Sports Betting Terms Explained Simply
Most-Used South African Sports Betting Terms
Common sports betting terms found on South African betting sites.
What are odds?
Odds are the price of a bet. In South Africa you will mostly see decimal odds such as 2.50. To estimate your total return, multiply your stake by the decimal odds.
What is a stake?
A stake is the amount of money you decide to bet on a particular outcome. It’s the amount you risk when placing a wager, and it’s returned to you if your bet wins along with your profit.
How do I work out my payout or return?
Yourpayout or return is calculated by multiplying your stake by the decimal odds. This total includes both your original stake and any profit. Most South African betting sites automatically show this on your bet slip before you confirm your bet.
What is a single bet?
A single bet (also called a straight bet) is a wager on one specific match or race. The outcome of that single game decides whether you win or lose.
What is a multiple, accumulator, or multi?
A multiple bet combines two or more selections into one wager, increasing your potential payout with each added selection. Every pick, known as a leg, must win for the bet to pay out. If even one selection loses, the entire bet is lost. This type of bet is often called an, acca, combo, or multi, and is popular among South African bettors who want bigger returns from a small stake.
What does handicap or spread mean?
A handicap (also called a spread) is a way for bookmakers to balance the odds between two uneven teams. One team is given a virtual head start, while the other starts with a points disadvantage. After the handicap is applied to the final score, the adjusted result determines whether your bet wins. Handicap betting is very common in sports like rugby and soccer, especially when one team is clearly stronger than the other.
What is Over/Under or Totals?
An Over/Under bet (also called a totals bet) lets you predict whether the total number of goals, points, or runs scored in a match will be more or less than the number set by the bookmaker. For example, if the line is 2.5 goals and you bet on Over, you win if the match ends with 3 or more goals.
What is Match Winner, 1X2, or Moneyline?
Match Winner is the most common type of bet. In soccer, it’s usually shown as 1X2, where 1 means the home team to win, X means a draw, and 2 means the away team to win. This market covers the full 90 minutes plus stoppage time but excludes extra time and penalties. In sports with only two possible outcomes, like tennis or basketball, this market is often referred to as the moneyline.
What is Draw No Bet (DNB)?
Draw No Bet (DNB) removes the draw option from your wager. If your selected team wins, you win the bet. If the match ends in a draw, your stake is refunded. This market is popular among cautious bettors because it reduces risk while still offering a chance to profit if your team performs well.
What is Both Teams To Score (BTTS)?
BTTS, short for Both Teams To Score, is a popular soccer betting market where you predict whether both teams will score at least one goal during the match. You can choose Yes if you think both sides will find the net, or No if you believe one or both teams will fail to score. This market focuses only on whether goals are scored, not who wins, making it a favourite among fans who expect open, attacking games.
What is Anytime or First Goalscorer?
Anytime Goalscorer and First Goalscorer are player-based soccer bets. In an Anytime Goalscorer bet, you win if your chosen player scores a goal at any point during the match within regular time. In a First Goalscorer bet, your player must score the first goal of the match for you to win. These markets are popular among fans who like to back their favourite strikers or goal-scoring midfielders.
What is Correct Score?
Correct Score is a betting market where you try to predict the exact final score of a match. For example, you might bet on a 2–1 home win or a 1–1 draw. It can offer high odds because guessing the precise outcome is difficult, but it also makes this type of bet riskier than others.
What is Half-Time/Full-Time?
Half-Time/Full-Time is a betting market where you predict which team will be leading at half-time and which team will win at full-time. For example, you could bet on “Draw/Home,” meaning the match is level at half-time but the home team wins by full-time. It’s a popular market because it combines two results in one bet, offering higher odds and more strategic options.
What does Cash Out mean?
Cash Out allows you to close your bet before the event ends and take a return based on how the odds have changed. If your selection is winning, you can secure a profit early. If it’s losing, you can reduce your potential loss. The cash-out value updates in real time, and not every bet or market offers this option.
What is live or in-play betting?
Live betting, also called in-play betting, lets you place wagers after a match or event has already started. The odds change in real time depending on what is happening in the game, such as goals, fouls, or momentum changes. It gives you the chance to react to the action and make more informed decisions.
What is a free bet or bonus bet?
A free bet or bonus bet is promotional credit offered by a betting site. You can use it to place a wager without using your own money. If your free bet wins, you normally receive only the profit from the wager and not the original free bet amount.
What is a welcome bonus?
A welcome bonus is a promotion offered to new South African bettors when they register on a betting site. It often comes as a deposit match, free bet, or similar reward designed to help new users get started.
What are wagering or turnover requirements?
Wagering or turnover requirements explain how many times you need to bet your bonus amount, or sometimes both your deposit and bonus, before you can withdraw any winnings. These rules ensure bonuses are used for actual betting rather than instant cashouts.
What are soccer jackpots or pools?
Soccer jackpots or pools are special betting games that include a set list of matches, usually around 10 to 15 fixtures. You predict the result of each game; home win, draw, or away win. If your selections match the required number of correct outcomes, you share the prize pool with other winners.
What are Lucky Numbers or Lotto bets?
Lucky Numbers or Lotto bets let you wager on the results of international lottery draws instead of buying a ticket. You choose numbers or predict outcomes such as the bonus ball. If your selections match the drawn results, you win according to the odds set by the bookmaker.
What is a rugby winning margin bet?
A rugby winning margin bet allows you to predict how much a team will win by. Instead of just picking the winner, you choose a points range like “Team A to win by 1 to 12 points” or “Team A to win by 13 or more.”
What are cricket Over/Under runs?
Cricket Over/Under runs betting means predicting whether the total runs scored will be higher or lower than a number set by the bookmaker. You can place this type of bet on a single over, an innings, or the entire match.
How do Win, Place, and Each-Way work in horse racing?
In horse racing, a Win bet pays if your horse finishes first. A Place bet pays if your horse finishes within the top positions, depending on the race and bookmaker. An Each Way bet combines both, giving you a chance to earn a payout if your horse either wins or places.
Which SA payments are most common?
In South Africa, there are many payment methods available for online betting. You can choose whichever option suits you best, including voucher payments like 1Voucher, OTT, and BluVoucher, mobile payments such as Capitec Pay and Ozow, airtime or wallet payments, credit or debit cards, bank EFT, and even cryptocurrency payments on some sites. Availability can vary depending on the bookmaker.
What is FICA and why is it required?
FICA stands for the Financial Intelligence Centre Act, a South African law designed to prevent fraud and money laundering. Betting sites are required to verify your identity and address before allowing withdrawals or certain account actions. Completing FICA helps ensure that your account is secure and compliant with national regulations.
What does punter mean?
A punter is another word for a bettor. In South Africa, it’s common slang used to describe anyone who places bets on sports, or other wagering activities.
Always use locally licensed South African platforms and bet responsibly. 18+ only.
Why You Need to Know About Sports Betting Terms
Understanding sports betting terms is one of the best ways to build confidence before placing a bet. When you know what the words on your screen actually mean, you can make smarter decisions and avoid confusion. Terms like “1X2,” “Over/Under,” “Accumulator,” or “Cash Out” are used across South African betting sites, and learning what they mean helps you read odds correctly and choose the right markets.
Knowing these terms also helps you follow the game more easily. You’ll understand what happens when your team scores, how your potential payout changes, and what each bet on your slip really represents. Instead of guessing, you’ll be betting with a clear plan and better awareness of how your choices work.
In short, learning the language of betting makes the whole experience easier, fairer, and far more enjoyable. Knowing sports betting terms gives you the knowledge you need to bet responsibly and confidently.
Responsible Gambling (18+)
Betting and Lotto are for adults only. Bet for fun, set limits, and only use money you can afford to lose. If gambling stops being enjoyable or you’re worried about your play, take a break and get support.
You must be 18 or older to gamble in South Africa. If you need help now, call the NRGP on 0800 006 008.
SPORTS BETTING TERMS FOR SOUTH AFRICANS
At Betline.co.za, we care about helping our readers get the most out of their bets. Our goal is to make betting simpler to understand, safer to enjoy, and more rewarding by giving you clear, reliable information about how it all works.
That’s why we’ve created this Q&A sports betting terms guide to help you understand the basics, clear up any confusion, and bet smarter every time you bet.
