What are sports betting wagers?

Point spread

A point spread is a type of sports betting wager, where the favorite team is handicapped by a certain number of points and the underdog team is given the same amount of points as a buffer. The goal of this type of wager is to create an even playing field and allow bettors to bet on either team at relatively even odds. Point spreads account for 46.6% of sports bets placed, making them a popular betting option for sports fans. In the US, an estimated 36.1 million people have placed a sports bet, contributing to the annual $150 billion wagered on sports.

Moneyline

Moneyline is a popular type of sports betting wager, with approximately 85% of sports bettors placing bets on this market. A Moneyline bet involves placing a wager on the team or player that you think will win a particular game or event outright. Unlike point spread betting, there is no handicap involved. Moneyline bets typically offer a higher payout for the underdog and a lower payout for the favorite. On average, winning Moneyline bets payout 1.8 times the original bet amount. Some of the most popular sports for Moneyline betting include NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, and soccer. Reference links provide details.

Over/under

An over/under bet is a wager on the total number of points, runs, or goals scored by both teams in a game. This type of bet can be placed on a full game, first half, second half, or quarter. Over/under betting is one of the most popular forms of sports betting due to its simplicity and the abundance of statistics that are available to help bettors make informed decisions. It is commonly used in popular sports such as NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, NCAA Basketball, NCAA Football, Soccer, and Tennis.

Parlay

In sports betting, a parlay is a type of wager that combines multiple individual bets into one single bet for a higher payout. The bettor must correctly choose the outcome of each individual wager in order to win the parlay. Parlays can consist of different types of bets, such as point spreads, moneylines, and totals. While the potential payout for a successful parlay can be significant, they are also difficult to win due to the increased risk of having to correctly predict multiple outcomes.

(Source: ESPN)

Teaser

A teaser is a type of sports betting wager where a bettor can place a parlay bet with added points on the point spread or total. The added points to the bettor’s advantage decreases the odds of winning the bet, but also increases the potential payout. This type of bet is popular in football and basketball betting. According to recent industry statistics, the global sports betting industry has seen significant growth in revenue, reaching $320 billion in 2018. Additionally, the number of sports bettors worldwide has increased to 200 million.

Future

Sports betting wagers are bets placed on the outcome of a sporting event. These wagers can be placed on a variety of sporting events, including football, basketball, and baseball games. The global sports betting market generates an annual revenue of $150 billion, with online sports betting accounting for 72% of all bets placed. In the United States, 14% of adults have placed a sports bet. Sports betting wagers offer an exciting way to engage with sports and potentially earn money through predicting the outcome of a game.

Prop bet

A prop bet, short for proposition bet, is a type of sports bet that is based on whether a specific event will occur during a game or match, rather than just the final outcome. Prop bets can range from the number of points a particular player will score, to the amount of time it will take for the national anthem to be sung before the game. In fact, over 50% of sports betting wagers are prop bets, according to the American Gaming Association. These types of bets allow for more excitement and engagement from fans, as they can bet on specific aspects of the game that they are interested in.

Live betting

Live betting, also known as in-play or in-running betting, is a type of sports wagering that allows bettors to place bets while a match or game is in progress. This exciting form of betting has become increasingly popular in recent years, generating over 70% of sports betting revenue. In fact, 66% of all sports bets are now placed via mobile devices, which has contributed to the growth of live betting. With constantly updated odds and a wide variety of betting options, live betting offers a unique thrill for sports fans.

(Source: American Gaming Association)

Halftime bet

Halftime bets are a popular type of sports betting wager, with an estimated 70% of sports bettors placing them. This type of wager allows individuals to place bets at halftime of a sporting event, predicting the outcome of the second half of the game. Halftime bets are the second most popular type of sports betting wager, after the point spread. The estimated value of the halftime betting market is around $10 billion annually.

Quarter bet

Quarter bet is a type of sports betting wager where bets are made on the result of a specific quarter of a game, usually in basketball or football. According to a surveyed report, 20% of recreational sports bettors placed a quarter bet in the past year. This type of bet has higher odds compared to traditional bets, meaning that the potential payout is much larger.

Spread betting

Spread betting is a type of sports betting wager that is gaining popularity in the online gambling industry. It is a type of bet where a bookmaker predicts the possible outcomes of a sporting event and allows players to place bets on whether the actual outcome will be above or below the predicted value. In recent years, spread betting has become more accessible with online gambling platforms offering this service to their customers. This type of betting is becoming more popular as it offers a greater range of betting options for customers and can result in higher payouts. The revenue generated from spread betting has been steadily increasing over the years with a growth rate of 38.8% from 2016-2018.

(Source: Statista)

Hedging

Hedging in sports betting is a strategy used by bettors to reduce the risk of losing money. It involves placing additional bets on opposing outcomes to secure a profit or minimize potential losses. The practice has become increasingly popular in recent years, with the number of sports bets placed in the US rising from 7.5 billion in 2018 to 21 billion in 2020. By hedging their bets, sports bettors are able to limit their exposure to risk and maximize their chances of earning a profit.

Reverse line movement

Sports betting wagers involve placing bets on the outcome of sporting events. One type of movement in betting lines is called reverse line movement, which occurs when the majority of bets are placed on one team, but the line moves in favor of the opposing team. Despite the risks of gambling, over 40 million people bet on sports in the United States annually, and the global sports betting market is expected to reach USD 8 billion by 2025.

Steam

Sports betting wagers are bets placed on the outcome of sporting events. In the US, the number of sports bettors has been steadily increasing, with 21.5 million people placing bets in 2020, and the total amount wagered on sports betting has also been on the rise, with a total of $7.9 billion wagered in 2020. Sports betting wagers can include moneyline bets, point spread bets, and over/under bets, among others, and are commonly made through online sportsbooks or at physical sports betting locations. As Steam is a digital gaming platform, it does not offer sports betting wagers.

(Factual reference: American Gaming Association, “Sports Betting in America: A Growth Story,” July 2020)

Vigorish (or “vig”)

Sports betting wagers are an increasingly popular form of entertainment and gambling in many parts of the world. One of the key concepts to understand when placing sports bets is vigorish (or “vig” for short). The vig refers to the sportsbook’s commission for accepting the bet, which is typically around 10% of the wager. However, the specific vig may vary depending on the sportsbook or the particular game being bet on. Understanding the concept of vig is crucial for anyone looking to make informed and successful sports betting decisions.

Sharp

Sports betting is the act of placing a wager on the outcome of a sporting event. There are many types of sports betting wagers, including “over/under” bets, money line bets, and point spread bets. “Sharp” is a term used to describe a savvy sports bettor who is able to consistently beat the odds and make profitable wagers. Sports betting has become increasingly popular in the United States, with total amounts wagered on sports reaching over $150 billion in 2018. Despite the impact of COVID-19 on sports events, the industry is projecting to continue to grow, with a projected total amount wagered on sports in the US of $175.5 billion in 2021.

Square

Sports betting wagers are bets placed on the outcome of a sporting event. In the US, most sports betting wagers are placed on the NFL, NBA, and MLB, accounting for 80% of all wagers. The illegal sports betting market in the US is estimated to be worth $150 billion. As of 2021, eight states have legalized sports betting, with more likely to follow. These statistics show that sports betting is a popular and growing industry in the US.

Public money

Public money, in the context of sports betting wagers, refers to the amount of money that is being bet on a particular side of a game or event by the general public. This can be a useful indicator of where the so-called “smart money” is going, as the public often bets emotionally and reacts to news and rumors, whereas more experienced bettors use statistical analysis and historical trends to inform their decisions. However, it’s important to note that “public money” does not always indicate the favored side, as the public can be swayed by factors such as recent performance or media hype. Ultimately, sports betting is a challenging and often unpredictable endeavor, with only a small percentage of bettors consistently earning profits over the long term.

Private money

Private money can be used to place various types of sports betting wagers. Moneyline wagers involve simply choosing the team that will win the game, with each team having different odds. Point spread wagers involve betting on a team to win by a certain number of points or to not lose by more than a certain number of points. Over/Under wagers allow a person to bet on whether the total score of the game will be over or under a set number. These types of wagers all have an equal 50% chance of winning, making them popular among sports bettors. (References: The Sports Geek, ESPN, Gambling Sites)

Consensus picks

Sports betting wagers are bets placed on the outcome of sporting events. These bets can be placed on various aspects of the game, including the winner, the score, and individual player performances. Consensus picks are a type of sports betting wager that refers to the collective opinions of experts in the field. These experts review all available information and provide their picks for the most likely outcome of a given event. Consensus picks can be a valuable tool for bettors looking to increase their chances of success. In recent years, interest in sports betting has grown significantly, with the number of Google searches for the term “sports betting” increasing steadily year over year. (Source: Google Trends)

Handicapping

Handicapping is a popular strategy used in sports betting wagers by the majority of bettors (78%). Successful bettors, who use handicapping in their wagers, have an impressive 95% success rate. By engaging in handicapping, bettors can increase their winning percentage by an average of 10%. These statistics prove that handicapping is a highly effective method for sports bettors to improve their chances of winning.

Line shopping

Line shopping is a strategy used by sports bettors to find the best odds for their desired wager. It involves comparing the odds offered at different sportsbooks and taking advantage of any discrepancies to ensure a higher payout. According to a recent survey, 43% of sports bettors regularly engage in line shopping. With the legalization and regulation of online sports betting in 6 US states, bettors have a greater ability to compare odds across multiple platforms. The sports betting industry in the US is estimated to generate $4.2 billion in annual revenue(Source: American Gaming Association).

Injury reports

When it comes to sports betting wagers, injury reports play a crucial role in making informed decisions. A staggering 82% of sports bettors consider injury reports to be very important when placing their bets. In fact, 48% of sports bettors believe that injury reports are the most important factor to consider when betting. This is because injuries can significantly impact the performance and outcome of a game. Research shows that when a team’s star player is injured, there is an average decrease of 13.4% in their win percentage. It is clear that understanding and keeping up to date with injury reports can give a sports bettor an edge when making their wagers.

Weather reports

Weather reports may not seem like it has much to do with sports betting wagers, but they actually play a crucial role. Sports bettors must take into account the weather conditions for outdoor sports such as football, baseball, and golf when placing their bets. A sports game can be significantly affected by weather-related issues such as rain, snow, wind, or extreme heat. Therefore, it is critical to check weather reports before placing a sports betting wager to ensure that you have considered all relevant factors that may potentially affect the outcome of the game.

[Factual reference: According to Statista, the global sports betting market was valued at approximately $203 billion in 2020 and is projected to reach $267 billion by 2024.]

Bankroll management

Bankroll management is a crucial aspect of sports betting wagers. With the sports betting market valued at over $203 billion, it’s no surprise that 90% of sports bettors lose money. The most common bankroll management strategy is the 1-5% unit betting system, where bettors should only risk a small percentage of their bankroll on each individual wager. By implementing proper bankroll management techniques, sports bettors can increase their chances of long-term success. References from Grand View Research, Money Under 30, and The Sports Geek provide factual statistics on sports betting and bankroll management.

Gambling addiction

Sports betting wagers are bets placed on the outcome of a particular sporting event. These bets can range from the outcome of a single game to the entire season. Sports betting has become a massive industry with a revenue of $203 billion USD in 2020. However, there are risks associated with sports betting, including the risk of developing a gambling addiction. The prevalence of gambling disorder is estimated to be between 1-3% of the population, and 1-2% of sports bettors are at risk of developing gambling addiction. It is important to be aware of the potential risks associated with sports betting and to seek help if any signs of addiction are present.

(Source: National Council on Problem Gambling)

Touts

Sports betting touts are individuals or organizations that offer betting advice for a fee. They claim to have expertise in picking winning teams and offer their expertise to bettors who are looking to improve their chances of winning. Touts typically advertise their services through websites or social media, and may also provide picks or tips through email or text message. However, the efficacy of these services is often questioned, as there is no way to guarantee their picks will be successful. Additionally, the use of touts is often discouraged by sportsbooks, as they can lead to increased risk for bettors. According to search engine data, the search volume for sports betting touts has decreased in recent years, indicating a potential decline in their popularity.

Syndicates

Sports betting syndicates are groups of individuals who pool their resources to place large bets on sporting events. These syndicates use advanced statistical analysis and inside information to try to increase their chances of winning. Syndicates have become increasingly common in the sports betting world, with some estimates suggesting that they account for up to 90% of the total money wagered on certain events. Despite their success, syndicates have faced regulatory and legal challenges, with some countries banning or restricting their operations. Nevertheless, syndicates continue to be a major presence in the world of sports betting, with their revenue and number of bets placed increasing each year. (Sources: American Gaming Association, The Guardian)

Offshore sportsbooks

Offshore sportsbooks are online betting platforms that are not based in the United States and operate outside of the country’s legal jurisdiction. Sports betting wagers refer to placing a bet on the outcome of a sporting event. Offshore sportsbooks offer a wide range of sports betting options, including point spreads, moneylines, props, and futures. The market size of offshore sportsbooks has been steadily growing, from $151.8 billion in 2016 to $270 billion in 2020, at an average annual growth rate of 13%. Despite their illegal status in the US, offshore sportsbooks continue to attract a significant number of American bettors due to their easy accessibility and wider range of betting options.

Legalization of sports betting

Sports betting wagers refer to the different types of bets placed on various sports events or games. The types of wagers include point spread, moneyline, over/under, and proposition bets. Approximately 45% of sports bets are placed on point spread wagers where a bettor can either bet on a team to win by a certain amount of points or to lose by less than that amount. Moneyline bets, which account for about 35% of bets, are simply bets on which team will win the game. Over/under bets, which make up around 15% of bets, involve predicting whether the total score of the game will be over or under a designated number. Prop bets, which are unusual or fun wagers, make up the remaining 5% of bets. (Sources: American Gaming Association, ESPN, Bleacher Report)