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All betting terms

Betting Glossary

Kelly Criterion

Definition

A staking formula that sizes each bet in proportion to its edge and the odds, maximizing long-run bankroll growth. Many bettors use a fraction (e.g. half-Kelly) to reduce variance.

Related terms

  • Edge — The model's estimated advantage over the market — the gap between its projected win probability and the probability implied by the price.
  • Unit — A standardized stake (typically 1–2% of bankroll) used to track results independent of dollar amounts, e.g. +12.5u.

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