What Does Chalk Mean In Sports Betting?
The term chalk in sports betting comes from horse racing, but it has spread into all kinds of sports. It’s often used in a lighthearted way.
Before computers, bookies would write their odds on chalkboards. The chalkboard was then erased whenever the odds changed. This allowed the bookies to change the odds on their favorite horse. In fact, the bookies were required to change the odds on the favorite every time the odds changed. This caused the name of the favorite horse to smear with chalk dust. This eventually became the name of the favorite.
Betting on the favorite is not always a good idea. It’s important to do research on a team before making a wager. This includes checking the weather, reviewing their recent travel, and examining their overall offensive and defensive abilities. It’s also important to know the current standings for both teams.
You’ll also want to know that chalk isn’t just for heavy favorites. Close favorites, on the other hand, aren’t chalk. A heavy favorite could be a team that is 10 points ahead of its opponent on the point spread.
The term “chalk” comes from the days when bettors were more likely to choose a favorite. This is because the odds were updated more often and there was more action on the favorite.