Sports Betting Guide and Terms - Unit Sports Betting Terms

Unit

Definition

A unit is defined as the amount of money that one bets on a consistent basis. The unit is dependent on one’s bankroll and is usually 2-5% of the total bankroll.

Money Management

In terms of managing one’s money, playing a side at one unit each is the best way to beat the sportsbooks and make money in the long run. Betting on a money management schedule reduces the risk of losing all of one’s money and also dictates how much one should bet. Since there are streaks in sports betting, betting more when one wins and betting less when one loses is the best way to stretch one’s bankroll. This is also a great way to maximize profits and minimize losses.

Variable Units

As stated above, it is best to increase or decrease one’s unit when one wins or loses, respectively. It is not wise to change one’s unit size in any other situation. The only other time one should change a unit occurs when one isolates a very strong play. In this case, one can double up or even triple up on one game. This should be used sparingly.

Word to the wise

It has been the author’s experience that when one starts to win and win on a continuous basis, that one wants to bet more. The sports gambler must realize that betting is a tough hobby to partake in. One must be consistent in betting and follow the proper money management techniques. There is a very fine line between winning and losing, and that one can win as easily as one can lose. Shopping for the best line for the same side on a particular game can mean either winning or losing on a bet. For example, sportsbooks sometimes differ greatly in the spreads of a particular game. Sportsbook A may offer team A at –3 and sportsbook B may offer the same side at –4. If the final result has team A winning by 4 points, then betting at sportsbook A will result in a win, while betting on team A at sportsbook B will result in a push. Conversely, if one bets on the underdog at sportsbook A, then one will lose; yet, if one bets on the same team at sportsbook B, then one will push. As one can see, shopping around for the best lines can determine whether one wins, loses, or pushes.

Summary

In summary, a unit is a percentage of one’s bankroll. One should use proper money management techniques to maintain such a bankroll and continue betting on sports.