Action – A sports wager of any kind; a bet.

Added Game – A game not part of the typical menu of wagering offerings, often posted as an accommodation to patrons.

Book – A establishment that accepts bets on the outcome of sporting events.

Buy (Points) – A player pays an additional price (lays more money) to receive a half-point or more in his favor on a pointspread game.

Chalk – The favorite.

Cover – Winning by more than the pointspread.

Dime – A $1,000 sports wager.

Dog – The team perceived to be most likely to lose. Short for underdog.

Favorite – The team considered most likely to win an event.

First-half bet – A bet placed on the score in the first half of the game only.

Future – Odds that are posted well in advance on the winner of major events, including the Pro Football Championship, the Pro Basketball Championship and the Pro Baseball Championship.

Half-time bet – A bet placed on scoring in the second half of a game only.