When it comes to betting, understanding the different ways odds are presented may be a bit tricky, especially if you're new to it. If you've ever come across a plus or minus sign followed by some numbers and felt confused, you're not alone. These are American betting odds, a format that's popular in the United States and Canada.
If you're used to seeing fractional or decimal odds, American odds might look fairly complex. But don't worry; with a little guidance, they become much clearer.
Join us as we unravel what American betting odds are and explain how they work. Whether you're a curious beginner or just want to expand upon your betting knowledge, this guide will help you get to grips with this unique format.
What Are American Odds In Betting?
American odds, also known as moneyline odds, are a way to express betting odds primarily used in the United States and Canada. Unlike the fractions or decimals you might see elsewhere, these odds use positive and negative numbers.
A positive number shows how much profit a bettor may make if they place a bet of £100 and that bet is successful. For example, if a bettor bets on odds of +200, they’d win £200 on a £100 bet if their prediction is correct.
On the other hand, a negative number shows how much a bettor has to bet to make a profit of £100. So, if the odds are -150, a bettor would have to bet £150 to win £100 if their bet is correct.
American odds provide a different perspective on the likelihood of an outcome and potential awards. Once you get used to the pluses and minuses, you may find them just as straightforward as other odds formats.
How Do American Betting Odds Work?
American betting odds, or moneyline odds, use positive and negative numbers to show the potential returns on a bet. They are quite straightforward once you understand what each symbol means.
As mentioned earlier, a positive number, like +250, shows what the profit would be if a bettor placed a successful £100 bet. So, in this example, they’d gain £250 plus their original stake back if the bet is successful.
Conversely, a negative number, such as -180, indicates how much a bettor needs to stake to earn a £100 profit on a successful bet. Here, they’d have to bet £180 to achieve a £100 profit if their prediction turns out right.
In essence, the positive numbers typically represent the underdog, or less likely outcome, which has the chance to offer higher returns. Negative numbers suggest the favourite, or more likely outcome, with the chance of smaller returns. However, it’s important to always remember that returns are not guaranteed, even if the odds seem promising.
What Is An Example Of American Odds?
To grasp how American odds work, let's consider a simple example. Imagine you're looking at a football match, and the odds are presented as +150 for Team A and -200 for Team B.
Suppose a bettor were to bet £100 on Team A, with odds of +150, a successful bet would give them a profit of £150. They’d also get their original £100 bet back, resulting in a total return of £250 if their bet is successful.
On the flip side, if a bettor chooses to back Team B with odds of -200, they’d need to wager £200 to potentially be awarded £100. If Team B wins, the bettor is awarded £300 in total, which includes their initial stake.
This format highlights what is involved with each bet. Team A is the underdog, offering the chance of greater returns but is less likely to win. Team B, as the favourite, has shorter odds, reflecting their higher chance of winning.
*The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.