Get the Hang of Sports Betting Odds: A Full Guide

What Are American Odds?
Sports betting odds tell you how much to bet and what you can win. In the American system, numbers have a minus (-) or plus (+) sign. 온카스터디 인증리스트 추천
Negative Odds (-)
If you see negative odds like -150, that’s the sum you bet to win $100. For example, betting $150 at -150 odds gives a $100 gain. Negative odds point to the likely winner.
Positive Odds (+)
Positive odds use a plus sign. With a +150 line, a $100 bet can win $150. These odds are for underdogs or unlikely wins.
Implied Odds
To bet smart, know implied odds. The odds turn into percentage chances:
- -150 odds mean a 60% chance of winning
- +150 odds give a 40% chance
The Bookmaker’s Edge
The bookmaker’s margin, typically 4-6%, serves the bookmaker to ensure profit, and changes what bettors can win.
A Guide to American Odds Again
Complete Breakdown of American Odds
Understand American Sports Betting Odds
American odds are shown as positive (+) and negative (-) figures around $100 bets.
For negative odds like -150, you bet $150 to win $100.
In the case of positive odds like +150, a $100 bet brings in $150 gain.
How to Figure Out Implied Odds
To find returns from implied odds:
Negative Odds Formula
(-odds)/(-odds + 100) x 100
An example: -150 shows 60% odds
Positive Odds Formula
100/(odds + 100) x 100
So, +150 shows 40% odds
Betting Example
When two teams face off:
- Team A (-200): 66.7% implied odds
- Bet Required: $200 to win $100
- Team B (+170): 37% implied odds
- Possible Gain: $170 on a $100 bet
Bookmaker Gains Explained
Bookmaker edges usually are from 4-6%, changing real odds values. This betting edge is built into the odds, shifting payouts and actual win chances.
Odds Format Switching
Switching Odds Formats Made Easy

Odds Formats Overview
Sports betting odds come in three main kinds: American, decimal, and fractional. Switching among them helps in comparing lines for the best deals across global markets.
From American to Decimal
Main steps to switch from American to decimal odds:
- Positive American odds: (American odds/100) + 1
- Negative American odds: (100/abs(American odds)) + 1
Decimal to American Switch
Standard ways to change decimal to American odds:
- If Decimal odds > 2.0: (Decimal – 1) x 100
- If Decimal odds < 2.0: -100/(Decimal – 1)
From Fractional to Decimal
Change fractional odds using a simple math step: divide the first number by the second and add 1. For example, 5/1 fractional odds become 6.0 in decimal.
Key Odds Equivalents
Common conversions across formats:
- Even money: +100 American = 2.0 decimal = 1/1 fractional
- 2-to-1: +200 American = 3.0 decimal = 2/1 fractional
- Half odds: -200 American = 1.5 decimal = 1/2 fractional
Using Odds in Markets
Knowing odds conversion steps helps bettors find good deals across bet platforms and global sportsbooks. This is key for better gains through odds comparisons and market checks.
Reading Odds as Chances
Figuring Out Betting Odds as Probabilities
From Odds to Chances
Odds as probabilities show the real chances bookmakers think a bet will happen. Here’s how to change the three main odds types:
- Decimal Odds: Divide 1 by the decimal (1/2.50 = 0.40 or 40%)
- American Odds:
- Positive: 100 / (odds + 100)
- Negative: abs(odds) / (abs(odds) + 100) Exploring the Legality of Gambling Around the World
- Fractional Odds: Denominator / (denominator + numerator)
Bookmaker Gains Again
Bookie margins, also called vigorish or vig, are in the odds. When checking all market odds, the sum goes over 100%. Like, a normal NFL point spread offering -110 odds both sides shows:
- Side A: 52.4% odds
- Side B: 52.4% odds
- Total: 104.8%
True Chances
To find real market chances, cut out the bookie’s edge. Lower each chance until they add to 100%. Good betting chances pop up when your chance guess is more than the bookie’s real chance after this cut.
Key Ways to Use This
- Market Checks: Spot wrong priced betting chances
- Money Handling: Bet based on real chances