NBA Prop Bet Glossary: 50+ Terms Defined for UK Punters

NBA Betting Content Is Written in American English — This Glossary Bridges the Gap

Every NBA prop betting resource worth reading is written by Americans, for Americans, using American terminology. That is not a criticism — the US market drives the overwhelming majority of NBA wagering content because the sport and the betting infrastructure are both centred there. But for UK punters who grew up with accumulators, decimal odds, and bookmaker shops on the high street, the vocabulary barrier is real. NBA viewership on Sky Sports has risen 40% since 2019, and basketball ranks as the sixth most popular sport among UK 18-24 year olds, which means a growing number of British punters are engaging with NBA prop content that assumes they know what “juice” means.

This glossary translates the jargon. Every term is defined in UK English, with decimal odds examples where relevant, and cross-references to the American equivalents you will encounter in US-focused analysis. I have organised the entries alphabetically in three sections for easier reference, and the decimal odds conversion guide covers the mathematical side in greater depth.

Terms A-E: Accumulator to Expected Value

Accumulator (acca) — The UK term for what Americans call a “parlay.” A single bet combining multiple selections; all legs must win for the bet to pay out. In NBA prop betting, accumulators often combine player props from different games.

Action — Any bet that has been accepted and is live. “Having action on a game” means you have a bet placed on some market in that contest.

Alternate line — A prop line that has been shifted up or down from the standard number, with odds adjusted accordingly. Taking a points over at 26.5 instead of the standard 22.5 is an alternate line at higher odds.

Bankroll — Your total betting funds, also called a “betting bank” in UK terminology. The amount you have set aside exclusively for wagering, separate from living expenses.

Bookmaker (bookie) — The UK term for what Americans call a “sportsbook.” The licensed operator that accepts your bets and sets the odds. In the UK, all legal bookmakers are licensed by the Gambling Commission.

Closing line — The final odds or line available just before an NBA game tips off. The closing line is considered the most efficient price because it reflects the maximum amount of information and betting action.

Cover — When a bet wins. “The over covered” means the player exceeded the prop line. Also used in spread betting: “the team covered the spread.”

Decimal odds — The standard odds format in the UK. The number represents the total return per unit staked, including the original stake. Odds of 1.90 mean a £10 bet returns £19.00 (£9.00 profit plus £10.00 stake).

DNP (Did Not Play) — When a player does not participate in a game. If a player DNPs, his prop bets are typically voided and stakes returned, though house rules vary between operators.

Double-double — An NBA statistical achievement where a player records 10 or more in two of the five major categories: points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks. Available as a yes/no prop market.

Edge — The mathematical advantage a bettor holds over the bookmaker on a specific bet. A positive edge means the bettor’s estimated probability exceeds the implied probability of the odds.

Expected value (EV) — The average profit or loss per bet over the long run. Calculated as (probability of winning multiplied by net profit) minus (probability of losing multiplied by stake). Positive EV bets are profitable over time; negative EV bets are not.

Terms F-O: Favourite to Over/Under

Favourite — The side of a prop bet that the bookmaker considers more likely to win, indicated by lower decimal odds. On a player prop, the favourite side is typically priced below 1.90.

Handle — The total amount of money wagered on a market or during a period. “NBA handle” refers to the aggregate amount bet on NBA games across all operators.

Hit rate — The percentage of times a prop outcome has occurred historically. “This player’s points over has a 65% hit rate in the last 20 games” means the over landed in 13 of 20 games.

Implied probability — The probability of an outcome as suggested by the bookmaker’s odds. Calculated as 1 divided by the decimal odds. Odds of 1.90 imply a probability of 52.6%.

In-play (live betting) — Bets placed after a game has started. In-play NBA prop markets update dynamically as the game progresses, with odds shifting based on real-time performance.

Juice — The American term for “vig” or “margin.” The bookmaker’s built-in profit on every bet. See “vig” below for a full explanation.

Line — The number set by the bookmaker for an over/under prop. A “points line of 22.5” means the prop is set at 22.5 points.

Line movement — Any change in the prop line between the time it opens and the time the game starts. Movement can be caused by sharp action, injury news, or public money.

Line shopping — Comparing the same prop across multiple bookmakers to find the best price. Called “odds comparison” in traditional UK betting parlance.

Margin — The bookmaker’s built-in profit expressed as a percentage. Calculated from the overround — the amount by which the implied probabilities of all outcomes exceed 100%. Standard NBA prop margins are 5-8%.

Moneyline — A bet on which team will win the game outright, with no point spread. Called “match result” or “to win” in UK betting. Not a prop bet, but frequently combined with props in parlays.

Opening line — The first line posted by the bookmaker for a prop market, typically released 12-24 hours before tip-off.

Over/under (O/U) — The fundamental mechanic of most player props. The bookmaker sets a number and you bet on whether the player’s actual stat will be over or under that number. Also called “totals.”

Terms P-Z: Parlay to Vig

Parlay — The American term for an “accumulator.” A combined bet where all selections must win. Same-game parlays (SGPs) combine selections from a single game.

Player prop (proposition bet) — A bet on an individual player’s statistical output rather than the game result. The core market this entire glossary exists to explain.

PRA — Points plus rebounds plus assists combined into a single prop market. A lower-variance alternative to betting on individual stat categories.

Punter — The UK term for “bettor.” Someone who places bets. Used interchangeably with “bettor” throughout this site.

Push — When the actual outcome lands exactly on the prop line (e.g., a player scores exactly 23 on a line of 23.0). A push typically results in the stake being returned. Most NBA props use half-point lines (22.5) to avoid pushes.

Same-game parlay (SGP) — A parlay combining multiple selections from a single game. Called a “same-match accumulator” or “bet builder” at some UK bookmakers. Carries a margin premium of 15-25% above individual bets.

Sharp — A professional or highly informed bettor whose action is respected by bookmakers. Sharp money moving a line is a stronger signal than public money.

Spread (point spread) — A handicap applied to a team for betting purposes. Not a prop bet, but the vig on spreads (4-4.5%) serves as a reference point for the higher vig on props (5-8%).

Steam move — A rapid line movement across multiple bookmakers simultaneously, typically triggered by sharp action at a market-making sportsbook.

Triple-double — An NBA achievement where a player records 10 or more in three of the five major statistical categories. Available as a longshot yes/no prop market.

Usage rate — The percentage of a team’s possessions that a player “uses” while on the floor, through shot attempts, free throws, or turnovers. A key input for projecting player prop outputs.

Vig (vigorish) — The margin built into every bet that ensures the bookmaker profits over time. On NBA player props, the vig is typically 5-8%. Also called “juice” in American English and “margin” or “overround” in UK terminology.

Void — When a bet is cancelled and the stake returned. NBA props are commonly voided when a player does not play or exits the game before meeting the bookmaker’s minimum participation threshold.