What Does ‘Monkey’ Mean in Sports Betting?
In sports betting, ‘monkey’ is a slang term for £500.
This is a piece of British slang that is primarily used in the UK betting scene. While its usage has become less common with the rise of online betting, it’s still recognized, particularly among established bookmakers and seasoned bettors.
Origin and Context
The term is believed to have originated from the 500 Indian Rupee banknote, which featured a monkey on it during the time of the British Raj. British soldiers brought the slang back to the UK, and it became part of the vernacular in horse racing and betting circles.
You might hear it used in a phrase like:
“He had a monkey on the favorite in the 3:30 at Ascot.”
This simply means the person placed a £500 bet on the horse.
Other Common UK Betting Slang for Money
‘Monkey’ is part of a larger set of rhyming slang or colloquial terms for money in the UK, especially in betting:
- Pony: £25
- Ton: £100
- Grand: £1,000
- Bag or Bag of Sand: £1,000 (Rhyming slang for grand)
While you will see the numerical value written on your online bet slip, knowing these terms can be helpful if you are reading commentary, listening to betting podcasts, or interacting with other bettors from the UK.