Betting Odds Explained: Types, Formats, and How to Calculate Winnings

Understanding the Basics

In simpler words, odds can be defined as the ratio of winnings to the stake, and you also get your wager returned. Odds in betting determine the excitement and the return on investment in betting. Those who are new to this betting field, need to learn about the concept of odds to unlock the first door in this betting world. In this blog, you will get to know about the basic Odds involved in Betting.

Decoding the Meaning of Betting Odds

Odds in Betting can be defined as a result of your investment in any bet. They serve as a numerical expression of probability, which offers insights into the chances of an event unfolding in a certain way. Odds are everywhere in betting whether it’s a football match, cricket match, horse racing etc.

Types of Betting Odds

In the world of betting, odds are basically of three types, and each of them represents a unique method of betting. The three types of Odds are: –

1. Fractional Odds

Fractional odds allow you to calculate how much money you will win on your bet in comparison to your stake. Fractional betting odds are commonly used in the UK. It shows the potential profit related to the stake.

When you see odds written in the form of fractions— when one number is on top of the other with a “/” in between them—you should immediately know that those odds are fractional.

How do Fractional Odds Work?

Fractional, or British odds, are popular at bookmakers in England and Ireland. The odds are written using a slash (/), as with writing a fractional number or hyphen (-). 

When bettors see the odds written in the form of a fraction, they should recognise them right away as fractional odds. 

For Example, 4/5 is an example of a fractional odd. The bottom number, or the one to the right, represents the bet amount; while the top number, or the one to the left, represents your winnings.

So, in our example, 5 is the bet amount while 4 is the amount that you’ll win. To put it simply, if you bet $5 with the above odds, you’ll win $4.

How to Calculate Fractional Odds?

To calculate your potential returns from fractional odds:

((Stake /denominator) x numerator) + stake

For example, £10 staked at 7/2 ((£10/2) x 7) + £10 = £45

Betting Odds Explained: Types, Formats, and How to Calculate Winnings

2. Decimal Odds

The decimal odds number represents the amount one wins for every $1 wagered. Decimal Odds are commonly used in Europe and Canada. It represents total return including the original Stake.

How do Decimal Odds Work?

Decimal odds represent the total return for every $1 wagered, including the money you risked. Because for every $1 you’re betting, you’re getting 91 cents back, plus the original dollar. 

For Example: – If the odds are 3.00, a successful bet would yield a total of three units for every unit on a bet.

How to Calculate Decimal Odds?

To calculate your potential returns from decimal odds:

Stake x Odds

For example, £10 staked at 4.5:

£10 x 4.5 = £45 

3. American Odds

American odds are displayed as a positive or negative number. The positive number is the amount of money you will if you place a $100 bet. The negative is the amount of money you need to wager to make a $100 profit. American Odds are commonly used in the United States.

How do American Odds Work?

1. Negative odds: The number is equal to how much you must bet to get back $100.Odds of -110: Bet $110 to win $100.

2. Positive odds: The number shows how much you’ll get back on a winning $100 bet. Odds of +110: Bet $100 to win $110.

For Example: – The Miami Heat are the money line favourites and eight-point favourites on the spread.

For spreads and totals, there are two numbers to think about: the line for the bet (eight points on the spread and a total of 208 points) and the odds for each choice, which are -110 across the board for this contest.

How to Calculate American Odds?

To calculate your potential returns from American odds:

For favourites, it’s odds/ (odds + 100) x 100. 

Understanding the Probability

Probability lies behind every set of odds which is obvious for any bet results. Betters can make informed decisions about their betting and can assess the value of their bets by understanding the relationship between Probability and Betting Odds.

You might also like to read

Upcoming Cricket Matches Of India In 2025

Your Ultimate Guide to Online Sports Betting in India

How Online Sports Betting Growing In India Rapidly

Leave a Comment