Glossary

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Half-Time Bet - a wager placed on the first or second half of a football or basketball game.

Handicapper - the official who decides the weights to be carried in events, and the grading of horses. Also, a person who analyzes, studies and rates sporting events.

Handle - total amounts of wagers taken.

Hedge - to wager the opposite of your original wager in order to reduce your exposure.

High Roller - a big bettor.

Holding Your Own - the result of breaking even, i.e., neither winning nor losing, during a wager, or series of wagers.

Home Field Advantage - the edge the home team is expected to have as a result of playing on home turf. For example, the home team would normally be more familiar with the playing area, enjoy greater fan support and avoid the effects of travel endured by the visiting team.

Home Run Hitter - a player who makes big plays despite taking maximum risks.

Home Team - the team playing in its own home town; it is usually listed below the visiting team.

Hook - a half-point added to football and basketball point spreads, as in 3.5, or 3 and a hook.

Hooked - the loss of a wager by exactly a half-point.

Hoops - slang term referring to the game of basketball.

Hot - a player who is on a winning streak, or a slot machine that is paying out.

Hot Game - a game which is attracting a good deal of action, on one side, by skilled handicappers.

Hot Tip - wagering information/data not yet in the hands of the bookmaker.

House - a term for the casino or establishment that runs a game.

House Edge - the wagering advantage of the casino (house) usually gained by paying out less than real odds would require.