Sports betting terms: A glossary for UK bettors

Sports bettors can, at times, seem like they are using another language when discussing gambling. Unfamiliar words like acca, ante post and Trixie are commonplace on betting sites, as are acronyms like BTTS, BOG and NRNB.The Standard’s betting team has put together a glossary of sports betting terms to help bettors understand the jargon used in sports betting.This page is sorted by category rather than one large A-Z list, making it easier to navigate - and understand - for rookie punters.Read MoreLooking for more information on how to be on sports? The Standard has also put together a guide for first-time sports bettors to go alongside our sports betting terms glossary.Odds and pricing termsOdds and pricing form the backbone of betting. Understanding betting odds and how bookies work to set the prices is an important part of any bettor’s education. TermDefinitionOddsThe number that shows how likely an outcome is and how much a winning bet returns, shown as a fraction (5/1) or a decimal (6.00) in the UK.EvensOdds of 1/1 (decimal 2.00) - a winning bet returns your stake plus an equal amount in profit.Odds-onOdds shorter than evens (e.g. 1/2), meaning the outcome is considered more likely than not.Odds againstOdds longer than evens (e.g. 5/1), meaning the outcome is considered less likely than not.Overround/Vig/JuiceThe built-in margin a bookmaker adds across all outcomes in a market so their odds add up to more than 100% probability.Price boostA bookmaker offer that temporarily increases the odds on a specific selection or market.Best odds guaranteed (BOG)A promise that if the official starting odds on a horse or greyhound race is higher than the price you took, you're paid out at the higher price.Bet types explainedThere’s a myriad of different bet types available to punters. Combining bets opens up a world of possibilities, introducing a variety of different multiple betting options, such as a trixie, which is a system bet of three selections and three doubles and one treble.Not all system bets are covered below, and instead, we choose to focus on the more common bet types most punters will use.TermDefinitionSingleA bet on one selection only.DoubleA bet on two selections combined into one wager - both must win for a return.TrebleA bet on three selections combined into one wager - all three must win.Accumulator (acca)A bet on four or more selections combined into one wager - every selection must win, and returns roll over from one leg to the next.Bet builderA bet made up of different selections from the same event. Every selection must win for the bet to payout.Ante postA wager made on a competition before it starts, such as backing a team to win the Premier League before the season has kicked off.Each-wayA bet split in two: one part on the selection to win, one part on it to place. Used mainly in horse racing, golf or ante-post betting.System betA bet that covers every possible winning combination from a set of selections, so some legs can lose and the bet can still return a profit.BankerA selection within a multiple bet that the bettor is most confident will win, used as the anchor for the rest of the bet.NAPA selection (typically a horse) that a tipster is most confident will win.NB (Next Best)A tipster’s next best selection after a NAP, the second likeliest tip to win.In-play and market termsIn-play and market terms refer specifically to betting during a match or on non-standard markets. These can be more niche but also quite common, such as both teams to score or handicap options.TermDefinitionIn-play bettingPlacing a bet after an event has started, with odds updating in real time as the action unfolds.Cash outAn option to settle a bet before the event finishes, for a return that's usually less than the full potential payout.HandicapA market where one side starts with a virtual advantage or disadvantage to level up an uneven match-up.Asian handicapA handicap market that removes the draw as an outcome, splitting some bets into two separate stakes on different lines.Over/under (totals)A bet on whether a statistic in the match, such as total goals, will be over or under a set number.Non-runner no betOffered on races at big meetings, get your stake refunded if the horse you backed doesn’t run in that particular race.Both teams to score (BTTS)A bet on whether both teams will score at least one goal during the match.Account, stakes and responsible gambling termsYou may find sports betting terms for accounts, stakes, free bet offers and responsible gambling tools differ from one betting site to another, but here are some of the more common phrases associated with those aspects of gambling.TermDefinitionStakeThe amount of money risked on a bet.Qualifying betA bet that must be placed, and often must meet minimum odds, to unlock a welcome offer or promotion.Free betA token that lets a bettor place a bet without risking their own money, though usually only the winnings (not the stake) are returned.Void betA bet that's cancelled and refunded, usually because a selection didn't take part or a rule was breached.Dead heatWhen two or more selections finish tied for the same position, with returns split proportionally between them.LiabilityThe maximum amount a bookmaker could have to pay out on a given bet or market.Self-exclusionA tool that lets a bettor block their own access to betting accounts for a set period, used as part of responsible gambling.Sports betting terms - frequently asked questionsWhat's the difference between fractional and decimal odds?Fractional and decimal odds refer to the two common ways odds are displayed on betting websites. For a full definition, check the odds and pricing terms section, but as a general rule, fractional odds are common on UK operators, while decimal odds are more frequently used on betting exchanges and in Europe. Bettors can change how odds are displayed on betting sites.What does 'each-way' mean in betting?An each-way bet is effectively split in two: one part on the selection to win, one part on it to place. Each-way terms vary by bookmaker. The number of places covered and the percentage of the starting price, such as a place bet being settled at 1/4 the odds, are the two key diffentiators to look out for.Are sports betting terms the same in the UK and US?Some core concepts carry different names. For example, what UK bettors refer to as the 'overround' is often called the 'vig' or 'juice' in the US. This glossary uses UK terminology throughout.What is the most important betting term for a beginner to understand first?It is good to have an understanding of how every bet works - starting with how much you are staking and what winnings you will receive based on the odds. Every other term builds on understanding how a stake and a set of odds produce a return. To learn more, the how to bet on sports guide for a full walkthrough.We aim to offer every online gambler and reader of The Standard a safe and fair platform through unbiased reviews and offers from the UK's best online gambling companies.Gambling can be addictive, always play responsibly and only bet what you can afford to lose. Gambling sites have a number of tools to assist you to stay in control, including deposit limits and time outs. If you think you have a problem, advice and support is available for you now from BeGambleAware or Gamcare.Any offers or odds listed in this article are correct at the time of publication but are subject to change. Terms & Conditions apply to all offers.