Betting odds calculators are instrumental in helping bettors determine their potential winnings and evaluate the value of different bets. Understanding how to use these tools can give you an edge when placing wagers. In this guide, we will discuss what a betting odds calculator is, the different types of odds, how to use a calculator, and frequently asked questions.
What is a Betting Odds Calculator?
A betting odds calculator is an online tool that allows bettors to quickly and easily determine their potential winnings from a bet. These calculators factor in the odds (in various formats), stake, and type of bet to compute the potential payout. With a better understanding of how much they stand to win or lose, bettors can make more informed decisions when placing wagers.
Types of Betting Odds
There are three main types of betting odds: fractional, decimal, and moneyline (also known as American odds). Each format represents the same information but is expressed differently.
Fractional odds
Fractional odds are a simple way of expressing odds in the format x/y, where:
• x is the amount of money you will win if you bet y amount of money.
For example:
– 2/1 odds mean that for every 1 unit you bet, you will win 2 units if you win the bet. So if you bet £1, you will win £2 plus your original £1 back (total payout of £3).
– 3/2 odds mean that for every 2 units you bet, you will win 3 units if you win the bet. So if you bet £2, you will win £3 plus your original £2 back (total payout of £5).
– Evens (1/1) mean that for every 1 unit you bet, you will win 1 unit if you win the bet. So if you bet £1, you will win £1 plus your original £1 back (total payout of £2).
The lower number in the fraction always represents the stake (the amount you bet) and the higher number represents the return (the amount you win).
Decimal odds
Decimal odds are a simple alternative way of expressing odds compared to fractional odds. They work as follows:
• The decimal odds represent how much money you will win if you bet £1.
For example:
– 2.00 decimal odds mean that for every £1 you bet, you will win £2 if you win the bet. So if you bet £1, you will win £2 plus your original £1 back (total payout of £3).
– 3.50 decimal odds mean that for every £1 you bet, you will win £3.50 if you win the bet. So if you bet £1, you will win £3.50 plus your original £1 back (total payout of £4.50).
– 1.91 decimal odds mean you will win £1.91 for every £1 bet (total payout of £2.91).
The main advantages of decimal odds are:
1) They directly show how much money you will win for every £1 bet. This makes calculations very simple.
2) They imply the probability of an outcome. The closer the decimal odds are to 2.00, the more likely the outcome.
3) They are easy to compare across different bets. The higher decimal odds, the more attractive the bet.
Moneyline odds
Moneyline odds are a type of betting odds that are based solely on the outcome of an event, without any point spread or handicap. They are commonly used in sports like baseball, hockey, soccer and basketball.
Moneyline odds can be expressed in two main formats:
• American odds – The format used in the US where the odds are expressed as a positive number for the favorite and a negative number for the underdog. For example:
– -150 means you have to bet $150 to win $100 for the underdog.
– +120 means a $100 bet will win you $120 if the favorite wins.
• Decimal odds – The format used in most of the world where the odds represent how much money you win for every $1 bet. Common in sports betting outside the US. For example:
– 2.50 odds mean a $1 bet will win you $2.50 if the favorite wins.
– 1.67 odds mean a $1 bet will win you $1.67 if the underdog wins.
The main advantages of moneyline odds are:
• Simplicity – They only reflect the probability of a team winning, without any point spread complications.
• Easy to calculate potential winnings – Just multiply your stake by the odds to determine potential profits.
However moneyline odds do not provide as much value as point spread odds, which can sometimes identify value bets by factoring in the expected margin of victory.
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How to Use a Betting Odds Calculator
Using a betting odds calculator is simple:
1. Select the type of odds format you are working with (fractional, decimal, or moneyline).
2. Enter the odds for your chosen bet.
3. Input your stake (the amount you plan to wager).
4. Choose the type of bet (single, accumulator, or system bet).
5. Click “Calculate” to see the potential payout.
Betting odds calculators can also convert odds between different formats, helping bettors who are more comfortable with one format over another.
conclusion
In conclusion, a betting odds calculator can be a valuable tool for bettors of all experience levels. By understanding your potential winnings and assessing the value of different bets, you can make more informed decisions when placing wagers and improve your chances of success.
Yes, betting odds calculators are accurate as long as the odds and stake entered are correct. However, remember that odds can change, and potential winnings are not guaranteed until a bet is placed and confirmed.
Most betting odds calculators can handle various types of bets, including single bets, accumulators, and system bets. However, some complex bets may require a specialized calculator.
No, different sportsbooks may use different odds formats. Some may offer multiple formats, while others may only display one format. Be sure to check which format your chosen sportsbook uses before placing a bet.
+200 odds means you would win $200 for every $100 you bet. The plus sign indicates that the odds are in favor of the outcome. So +200 odds means the outcome is favored but not strongly.
A: The plus (+) and minus (-) signs indicate whether an outcome is favored or underdog respectively:
A plus (+) means the outcome is favored and you win that amount for every $100 bet. The higher the number, the more favored the outcome.
A minus (-) means the outcome is the underdog and you must bet that amount to win $100. The higher the number, the bigger underdog the outcome is.
To calculate how much you would win from betting odds, simply divide the odds by 100 and multiply by the amount you bet. For example, for +200 odds:
200/100 = 2
2 x $100 bet = $200 potential winnings
+140 odds means you would win $140 for every $100 bet. So at +140 odds, the outcome is slightly favored but not by a large margin.
Negative odds mean the outcome is the underdog. You must bet that amount to win $100. So -110 odds means you have to bet $110 to win $100. The bigger the negative number, the bigger underdog the outcome is.
Odds of +150 mean you would win $150 for every $100 bet. So at +150 odds, the outcome is viewed as moderately but not strongly favored.
Minus 110 odds mean you have to bet $110 to win $100. So the outcome is an underdog in this situation, though not a significant one.