Knowledge Base
Glossary
Plain-English definitions for the terminology used across Fan Strategy.
- Accumulator
- A type of parlay where winnings from each winning selection roll over into the next bet.
- American Odds
- Odds expressed as a positive or negative number; positive shows profit on a $100 bet, negative shows amount needed to win $100.
- Asian Handicap
- A spread betting style that removes the draw option and uses half‑goal or quarter‑goal lines.
- Bankroll
- The total amount of money set aside for betting.
- Betting Unit
- A standard portion of your bankroll used for a single wager, often expressed as a percentage.
- Bonus
- Promotional credit or free bet offered by a sportsbook, often subject to conditions.
- Bookmaker
- A company that sets odds and accepts bets on sporting events.
- Cash Out
- An option to settle a bet early, either locking in a profit or limiting a loss before the match ends.
- Decimal Odds
- Odds shown as a single number that includes the stake; multiply by the stake to see total return.
- Fractional Odds
- Odds displayed as a fraction, such as 5/1, indicating how much profit you earn per unit staked.
- Free Bet
- A no‑stake bet offered as part of a promotion; any winnings are paid out, but the original stake is not returned.
- Hedging
- Placing a second bet on the opposite outcome to reduce risk or guarantee a profit.
- In‑Play Betting
- Placing a wager after a match has started, with odds that update as the game progresses.
- Juice
- The commission built into the odds by the bookmaker to ensure a profit, often called the vig.
- Moneyline
- A bet on which team will win the match outright, with odds expressed as a positive or negative number.
- Over/Under
- A bet on whether the total number of goals in a match will be higher or lower than a set line.
- Parlay
- A single bet that links two or more selections; all must win for a payout.
- Payout
- The total amount you receive if the bet wins, including your original stake plus profit.
- Point Spread
- A handicap given to the underdog to level the betting field, expressed as a number of goals.
- Pre‑Match
- A bet placed before the match begins, with odds set by the bookmaker at that time.
- Risk‑Free Bet
- A promotion where the first bet is refunded in site credit if it loses.
- Single Bet
- A straightforward wager on one outcome, with a win or loss determined by that result.
- Stake
- The amount of money you risk on a bet.
- Value Bet
- A bet where the odds offered are higher than the true probability suggests, giving an edge to the bettor.
- Wagering Requirement
- The number of times a bonus must be bet before it can be withdrawn.