payoffs on the front of the machine. Usually expressed in coins paid for each final hand for each number of coins bet
Payout Table
A posting somewhere on the front of a slot or video poker machine, that tells you what each winning hand will pay for the number of coins or credits played
Pencil
Employee in charge of scheduling dealers and other personnel. Also refers to an employee who has the power to write out comps for customers. A wager on the underdog in a moneyline contest
Penny Line
A money line that is adjusted in increments of a penny, or one cent at a time
Perfecta
In horse racing, a wager in which the player selects the two horses in a race to finish in 1st and 2nd places in exact order. See "Exacta."
PGA
Professional Golfers Association
Pickem
Wager in which the pointspread is zero. When neither team is favored. Also called a "pick" in sports betting terms
Pick or Pick 'em Game
A game where neither team is favored. Neither team is favored; take your pick and lay 11 to 10
Pit
An area of a casino in which a group of table games are arranged, where the center area is restricted to dealers and other casino personnel
Pit Boss
The person who supervises all the games and casino personnel associated with a pit during a particular work shift. Pit bosses are in place to watch for cheating, settle disputes, and give comps to big bettors
Place
Horse/Dog racing wager in which your selection must come in 1st or 2nd place in order to cash - Bettor, gambler
Player
A person gambling at a casino
Pool
A pool is a sum of many collected as bets on a horse race. It is intended to be distributed amongst those punters that successfully wagered on the podium places
Point
Dice term for the number rolled on the Come-Out Roll if a 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10
Point Spread
The amount of points which the favorite gives to the underdog. The betting line. The "line"; the handicap, or head start that the favorite gives to the underdog for betting purposes. In sports betting this is the predicted scoring differential between two opponents as quoted by a sports book
Postponed
A contest cancelled for any reason and rescheduled at a later date
Pot
In a poker game, the amount of money that accumulates in the middle of the table as each player antes, bets, and raises. The pot goes to the winner of the hand.
Press
To bet a larger amount than usual. In sports betting this means to wager a larger amount than usual. Increasing a bet by double.
Pressing
A player is pressing the bet when they let winnings ride by wagering them along with the original bet.
Price
Sports betting term for the odds or point spread. Noun ~ The quoted odds for an event to happen (like a horse to win) Verb ~ The process of giving Prices to possible results. - The moneyline odds on the favorite of a given match.
Probability
A branch of mathematics that measures the likelihood that an event will occur. Probabilities are expressed as numbers between 0 and 1. The probability of an impossible event is 0, while an event that is certain to occur has a probability of 1
Progressive
A slot machine whose potential jackpot increases with each coin that is played. When the progressive jackpot finally hits, the amount resets to the starting number
Prop
Equivalent of Proposition Bet
Proposition Bet
In sports gambling this is a special wager offered by the sports book on unique and various topics. These wagers can be on sporting events, politics, and even trial outcomes. The wagers use the money line format of pay off odds and might included who scores the first touchdown in the super bowl, who will win the next presidential election, or whether or not O. J. will be found guilty. - dice bets on a number combination
Puckline
Mainly used on East Coast with hockey, giving odds of a goal spread A puckline for sports wagering is giving odds of a goal spread instead of using a Canadian Line in hockey, where both a goal spread and money line are played
"Pucks"
A slang word used to indicate the game of hockey
Punter
Another term for a player
Puppy
The underdog
Push
Tie on wager. Tie; neither side wins and all money is returned to the bettors. A tie hand between a dealer and a player; no money changes hands. A push at blackjack occurs when both the player and the dealer have a unbusted hands with the same total points. A tie between the bettor and the bookmaker that is the result of the score of an event falling exactly on the pointspread number, or the total points numberinstead of Canadian Line where both a goal spread and moneyline is played. When the contest ends with no winner or loser for wagering purposes. - a stand off when the dealer and the player have the same total. No-one wins and bets are returned
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Q
Quads
Four of a kind
Qualifier
In poker, the minimum standard a hand must meet in order for it to be eligible for part of the pot
Quinella
Horse/Dog racing wager in which your two selections must come in 1st and 2nd place In horse racing, a wager in which the player selects the two horses in a race to finish in 1st and 2nd places in either order
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R
Rack
A plastic container in which you can transport and count large-denominational coins, slot machine tokens, and casino plastic chips
Rain Out
A game cancelled because of weather. A contest that has been canceled because of bad weather
Raise
In poker, a player raises by matching the previous bet and then betting more, to increase the stake for remaining players
Rake
The money that the casino charges for each hand of poker. It is usually a percentage (5-10%) or flat fee that is taken from the pot after each round of betting
Rank
The worth of a set of cards
Red
The most common color used for $5 chips
Red-BlackBet
In roulette, an outside wager on whether the next spin will be a red or a black number. This bet is played off at even money
Reduced Vig
A wager in which your laying less than the standard -110
Reels / Reel
A wheel inside a slot machine window on which the slot machine symbols are printed. The number of reels per slot machine may very but are usually three. Display wheels showing the symbols and usually three or five per machine
Reverse
In horse racing, to ask for a second exacta wager which specifies two horses in reverse order of the first exacta wager
RFB
High rollers are comped with free room, food, and beverage
Right Bettor
A person betting on the Pass Line
Ring Game
A regular poker game rather than a tournament. Can be referred to as a live game because actual money is used rather than chips
River
In poker, the final card dealt in a hand of stud or hold ‘em. In seven-card stud, staying in until the fifth and final round of betting is called going to the river
Royal Flush
In poker, an ace-high straight flush; the best possible hand
Round Robin
A series of parlays. A three-team round robin consists of one three-team parlay and three two-team parlays A series of three or more teams into 2-team wagers or parlays. A single ticket comprised of more than one parlay. Same as "boxing" in horse racing
RNG
The random number generator which is a computer chip inside a slot machine. It is constantly generating thousands of numbers every second
Rock
One who plays very tight in poker. Only raising with the best hands etc
Rundown
Line update. All the lines for an specific date, sport, time, etc
Run Line
A line used when wagering on baseball. In baseball, a spread used instead of the money line
Runner
Messenger bettor; see beard. One who places bets for another when it comes to sports betting
Ryder Cup
A golf tournament between American and European golfers that is staged every two years. A golf tournament in which every two years the top American and European golfers meet at venues alternating between the two continents
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S
Scalper
One who attempts to profit from the differences in odds from book to book by betting both sides of the same game at different prices -Gambler making a play on low odds favorite then finding higher odds underdog on same game resulting in no risk wagering
Score
To win a lot of money
Scouts
Person(s) who waits for what he thinks is an unusually strong wager. AKA. Sports Player. Person(s) who study team plays and/or practice and report findings to handicappers
Scratch
Withdraw; cancel. In horse racing, a horse that has been withdrawn from a race before the start. Wagers on this horse are refunded
Service
Handicapper(s) that sells opinions, analysis, and picks
Session
A series of plays at any gambling game
Set
In pai gow poker, players set their seven cards into two separate hands of two and five cards each
Seven-Out
Rolling a seven after the point has been established
Seventh Street
In seven-card stud, the fifth and final round of betting is called seventh street because players have seven cards
Sharp
Wise guy. When it comes to sports betting a sharp is a sophisticated or professional gambler. -Astute bettor
Shill
Casino employee who goes around to empty tables and pretends to be a player in order to get a game going and attract other players
Shoe
A plastic or wooden box that holds multiple decks of cards for dealing more than two decks of cards. The box in which the dealer places the shuffled cards. Cards are then dealt from the shoe
Shotter
The person rolling the dice
Show
A horse racing bet in which you collect if the horse finishes first, second or third. - The names of the two teams playing: the underdog and the favorite. - An "if bet" that is processed only if the precedent bet wins. - The predicted scoring differential between two opponents as quoted by a sports book. See "point spread." - Best-of-seven series between the Eastern and Western conference champions in the NHL to determine the World Champion. - When a betting 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. -Horse/Dog racing wager in which your selection must come in at least 3rd place in order to receive payout
Showdown
In poker, after the last betting round, the players who remain in the pot must show their hands in the showdown to determine the winner
Shorten
Odds that reduce, say from 10-1 to 8-1, are said to have shortened
Shuffle
Before each hand the dealer mixes up the order of the cards
Shutter
A window covering a number on a reusable bingo card. The shutter can be pulled down to mark each number as it is called
Side
In sports betting, the names of the two teams playing: the underdog and the favorite. To win one side and tie the other. For example, if you lay -2 1/2 and take 3 on the same game and the favorite wins by 3 you have sided the book. The book has been sided. -Picking a team to win (non total wager).
Side Bet/Side Wager
A wager on a particular team, or side, to win a contest
Sides Single Action
An "if bet" in sports gambling that is processed only if the precedent bet wins
Singleton
In poker, a card that is the only one of its rank
Sixth Street
In seven-card stud, the fourth round of betting is called sixth street because players have six cards
Slot Schedule
The details usually at the top of a slot machine detailing the type of machine, denomination and payout details
Smart Money
Sides that are bet on by the more knowledgeable handicappers
Soft Hand
In blackjack, any hand that contains an ace counted as eleven is called a soft hand. a hand in blackjack that contains an ace valued at 11
Soft Count
Activity in which paper currency, charge slips, and bank checks are counted. It is usually done in a special room under tight security
Soft Line
A wagering line that is not current with the true posted line. A line that has been adjusted or moved as a result of action and does not reflect the true line as posted
Split Bet
A combination bet across two numbers on the inside of the roulette table
Sport Player
A person who waits for what he thinks is an unusually strong wager
Spot
Any number from 1 to 80 that a player selects on a keno ticket. It also refers to the number of numbers that are marked on a ticket
Spread
An abbreviated form of point spread. A spread in sports wagering is the predicted scoring differential between two opponents as quoted by a sports book. See "point spread."
Square
Unsophisticated gambler. A novice when it comes to sports betting. -Player that is always on favorites and overs. Also known as a gambling fool
Stand
In blackjack, to stand is to refrain from taking another card. To not take anymore cards
Stanley Cup
NHL Championship
Steal
In poker, to win the pot by bluffing
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 and somehow decide to key on determine the NFL Champion. Large amount of money being wagered on one side usually from a wise guy.
Stickman
The dice dealer who calls the numbers rolled and controls the stick
Stiff
Gambler who doesn't tip. In blackjack, a hand that is not pat and that may bust if hit once. Stiffs include hard twelve through sixteen
Store
A bookie or sports betting establishment
Straight
In poker, a hand consisting of five cards of consecutive ranks
Straight Bet
One wager (opposed to a parlay). A bet on just one team. In sports betting this is a wager on just one team or horse. A single wager on a selected side or over/under
Straight Flush
In poker, a hand consisting of five cards of consecutive ranks of the same suit
Straight Keno
The basic keno game, played by marking individual numbers on a keno ticket
String Bet
A bet in which the player doesn't get all the chips required for the raise in the pot in one motion. Unless they verbally declare a raise, they can be forced to withdraw it, and just call. Why do this? To see the effect on the other players and then possibly raising
Stud Poker
A poker game with no draw
Sucker Bet
Parlays, teasers or exotics (anything bookmakers use to entice squares to bet more
Sudden Death
An overtime period in which the first contestant to score is declared the winner of the contest
Superbowl
NFL Championship game
Surrender
In blackjack, to give up half your bet for the privilege of not playing out a hand. In roulette, you effectively lose only half on an even-money bet when the ball lands on 0. To give up half the wager before the hand is complete, thus saving half the wager
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T
Tacking
Wagering on the underdog; taking the odds.
Tacking a price
Betting an underdog, take the points.
Tacking the price
Betting the underdog and accepting money odds. In sports wagering this means betting the underdog and accepting money odds.
Take the points
A wager on the underdog in a pointspread contest.
Tacking the points
When it comes to sports gambling this means betting the underdog and its advantage in the point spread. Betting the underdog and its advantage in the point spread.
Tapped Out
Broke, busted, common result of pressing.
Teaser
A bet on 2 or more teams where the line on each team is adjusted in the favor of the bettor. Like a Parlay, all selections must be correct for the teaser to win. A teaser is a special type of parlay 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. See more of Teasers Multi game card in which you can move the spread X amount of points (points and odds vary).
The Big Dance
the 64 team, post season college basketball championship tournament.
Third Base
In blackjack, the spot nearest the dealer’s right hand, which will be played last before the dealer’s hand is played.
Third Street
In seven-card stud, the first round of betting is called third street because the players have three cards.
The Pencil
Employee in charge of scheduling dealers and other personnel. Also refers to an employee who has the power to write out comps for customers. A wager on the underdog in a moneyline contest.
Three of a Kind
Three cards of the same rank.
Ticket
A wager. A sports betting wager.
Tie
A bet in which no money is lost nor won because the teams' scores were equal to the number of points in the given line.
Tip
Gratuity given to the casino employees.
Toke
A tip or gratuity. A tip given to the dealer in the form of money or chips. Also known as a tip. Common name for tips or gratuities given to dealers and other casino support staff.
Token
the casino coins used to play slot machines.
Toss Up
Game where the line is close to pick-em.
Total
Wager on the over/under in a game. the combined amount of runs, points or goals scored by both teams during the game, including the overtime. the line on a given contest, representing the combined number of points/goals scored by the two teams; see over/under. 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.
Totals Bet
Total combined point/runs/goals scored in a game; In baseball, if either of the two listed starting pitchers don't go the bet is automatically canceled.
Tote
"Tote" is short for Totalisator, a system introduced to Britain in 1929 to offer pool betting on racecourses.
Touch Wand
A pointing device used on some video keno machines to select numbers.
Tout
Handicapper that sells opinions, analysis, and picks. Someone who sells their expertise on sports wagering.
Tout Service
A business that sells opinions on sporting events.
Trey
A three.
Trifecta
A horse racing bet in which a player selects three horses in one race to finish 1st, 2nd and 3rd in exact order -Horse/Dog racing wager in which your three selections must come in 1st, 2nd, and 3rd respectively.
Trips
In poker, three of a kind.
True Odds
the ratio of the number of times one event will occur to the number of times another event will occur. the odds posted in a casino are usually not the true odds. the real odds of something happening as opposed to what the bookies offer.
Twinle
Small, hidden mirror allowing dealers to see all cards that are dealt. It is a form of casino cheating and is not allowed.
Two Pair
In poker, a hand consisting of two sets of pairs and a singleton.
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Underdog
the contestant in any given contest that is considered the least talented, or has the least chance to win the contest. the team perceived to be most likely to lose. Also known as the "dog."
Underlay
A situation in which the odds on a game favor the house rather than bettors. A bad bet; an event that has more money bet on its happening than can be justified by the probability of it happening. When the odds on a proposition are in favor of the house.
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. A sports bet in which the bettor guesses that the total points scored by two teams will be under a certain figure.
Upcard
In the blackjack dealer’s hand, the card that is face-up for all the players to see before they play their hands. the exposed card held by the dealer.
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Value
Getting the best odds on a betting proposition; the highest possible edge. .An overlay. An overlay. Getting the best odds on a betting proposition; the highest possible edge.
Vigorish or Vig
Vig is short for the word 'vigorish'. Also referred to as 'juice' (US). the edge that one side of a bet has to make their advantage. the fee, or commission taken by the house. Bookmaker's commission, most often refers to the 11 to 10 football bettors lay on straight wagers. Also known as juice. the commission paid to the bookmaker. (Otherwise known as the "juice".) Term some use when referring to the "house advantage" (see above) or the commissions players pay to the casino when they win.
VIP
A big bettor that is worthy of full complimentary treatment.
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W
Washing the Cards
Combining several decks of cards before actually shuffling by spreading them out on the game table and randomly mixing them together.
Way Ticket
In keno, a ticket that groups different numbers to create more than one way to win.
WBA
World Boxing Association.
WBC
World Boxing Council.
WHALE
A high roller.
White
the most common color used for $1 chips.
White Meat
Profit.
Wild Card
A joker or other card that can be used as any other card to complete your hand.
Win
Horse/Dog racing wager in which your selection must win in order to cash on your selection. A horse racing wager in which you collect if your horse finishes first.
Wire Joint
Casino that uses such methods as rigged tables and magnetized dice to cheat players. A corrupt gaming establishment.
Wise guy
Established and successful sports bettor. A well-informed or knowledgeable handicapper or bettor. the "steam" creator; sharp bettor; gambling pro.
WNBA
Womens National Basketball Association.
Wood
Laying points.
World Series
MLB championship; the final seven games of the baseball playoffs between the two league champions to determine the world champion.
Working
Dice term meaning that the bets are in place.
World Bet
A one-roll dice bet on the horn including the seven.
Wrong Bettor
A dice player who bets on the Don't Pass Line.
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Z
Zukes
Another name for tips or gratuities, popular with younger dealers and casino workers.
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