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Sharp bettors like to try to beat the ‘chalk’ as they consider their wagering options. But what is the chalk option and how is it established?
We’ll roll through a few explanations and definitions surrounding the idea of ‘chalk’ betting options.
What Does Chalk Mean in Sports Betting?
The ‘chalk’ is, very simply, a relatively heavy favorite in sports betting.
Whether it’s the initial established line, or an option moved to the favorite’s position via public or sharp money, the chalk is a big factor in any sports betting strategy.
To find the chalk on a menu of betting options among our list of best online sportsbooks, look for the biggest number with a minus sign in front of it. This indicates a player, team or nation is among the favorites to win.
For example, when deciding whom to choose as a game’s scoring leader, a -400 selection would be the chalk if no other option comes close to approaching that number.
For example:
To score the most points in a selected game:
- Jayson Tatum, Celtics -400
- Tyrese Haliburton, Pacers -180
- Jaylen Brown, Celtics -160
In a two-team matchup, the underdog will be plus money (a number with a plus sign in front of it) while the chalk, or the heavy favorite, will have a minus sign in front of it.
For example, when perusing the best MLB online sportsbooks, the Dodgers would be the chalk and the Reds would be the underdog here:
- Dodgers -180 vs. Reds +145
If the Dodgers were a narrow -125 favorite, they would not necessarily be considered chalk.
Why is it Called ‘Chalk’?
A team or an individual must be a significant favorite to be considered a ‘chalk’ choice.
Any option defined as chalk, of course, is also called a favorite – but narrow favorites don’t generally receive the term chalk in betting discussions.
In the long-ago days before bookmakers had electronic tools for keeping track of bets, actual chalkboards would provide customers with updates throughout a betting day, hence the term chalk.
This method, primarily used for horse racing betting, meant frequent changes on the favorites.
When one horse was continually bet on, the odds had changed – and more chalk had to be used on that selection.
The heavy favorite drew a good deal of chalk and accompanying dust, making it clear that the horse might be worthy of its odds.
Betting the chalk consistently can draw the ire of fellow sports bettors. More strategic bettors will sometimes express their disdain with those who regularly bet the chalk, implying they are novices with little expertise.
Is Betting on the Chalk a Good Strategy?
Betting on the heavy favorite is generally not a great way to base any strategy. Bookmakers calculate chalk odds to more often than not give them the advantage.
Upsets happen, and when you are tied to a choice that requires you to win every time in order to stay in profit, it’s risky.
For example, if you wager $380 to win $100, you will have to win four out of every five bets with those parameters just to stay $20 ahead in your betting account.
As is the case with most sports-betting plans, it’s best to diversify, choosing to bet chalk only when your trends and systems dictate a virtually ‘sure-fire’ winner.
