What is Public Betting and Why Does It Matter?

Public betting refers to the aggregate wagering action from casual, recreational bettors—the majority of the betting public who place wagers primarily for entertainment rather than profit. Unlike professional "sharp" bettors who employ sophisticated analysis and data-driven strategies, public bettors typically make decisions based on team loyalty, recent media narratives, popular opinion, and emotional attachment to certain teams or outcomes. Understanding public betting is fundamental to modern sports betting, as it directly influences how sportsbooks set and adjust their odds.

The term "public betting" is often used interchangeably with "square betting" or "recreational betting," though the distinction is important. When we talk about public betting, we're referring to the collective behaviour and volume of wagers placed by this majority segment—not individual bettors. This aggregate action creates patterns that sophisticated bettors and sportsbooks monitor closely to identify opportunities and manage risk.

Definition of Public Betting

Public betting is the collective wagering volume from recreational, non-professional bettors. It encompasses the total number of bets placed and the total amount of money wagered by this group on specific outcomes. The importance of public betting lies not in its predictive accuracy—in fact, public bettors lose money over the long term—but rather in how their collective behaviour influences odds, lines, and market dynamics.

The public's betting patterns tend to follow predictable biases:

• Favourites bias: The public disproportionately bets on favourites and popular teams, even when odds don't justify the risk
• Recency bias: Recent team performance heavily influences betting decisions
• Narrative bias: Teams with positive media coverage receive more public action
• Home team bias: Local teams attract disproportionate public support
• Round number bias: Bets cluster around round numbers (10-point spreads, even money lines)

The Role of Public Betting in Modern Sportsbooks

Sportsbooks operate as market makers, not bookmakers in the traditional sense. They don't simply predict outcomes; instead, they balance their books by adjusting odds to attract equal action on both sides of a bet. Public betting data is central to this operation. When the sportsbook observes that 75% of public bets are on Team A, they face a liability problem—if Team A wins, the sportsbook loses significantly. To attract action on Team B and balance their exposure, they'll adjust the odds to make Team B more attractive.

This market-making function means that public betting directly influences the odds you see. Understanding this relationship gives bettors a significant edge: when public action becomes extreme (80%+ on one side), it often signals an opportunity to find value on the opposite side, especially if sharp money hasn't followed the public.

Sportsbooks monitor public betting in real-time through their internal systems, tracking:

• Percentage of bets on each side
• Total dollar volume (handle) on each side
• Timing of bets (when action arrives)
• Bet size distribution (large bets vs small bets)

How Do Public Betting Trends Affect Odds and Lines?

The relationship between public betting and odds movement is direct and quantifiable. Every time you see an odds change on a sportsbook, it's typically a response to either public or sharp betting action. Understanding this mechanism is crucial for identifying value opportunities and timing your bets effectively.

The Mechanism Behind Odds Movement

When a sportsbook opens a line, it's based on the oddsmaker's best estimate of the true probability of each outcome, adjusted for the sportsbook's desired margin (typically 4-5%). However, this opening line is merely a starting point. Once the line goes live, public and sharp bettors begin placing wagers, and the sportsbook responds by adjusting odds to manage their risk exposure.

Here's the sequence:

1. Opening line is set based on statistical models and historical data
2. Public action arrives (typically heavier on favourites and popular teams)
3. Sportsbook monitors the imbalance in bets and money
4. Odds are adjusted to attract action on the undervalued side
5. Sharp money may arrive if they identify a genuine edge
6. Final line stabilizes before game time (or continues moving based on new information)

The critical insight is that line movement is not always predictive of the true probability. Instead, it reflects the betting action the sportsbook has received. A line moving 3 points against 75% of public action might indicate sharp money on the opposite side, or it might simply reflect the sportsbook's attempt to balance their book.

When Sportsbooks Adjust Lines and Why

Sportsbooks don't adjust lines arbitrarily. They respond to specific triggers:

Bet Percentage Imbalance: When one side receives significantly more bets (typically 65%+), the sportsbook faces a potential liability. For example, if 70% of bets are on Team A in an NFL spread, the sportsbook moves the line to make Team B more attractive, hoping to attract more action on that side.

Money Percentage Divergence: More importantly, when the money percentage diverges significantly from the bet percentage, it signals sharp action. If 70% of bets are on Team A but only 40% of the money is on Team A, this suggests that larger bets (sharp bets) are coming in on Team B. The sportsbook will adjust the line more aggressively in response to money imbalance than to bet imbalance.

Timing Considerations: The timing of action matters. Action arriving just before game time carries more weight than early-week action, as it's considered more informed. A sharp bettor placing a large bet two hours before kickoff signals more conviction than casual bets placed days in advance.

External Information: Line movement also reflects new information—injuries, weather, breaking news—that affects true probability. A star player's injury announcement will trigger immediate line movement regardless of public action.

Public Money vs Bet Percentage: What's the Difference?

One of the most critical distinctions in understanding public betting is the difference between bet percentage and money percentage (also called handle percentage). Many bettors conflate these metrics, leading to poor decision-making. Understanding the difference is essential for identifying sharp action and finding genuine value.

Understanding Bet Percentage

Bet percentage (also called "bets %") represents the proportion of individual wagers placed on each side of a bet. If an NFL game shows 70% bets on the favourite, this means that 70% of the total number of bets placed are on the favourite, and 30% are on the underdog.

For example:

• 1,000 total bets placed on a game
• 700 bets on Team A (favourite)
• 300 bets on Team B (underdog)
• Bet percentage: 70% Team A, 30% Team B

Bet percentage is important because it reflects public sentiment and the volume of casual action. However, it has a critical limitation: it doesn't account for bet size. A person placing a $10 bet counts the same as someone placing a $1,000 bet in the bet percentage calculation.

Understanding Money Percentage (Handle)

Money percentage (or "handle %") represents the proportion of total dollars wagered on each side. This is a far more significant metric because it accounts for bet size and reveals where the serious money is flowing.

Using the same example, imagine:

• 1,000 total bets placed on a game
• 700 bets on Team A (favourite) averaging $50 per bet = $35,000 total
• 300 bets on Team B (underdog) averaging $200 per bet = $60,000 total
• Money percentage: 37% Team A, 63% Team B

In this scenario, despite 70% of bets being on Team A, only 37% of the money is on Team A. The remaining 63% is on Team B, suggesting that larger, more confident bets are being placed on the underdog. This divergence is a powerful signal of sharp action.

Identifying Sharp Money Through Divergence

The divergence between bet percentage and money percentage is one of the most reliable indicators of sharp betting activity. Here's how to interpret it:

Large Divergence (15%+ difference): When money percentage is significantly higher or lower than bet percentage, it strongly suggests sharp money is present. Sharps typically place larger bets than casual bettors, so their money will skew the money percentage away from the bet percentage.

Direction of Divergence: If money percentage is higher on the underdog than the bet percentage, it suggests sharps are backing the underdog. If money percentage is lower on the favourite despite high bet percentage, it suggests sharps are avoiding or fading the favourite.

Threshold Levels: A general rule of thumb used by professional bettors:

• 5-10% divergence: Possible sharp action, worth monitoring
• 10-15% divergence: Likely sharp action, significant signal
• 15%+ divergence: Strong sharp action, potential major opportunity

Square Bettors vs Sharp Bettors: Key Differences

To fully understand public betting, you must understand the distinction between square bettors (the public) and sharp bettors (professionals). These two groups operate with fundamentally different approaches, information, and outcomes.

Who Are Square Bettors?

A square bettor is a casual, recreational sports bettor who bets primarily for entertainment. Squares are characterized by:

• Emotional decision-making: Betting is influenced by personal preferences, team loyalty, and recent narratives rather than objective analysis
• Favourite bias: Disproportionately backing favourites and popular teams
• Limited research: Relying on mainstream media coverage rather than advanced statistics
• Sporadic betting: Placing bets inconsistently, often around major events
• Small bet sizes: Typically wagering modest amounts relative to their bankroll
• Poor long-term results: Studies show 90%+ of casual bettors lose money over time

Squares are not necessarily unintelligent—they're simply not professional bettors. They might be knowledgeable sports fans, but they lack the disciplined, systematic approach required for consistent profitability. Their value to the betting ecosystem is substantial: they provide the losing money that funds sportsbook profits and sharp bettor winnings.

Who Are Sharp Bettors?

A sharp bettor (also called a "pro," "professional bettor," or "wise guy") is someone who bets with the primary goal of long-term profit through systematic analysis and edge identification. Sharps are characterized by:

• Data-driven decisions: Using advanced statistics, algorithms, and quantitative models
• Value-focused: Seeking odds that underestimate true probability
• Contrarian positioning: Often betting opposite public consensus when they identify value
• Disciplined approach: Consistent methodology, bankroll management, emotional control
• Large bet sizes: Wagering amounts proportional to their identified edge
• Long-term profitability: Profitable bettors maintain positive expected value over time

Sharps might be professional gamblers, syndicates, or sophisticated amateurs with deep sports knowledge and analytical skills. Their influence on the market far exceeds their volume—a sharp bettor placing a $10,000 bet carries more weight than 100 casual bettors placing $100 bets each.

How Sharps Exploit Public Betting Bias

Professional bettors use public betting data as a tool to identify opportunities, not as a direct predictor of outcomes. Here's how they exploit public biases:

Favourite Bias Exploitation: When the public overloads on a favourite to the point where the odds no longer reflect true probability, sharps identify value on the underdog. For example, if a favourite is receiving 75% of bets but only has a 60% true win probability (based on advanced models), the underdog offers positive expected value.

Narrative Fading: When a team receives disproportionate public action due to positive media coverage (a recent winning streak, a star player's hot streak, or an inspiring story), sharps may fade that narrative if their models suggest the probability hasn't actually shifted proportionally.

Line Shopping: Sharps exploit the fact that different sportsbooks adjust their lines at different speeds. A sharp bettor might place bets across multiple sportsbooks, taking advantage of temporary line discrepancies before the market corrects.

Timing Advantage: Sharps often have information advantages—injury reports, weather updates, or statistical insights—that they act on quickly. Their bets arrive later in the betting cycle, after casual bettors have already committed their money.

Selective Fading: Rather than simply fading the public on every bet, sharps selectively fade when specific conditions are met: extreme public bias + identified value + line movement supporting their thesis. This disciplined approach prevents them from fighting the public when the public happens to be right.

How to Read and Interpret Public Betting Data

For bettors seeking to use public betting information strategically, understanding how to find, read, and interpret the data is essential. Misinterpreting public betting data is one of the most common mistakes casual bettors make.

Where to Find Public Betting Information

Several platforms provide public betting data, ranging from free basic information to premium real-time analytics:

Free Sources:

• Covers.com: Provides free betting percentages and line history for major sports
• Odds Shark: Offers free public betting percentages and historical data
• Sports Insights: Free access to betting splits and basic analytics
• Reddit r/sportsbook: Community discussions and shared betting data
• ESPN: Basic betting information, though limited depth

Premium/Sportsbook-Provided Sources:

• Action Network: Real-time betting percentages, money percentages, and advanced analytics (free tier available, premium features require subscription)
• DraftKings Sportsbook: Provides betting splits directly on their platform
• ESPN+/ESPN BET: Integrated betting data with sports coverage
• The Action Lab: Specialized platform for tracking sharp action and line movement
• Bet Labs: Advanced analytics platform for serious bettors

The choice of source matters. Real-time data from sportsbooks (like DraftKings) is more accurate than delayed data from aggregators. However, delayed data is still useful for identifying trends and patterns.

Step-by-Step Guide to Reading Betting Splits

Here's how to interpret public betting data when you encounter it:

Step 1: Identify the Metric Type First, determine whether you're looking at bet percentage or money percentage. A display showing "70% of bets on Team A" is different from "70% of money on Team A." The source should clearly label which metric is shown. Money percentage is generally more meaningful for identifying sharp action.

Step 2: Assess the Magnitude Next, evaluate how extreme the public action is:

• 45-55%: Balanced action, limited public bias
• 55-65%: Moderate public bias, possible value on opposite side
• 65-75%: Strong public bias, potential sharp opportunity
• 75%+: Extreme public bias, likely sharp action on opposite side

Step 3: Compare Bet % and Money % If both metrics are available, calculate the divergence. A 15%+ difference strongly suggests sharp action. For example:

• Bet %: 70% Team A, 30% Team B
• Money %: 55% Team A, 45% Team B
• Divergence: 15% (sharps backing Team B)

Step 4: Check the Timing When was this data captured? Public betting percentages can shift dramatically in the hours before game time. Data from two days before the game is less meaningful than data from two hours before kickoff. Sharps typically place bets late, so late-arriving money is more significant.

Step 5: Consider Context Public betting data doesn't exist in isolation. Consider:

• Is there recent news (injury, weather) that might explain the action?
• What was the opening line, and how has it moved?
• What do advanced statistics suggest about true probability?
• Are there professional consensus picks available?

Step 6: Make Your Decision Based on all available information, decide whether to follow the public, fade the public, or stay neutral. Don't make this decision based on public betting data alone.

Common Mistakes When Analyzing Public Betting

Mistake #1: Over-Relying on a Single Data Point Using public betting percentage as your only decision factor is a recipe for losses. Professional bettors use public betting as one input among many, including advanced statistics, line movement, injury reports, and weather data.

Mistake #2: Ignoring Timing and Context Public betting data from early in the week is less meaningful than data from hours before game time. Similarly, ignoring context (recent news, injuries, weather) can lead to misinterpreting the data.

Mistake #3: Assuming Bet Percentage = Money Percentage This is a critical error. High bet percentage on one side doesn't necessarily mean high money percentage on that side. Always check both metrics if available.

Mistake #4: Mechanical Fading Without Analysis Simply betting opposite the public on every game is not a viable strategy. The public is right sometimes. Effective fading requires identifying specific conditions where public bias creates genuine value.

Mistake #5: Trusting Delayed Data If the public betting data you're viewing is several hours old, it may no longer reflect current market conditions. Sharp money may have already arrived and moved the line, making the old data misleading.

Fade the Public: Betting Against the Majority

One of the most discussed strategies in sports betting is "fading the public"—betting against the majority opinion. While this strategy has merit in certain situations, it's often misunderstood and misapplied.

What Does "Fading the Public" Mean?

Fading the public means betting against the side that the majority of public bettors have chosen. If 75% of bets are on Team A, fading the public means betting on Team B. The logic is simple: the public loses money over the long term, so betting opposite the public should be profitable.

The strategy is based on a valid observation: casual bettors have systematic biases (favourites bias, recency bias, narrative bias) that cause them to misevaluate odds. Sportsbooks know this and adjust their odds accordingly. When the public overloads on one side, the sportsbook adjusts the odds to make the opposite side more attractive, potentially creating value.

The phrase "fade the public" has become somewhat of a cliché in sports betting culture, but the underlying principle—that public biases create opportunities—is sound. The key is understanding when and how to apply it effectively.

When Fading the Public Works (and When It Doesn't)

Fading the public is not a universal winning strategy. It works in specific circumstances and fails in others. Understanding the conditions is crucial.

Conditions Where Fading Works:

1. Extreme Public Bias (75%+): When public action becomes extreme, it's more likely that the sportsbook has adjusted the odds to create value on the opposite side. Sharps may have already identified this and placed bets, further supporting the fade.

2. Money % Divergence from Bet %: When money percentage significantly diverges from bet percentage (suggesting sharp action on the opposite side), fading the public aligns with sharp consensus. This is more meaningful than fading based on bet percentage alone.

3. Identifiable Public Bias Trigger: When you can identify a specific reason for public bias (recent winning streak, popular team, round number spread), and your analysis suggests the bias is unjustified, fading has a higher success rate.

4. Line Movement Against Public: When the line moves against the majority of public bets (suggesting sharp action on the opposite side), fading the public aligns with sharp consensus and is more likely to succeed.

5. Professional Consensus Alignment: When professional consensus picks align with fading the public, it's a stronger signal than fading alone.

Conditions Where Fading Fails:

1. Public Consensus on Correct Side: Sometimes the public is right. If 75% of bets are on a team that also has 75%+ true win probability (based on statistics), fading is a mistake.

2. Extreme Bias Without Sharp Consensus: If 80% of bets are on one side but the line hasn't moved much and money percentage aligns with bet percentage, sharp money may not be present. Fading without sharp support is riskier.

3. Limited Sample Size: Fading the public on a single game is different from fading across a season. A single fade can lose even if the strategy is sound long-term.

4. Ignoring New Information: If public action is responding to legitimate new information (a star player's injury, weather changes), the public might be correct, and fading would be counterproductive.

5. Mechanical Fading: Fading every game without analysis is not a strategy—it's just betting opposite the public, which has no inherent edge.

Common Misconceptions About Public Betting

Public betting is surrounded by myths and oversimplifications that lead bettors astray. Here are the most common misconceptions and the truth behind them.

Myth #1: "Always Fade the Public and You'll Win"

The Misconception: If the public loses money, then betting opposite the public on every game should be profitable.

The Reality: This is an oversimplification. While the public does lose money long-term due to systematic biases, betting mechanically opposite the public doesn't guarantee profitability. Here's why:

• The public is right sometimes. If 75% of bets are on a team with 75%+ true win probability, fading is a mistake.
• Variance matters. Even with a positive expected value strategy, short-term results can be negative.
• The public's average losing record doesn't mean every public bet is bad. Some public bets have value; others don't.
• Fading without considering other factors (line movement, sharp consensus, advanced statistics) is just noise.

Effective fading requires selectivity, analysis, and discipline—not mechanical application.

Myth #2: "Public Betting Has No Predictive Value"

The Misconception: Public betting data is useless because casual bettors are uninformed.

The Reality: Public betting has significant value, but not as a direct predictor. Instead, it's valuable for understanding:

• Sportsbook positioning: How the sportsbook is managing their risk
• Market sentiment: What the aggregate opinion is
• Opportunity identification: Where sharps might be finding value
• Line movement context: Why the line is moving the way it is

Professional bettors and sportsbooks monitor public betting closely because it provides actionable insights. The key is using it correctly—as context for decision-making, not as a standalone predictor.

Myth #3: "Betting Splits Are Always Accurate"

The Misconception: Public betting percentages directly reflect the true distribution of bets and money.

The Reality: Betting splits have several limitations:

• Timing delays: Free sources often provide delayed data (hours or days old). The current market may have shifted significantly.
• Incomplete data: Not all sportsbooks report their data. Aggregated splits represent only a subset of the total market.
• Sportsbook variations: Different sportsbooks may have different public distributions. A 70% public split on one sportsbook might be 60% on another.
• Sharp action timing: Sharps often place bets late, after public betting data has been reported. Late-arriving sharp money won't be reflected in earlier data.
• Measurement methodology: Different sources calculate percentages differently, leading to varying results.

Always consider the source, timing, and limitations of the data you're using.

Myth #4: "Sharp Money Always Moves the Line"

The Misconception: If you see significant line movement, it must be sharp money.

The Reality: Line movement has multiple causes:

• Public action: Extreme public bias can cause line movement as the sportsbook tries to balance their book.
• New information: Injury reports, weather changes, and other news cause line movement regardless of betting action.
• Market correction: The sportsbook may move the line to correct an opening error.
• Reduced liability: The sportsbook may move the line to reduce their exposure on a particular side.

While sharp money often causes line movement, the reverse isn't always true. Not every line move indicates sharp action.

Myth #5: "The Public Always Bets on Favourites"

The Misconception: The public's favourite bias is so strong that they always overload on favourites.

The Reality: While the public does exhibit a favourite bias, this bias is not absolute. Factors that can override favourite bias:

• Recent performance: A hot underdog attracting public action
• Narrative: A compelling underdog story (Cinderella team, revenge narrative)
• Home team bias: Local teams attracting public support regardless of odds
• Popular players: Teams with star players attracting public backing
• Round numbers: Specific spreads (7-point lines, 10-point lines) attracting more action

Understanding these nuances helps you interpret public betting more accurately.

The History and Evolution of Public Betting Analysis

To fully appreciate modern public betting analysis, it's helpful to understand how it evolved.

Origins of Public Betting Tracking

The Pre-Internet Era (1950s-1990s): Before the internet, tracking public betting was difficult and limited to insiders with access to sportsbooks. Professional bettors would visit multiple sportsbooks, observe the crowds, listen to conversations, and make educated guesses about where the money was flowing. This was largely anecdotal and unreliable.

Sportsbooks themselves tracked public betting manually, using tally sheets and phone calls to track where action was coming from. The information was closely guarded as a competitive advantage.

The Early Internet Era (1990s-2000s): As online sportsbooks emerged, public betting data became more accessible. Early websites began aggregating betting percentages from multiple sportsbooks, making the information available to the general public for the first time. This democratization of information shifted the betting landscape.

Services like Covers.com and Odds Shark pioneered public betting data aggregation, allowing casual bettors to see where money was flowing. However, the data was often delayed and incomplete.

Modern Public Betting Tools and Technology

Real-Time Data (2010s-Present): Modern sportsbooks now provide real-time betting splits directly on their platforms. DraftKings, FanDuel, and other major operators display live betting percentages and, in some cases, money percentages. This real-time data is far more valuable than delayed aggregated data.

Algorithmic Analysis: Professional bettors now use sophisticated algorithms to analyze public betting data in combination with other market data. These algorithms can identify patterns, detect sharp action, and calculate expected value more accurately than human analysis.

AI and Machine Learning: Advanced platforms now employ machine learning models to predict sharp action, identify value opportunities, and forecast line movement. These systems analyze historical patterns and real-time data to provide actionable insights.

Specialized Platforms: Platforms like The Action Lab and Bet Labs have emerged specifically to help bettors analyze public betting, sharp action, and market dynamics. These platforms combine public betting data with advanced statistics, line movement analysis, and professional consensus picks.

The evolution of public betting analysis reflects a broader trend in sports betting: the increasing sophistication and professionalization of the industry. What was once anecdotal information is now quantified, analyzed, and integrated into systematic decision-making frameworks.

FAQ: Public Betting Questions Answered

Q: What exactly is public betting? A: Public betting refers to the aggregate wagering action from casual, recreational bettors. It encompasses the total number of bets and total money wagered by this group on specific outcomes. Public bettors typically bet for entertainment rather than profit and exhibit systematic biases (favourite bias, recency bias, narrative bias) that cause them to lose money over the long term.

Q: How does public betting affect the odds? A: Sportsbooks adjust odds in response to public betting to manage their risk exposure. When public action becomes imbalanced (e.g., 75% of bets on one side), the sportsbook will adjust the odds to attract action on the opposite side, hoping to balance their book. This adjustment directly influences the odds available to bettors.

Q: What's the difference between public money and sharp money? A: Public money is wagered by casual bettors, typically in smaller amounts, often biased towards favourites and popular teams. Sharp money is wagered by professional bettors, typically in larger amounts, focused on finding value and exploiting public biases. Sharp money often moves the line more significantly than public money due to bet size.

Q: Can I make money fading the public? A: Fading the public (betting against public consensus) can be profitable in specific situations—when public action is extreme, when money percentage diverges from bet percentage, or when sharp consensus aligns with the fade. However, mechanical fading without analysis is not a viable long-term strategy. The public is right sometimes, and fading requires selectivity and discipline.

Q: How do I read public betting percentages? A: Public betting percentages show the proportion of bets (or money) placed on each side of a bet. For example, 70% on Team A and 30% on Team B. To interpret this: assess the magnitude of the public action (is it extreme?), compare bet percentage to money percentage (is there sharp divergence?), consider the timing (is it recent data?), and evaluate context (is there news or information explaining the action?).

Q: Where can I find public betting data? A: Free sources include Covers.com, Odds Shark, and Sports Insights. Sportsbooks like DraftKings and FanDuel provide real-time data directly on their platforms. Premium platforms like Action Network and The Action Lab offer advanced analytics. Reddit's r/sportsbook community also shares betting data and analysis.

Q: What does "square" mean in sports betting? A: A square (or "square bettor") is a casual, recreational sports bettor who bets primarily for entertainment. Squares are characterized by emotional decision-making, favourite bias, limited research, and poor long-term results. The term is not derogatory—it simply distinguishes casual bettors from professional "sharp" bettors.

Q: Is betting against the public always a good strategy? A: No. Betting against the public is a tool, not a universal strategy. It works when public action is extreme, when sharp money aligns with the fade, and when your analysis supports the opposite side. It fails when the public is right, when there's no sharp consensus supporting the fade, or when you're fading mechanically without analysis.

Q: Why do sportsbooks display public betting data? A: Sportsbooks display public betting data to attract bettors and appear transparent. Additionally, displaying data that shows where "the public" is betting can subtly encourage bettors to fade the public, which often benefits the sportsbook. It's a marketing tool as much as a transparency measure.

Q: What's the relationship between line movement and public betting? A: Line movement is often caused by public betting, but not always. Public action, sharp action, new information (injuries, weather), and market corrections can all cause line movement. When the line moves against public action (e.g., 75% of bets on one side but the line moves the other way), it typically indicates sharp money on the opposite side.

Related Terms

• Square — Casual, recreational sports bettors
• Sharp — Professional, analytical sports bettors
• Fade the public — Betting against majority opinion
• Betting splits — Breakdown of bets and money distribution
• Handle — Total amount wagered on an event