Someone Who Accepts Bets On Sports

In order to take advantage of Indiana online sports betting, you will need to learn about betting odds and which are the best online sportsbooks. That's why this guide will help you place your sports bets knowingly in Indiana.

Updated on :

Beard: Someone who places a wager for another person (aka 'runner'). Book: Short for sportsbook or bookmaker; person or establishment that takes bets from customers. Bookie: A person who accepts. Bookie: A bookie is someone, who facilitates gambling - commonly on sporting events. A bookie sets odds, accepts and places bets, and pays out winnings on behalf of other people.

Indiana sports betting became legal in September of 2019 and brought joy to bettors in the state. It was a milestone for the casino industry, considering Indiana is one of the very few states that were yet to do it.

It was a slow start in the beginning, with only a couple of casinos taking bets. Eventually though, everyone got comfortable with the new privilege, and 10 other casinos joined in to provide sports betting. Nowadays, you can find many Indiana sportsbooks who will take action on most bets.

The variety has also expanded. Players can put their money on all kinds of sports, including football, boxing, golf, and many more. College games are also available statewide. The only things you can’t bet on are highschool games and junior leagues.

Best Indiana Sports Betting Sites

One of the most important things you will need to know when getting into Indiana online sports betting is where to place your bets. So, you will need to figure out which sports betting websites are the best for you. And, you will need to learn how to determine which online sportsbook websites are best.

When determining the top sports betting site for you, you will need to look at a few different factors. First, you will want to look at the selection of sports that are offered. Then, you will want to look at the types of bets that you can place on the sports betting websites.

Plus, you will want to look at the types of promotions that are offered on the sports betting websites. The top sports betting site could have a great welcome offer when you create your account. Below, we will look into some of the best sports betting websites available.

BetRivers Indiana Sportsbook

Over the summer of 2020, BetRivers launched its excellent online sportsbook in Indiana. The sister site of SugarHouse, BetRivers is a solid platform backed by years of experience in both brick-and-mortar and online gambling. So, expect a great entry into IN sports betting with the BetRivers online sportsbook.

In addition, BetRivers has a great welcome offer for new online sports betting customers: a 100% deposit match up to $250. So, create a new account and redeem the offer to start placing your bets.

Unibet Indiana Sportsbook

As of July 31st, 2020, Unibet is live in Indiana! Unibet’s parent company Kindred Group secured access to Indiana through an agreement with Caesars Entertainment. The deal gives Unibet 10-year market access through the Caesars’ Horseshoe Hammond casino. Now, Hoosiers can bet on sports with one of the world's leading online sportsbooks. Plus, new users in Indiana who sign up for Unibet Sportsbook can claim 3x $10 free bets and up to $250 as a risk-free bet.

DraftKings Indiana Sportsbook

Someone Who Accepts Bets On Sports Games

DraftKings is often referred to as the top sports betting site out there. And, this is because DraftKings has a long history of connecting sports fans with the sports they love. So, it is only natural that the online sportsbook would have some of the betting odds, types of bets, and apps out there.

Plus, when you get started with the DraftKings online sports betting website, you can take advantage of their great welcome offer for new customers. So, you can place a bet using the welcome offer to help make it even easier to get started. Then, you should be up and running when it comes to placing bets on your favorite Indiana sports teams.

FanDuel Indiana Sportsbook

FanDuel IN is another top sports betting site that is very similar to DraftKings. With FanDuel Indiana, you know that you are using an online sports betting site that is loved by many sports betting fans. So, you can trust that a well-respected brand is going to operate pretty smoothly.

In addition, you can use the sign-up offer on the FanDuel online sportsbook to create a new account. Then, you can use the promotion to place your first bet and get a little more out of it. So, you can see if you like the online sportsbook for your Indiana online sports betting needs.

bet365 IN Sportsbook

Without a doubt, bet365 is the world’s leading online sportsbook. Likewise, with their entry into NJ online sports betting, bet365 is proving to be one of the best sportsbooks around. So, can Hoosiers bet with bet365 in Indiana?

As you may know, the Majestic Star Casino is set to become the Hard Rock Gary in the coming months. Now, bet365 partnered with Hard Rock in NJ. So, it’s a fair bet that bet365 Sportsbook will launch in Indiana soon enough.

Just like in NJ, expect to get a bet365 bonus code to snag a great welcome offer. Once bet365 IN Sportsbook goes live, check back here for the full rundown.

BetMGM Indiana Sportsbook

BetMGM moves into Indiana today giving Indiana residents access to BetMGM’s premier sports betting app. BetMGM sportsbook app is launching into an Indiana sports betting market that is rapidly growing but is confident that they will gain market share. The BetMGM app is available in iOS and Android. Bettors will have access to the state-of-the-art betting features including in-game betting. The technology powering the BetMGM app comes from Roar Digital which is a joint venture between GVC Holdings and MGM Resorts.

PointsBet Indiana Sportsbook

After massive success in NJ, PointsBet joined the Indiana sports betting market and has quickly become a fan favorite. PointsBet IN is built on the same top-notch technology offered in NJ and PointsBet Iowa. Plus, Hoosiers can claim the same welcome offer from PointsBet. That means you can deposit just $50 and bet with $50! Remember, read all terms and conditions before claiming any bonus offer. Likewise, you must be 21 or older. In any case, PointsBet Indiana is a welcome addition to the Hoosier betting landscape.

SBK Indiana Sportsbook

SBK is another online sports betting website that you should look into. Sports betting fans will be impressed with the layout and betting odds on the website. Plus, the seasonal promo codes that are offered by the online sportsbook are quite good.

So, if you are curious about this online sportsbook, you can rest assured that Indiana sports betting fans will be able to use it soon. When it launches in Indiana, you can engage in live betting as the sporting events you love are playing. So, you will be able to find the excitement of a live game while you bet at home.

BetAmerica Indiana Sportsbook

BetAmerica has launched in Indiana with a new state-of-the-art sports betting facility at the Rising Star Casino. BetAmerica sportsbook offers user the ability to bet on sports, including the NFL, NBA, MLB, NCAA, NHL and international sporting events. The BetAmerica app is available for iOS and Android. Download the app and start betting in Indiana today.

Top 5 Indiana Sports Betting Apps

Now, once you have found the sports betting websites that you want to use, you will want to look into sports betting apps. When you use a sports betting app, you can keep up to date on the bets you place while you are on the go. So, you never have to disengage from the sports betting action.

Chances are, your favorite online sportsbook also has a betting app launched. So, these online sportsbooks are the places to start looking for your Indiana online sports betting apps.

The following online sports betting mobile apps are great apps to look into. These apps are going to be enjoyed by many Indiana sports fans throughout the year. And, you should be able to download and install them fairly easily.

Keep in mind that the Google Play store does not allow real money betting apps.

1. DraftKings IN Sports Betting App

As you might’ve guessed, the DraftKings Sportsbook app is one of the top online sportsbooks in the business. The sportsbook app is available for both iOS and Android devices.

Just like DraftKings online sportsbook, you can claim the DraftKings welcome offer right in the app. Download the DraftKings app today in New Jersey, West Virginia, and Indiana. Get your first deposit matched 20% up to $500. Then, snag a $200 risk-free bet!

2. FanDuel IN Sports Betting App

In NJ, FanDuel is hands down an excellent online sportsbook. In fact, over half of all mobile sports betting in New Jersey happens with FanDuel Sportsbook.

Right now, you can bet with FanDuel in NJ, PA, WV, CO, IN, and IL. Claim your risk-free first bet up to $1,000 when you join FanDuel today.

3. BetRivers IN Sports Betting App

If you’ve been to NJ recently, you may be more familiar with BetRivers’ sister sportsbook, SugarHouse. That said, Rush Street Interactive, the parent company, has decided to merge their two brands under the BetRivers name.

Plus, BetRivers is live in Indiana. The first online sportsbook for Hoosiers, BetRivers Sportsbook does not disappoint.

Get a 100% match deposit bonus up to $250 when you sign up at BetRivers today.

4. PointsBet IN Sports Betting App

As we said above, Hoosiers can sign up with PointsBet now! Already, PointsBet NJ Sportsbook has climbed to the top tier of online sports betting.

PointsBet’s partnership with Penn National gave it direct access to launch in Indiana in conjunction with both Ameristar Casino in East Chicago, IN and Hollywood Casino Lawrenceburg. Also, with their sportsbook already active in Iowa, along with the PointsBet Sportsbook app, check out PointsBet IN today to claim your welcome offer.

5. BetMGM Sportsbook App

While not yet live in Indiana, BetMGM has been killing it in the NJ sports betting market. From the renowned MGM brand, BetMGM not only offers great online sports betting, but also online casino games and poker.

Indiana Sports Betting Laws

Now, you may be curious about when Indiana online sports betting became legal. As mentioned before, the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992, also known as PASPA was struck down in 2018 by the United States Supreme Court. The overturning of the act gave each state the opportunity to pass their own legislation regarding sports betting and online sports betting.

Some states, like New Jersey, in particular, took no time in enacting their own sports betting legislation. In May of 2019, the governor of Indiana signed their own sports betting legislation into law. So, sports betting both online and in-person at a casino is now officially legal in the state of Indiana.

Sports betting licenses began being issued in July of 2019. Retail sportsbooks were allowed to open their doors in early September 2019. Online sports betting launched statewide officially at the beginning of October 2019. Indiana Gaming Commission is responsible for the regulation and licensing enforcement.

It is important to note that only Indiana sports betting and Indiana online sports betting is being talked about above. Indiana casinos and Indiana online casinos have their own legislation. As of right now, casinos are legal in Indiana.

And, it is legal for these casinos to apply for licenses to operate retail sportsbooks. However, online casinos in Indiana are not yet legal. So, you should keep an eye out for legislation to allow for online casinos in the state.

Indiana Online Sports Betting : Events & Betting Markets

When getting into Indiana online sports betting, you will want to keep aware of the big sporting events of the year. This is because you will want to place your bets on these big sporting events. Many online sportsbooks offer promotions centered around these major sporting events.

In order to be aware of the major sporting events, you will want to be aware of the betting markets offered. The betting markets on online sportsbooks basically means the sports offered on each online sportsbook. So, you will want to make sure your favorite sports are part of these betting markets listed.

Plus, you will want to look into the sporting events that are particularly popular in your state. This is because an online sportsbook in Indiana may offer an Indiana specific promotion. So, you will want to make sure to take advantage of these kinds of promotions.

Indiana Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS)

Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) is a new way to play on major league sports teams and players in Indiana. Try your sports knowledge skills by playing DFS, on a variety sports events like NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL PGA, MLS, and more.

Common Types of Bets

There are many common types of bets that you can place when engaging in Indiana online sports betting. For these bets, you will want to make sure to check out the betting odds when placing your wagers.

In order to make the best use of your wagers, you will need to make sure you understand betting odds. These odds can help you calculate the potential payout you will receive for a winning bet.

Plus, you will want to make sure you know which bets to place. Placing the best bet for each event is important in order to try and win the most you can. So, here is an explanation for the most popular bets you will find.

• Outright Win – The most common type of sports bet. In an outright win bet, you choose the team (or player in a game like tennis or golf) who you believe will be the outright winner of the match.
• Prop Bets – In sports betting, a 'proposition bet' is also called a prop bet. It is a bet made surrounding the happening or not happening during a sporting event of something occurring that is not directly affecting the game's ultimate outcome.
• Point Spreads - has to do with betting on the points scored in the sporting event. You are betting on what you believe the score will be at a certain point in the game.
• First Player to Score – This is a fun kind of bet to place on a sporting event that involves teams. You will simply place your bet on the player that you expect to score first.
• Winning Team at Halftime – The team that leads at halftime is not always the team that wins the match. So, you can put this challenge to yourself and place a halftime winner bet.

Most Popular Sports to Bet On

In Indiana, the most popular sports to bet on tend to be the most popular sports in the United States. Each state has sports that are more watched than others.

Typically, a sport is more popular in a state if that state has its own professional sports team for it.

However, you will also want to look into which sports are most popular in the country as a whole. That way, you will be aware of all of the sporting events you could be betting on. And, you can take advantage of the betting seasons associated with each sport.

• Basketball (NBA / NCAAb) – Indiana is a huge fan of basketball as a whole. The birthplace of the sport, Indiana is basketball central. Whether it’s the Pacers in the NBA, betting on the Hoosiers at Indiana State, or backing the Fever to win the WNBA, Indiana basketball betting has got you covered.
• Football (NFL & NCAAf) – Indiana is, without doubt, a state that loves football. Of course, football is perhaps the most popular sport in America. With the Colts a consistently strong team in the regular season, betting on Indiana football might be worth a look.
• Baseball (MLB) – Baseball is, as they say, as American as apple pie. So, it is no surprise that Indiana sports fans love to bet on baseball. Despite not having a state team, Hoosiers across the state watch and bet on baseball.
• Hockey (NHL) – Hockey is another sport that owes its popularity in Indiana to the northern climate of the Hoosier State. While the state doesn’t have it’s own NHL team, that doesn’t mean you can’t find hockey fans who want to bet. Maybe one day they’ll start back up the Central Hockey League and Indiana can shine once more.

Popular Indiana Events

Another important factor when getting into Indiana online sports betting is to know about which sporting events are popular in the state. Indiana has its own sports that fans tend to be more excited about. So, you will want to know which events are going to be highly watched and bet on in the state.

Indiana has two professional sports teams that are extremely popular in the state. These teams are the Indiana Pacers in the NBA (basketball) and the Indiana Colts in the NFL (football). So, basketball and football games that involve these two teams will be very popular in the Indiana sports betting market.

In addition, you will want to look into college football betting. As Notre Dame University is located in Indiana, you will see that the Notre Dame sports teams are also very popular in the state. However, you will want to look into the college sports betting laws in the state.

Betting on Pro Sports Teams in Indiana

The Indiana sports betting markets came out with all major leagues as headliners. Players could bet on the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, and MLS in any Indiana sportsbook. Over the months, it’s extended to almost every professional sports team in the state.

You can also bet on single-player sports like tennis and golf, and they do play in leagues on occasions. Many Indiana betting sites also offer brackets for these games.

NFL Betting in Indiana

With the legalization of Indiana online sports betting comes the thrilling events of the most popular sports to bet on, including NFL games.

There are so many ways you can get your money in on NFL games. Most Indiana sportsbooks offer the same lines with varying odds.

Players have a lot of options when it comes to football. Starting the season with some preliminary game bets could earn you some juicy bonuses. If you can’t wait for the playoffs, try setting up brackets and play the long game.

The most popular betting options for NFL matches are Spreads and Moneyline. You’ll find them on every bookmaker site. Since it’s a competitive scene, the odds are pretty consistent across Indiana betting sites.

Betting on the Indiana Colts

The Colts are Indiana’s only NFL team and a two-time Superbowl champion. Betting on them is a bit tricky. If you’re from IN and want to support the home team, that’s fine. From a financial standpoint, however, it’s not always the best choice. The Indiana sports betting market has much better options for its players.

The team has been quiet for several seasons, despite making it to the playoffs a couple of years back. They’d be a good matchup against lower-tier teams, depending on the odds.

NBA Betting in Indiana

Basketball is another popular sport on Indiana betting sites. You’ll find tons of games, including NBA pre-season and off-season.

NBA matches are known to have tight odds, making it one of the most difficult sports on which to place a winning bet. Playing at such a fast pace makes live betting super intense. If you’re a beginner, it’s best to just pick a winner, given reasonable odds.

Over/under is the most mainstream option in most Indiana sportsbooks. It’s an easy bet to win and takes little research. Indiana sports betting legalization has brought many bookies with the option to place over/unders.

Betting on the Indiana Pacers

The Pacers are the state NBA team with a couple of championships under their belt. That was a long time ago, though.

In recent years, they have managed to make the playoffs many seasons in a row, but that is the extent of their success. You can bet on the Pacers before playoffs begin, as they’re still a strong team. After that, there will be way better choices in the Indiana sports betting pools.

NHL Betting in Indiana

Hockey is an explosive sport and has the tendency to go beyond simple scoring. Many weird side bets surround NHL games, such as who would end up fighting who. It’s also got the most aggressive player base of all the Indiana sports betting markets.

Other than that, the NHL has some exciting betting options. Players can wager based on Puck Line, which is similar to Spreads. If a team wins or loses within that line, you stand the chance to make some money.

Since the NHL is smaller than basketball and football, the odds for these games can go pretty high. Bookies need to keep a balanced player base among the major leagues, so they sometimes raise the odds in your favor.

Though Indiana online sports betting is legal, there are still some restrictions on in-play wagering. Some casinos still offer lighter forms of live betting for NHL games, so keep an eye out for that.

Betting on the Fort Wayne Komets

Indiana doesn’t have an NHL team, but there is a pro hockey team. The Komets are considered a minor league team and have won over 12 division titles.

Unfortunately, not a lot of Indiana sports betting casinos cover non-national sports leagues. You won’t find much action involving the Komets.

MLS Betting in Indiana

While Americans are just warming up to the sport, soccer still has the largest audience in the world. This remains the case when it comes to Indiana sports betting. Major leagues in soccer have the highest player base in the market.

The Indiana online sports betting markets have some fun wagers in MLS games. For example, you can bet on goals or score, or both. You can also go with regular options like moneyline and parlays.

Betting on MLS teams in Indiana

Since the Hoosier state does not have any major league soccer teams, you’ll have to look to other areas for soccer action on Indiana sportsbooks. Some Indiana betting sites will still offer MLS games, but for other places.

Other Indiana Teams to Bet on

Betting on College Football in Indiana

College football has a great presence on sportsbooks now that Indiana sports betting is legal. Here are some of the best NCAA teams in the state.

Notre Dame Fighting Irish

Indiana Hoosiers

Manchester Spartans

Purdue Northwest Pride

Betting on College Basketball in Indiana

College basketball is always a good Indiana online sports betting choice. The Hoosier State has some heavy hitters in their NCAA lineups. You’ll have the same betting options for these games as all the major league matches.

Here are some of the hottest teams to wager on Indiana sports betting sites:

Manchester University

Saint Joseph Pumas

Purdue University

Notre Dame

Indiana Online Sports Betting FAQ

So, you may still have some questions about Indiana online sports betting. In this section, we will try to answer any questions you may have. Here are some of the most common questions you may run into.

Are sports betting websites legal in the United States?

As mentioned before, as of 2018, states are allowed to regulate sports betting on their own. So, sports betting websites are legal in some states in the United States.

What do I need to register at an online betting site in Indiana?

To register for an Indiana online sports betting website, you will need to make sure you are 21 years of age or older. And, you will need to make sure you are located within the state of Indiana.

Is it safe to deposit money at sports betting websites in Indiana?

If you choose one of the Indiana online sports betting websites listed above, it should be safe to deposit money into your account. Make sure to always choose a reputable sportsbook for your online sports betting needs.

Can I set betting limits?

Most online sportsbooks will allow you to set betting limits for yourself. You will have to do your own research on these online sportsbooks when you sign up.

How do I get started at an Indiana betting site?

Each online sportsbook has its own registration you need to follow to create an account. The website will guide you through the steps, which will typically involve inputting personal information into a form.

Common Payment Options

Another important part of your Indiana online sports betting journey is learning how to deposit money into your online sportsbook account. You will want to make sure the online sportsbook you choose accepts a form of payment that you have. And, you will want to make sure you can also withdraw your winnings with no problems.

The most common forms of payment you can use when Indiana online sports betting are below.

• Credit cards (Usually Visa card and Mastercard)
• Debit cards (Usually Visa card and Mastercard)
• ACH transfer/eCheck
• Wire transfer
• PayPal
• PayNearMe
• Cash at the Cage
• Online Banking
• Neteller

Indiana Sports Betting Bonuses & Promotions

A really fun part of Indiana online sports betting is looking into the types of promotions and bonuses that are offered on each online sportsbook. Every online sportsbook will have their own types of promotions offered. However, many of these promotions will be very similar.

Common Types of Promotions

• Welcome Offers – This is an offer you will receive when you create a new account. It might be bonus cash or your first bet risk-free.
• First deposit Match – This will give you a 100% match up to a certain amount for your first deposit as long as it qualifies.
• Bonus Codes – During the sports season, many online sportsbooks will offer various bonus codes. These codes unlock all sorts of bonuses, like bet boosters, deposit matches, and more.
• Refer-A-Friend Bonus – When you refer a friend to the online sportsbook and they create an account, you will receive bonus cash.
• Rewards Program – With a rewards program, you will earn points towards rewards and prizes for every dollar you spend.

Final Thoughts on Betting in Indiana

Indiana online sports betting should be very exciting for sports fans in the state. Now that it is legal, many sports fans will be flocking to the online sportsbooks. And, the state is sure to see a boost to its economy as a result.

Now, you should know all that you need to get started with Indiana online sports betting. So, you should start looking into the online sportsbooks that interest you. That way, you can be a betting expert in no time!

Other states where you can place an online sports bet :

Colorado Illinois Iowa Michigan Nevada New Jersey Pennsylvania Tennessee Virginia West Virginia

Action: Having a wager on a game.

ATS ('against the [point] spread'): If a team is 5-2 ATS, it means it has a 5-2 record against the point spread, or more commonly referred to simply as the 'spread.'

Someone Who Accepts Bets On Sports Illustrated

Backdoor cover: When a team scores points at the end of a game to cover the spread unexpectedly.

Bad beat: Losing a bet you should have won. It's especially used when the betting result is decided late in the game to change the side that covers the spread. Also used in poker, such as when a player way ahead in the expected win percentage loses on the river (last card).

Beard: Someone who places a wager for another person (aka 'runner').

Book: Short for sportsbook or bookmaker; person or establishment that takes bets from customers.

Bookie: A person who accepts bets illegally and charges vig.

Buying points: Some bookies or sportsbooks will allow customers to alter the set line and then adjust odds. For example, a bettor might decide he wants to have his team as a 3-point underdog instead of the set line of 2.5. He has then 'bought' half a point, and the odds of his bet will be changed.

Chalk: The favorite in the game. People said to be 'chalk' bettors typically bet the favorite.

Circle game: A game for which the betting limits are lowered, usually because of injuries and/or weather.

Closing line: The final line before the game or event begins.

Consensus pick: Derived from data accumulated from a variety of sportsbooks in PickCenter. The pick, and its percentage, provides insight as to what side the public is taking in a game.

Cover: The betting result on a point-spread wager. For a favorite to cover, it has to win by more than the spread; an underdog covers by winning outright or losing by less than the spread.

Someone Who Accepts Bets On Sports Network

Dime: Jargon for a $1,000 bet. If you bet 'three dimes,' that means a $3,000 wager.

'Dog: Short for underdog.

Dollar: Jargon for a $100 bet. Usually used with bookies; if you bet 'five dollars,' that means a $500 wager.

Edge: An advantage. Sports bettors might feel they have an edge on a book if they think its lines aren't accurate.

Even money: Odds that are considered 50-50. You put up $1 to win $1.

Exotic: Any wager other than a straight bet or parlay; can also be called a 'prop' or 'proposition wager.'

Favorite: The expected straight-up winner in a game or event. Depending on the sport, the favorite will lay either odds or points. For example, in a football game, if a team is a 2.5-point favorite, it will have to win by three points or more to be an ATS winner.

Fixed: A participant in a particular game who alters the result of that game or match to a completely or partially predetermined result. The participant did not play honestly or fairly because of an undue outside influence.

Futures bet: A long-term wager that typically relates to a team's season-long success. Common futures bets include betting a team to win a championship at the outset of a season, or betting whether the team will win or lose more games than a set line at the start of the season.

Halftime bet: A bet made after the first half ended and before the second half begins (football and basketball primarily). The oddsmaker generally starts with half of the game side/total and adjusts based on what happened in the first half.

Handicapper: A person trying to predict the winners of an event.

Handle: The amount of money taken by a book on an event or the total amount of money wagered.

Hedging: Betting the opposing side of your original bet, to either ensure some profit or minimize potential loss. This is typically done with futures bets, but can also be done on individual games with halftime bets or in-game wagering.

High roller: A high-stakes gambler.

Hook: A half-point. If a team is a 7.5-point favorite, it is said to be 'laying seven and a hook.'

In-game wagering: A service offered by books in which bettors can place multiple bets in real time, as the game is occurring.

Juice: The commission the bookie or bookmaker takes. Standard is 10 percent. Also called the 'vig/vigorish.'

Layoff: Money bet by a sportsbook with another sportsbook or bookmaker to reduce that book's liability.

Limit: The maximum bet taken by a book. If a book has a $10,000 limit, it'll take that bet but the book will then decide whether it's going to adjust the line before the bettor can bet again.

Lock: A guaranteed win in the eyes of the person who made the wager.

Middle: When a line moves, a bettor can try to 'middle' a wager and win both sides with minimal risk. Suppose a bettor bets one team as a 2.5-point favorite, then the line moves to 3.5 points. She can then bet the opposite team at 3.5 and hope the favorite wins by three points. She would then win both sides of the bet.

Money line (noun), money-line (modifier): A bet in which your team only needs to win. The point spread is replaced by odds.

Mush: A bettor or gambler who is considered to be bad luck.

Nickel: Jargon for a $500 bet. Usually used with bookies; if you bet 'a nickel,' that means a $500 wager.

Oddsmaker (also linemaker): The person who sets the odds. Some people use it synonymous with 'bookmaker' and often the same person will perform the role at a given book, but it can be separate if the oddsmaker is just setting the lines for the people who will eventually book the bets.

Someone Who Accepts Bets On Sports Network

Off the board: When a book or bookie has taken a bet down and is no longer accepting action or wagers on the game. This can happen if there is a late injury or some uncertainty regarding who will be participating.

Over/under: A term that can be used to describe the total combined points in a game (the Ravens-Steelers over/under is 40 points) or the number of games a team will win in a season (the Broncos' over/under win total is 11.5). Also used in prop bets.

Parlay: A wager in which multiple teams are bet, either against the spread or on the money line. For the wager to win (or pay out), all of them must cover/win. The more teams you bet, the greater the odds.

Pick 'em: A game with no favorite or underdog. The point spread is zero, and the winner of the game is also the spread winner.

Point spread (or just 'spread'): The number of points by which the supposed better team is favored over the underdog.

Proposition (or prop) bet: A special or exotic wager that's not normally on the betting board, such as which team will score first or how many yards a player will gain. Sometimes called a 'game within a game.' These are especially popular on major events, with the Super Bowl being the ultimate prop betting event.

Push: When a result lands on the betting number and all wagers are refunded. For example, a 3-point favorite wins by exactly three points. Return on investment (ROI): In PickCenter, ROI is the amount (according to numberFire) that a bettor should expect to get back on a spread pick.

Runner: Someone who makes bets for another person (aka 'beard').

Sharp: A professional, sophisticated sports bettor.

Spread: Short for point spread.

Square: A casual gambler. Someone who typically isn't using sophisticated reasoning to make a wager.

Steam: When a line is moving unusually fast. It can be a result of a group or syndicate of bettors all getting their bets in at the same time. It can also occur when a respected handicapper gives a bet his followers all jump on, or based on people reacting to news such as an injury or weather conditions.

Straight up: The expected outright winner of the money line in an event or game, not contingent on the point spread.

Teaser: Betting multiple teams and adjusting the point spread in all the games in the bettor's favor. All games have to be picked correctly to win the wager.

Total: The perceived expected point, run or goal total in a game. For example, in a football game, if the total is 41 points, bettors can bet 'over' or 'under' on that perceived total.

Tout (service): a person (or group of people) who either sells or gives away picks on games or events.

Someone Who Accepts Bets On Sports Team

Underdog: The team that is expected to lose straight up. You can either bet that the team will lose by less than the predicted amount (ATS), or get better than even-money odds that it will win the game outright. For example, if a team is a 2-1 underdog, you can bet $100 that the team will win. If it wins, you win $200 plus receive your original $100 wager back.

Vig/vigorish: The commission the bookie or bookmaker takes; also called the 'juice.' Standard is 10 percent.

Wager: A bet.

Welch: To not pay off a losing bet.

Wiseguy: A professional bettor. Another term for a 'sharp.'