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Wire Academy — 10/2/23

The Wire Academy: Chalk

By 
@AJ
WagerWire Editor-In-Chief

Become A Better Bettor

"Chalk" is a term used in sports betting to refer to the team that is heavily favored to win a particular game. The chalk is the side that is expected to win based on the odds set by the sportsbook, with the much higher probability of winning according to bookmakers. Generally, the casual sports bettor will favor the chalk.

For example, if you're betting on a football game, and the New England Patriots are playing the Miami Dolphins, and the Dolphins are heavily favored to win, they would be considered the "chalk" in that game. Conversely, the New England Patriots, who look absolutely brutal, would be the underdog.

Bettors might use the term "chalk" when discussing their bets or strategies, such as saying, "I'm going with the chalk in this game," meaning they are betting on the favorite.

It's important to note that betting on the chalk typically offers lower potential payouts because the odds are less favorable due to the perceived higher probability of the favored side winning. On the other hand, betting on the underdog can result in higher potential payouts if they win because the odds are typically more favorable for them.