Betting Glossary
Accumulator |
A multiple bet on a series of outcomes, all of which have to be correct for the return to be paid. |
Banker |
A term used to describe a short priced favourite that is considered a sure thing. Eg. Roger Federer is the swiss banker. |
Dividend |
The return for a single winning unit |
Each Way |
This is a common bet that allows the punter to place a stake of equal amounts on his selection either winning an event or being placed, usually in the top three dependent on the size of the field. The price for the placed aspect of the bet is usually 1/4 or 1/5 the odds for an outright win. |
Favourite |
The team or individual the bookmakers rate as most likely to win the event. |
Field |
Some bookmakers may well group all the outsiders in a competition under the banner headline of 'field' and put it head to head with the favourite. This is known as favourite vs the field betting and is common in horse and golf betting. |
Lay |
When a bookmaker accepts a bet - they will say they have laid Tiger Woods if they have taken a bet on him. |
Odds-on |
Refers to a price where you have to stake more than the amount you expect to make as profit. |
Odds-against |
When the amount you win is more than your stake. |
Percentages |
Bookmakers set their odds according to percentages, the lower the percentage, the better deal the punter is getting. If the bookies were not aiming to make a profit, they would operate at 100% but because they want to make money from bookmaking they typically operate at 110% with their prices. |
Line/Handicap |
The points start that the favourite gives to the underdog. At BB we often bet on the line. |
Singles |
The simplest type of bet to have. Where you simply bet on the outcome of one event in isolation. At BB we only tip Singles. |
Spread Betting |
A geared type of betting that could see the punter reap huge returns or equally large losses. |
Value |
Signifies to a punter that the bookmaker is offering better than his true odds. |

