Odds are the first thing to look at when placing a bet. They tell you how much you can win if you make the correct bet. Odds can be presented in three different formats, including American odds, fractional odds, and decimal odds. Odds also show you the implied probability of an outcome.
Decimal odds
Decimal odds are becoming increasingly popular as punters want to know the exact return they will walk away with if their selection comes in. They are also used by betting exchanges and are the standard for most European markets. To convert odds into decimal form, simply divide the fractional odds by two and add one. For example, 7/2 becomes 4.5. This conversion process is not complicated and you can easily use an online odds converter to do the math for you.
Decimal odds are also easier to understand than other formats because they don’t have plus and minus signs. They are a single number that includes your stake in the payout. This makes them much more straightforward to calculate than American odds, which use a different formula. You can also find an odds conversion table or calculator online to cross reference prices. This will make it easier to compare odds between bookmakers and the exchanges for matched betting offers.
Fractional odds
Fractional odds are often used at horse races and when betting on futures events. They are one of the oldest forms of odds and predate decimal odds by a century or more. Basically, fractional odds display the probability of an event occurring as a ratio of integers. For example, two to five (2:5) odds mean that there is a two-in-five chance of winning for every bet made.
If you’re a sports bettor, you might see these odds displayed at your favorite online sportsbook. These odds are based on the implied probability of an outcome and include the sportsbook’s profit, known as the vig.
Fractional odds are easy to understand and read, because they display the total payout you will receive if you win your bet. The total payout is calculated by multiplying the fractional odds’ numerator by its denominator, which represents your stake. For instance, 4/1 odds mean that you will earn a profit of PS400 for every PS100 bet.
American odds
American odds are a format that sportsbooks use to display their betting markets. They are often used in conjunction with a point spread or over/under. American odds are represented with a plus (+) or minus (-) sign and indicate how much you would profit if you placed a $100 bet.
While this form of odds may seem confusing at first, it is fairly easy to understand once you have a basic understanding of how they work. The plus and minus signs indicate how much money you can win on a $100 wager, and the odds scale easily when you bet more or less.
When a team has a negative number, it indicates that it is favored by the bookmakers. Conversely, a positive number means that the underdog has a higher probability of winning the bet. This is why many sports fans prefer this betting format. It allows them to bet on their favorite teams or athletes without having to worry about the risk of losing a lot of money.
Moneyline bets
A moneyline bet allows a bettor to choose the winner of a game, disregarding the point spread. These odds often don’t correlate with the point spread, especially in lower scoring sports like soccer, baseball and hockey. However, experienced bettors know that they shouldn’t solely use potential return as a compass when placing a moneyline bet.
The best way to understand these odds is by thinking of them in the context of a $100 bet. The three-digit number accompanied by a plus sign represents the amount you would win if you placed a $100 bet on that team or player. Similarly, the three-digit number preceded by a minus sign shows the amount you need to risk to win a $100 bet on that team or athlete. Moneyline odds are adjusted based on a variety of factors, including betting activity and injuries or lineup changes. These adjustments can make a big difference in the overall payout of a bet.
