Odds Explained In Betting
- Betting Odds Explained. Having never been explained betting odds can be intimidating. They come in different formats, and sometimes seem to work counter-intuitively. You can trust our team of experts. We have put together all the key information about how odds.
- The most common type of sports betting odds used in North America are the American style odds which we explain below. American Style Sports Betting Odds Most online sportsbooks will list their odds in what is called “American Odds”.
Betting odds explained
When calculating the payout for a $2 bet compared to the listed horse betting odds, divide the first number in the odds by the second number, multiply that by 2, and then add the standard minimum $2 bet. Therefore, for a horse at 7-4, divide 7 by 4 (1.75), multiply this number by 2 (3.5), and then add 2 (final payout: $5.50).
Betting odds can appear daunting at first glance but they are actually quite straightforward to calculate. We’ve devised a beginners guide to explain betting odds.
How do odds work?
When looking at the odds (price) of a horse, the two formats used are decimals and fractions. Betting exchanges operate in decimals, whereas fixed-odds betting firms generally operate in fractions.
When determining the returns of a fractional bet, the second number always suggests the stake and the first number denotes what the profit will be if the bet wins. Take 4/1 as an example. If you stake £1 on a horse, then you stand to win £4 if the selection wins the race, which excludes your initial stake. In contrast, the decimal format factors in the initial stake. Betting odds of 4/1 would equate to 5.0 in decimal terms, 5/1 would be 6.0, and so forth.
See the chart below for a breakdown of betting odds in both fractional and decimal format, showing forecasted returns to £5 level stakes for the key prices in a market.
Knowing your odds
American Odds
| wdt_ID | Fractional | Decimal | WIN RETURNS FROM £5 (inc. stake) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1-2 | 1.5 | £7.50 |
| 2 | 4-7 | 1.57 | £7.86 |
| 3 | 8-13 | 1.62 | £8.08 |
| 4 | 4-6 | 1.67 | £8.33 |
| 5 | 8-11 | 1.73 | £8.64 |
| 6 | 4-5 | 1.80 | £9.00 |
| 7 | 5-6 | 1.83 | £9.16 |
| 8 | 10-11 | 1.91 | £9.55 |
| 9 | 1-1 | 2.00 | £10.00 |
| 10 | 11-10 | 2.10 | £10.50 |
What Do Betting Odds Mean
If you want to work out your winnings from a multiple bet such as an accumulator or lucky 15, you can use our betting calculator to find out instantly what you’ve won.