A straightforward bet on which team will win the game outright. No point spread involved—just pick the winner.

Example: Lakers ML at -150 means you risk $150 to win $100 if the Lakers win.

A bet on the margin of victory. The favorite must win by more than the spread, while the underdog can lose by less than the spread (or win outright) for the bet to succeed.

Example: Patriots -7.5 means they must win by 8+ points for you to cash. Eagles +7.5 means they can lose by 7 or fewer (or win) for the bet to hit.

Special names for spreads:

A bet on the combined score of both teams. You're wagering whether the final total will be higher (over) or lower (under) than the line set by the sportsbook.

Example: Bucks vs Heat, total 215.5

Bets on specific events within a game, usually focused on individual player performance rather than the final outcome.

Common examples:

A single bet that combines two or more individual bets. All selections must win for the parlay to pay out, but the potential payout is much higher than betting each individually.

Example: Lakers ML + Warriors -5.5 + Over 225.5 in Celtics game = 3-leg parlay. If all three hit, you win big. If one loses, the entire bet loses.

A parlay where all bets are from the same game. Popular for combining correlated outcomes like "Team A to win + Over on the total + Player X to score a touchdown."

A spread bet with zero points. Both teams are considered even, so you're simply picking which team will win straight up, but at spread-bet odds (usually around -110).

The standard odds format in the US, shown as positive or negative numbers.

The likelihood of an outcome based on the odds. It tells you what percentage chance the sportsbook believes an event has of happening.

How to calculate:

Example: -150 odds = 60% implied probability

Another word for odds. When someone talks about "getting a good price," they mean finding favorable odds.

The point value for spreads or totals. Also used to refer to odds in general.

Example: "The line moved from -6 to -7" means the spread increased by a point.

The commission the sportsbook takes on each bet. Standard juice is -110, meaning you risk $110 to win $100. The extra $10 is the sportsbook's cut.

Lower juice (like -105) is better for bettors because you risk less to win the same amount.

Changes in odds or point spreads over time. Lines move based on betting action, injuries, weather, and other factors.

Your bet succeeded. You're profitable on this wager.

Your bet failed. You lose your stake.

Your bet ties. The final result lands exactly on the spread or total, so you get your stake back with no profit or loss.

Example: You bet Packers -7, and they win by exactly 7. Your bet pushes.

The bet is canceled and your stake is returned. This happens when a game is postponed, canceled, or if there's a significant rule violation.

The team expected to win. Favorites have negative moneyline odds and give points on the spread.

Example: Chiefs -7 (-150 ML)

The team expected to lose. Underdogs have positive moneyline odds and receive points on the spread.

Example: Raiders +7 (+130 ML)

A heavy favorite. Betting the chalk means taking the heavily favored side.

Most bets specify which side (home or away) you're backing.

When the odds offered are better than the true probability of an outcome. Finding value means identifying bets where you have an edge over the sportsbook.

The average amount you can expect to win or lose per bet over the long run. Positive EV (+EV) bets are profitable over time; negative EV (-EV) bets lose money in the long run.

A standardized way to track your bets regardless of dollar amounts. Most bettors use 1 unit = 1-2% of their bankroll.

Example: If your bankroll is $1,000, one unit might be $10-20.

How much you're risking on a bet, expressed in units.

Example: "I'm betting 2 units on this game" means you're risking double your standard bet amount.

Your total betting funds. Managing your bankroll wisely means betting a consistent, small percentage per wager to avoid going broke during losing streaks.

The amount of money you're risking on a bet.

A mathematical formula for determining optimal bet sizing based on your edge and bankroll. It helps you bet more when you have an advantage and less when you don't.

When a team beats the spread.

Example: Cowboys -6.5 and they win by 10 = they covered.

When your bet wins.

Betting the opposite side of your original wager to guarantee a profit or minimize loss. Common in parlays when most legs have hit and you want to lock in some return.

Example: You have a 4-leg parlay with 3 wins. The last game is pending, so you bet the opposite side to ensure profit no matter the outcome.

Betting both sides of a game at different lines to try to win both bets. If the final result lands between your two numbers, you win both.

Example: Bet Eagles +7 early in the week, then line moves to Eagles +3. Bet the opposite side at +3. If Eagles lose by 4-6 points, both bets win.

Betting both sides of a game at different sportsbooks where the odds differences guarantee a profit regardless of outcome. True arbs are rare and require fast execution.

A professional or highly skilled bettor. Sharp action is when pros bet, and it often causes line movement.

Recreational bettors. Public action is when casual fans bet, usually on favorites and overs.

Rapid, significant line movement caused by heavy betting action, often from sharp bettors.

When the line moves opposite to where most bets are going. It indicates that sharp money is on the less popular side.

Comparing your bet to the final line before the game starts. If you bet Packers -3 and the line closes at -5, you have positive CLV—you got a better number than late bettors.

The game hasn't started yet. Your bet is pending.

The game is currently being played. Your bet outcome isn't determined yet.

The game is over and your bet has been graded (won, lost, or pushed).

The game was called off. Your bet will be voided and stake returned.

Marks the best available odds for that bet across all sportsbooks. Always look for the gold star to maximize value.

Shows that you've already saved this bet to your My Bets tracker.

Odds improved—better value than when the line opened.

Odds dropped—less valuable than the opening line.

These are the core terms you'll encounter while using The Pick. Understanding them helps you make smarter, more informed betting decisions.