Sports betting has a lot of different types of lingo out there that people use to get a point across. Hearing that someone is planning to hammer a bet can seem confusing to the uninitiated.
Table of Contents
What Does It Mean to Hammer a Bet?
Most people say that they are hammering a bet if they put a lot of money on a pick. They feel very confident that this will be the winning play, so they might double or even triple the amount they usually wager.
A hammer bet can mean different things depending on who is talking about it. It’s thought to have originated in sports as a betting game and golf, which can give people an idea of its meaning as well.
Hammer Bets in Golf
When there is betting going on with golf, that tends to be an initial bet on a per-hole basis. For this example, let’s say it is $10 per hole.
Sign up for a FREE Consultation to start working with Legendary Sports Bettor Jon Price
If one person decides to hammer the other, it doubles the bet to reach $20. If it’s a one-on-one golf match, one golfer can hammer the other, and then only the other person gets the next chance to raise again. Raising the stakes has to be alternating.
It’s never a requirement to use a hammer on each golf hole. If someone feels like they are in a great position, they could decide to hammer after the very first shot. If it’s not used, it carries over to the next hole.
Hammering a Bet in Sports
Think of hammering as pounding a sports bet that seems like good value overall. Hammering home a point in an argument is the same as hammering a bet in sports.
There’s always a chance of a sure thing not working out in sports betting, but most people have to feel a certain level of confidence to go this route. It’s relatable to golf in that a person who hammers a bet is increasing their wager. They feel strongly enough about it being a winner that they don’t worry.
Sharp bettors strategically hammer certain bets all the time. They place percentages and only do it if they feel confident enough that they can win long-term.
Limits on Hammering a Bet
The average gambler isn’t going to run into any trouble when they are increasing their bet and hoping to win big. However, sharp bettors will find they sometimes have limits on how much they can hammer certain bets.
Sportsbooks have a great idea of who wins money consistently. They pay attention to their moves and will always try to stay a step ahead. After all, no sportsbook wants to lose long-term, so they will be paying attention to any leans one way or another.
This is part of the reason why most sportsbooks limit the amount of money a person can wager at any one time. If a sharp gambler feels like they have a great option, they’ll put as much money down as they can.
Final Thoughts on Hammering a Bet
People gravitate towards a system to win long-term in sports betting. However, certain options stand out that seem like smart opportunities to hammer a bet. When they are there, it’s worth putting extra money down and feeling confident.
It’s not going to work out 100% of the time, but it wouldn’t be gambling if it was that easy. Reserve hammering a bet for only the most opportune times, and it will be successful.