What Does ‘Bet’ Mean in Sports Betting?

A “bet” is simply the act of risking money on the outcome of a game.
It’s an agreement. You’re saying, “I think this will happen,” and the sportsbook (like FanDuel or DraftKings) is taking the other side of that.
- If your prediction is right, you win your original money back, plus a profit.
- If your prediction is wrong, you lose the money you risked.
That’s it! Whether you’re betting on the winner, the point spread, or the total score, you’re placing a “bet.”
You’ll also hear it called a “wager,” which means the exact same thing.