Edge
In sports betting, the term "edge" refers to the perceived advantage a bettor or sportsbook has over the other party. It represents the difference between the true probability of an event occurring and the odds or lines offered by the sportsbook.
For example, if a bettor believes that a basketball team has a 60% chance of winning a game, and the sportsbook offers odds that imply a 50% chance of winning, the bettor has a positive edge. In this case, the bettor believes the team has a better chance of winning than what the sportsbook's odds suggest, creating an opportunity for a profitable bet.
Conversely, if the sportsbook's odds imply a 70% chance of the team winning, the sportsbook has a positive edge, as they believe the team is more likely to win than what the bettor thinks.
Successful sports bettors aim to find value and positive edges in the betting markets by identifying opportunities where the odds offered by the sportsbook are not in line with their own assessment of the probabilities. Finding and capitalizing on positive edges is crucial for long-term profitability in sports betting.