What Does ‘Tail’ Mean in Sports Betting?
In sports betting, to “tail” (or “tailing”) is a slang term that means to copy someone else’s bet.
You are essentially following their pick, much like a car tailing another. This is a very common practice in sports betting communities.
How It’s Used
Bettors typically “tail” others for two main reasons:
- Expertise: They are following the picks of a known professional handicapper or an expert analyst who has a proven track record.
- Hot Streak: They are following a friend or another bettor who is simply on a “hot streak” and seems to be winning every bet they make.
Examples
- “That expert is 10-2 on his last 12 picks. I’m tailing whatever he bets tonight.”
- “My buddy is on a heater. I’m just going to tail him on the late game.”
The Opposite: “Fading”
The direct opposite of “tailing” is “fading.” This means to intentionally bet against someone’s picks. You might “fade” someone who is on a major “cold streak” (losing streak) or an analyst you believe is consistently wrong.