Betting Abbreviations Explained: Full List of Betting Shorthand

Complete guide to betting abbreviations including HT, FT, BTTS, EW, SBK, LAY, and all common betting notation used by bookmakers and tipsters.

beginner7 min readLast updated: March 5, 2026Editorial Team
ET

Editorial Team

Betting Expert

Key Takeaways

  • Betting abbreviations save space on bet slips and tipster posts but can confuse newcomers — this guide decodes them all.
  • Market abbreviations (BTTS, O/U, AH, DNB) describe specific bet types available at bookmakers.
  • Result abbreviations (HT, FT, AET, PEN) describe when and how a result is determined.
  • Tipster abbreviations (NAP, NB, EW) indicate confidence levels and bet types in selections.
  • Exchange abbreviations (LAY, BSP, SP) relate to betting exchange functionality.

Betting is full of abbreviations that can seem like a foreign language to newcomers. This reference guide covers every common abbreviation you will encounter on bookmaker sites, bet slips, and tipster columns.

Market Abbreviations

BTTS — Both Teams To Score. Both teams must score for the bet to win.

O/U — Over/Under. A bet on whether a statistic (goals, corners, cards) will be above or below a set line.

AH — Asian Handicap. A handicap system using quarter and half-goal lines to eliminate draws.

DNB — Draw No Bet. Stake returned if the match ends in a draw.

HT/FT — Half-Time/Full-Time. Predicting the result at both half-time and full-time.

1X2 — The three-way match result: 1 (home win), X (draw), 2 (away win).

DC — Double Chance. Covering two of the three possible match outcomes (1X, X2, or 12).

CS — Correct Score. Predicting the exact final score.

FGS — First Goalscorer. Predicting who scores the opening goal.

AGS — Anytime Goalscorer. Your player scores at any point during the match.

Result and Timing Abbreviations

HT — Half-Time. The result or score at the half-time interval.

FT — Full-Time. The final result after 90 minutes plus added time.

AET — After Extra Time. The result after 120 minutes in knockout competitions.

PEN — Penalties. The outcome decided by a penalty shootout.

90 mins — Regular time only, excluding extra time.

Odds and Staking Abbreviations

EW — Each-Way. A win and place bet combined.

SP — Starting Price. The official odds at the start of a horse race.

BSP — a betting exchange Starting Price. The exchange-determined price at race start.

EVS — Evens. Odds of 2.00 decimal or 1/1 fractional.

NAP — Best bet of the day (from tipsters).

NB — Next Best. A tipster's second strongest selection.

Exchange Abbreviations

LAY — Betting against an outcome (opposing a selection on an exchange).

BACK — Betting for an outcome (standard bet on an exchange).

BSP — a betting exchange Starting Price.

IP — In-Play. Markets open during live events.

Bookmaker-Specific Abbreviations

R4 — Rule 4. A deduction on horse racing winnings when a runner is withdrawn.

NR — Non-Runner. A selection that does not compete.

WO — Walk Over. When only one competitor remains.

BOG — Best Odds Guaranteed. A promotion where the bookmaker pays the higher of your taken price or SP.

NRNB — Non-Runner No Bet. Stake refunded if your selection does not run.

Knowing these abbreviations makes you a more efficient bettor. You can read tipster advice faster, navigate bookmaker sites more confidently, and understand exactly what you are betting on every time.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does BTTS mean in betting?+
BTTS stands for Both Teams To Score. The bet wins if both teams score at least one goal during the match (90 minutes plus added time). It does not matter which team wins — only that both find the net.
What does EW mean in betting?+
EW stands for Each-Way. It is two bets in one: a win bet and a place bet. If your selection wins, both pay out. If it only places (finishes in a qualifying position), the place part pays at a fraction of the win odds. An EW bet costs twice the unit stake.
What does AH mean in betting?+
AH stands for Asian Handicap. It is a handicap system that eliminates the draw by applying quarter or half-goal advantages. For example, AH -0.5 means your team must win for the bet to succeed. AH -0.25 splits your stake between the -0 and -0.5 lines.
What does DNB mean in betting?+
DNB stands for Draw No Bet. If you back a team and they win, you win your bet. If the match is drawn, your stake is refunded. You only lose if the team you backed loses. It is effectively a half-measure between match result and Asian Handicap 0.
What does NAP mean in betting?+
NAP is a tipster's best bet of the day — their most confident selection. The term originates from Napoleon, the card game. NB (next best) is their second strongest pick.

Bet Responsibly

Gambling should be fun. If it stops being fun, get help: BeGambleAware, GamStop

Betting Abbreviations Explained: Full List of Betting Shorthand | Betmana - Sports Betting