If you’re just starting out with sports betting, it can be confusing. There are lots of terms and numbers that don’t make sense at first. This article explains 15 common betting terms in a simple way, so you can feel more confident when you place a bet.
1. Odds
Odds show you how much money you will get if you win.
For example, if the odds are 2.00 and you bet €10, you get €20 back. That includes your €10 stake and €10 profit.
Low odds (like 1.40) mean a team is more likely to win, but you win less money. High odds (like 4.50) mean a team is less likely to win, but you win more if they do.
2. Stake
The stake is how much money you bet.
If you bet €5, your stake is €5. If you win, you get your stake back plus the profit. If you lose, you lose the stake.
3. Moneyline (1X2)
This is the most common type of bet. You choose the result of the match.
- 1 means the home team wins
- X means the match is a draw
- 2 means the away team wins
4. Draw No Bet
You bet on a team to win. If the match ends in a draw, your stake is returned.
This is safer than a moneyline bet because a draw does not count as a loss.
5. Double Chance
You bet on two results at once.
For example:
- 1X means home team win or draw
- X2 means draw or away team win
- 12 means home team or away team win
It’s harder to lose, but the odds are lower.
6. Over/Under
You bet on how many total goals or points there will be in the match.
For example, if you bet on Over 2.5, the match needs 3 or more goals for your bet to win.
If you bet on Under 2.5, the match needs 2 or fewer goals.
7. Both Teams to Score (BTTS)
You bet on whether both teams will score at least one goal.
- If both teams score, the bet wins
- If one or both teams don’t score, the bet loses
8. Accumulator (or Acca)
This is a bet with several selections combined into one.
All of them must win for the bet to win.
The odds are higher, so the payout is bigger, but it’s also riskier.
9. Asian Handicap
This is a type of bet that removes the chance of a draw.
One team gets a head start, like +0.5 or +1.
The other team gets a handicap, like -0.5 or -1.
It gives more balance when one team is much stronger than the other.
10. Handicap
This is similar to Asian Handicap but includes the draw.
For example, if you bet on a team with -1, they must win by 2 goals or more.
If they win by exactly 1, the bet is a draw (in Asian handicap, this might give you a refund).
11. Live Betting
Also called in-play betting. This means you place bets after the match has started.
The odds change during the game based on what’s happening.
12. Cash Out
Some bookmakers let you cash out early.
This means you take your money before the event ends.
It can be less than your full winnings but saves you if the match turns around.
13. Bankroll
Your bankroll is the money you have set aside for betting.
It’s important to only use money you can afford to lose.
14. Unit
A unit is a way to manage your money.
For example, if your bankroll is €100, one unit might be €5.
It helps you stay consistent and not bet too much at once.
15. Value
Value is when you think the odds are higher than they should be.
If a team has a better chance than the odds suggest, that’s a value bet.
Finding value is key to long-term success.
Betting can be fun, but it’s better when you understand the terms.
Start with small bets, learn as you go, and always stay in control of your money.
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