// GLOSSARY
Action
In its general sense, action simply means money wagered on a market. Sportsbooks talk about "taking action" on a game or wanting "balanced action" on both sides of a line; the term is a stand-in for wagering activity broadly.
In MLB specifically, Action is also a distinct bet type. An Action bet stands regardless of which pitchers actually start the game, in contrast to a Listed bet, which voids automatically if either announced starting pitcher is scratched before first pitch.
The distinction matters operationally: betting Listed protects you from a late pitching change moving the line against the bet you thought you were making, while Action leaves you exposed to (or benefiting from) whatever the actual starting pitchers turn out to be. Most books default to Listed unless you explicitly choose Action.
If a sportsbook's bet slip does not clearly say Listed or Action on an MLB moneyline or run line, check before you confirm the bet. The two produce meaningfully different exposure any time a starting pitcher is scratched.
Related terms: Handle, Listed (MLB)
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