In sports betting, "sharp" money refers to wagers placed by professional or highly knowledgeable bettors, often known as "sharps." These individuals have a deep understanding of statistical analysis, market movements, and historical trends, and they generally bet early to take advantage of favorable lines before they change. Conversely, "square" money describes bets made by recreational or casual bettors—often referred to as "squares." These individuals may rely on instinct, popular sentiment, or media narratives instead of rigorous analysis, which can lead to less informed betting choices.