{"id":17824,"date":"2024-01-26T14:57:45","date_gmt":"2024-01-26T14:57:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/safestbettingsites.co.uk\/?page_id=17824"},"modified":"2024-02-09T09:33:22","modified_gmt":"2024-02-09T09:33:22","slug":"betting-odds-explained-how-odds-work","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/safestbettingsites.co.uk\/guides\/betting-odds-explained\/","title":{"rendered":"Betting Odds Explained &#8211; How Odds Work"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>All sports fans need to have betting odds explained to them at some point. Betting odds themselves are numbers that tell you how much a bookmaker will pay you if a bet on a particular outcome wins.<\/p>\n<p>In this guide, we\u2019ll tell you how to use betting odds to calculate implied probabilities, how to read and understand fractional, decimal and American odds, and how to convert fractional odds to their decimal equivalents.<\/p>\n<div class=\"list_how_to\" id=\"how-to-why-betting-odds-are-important\" >\n    <div id=\"toc_container\" class=\"no_bullets contracted\"><div class=\"toc_toggle\"><div class=\"toc_arrow\"><svg width=\"24\" height=\"24\"  xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\"><circle cx=\"12.06\" cy=\"12.06\" r=\"11.8\" fill=\"#1C2642\"\/><path d=\"M6,10.45l6,6,6-6\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"#fff\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" stroke-width=\"2\"\/><\/svg><\/div><div class=\"toc_title\">Table of contents<\/div><\/div><ul class=\"toc_list\"><li class=\"toc_menu_level_1\"><div class=\"heading-box level_1\"><div class=\"heading-box-border level_1\"><a href=\"#Why_Betting_Odds_Are_Important\">Why Betting Odds Are Important<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/li><li class=\"toc_menu_level_1\"><div class=\"link-content-box\"><div class=\"heading-box level_1\"><div class=\"heading-box-border level_1\"><a href=\"#What_is_Implied_Probability\">What is Implied Probability?<\/a><div class=\"toggle_menu_arrow\"><svg width=\"40\" height=\"40\" viewBox=\"0 0 40 40\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n<path d=\"M16 18.6665L20 22.6665L24 18.6665\" stroke=\"#1C2642\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\/>\n<\/svg><\/div><\/div><\/div><ul class=\"child_toc_menu level_1\"><li class=\"toc_menu_level_2\"><div class=\"heading-box level_2\"><div class=\"heading-box-border level_2\"><a href=\"#Implied_Probability_Chart_of_Common_Odds\">Implied Probability Chart of Common Odds<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class=\"toc_menu_level_1\"><div class=\"heading-box level_1\"><div class=\"heading-box-border level_1\"><a href=\"#How_to_Calculate_Implied_Probability_Using_Betting_Odds\">How to Calculate Implied Probability Using Betting Odds<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/li><li class=\"toc_menu_level_1\"><div class=\"heading-box level_1\"><div class=\"heading-box-border level_1\"><a href=\"#How_to_Read_Betting_Odds\">How to Read Betting Odds<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/li><li class=\"toc_menu_level_1\"><div class=\"link-content-box\"><div class=\"heading-box level_1\"><div class=\"heading-box-border level_1\"><a href=\"#How_Do_Fractional_Betting_Odds_Work\">How Do Fractional Betting Odds Work?<\/a><div class=\"toggle_menu_arrow\"><svg width=\"40\" height=\"40\" viewBox=\"0 0 40 40\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n<path d=\"M16 18.6665L20 22.6665L24 18.6665\" stroke=\"#1C2642\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\/>\n<\/svg><\/div><\/div><\/div><ul class=\"child_toc_menu level_1\"><li class=\"toc_menu_level_2\"><div class=\"heading-box level_2\"><div class=\"heading-box-border level_2\"><a href=\"#What_About_Different_Sized_Bets\">What About Different Sized Bets?<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class=\"toc_menu_level_1\"><div class=\"heading-box level_1\"><div class=\"heading-box-border level_1\"><a href=\"#How_Do_Decimal_Betting_Odds_Work\">How Do Decimal Betting Odds Work?<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/li><li class=\"toc_menu_level_1\"><div class=\"heading-box level_1\"><div class=\"heading-box-border level_1\"><a href=\"#How_Do_American_Odds_Work\">How Do American Odds Work?<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/li><li class=\"toc_menu_level_1\"><div class=\"heading-box level_1\"><div class=\"heading-box-border level_1\"><a href=\"#How_to_Convert_Fractional_to_Decimal_Odds\">How to Convert Fractional to Decimal Odds<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/li><li class=\"toc_menu_level_1\"><div class=\"heading-box level_1\"><div class=\"heading-box-border level_1\"><a href=\"#Conclusion\">Conclusion<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/li><li class=\"toc_menu_level_1\"><div class=\"link-content-box\"><div class=\"heading-box level_1\"><div class=\"heading-box-border level_1\"><a href=\"#FAQ\">FAQ<\/a><div class=\"toggle_menu_arrow\"><svg width=\"40\" height=\"40\" viewBox=\"0 0 40 40\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n<path d=\"M16 18.6665L20 22.6665L24 18.6665\" stroke=\"#1C2642\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\/>\n<\/svg><\/div><\/div><\/div><ul class=\"child_toc_menu level_1\"><li class=\"toc_menu_level_2\"><div class=\"heading-box level_2\"><div class=\"heading-box-border level_2\"><a href=\"#How_do_betting_odds_work\">How do betting odds work?<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/li><li class=\"toc_menu_level_2\"><div class=\"heading-box level_2\"><div class=\"heading-box-border level_2\"><a href=\"#How_do_you_read_betting_odds_UK\">How do you read betting odds UK?<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/li><li class=\"toc_menu_level_2\"><div class=\"heading-box level_2\"><div class=\"heading-box-border level_2\"><a href=\"#What_does_3_to_1_odds_mean\">What does 3 to 1 odds mean?<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/li><li class=\"toc_menu_level_2\"><div class=\"heading-box level_2\"><div class=\"heading-box-border level_2\"><a href=\"#How_do_you_explain_odds_in_betting\">How do you explain odds in betting?<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"list_how_to__title\"><span id=\"Why_Betting_Odds_Are_Important\">Why Betting Odds Are Important<\/span><\/h2>\n    <p class=\"list_how_to__description\">Betting odds are so important in the world of sports betting that it\u2019s virtually impossible to bet sensibly without understanding them. Why do we say that? Here are just three good reasons:<\/p>\n    <div class=\"list_how_to__list_wrapper\">\n        <ol class=\"list_how_to__list\">\n            <li class=\"list_how_to__item\"><div class=\"list_how_to__item_text\">No matter how they are presented, betting odds provide all the information you need to calculate your potential profit from a bet before you\u2019ve placed it. If you don\u2019t calculate your potential profit, you won\u2019t know whether or not it makes sense for you to bet in the first place.<\/div><\/li><li class=\"list_how_to__item\"><div class=\"list_how_to__item_text\">Bookmaker odds can be used to calculate implied probability. The resulting probability figures will tell you how much confidence the bookmaker has that any given outcome in an event will take place. The higher the implied probability of an outcome, the more confident he is about it.<\/div><\/li><li class=\"list_how_to__item\"><div class=\"list_how_to__item_text\">When you understand betting odds you will be able to take a more rational approach to making money as a sports bettor. For example, you\u2019ll be able to practice the strategy of value betting, which involves being able to tell what are good odds and what aren\u2019t.<\/div><\/li>\n        <\/ol>\n        \n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<h2><span id=\"What_is_Implied_Probability\">What is Implied Probability?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>We mentioned a moment ago that betting odds give you all the information you need to calculate how much confidence a bookmaker has about a particular outcome taking place. That confidence is usually referred to as implied probability, and it\u2019s expressed as a percentage.<\/p>\n<div class=\"su-note\"  style=\"border-color:#e5e54c;border-radius:3px;-moz-border-radius:3px;-webkit-border-radius:3px;\"><div class=\"su-note-inner su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\" style=\"background-color:#FFFF66;border-color:#ffffff;color:#333333;border-radius:3px;-moz-border-radius:3px;-webkit-border-radius:3px;\">\n<p>Implied probabilities can be useful because they can help you decide whether or not you want to make a bet on a particular outcome.<\/div><\/div>\n<p>For example, if a horse racing bookmaker offers odds of 9\/1 about a runner in a race of eight runners, a betting newbie might think that\u2019s a good price. But the implied probability of a 9\/1 shot is 10%. That means the bookmaker gives that particular runner a roughly 10% chance of winning. So there\u2019s a 90% chance that one of the other runners will win instead!<\/p>\n<p>We\u2019ll remind you right here that implied probability figures are just that. They aren\u2019t factual certainties that are always accurate. But if a betting site believes that a horse only has a 10% chance of winning &#8211; and it has a whole team of professional odds-makers employed to arrive at that number &#8211; then you\u2019d better have a very good reason to disagree before betting.<\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"Implied_Probability_Chart_of_Common_Odds\">Implied Probability Chart of Common Odds<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>For readers of this Betting Odds Explained guide who want easy access to implied probability figures for common odds, the table below should prove useful. It isn\u2019t exhaustive by any means. But it doesn\u2019t have to be. If you want to know the implied probabilities of any other odds, you can calculate them for yourself. We\u2019ll show you how to do that in the next section of this guide.<\/p>\n<div class=\"su-table su-table-responsive su-table-alternate\">\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p style=\"text-align: center\">Fractional Odds<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">Decimal Odds<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">American Odds<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">Implied Probability %<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p style=\"text-align: center\">1\/5<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">1.20<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">-500<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">83.33<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">1\/4<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">1.25<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">-400<\/td>\n<td>\n<p style=\"text-align: center\">80.00<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p style=\"text-align: center\">1\/3<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">1.33<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">-300<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">75.02<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">2\/5<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">1.40<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">-250<\/td>\n<td>\n<p style=\"text-align: center\">71.43<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p style=\"text-align: center\">1\/2<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">1.50<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">-200<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">66.67<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p style=\"text-align: center\">4\/7<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">1.57<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">-175<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">63.65<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">4\/6<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">1.66<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">-150<\/td>\n<td>\n<p style=\"text-align: center\">59.99<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">4\/5<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">1.80<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">-125<\/td>\n<td>\n<p style=\"text-align: center\">55.56<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p style=\"text-align: center\">10\/11<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">1.90<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">-110<\/td>\n<td>\n<p style=\"text-align: center\">52.38<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p style=\"text-align: center\">1\/1<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">2.00<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">-100<\/td>\n<td>\n<p style=\"text-align: center\">50.00<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p style=\"text-align: center\">11\/10<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">2.10<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">+110<\/td>\n<td>\n<p style=\"text-align: center\">47.62<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p style=\"text-align: center\">5\/4<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">2.25<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">+125<\/td>\n<td>\n<p style=\"text-align: center\">44.44<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p style=\"text-align: center\">6\/4<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">2.50<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">+150<\/td>\n<td>\n<p style=\"text-align: center\">40.00<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p style=\"text-align: center\">7\/4<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">2.75<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">+175<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">36.36<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">2\/1<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">3.00<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">+200<\/td>\n<td>\n<p style=\"text-align: center\">33.33<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p style=\"text-align: center\">5\/2<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">3.50<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">+250<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">28.57<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">3\/1<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">4.00<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">+300<\/td>\n<td>\n<p style=\"text-align: center\">25.00<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p style=\"text-align: center\">4\/1<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">5.00<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">+400<\/td>\n<td>\n<p style=\"text-align: center\">20.00<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">5\/1<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">6.00<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">+500<\/td>\n<td>\n<p style=\"text-align: center\">16.67<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<h2><span id=\"How_to_Calculate_Implied_Probability_Using_Betting_Odds\">How to Calculate Implied Probability Using Betting Odds<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Ready-reckoner charts such as the one we\u2019ve just presented can be very handy. But what if you want the implied probability for sport betting odds that aren\u2019t on the chart, such as 8\/13 or 13\/8? In that case, you\u2019ll need to calculate it for yourself. That might sound daunting, but it\u2019s a lot easier than you might think, as we\u2019ll now explain.<\/p>\n<p>We\u2019ll use fractional odds here because an example of how to do this with decimal odds can be found in our <a href=\"https:\/\/safestbettingsites.co.uk\/guides\/value-betting\/\">guide to Value Betting<\/a>. With fractional odds, the formula to calculate their implied probability is:<\/p>\n<div class=\"su-note\"  style=\"border-color:#d6d6d3;border-radius:3px;-moz-border-radius:3px;-webkit-border-radius:3px;\"><div class=\"su-note-inner su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\" style=\"background-color:#f0f0ed;border-color:#ffffff;color:#333333;border-radius:3px;-moz-border-radius:3px;-webkit-border-radius:3px;\">\n<p style=\"text-align: center\">(D divided by (N + D)) x 100<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<p>D represents the denominator of the fraction, which is the number on the right-hand side. N represents the numerator, which is the number on the left-hand side. So if we wanted to work out the implied probability of 8\/13, our calculation would be:<\/p>\n<div class=\"su-note\"  style=\"border-color:#d6d6d3;border-radius:3px;-moz-border-radius:3px;-webkit-border-radius:3px;\"><div class=\"su-note-inner su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\" style=\"background-color:#f0f0ed;border-color:#ffffff;color:#333333;border-radius:3px;-moz-border-radius:3px;-webkit-border-radius:3px;\">\n<p style=\"text-align: center\">(13 divided by (8 + 13)) x 100<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center\">= (13 divided by 21) x100<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center\">= 0.6190 x 100<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center\">= 61.90%<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<p>See &#8211; we told you it was easy.<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"How_to_Read_Betting_Odds\">How to Read Betting Odds<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Being able to read betting odds is something that develops naturally over time. But if you want quick answers to questions like, \u2018What do odds mean?\u2019 and \u2018How do odds work in betting?\u2019 we\u2019ll provide them right here.<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-17833 size-full\" title=\"Betting Odds\" src=\"https:\/\/safestbettingsites.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Betting-Odds.jpg\" alt=\"Betting Odds\" width=\"1159\" height=\"794\" srcset=\"https:\/\/safestbettingsites.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Betting-Odds.jpg 1159w, https:\/\/safestbettingsites.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Betting-Odds-300x206.jpg 300w, https:\/\/safestbettingsites.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Betting-Odds-1024x702.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/safestbettingsites.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Betting-Odds-768x526.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1159px) 100vw, 1159px\" \/>\n<p>Regarding fractional odds, the left-hand side of the fraction tells you how many units of profit you will win if you bet the number on the right-hand side of the fraction. Using 8\/13 as an example once again, if you stake \u00a313 on a bet and the bet wins, you\u2019ll win \u00a38 in profit. Of course, you\u2019ll also get your stake back.<\/p>\n<p>The betting odds meaning is therefore quite easy to read when you know what you\u2019re looking for. We have to point out, however, that this is an example of betting odds explained UK style. When you\u2019re trying to read decimal or American odds, different rules apply. And we\u2019ll discuss those shortly.<\/p>\n<p>For now, every time you see fractional odds, remind yourself that if you were to stake the right-hand number, a winning bet would yield a profit equal to the left-hand number.<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"How_Do_Fractional_Betting_Odds_Work\">How Do Fractional Betting Odds Work?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Fractional odds are the most common in the UK, although decimal odds are catching up fast. Our discussion up to this point has explained much of how fractional betting odds work.<\/p>\n<p>But you\u2019ll have noticed that if you just view the right-hand side of the odds as your stake and the left-hand side of the odds as your profit, some odds just don\u2019t look fair. Especially to those who are new to betting. With odds of 2\/5, for example, a beginner might think: \u2018Stake \u00a35 to win \u00a32. Wait, what? So I\u2019d lose \u00a33? On a winning bet?&#8217;<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-17837 aligncenter\" title=\"Flag of the United Kingdom\" src=\"https:\/\/safestbettingsites.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Flag_of_the_United_Kingdom.png\" alt=\"Flag of the United Kingdom\" width=\"1280\" height=\"640\" srcset=\"https:\/\/safestbettingsites.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Flag_of_the_United_Kingdom.png 1280w, https:\/\/safestbettingsites.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Flag_of_the_United_Kingdom-300x150.png 300w, https:\/\/safestbettingsites.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Flag_of_the_United_Kingdom-1024x512.png 1024w, https:\/\/safestbettingsites.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Flag_of_the_United_Kingdom-768x384.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px\" \/>\n<p>Of course, that isn\u2019t the case at all. What you always need to remember about fractional odds is that they don\u2019t give you the total amount that the bookie will add back to your account if you win. They only tell you how much profit you\u2019ll make.<\/p>\n<p>When you make a winning bet, the bookmaker will give you your profit PLUS your returned stake. If you want to calculate the total amount that you\u2019d get back from the bookie if your bet wins &#8211; a sum referred to as your <i>return<\/i> &#8211; you need to add the stake on top. 2\/5 would therefore give you \u00a32 profit plus you \u00a35 back, for a total return of \u00a37. Which is much better.<\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"What_About_Different_Sized_Bets\">What About Different Sized Bets?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>There will be plenty of times when you want to bet a sum that\u2019s different to the right-hand side of the odds. To calculate your total return for any bet at any fractional odds, the formula is simple:<\/p>\n<div class=\"su-note\"  style=\"border-color:#d6d6d3;border-radius:3px;-moz-border-radius:3px;-webkit-border-radius:3px;\"><div class=\"su-note-inner su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\" style=\"background-color:#f0f0ed;border-color:#ffffff;color:#333333;border-radius:3px;-moz-border-radius:3px;-webkit-border-radius:3px;\">\n<p style=\"text-align: center\">((N divided by D) + 1) x S<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<p>Where N is the numerator, D is the denominator and S is how much you intend to stake in pounds.<\/p>\n<p>For example, if you like to bet on tennis and you want to stake \u00a310 on your favourite player at odds of 11\/8, you would calculate:<\/p>\n<div class=\"su-note\"  style=\"border-color:#d6d6d3;border-radius:3px;-moz-border-radius:3px;-webkit-border-radius:3px;\"><div class=\"su-note-inner su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\" style=\"background-color:#f0f0ed;border-color:#ffffff;color:#333333;border-radius:3px;-moz-border-radius:3px;-webkit-border-radius:3px;\">\n<p style=\"text-align: center\">((11 divided by 8) +1) x 10<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center\">= (1.375 +1) x 10<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center\">= 2.375 x 10<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center\">= \u00a323.75<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<p>Your \u00a310 would therefore get you a total return of \u00a323.75, which is a profit of \u00a313.75.<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"How_Do_Decimal_Betting_Odds_Work\">How Do Decimal Betting Odds Work?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>With traditional UK betting odds explained we can now turn our attention to decimal or European betting odds. The good news is that these are a whole lot easier to understand. And that\u2019s because, as their name suggests, they\u2019re written as decimal numbers, such as 1.75, 3.50 and 5.00.<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-17838 aligncenter\" title=\"Flag of Europe\" src=\"https:\/\/safestbettingsites.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Flag_of_Europe.png\" alt=\"Flag of Europe\" width=\"1280\" height=\"853\" srcset=\"https:\/\/safestbettingsites.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Flag_of_Europe.png 1280w, https:\/\/safestbettingsites.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Flag_of_Europe-300x200.png 300w, https:\/\/safestbettingsites.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Flag_of_Europe-1024x682.png 1024w, https:\/\/safestbettingsites.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Flag_of_Europe-768x512.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px\" \/>\n<p>These numbers tell you how much you can expect to receive back from the bookmaker &#8211; including your stake &#8211; if your bet wins. Decimal odds pertain to a stake of 1 unit, so you can multiply them by whatever stake you like to get your own personal return figure.<\/p>\n<p>For example, you might be thinking about betting \u00a315 on a football team to win a match at decimal odds of 2.25. In that case, you\u2019d multiply the odds of 2.25 by your stake of \u00a315 to discover that your total return &#8211; should the bet win &#8211; would be \u00a333.75.<\/p>\n<p>Should you ever want to calculate the pure profit element of a bet, all you have to do is deduct 1 from the decimal odds before multiplying by your stake.<\/p>\n<p>For example, if you wanted to calculate the potential profit from a \u00a315 at odds of 2.25, you would deduct 1 from the odds, giving you 1.25. Multiply by 15 and the profit element alone would be worth \u00a318.75.<\/p>\n<p>Decimal odds are just as common at <a href=\"https:\/\/safestbettingsites.co.uk\/\">online betting sites in the UK<\/a> as fractional ones. And many sites present odds in decimal format by default for the simple reason that it\u2019s the most user-friendly format of all. Especially for beginners, who won\u2019t have already become familiar with fractional odds at traditional betting shops or racecourses.<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"How_Do_American_Odds_Work\">How Do American Odds Work?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>American odds (also referred to as moneyline odds) are probably the strangest from the perspective of a bettor in the UK. At first glance, they might look just as complicated as fractional odds. But again, they\u2019re easier to understand and work with than most people initially think. And it\u2019s important to take a little time to familiarise yourself with them because they\u2019re very common online. Particularly so in the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ranker.com\/crowdranked-list\/most-popular-american-sports\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">most popular sports in the US<\/a>, such as American football.<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-17839 aligncenter\" title=\"Flag of the United States\" src=\"https:\/\/safestbettingsites.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Flag_of_the_United_States.png\" alt=\"Flag of the United States\" width=\"1024\" height=\"539\" srcset=\"https:\/\/safestbettingsites.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Flag_of_the_United_States.png 1024w, https:\/\/safestbettingsites.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Flag_of_the_United_States-300x158.png 300w, https:\/\/safestbettingsites.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Flag_of_the_United_States-768x404.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/>\n<p>These odds are presented with either a minus symbol or a plus symbol.<\/p>\n<p>When they are shown with a minus symbol, the number that follows tells you how much you would need to stake to make a profit of \u00a3100. For example, odds of -125 means that you\u2019ll make a profit of \u00a3100 for every \u00a3125 staked.<\/p>\n<p>When American odds are shown with a plus symbol, the number that follows tells you how much profit you would make if you were to stake \u00a3100. For example, odds of +150 means that you\u2019d make \u00a3150 in profit for a stake of \u00a3100.<\/p>\n<p>Of course, as with fractional odds, you won\u2019t usually want to stake the exact amounts that American odds show. To calculate your profit for any stake size, the formula is:<\/p>\n<div class=\"su-note\"  style=\"border-color:#d6d6d3;border-radius:3px;-moz-border-radius:3px;-webkit-border-radius:3px;\"><div class=\"su-note-inner su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\" style=\"background-color:#f0f0ed;border-color:#ffffff;color:#333333;border-radius:3px;-moz-border-radius:3px;-webkit-border-radius:3px;\">\n<p style=\"text-align: center\">(S divided by AS) x W<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<p>Where S is the stake you want to use, AS is the American odds stake and P is the American odds profit figure.<\/p>\n<p>For example, if you wanted to bet \u00a315 at odds of -125, you would calculate:<\/p>\n<div class=\"su-note\"  style=\"border-color:#d6d6d3;border-radius:3px;-moz-border-radius:3px;-webkit-border-radius:3px;\"><div class=\"su-note-inner su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\" style=\"background-color:#f0f0ed;border-color:#ffffff;color:#333333;border-radius:3px;-moz-border-radius:3px;-webkit-border-radius:3px;\">\n<p style=\"text-align: center\">(15 divided by 125) x 100<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center\">= 0.12 x 100 = \u00a312 profit<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<p>Similarly, for a \u00a315 bet at odds of +150, the profit calculation would be:<\/p>\n<div class=\"su-note\"  style=\"border-color:#d6d6d3;border-radius:3px;-moz-border-radius:3px;-webkit-border-radius:3px;\"><div class=\"su-note-inner su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\" style=\"background-color:#f0f0ed;border-color:#ffffff;color:#333333;border-radius:3px;-moz-border-radius:3px;-webkit-border-radius:3px;\">\n<p style=\"text-align: center\">(15 divided by 100) x 150<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center\">= 0.15 x 150 = \u00a322.50 profit<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<p>As you can see, American odds are far less complicated than they look. Just remember that a minus figure represents your stake for a win of \u00a3100, and a plus figure represents your win for a stake of \u00a3100<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"How_to_Convert_Fractional_to_Decimal_Odds\">How to Convert Fractional to Decimal Odds<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>When you visit an online betting site you will normally be able to view betting odds in a fractional or decimal format, as you prefer. Sometimes, however, you might find yourself in a position where you need to convert fractional odds to decimal odds yourself. In that case, all you have to do is divide the numerator (left-hand side number) by the denominator (right-hand side number) and add 1.<\/p>\n<p>For example, to convert 8\/13 into decimal you would calculate:<\/p>\n<div class=\"su-note\"  style=\"border-color:#d6d6d3;border-radius:3px;-moz-border-radius:3px;-webkit-border-radius:3px;\"><div class=\"su-note-inner su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\" style=\"background-color:#f0f0ed;border-color:#ffffff;color:#333333;border-radius:3px;-moz-border-radius:3px;-webkit-border-radius:3px;\">\n<p style=\"text-align: center\">8 divided by 13 = 0.61<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center\">0.61 + 1 = 1.61<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<p>Similarly, to convert 100\/30 into decimal you would calculate:<\/p>\n<div class=\"su-note\"  style=\"border-color:#d6d6d3;border-radius:3px;-moz-border-radius:3px;-webkit-border-radius:3px;\"><div class=\"su-note-inner su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\" style=\"background-color:#f0f0ed;border-color:#ffffff;color:#333333;border-radius:3px;-moz-border-radius:3px;-webkit-border-radius:3px;\">\n<p style=\"text-align: center\">100 divided by 30 = 3.33<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center\">3.33 + 1 = 4.33<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<p>And that\u2019s all there is to it!<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"Conclusion\">Conclusion<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The question \u2018How do odds work?\u2019 is a very common one. And we trust that we\u2019ve answered it to your satisfaction. But knowing how betting odds work is just the first step. The next is to develop confidence in your ability to read, use and work with betting odds in daily life. That\u2019s something that will take a little time and practice, so be patient with yourself and don\u2019t be afraid to return to this guide if you ever need a refresher.<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"FAQ\">FAQ<\/span><\/h2>\n<section class=\"fi-faq-content-shortcode\">\n    <div class=\"fi-faq-content-shortcode__question\">\n        <h3><span id=\"How_do_betting_odds_work\">How do betting odds work?<\/span><\/h3>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"fi-faq-content-shortcode__answer\" style=\"display: none;\">\n        <p>Betting odds work by providing information about the expected profit for a given or assumed stake. For example, fractional odds of 8\/13 tell you that you\u2019ll make \u00a38 in profit for every \u00a313 that you stake if your bet wins.<\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"fi-faq-content-shortcode\">\n    <div class=\"fi-faq-content-shortcode__question\">\n        <h3><span id=\"How_do_you_read_betting_odds_UK\">How do you read betting odds UK?<\/span><\/h3>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"fi-faq-content-shortcode__answer\" style=\"display: none;\">\n        <p>When you have learned how to understand betting odds, as detailed in this guide, you\u2019ll find it quite easy to read them. Of course, becoming a fluent reader of betting odds is something that takes a little time and practice.<\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"fi-faq-content-shortcode\">\n    <div class=\"fi-faq-content-shortcode__question\">\n        <h3><span id=\"What_does_3_to_1_odds_mean\">What does 3 to 1 odds mean?<\/span><\/h3>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"fi-faq-content-shortcode__answer\" style=\"display: none;\">\n        <p>The phrase \u20183 to 1\u2019 is simply how we pronounce the fractional odds of 3\/1 in spoken communication. This means that you\u2019ll make \u00a33 in profit for every \u00a31 staked if your bet wins. Similarly, the phrase \u201811 to 8\u2019 would refer to fractional odds of 11\/8.<\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"fi-faq-content-shortcode\">\n    <div class=\"fi-faq-content-shortcode__question\">\n        <h3><span id=\"How_do_you_explain_odds_in_betting\">How do you explain odds in betting?<\/span><\/h3>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"fi-faq-content-shortcode__answer\" style=\"display: none;\">\n        <p>Probably in a similar way to how we\u2019ve done it in this UK Betting Odds Explained guide. If you need to explain odds to someone, start by telling them what the numbers represent. Then take them through a real-world example or two so that they can see how odds work in practice.<\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>All sports fans need to have betting odds explained to them at some point. Betting odds themselves are numbers that tell you how much a bookmaker will pay you if a bet on a particular outcome wins. In this guide, we\u2019ll tell you how to use betting odds to calculate implied probabilities, how to read &hellip; <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":45,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-17824","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v24.2 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Betting Odds Explained - How Odds Work - Odds Made Easy<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"We all need betting odds explained to us at some point. 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