Is the term sharp and recreational bettors over used?

[Dr. Jack]

I hear a lot of it. There are some to claim to be sharp and others claim others are recreational bettors. To me it's a little overrated.

How about this? When you are winning you are sharp? When you are losing and nothing goes right - you are recreational. It seems like there is more sterotyping with regards to this last few years.

[pwherr]

Yes.And if I hear the term "square" again I don't know why but that drives me nuts.

[Dr. Jack]

Originally Posted by pwherr

Yes.And if I hear the term "square" again I don't know why but that drives me nuts.

lol - Things like that never bother me. It's just a word in the grand scheme of things. It is interestingly funny though when people like to use it as fact sometimes when in reality - different strokes for different folks.

[amhlilhaus]

I always thought the term 'sharp' applied to those who won consistently and had a big enough bankroll to move lines. that implies the 'betting syndicates' and obviously, the book themselves, as if they weren't sharp they don't stay in business.

square bettors though definitely exist. they are the ones who bet based on personal opinions without clear reasoning as to why they like a play, ignorance of basic sportsbetting principles etc. I personally am a square bettor in everything except boxing/mma, and got killed my first year until I stopped doing it. my brother is really square and continues to donate to his sportsbook.

[GFootsXtreme]

sportsbook says, "Oddsmakers move a line in part because of one-sided public betting action on a side or total. They also move the line in reaction to wise guy's selections. "

I would argue that a wise guy, also known as a sharp, is one of the bettors that actually influences the line especially in the early action. The books release lines as early as possible to get the initial reaction from the "wise guys" who they think can signal where the line should go. The books don't care how much these guys bet as long as they get it in early so they can have a fixed line without much movement (all my opinion) and can then get a lot of action both ways to get their profit.

Squares, recreational bettors and handicappers I would say have a few defining characteristics.

Squares - almost always bet the favorites thinking since the book favors them, that's the side to be on, not realizing they lose overall because the favorites are juiced, or the points are padded.

Recreational bettors - everyone who doesn't make a living from it

handicappers - people in this forum who have more betting knowledge than your average recreational bettor. Can mimic a square, but often at least is selective in his "square" bets on the favorites which can eek out a profit.

yes, no?

[BigdaddyQH]

Good post Gfoots. "Wiseguys" (Beards) and "Meat" are the terms that are heard around the Vegas Sportsbooks alot. Your definitions pretty much explain it all. I will not get into a discussion about the 'cappers in here out of respect to Jack and the 'cappers themselves, but suffice it to say that your definition is pretty accurate.