Hook
What does "hook" mean in sports betting?
The hook is the half point on a spread or total, like the .5 in -3.5. It removes the chance of a push.
The hook matters most around key numbers. In the NFL, 3 and 7 are the most common final margins, so -2.5 and -3.5 are very different bets even though they're one point apart.
Buying the hook means paying a bit more juice to move a line by half a point in your favor.
Example
A team favored by 2.5 wins if it wins by 3. A team favored by 3.5 loses the bet if it wins by exactly 3, the most common margin in football.
Related terms
Alt line
An alt line (alternate line) is a spread, total or player prop set at a different number than the main line, with the price adjusted to match.
Point spread
The point spread is a handicap that evens out a matchup: the favorite has to win by more than the spread, and the underdog covers by losing by less than it or winning outright.
Push
A push is a tie against the betting line. Your stake is refunded, with no win or loss.
Teaser
A teaser is a parlay where you move the spread or total in your favor on every leg in exchange for a smaller payout.
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