Breaking down the complicated terminology of the Betting landscape
Glossary of Terms
When we started this thing, we quickly realized something — there’s a whole language in sports betting that only degenerates like us seem to speak. You’ve got terms like “moneyline,” “spread,” and “over/under flying around, and if you’re new, it can sound like absolute nonsense.
The betting world’s blowing up. Between apps, promos, and your one friend who suddenly thinks he’s sharp, more and more people are diving in, especially as online betting is becoming more popular. So, we figured it’s time to clear things up.
This guide’s for anyone who wants to throw down on a Saturday slate without having to Google every third word. No judgment — just real talk to help you get in on the action with the rest of us degenerates.
We’ll use last year’s Ohio State vs. Notre Dame matchup as our running example. Let’s get into it.
The Basics
Start here if you’re new, or just pretending you’re not.
Spread
The point spread is how oddsmakers level the playing field.
Ohio State -6.5 vs Notre Dame
OSU has to win by 7 or more for you to cash. If ND loses by 6 or less — or pulls off the upset — ND covers.
“I took OSU -6.5… They won by 6. Football is pain.”
Moneyline
Forget the spread — just pick who wins.
Ohio State ML: -200
Notre Dame ML: +170
You’d need to bet $200 on OSU to win $100. Bet $100 on ND, and you win $170 if they pull it off.
“I didn’t want to mess with the points. Took OSU moneyline and paid the tax.”
Total (Over/Under)
You’re betting on the combined score of both teams.
Total: 51.5
Final: OSU 31, ND 27 → that’s 58 points → Over hits.
Final: 24–20? That’s Under.“Forget the winner, I just need points. Gimme the over.”
Parlay
Stacking multiple bets into one — everything has to hit or you lose.
- OSU -6.5 ✅
- Over 51.5 ✅
- Marvin Harrison Jr. Anytime TD ❌
Two outta three ain’t good enough. Parlays = heartbreak fuel.
“It was a lock… until it wasn’t.”
A Layer Deeper
You’re feeling dangerous. You know what a teaser is but you don’t mess with it. Yet.
Prop Bet
Side bets on specific things in the game.
- Marvin Harrison Jr. to score: -120
- Kyle McCord Over 2.5 TDs: +150
- First team to score: ND +110
“I don’t care who wins — I just need Harrison to find the end zone.”
Hedge
Placing a bet on the other side to protect your original bet.
You have OSU in a 4-leg parlay. They’re up 3 with 2:00 left. You bet ND +200 live to cover your ass.
“I hedged. Not proud of it. But I slept like a baby.”
Push
It’s a tie. You get your money back.
Bet: OSU -3
Final: OSU wins 30–27 → Push“Bet it, sweated it, got my money back. Felt like kissing your sister.”
Live Betting
Betting while the game is going on.
ND goes down 14 early. Their live ML moves to +475.
You think they’ll claw back? Jump on it.“Live betting is like drunk texting your ex — feels good in the moment, often ends in regret.”
Futures
Long-term bets on big-picture stuff.
- OSU to win National Championship: +500
- ND to join a conference (lol): +2500
“I threw a futures bet on ND in August. It was cute while it lasted.”
Closing Line
The final line right before kickoff.
You bet OSU -5.5 early in the week. It closes at -7. You beat the closing line — nice work.
“I may’ve lost the bet, but at least I beat the closing line. Moral victories, baby.”
The Deepest
You’ve got closing line value tattooed on your brain. You say things like ‘public money’ and mean it.
Juice / Vig
The house’s cut — usually -110.
You bet $110 to win $100. That $10 difference? That’s the juice.
“Books don’t care who wins. They just want that vig.”
Sharp vs. Square
- Sharps = Pro bettors
- Squares = Public, casual money
If everyone’s on OSU -6.5 and the line won’t move, sharps might be on ND.
“Don’t be a square. Or at least… don’t bet like one.”
Handle
Total money being bet on a game.
“This OSU-ND game’s got a massive handle. Everyone’s on it.”
Think of it as the size of the pot at the poker table.
Final Word
Whether you’re betting ten bucks on a Saturday or tracking line movement like it’s your full-time job, this lingo is your playbook. Know it, use it, and — for the love of God — don’t be the guy asking what a parlay is while placing one.
We’ll be back every week breaking down the board and talking nonsense.
Welcome to the squad.