Using the aforementioned example, you’ll need to bet $400 to win $100 if you back the Lakers. The whole thing’s a bit different from American odds.īetting on odds of -400 (negative moneyline) indicates the amount you need to bet in order to win $100. The fractional equivalent of 1.50 would be 1/2 – you get 1 unit in return for each 2 staked. With decimal and fractional odds, it’s easy to calculate the return.īetting $10 on odds of 1.50 will give you a return of $15 (that’s the original stake back + a profit of $5). Of course, you’ll win a lot less cash if the LA Lakers win while betting on the Pistons will give you a return of 5 times your bet. These odds indicate that a Lakers win in this match is much more plausible than a Pistons win.

Detroit’s odds will be in the range of +400 which makes the Pistons an obvious underdog.

In this case, the odds of a Lakers win (hypothetically) would be around -400.When the Lakers play the Pistons, it’s obvious that they would be the favorite.Ī team with Lebron and Anthony Davis in his prime is the obvious pick over Detroit. The first comes with a minus sign, while underdogs are indicated by the plus sign. These indicate the favorite and underdog.

How Do American Odds Work?Īlso known as moneyline odds, the American odds format doesn’t differ from its European counterparts.Īs mentioned, they come with either a plus or a minus sign in front of a number. Once you learn more about the American format, you’ll see how simple it is. It might be confusing for casual or new punters, but don’t be scared. They still indicate the same thing (the probability of an event), but come with plus or minus signs in front of the number which is much higher than what bettors are used to seeing with the other formats.

American OddsĪmerican odds differ from both in terms of format. These are displayed by two numbers in the form of 1/3 – you get 1 unit for every 3 staked. Fractionalįractional odds are a bit more complex, but in short, they can be described as the ratio of the amount won to the bet. The first format is the most widespread one and displays the probability in decimals (for example, 1.60). Those are decimal, fractional, and American. There are three types of sports betting odds you’ll come across online. Decimal odds might be the most common, but what if the site offers American odds only?.ĭon’t worry – we’re here to help you learn more about this type of odds that is only common in the USA.

What does 400 mean gambling