Odds Explained
We got you covered with the best guide for odds, everything you need to know about odds.
What are Fractional Odds?
Fractional odds are the most traditional format of listing odds and show bettors the probability of an event happening – and how much can be made from a bet on that event.
How to Calculate Winnings with Fractional Odds?
As an example, we will use the fractional odds for an English soccer game.
You may see on BettingTop10 that Liverpool is 1/2 to win the game, while Watford is 5/1.
If you were to stake $10 on Liverpool to win you would receive $5 + your original $10 stake if your prediction was correct. A $10 bet on Watford would pay out $50 + your original $10 stake.
As you can see, the simple formula here is with an underdog is the number to the left of the slash, multiplied by your stake, equals the winnings.
5/1 = 5 x $10 = $50 + $10 original stake
With a favourite your stake is divided by the number to the right of the slash.
1/2 = $10 divided by 2 = $5 + $10 original stake.
You may see on BettingTop10 that Liverpool is 1/2 to win the game, while Watford is 5/1.
If you were to stake $10 on Liverpool to win you would receive $5 + your original $10 stake if your prediction was correct. A $10 bet on Watford would pay out $50 + your original $10 stake.
As you can see, the simple formula here is with an underdog is the number to the left of the slash, multiplied by your stake, equals the winnings.
5/1 = 5 x $10 = $50 + $10 original stake
With a favourite your stake is divided by the number to the right of the slash.
1/2 = $10 divided by 2 = $5 + $10 original stake.
How to Convert Fractional Odds to Decimal Odds
Most betting sites will have an inbuilt fractional odds calculator but here is a simple way to convert the odds.
Just divide the fraction and add 1.
In the examples we used before the odds for a Liverpool win would be 1.5
1/2 = 1 divided by 2 = 0.5 + 1 = 1.5
The Watford decimal odds are 6.00
5/1 = 5 divided by 1 = 5 +1 = 6.00
Here is a handle conversion table covering some of the most popular betting odds.
Just divide the fraction and add 1.
In the examples we used before the odds for a Liverpool win would be 1.5
1/2 = 1 divided by 2 = 0.5 + 1 = 1.5
The Watford decimal odds are 6.00
5/1 = 5 divided by 1 = 5 +1 = 6.00
Here is a handle conversion table covering some of the most popular betting odds.
1/2 = 1.50 |
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1/1 = 2.00
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2/1 = 3.00
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3/1 = 4.00
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4/1 = 5.00
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5/1 = 6.00
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10/1 = 11.00
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25/1 = 26.00
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50/1 = 51.00
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100/1 = 101.00
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How to Convert Fractional Odds to American Odds
In Canada, you may be more used to seeing American odds – but these can be converted. For underdog fractional odds (over 1/1) first convert into decimal then multiply by 100.
5/1 = 5 divided by 1 = 5 +1 = 6 x 100 = +600
For favourites you will need to divide -100 by the fractional odds as a decimal.
1/2 = -100 divided by 1/2 (0.5) = -200
Here’s the conversion table.
5/1 = 5 divided by 1 = 5 +1 = 6 x 100 = +600
For favourites you will need to divide -100 by the fractional odds as a decimal.
1/2 = -100 divided by 1/2 (0.5) = -200
Here’s the conversion table.
½ = -200 |
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1/1 = +100
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2/1 = +300
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3/1 = +400
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4/1 = +500
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5/1 = +600
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10/1 = +1000
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25/1 = +2500
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50/1 = +5000
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100/1 = +10000
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How to Calculate Winnings with Decimal Odds
Decimal odds are also the easiest for working out potential winnings. You just need to multiply the odds by your stake.
For example, Manchester City might be priced at 3.00 to win the English Premier League. If you bet $10 on that outcome – and City win – you would get $30.
Stake ($10) x Odds (3.00) = Winnings ($30.00)
Unlike fractional odds, your calculated returns inc
For example, Manchester City might be priced at 3.00 to win the English Premier League. If you bet $10 on that outcome – and City win – you would get $30.
Stake ($10) x Odds (3.00) = Winnings ($30.00)
Unlike fractional odds, your calculated returns inc
What are Decimal Odds?
Decimal odds are a way of listing the betting prices that is commonly used in Europe and are probably the most straightforward method. They are portrayed as two figures separated by a decimal point.
What are American Odds?
American odds – sometimes known as moneyline odds – use $100 as the base for every price. They will be listed with a + for an underdog and a – for a favourite.
For example, in an NFL game the odds could look like this:
Arizona Cardinals +300 (underdog) New England Patriots -200 (favourite)
For example, in an NFL game the odds could look like this:
Arizona Cardinals +300 (underdog) New England Patriots -200 (favourite)
How to Calculate Winnings with American Odds?
With an underdog, the odds show you how much you would receive from a $100 bet. The favourite’s odds tell you how much you would have to wager to make $100.
So, using the example from before, a $100 bet on Arizona could make you $300. A $100 bet on the Patriots would get you $50. The original stake would also be returned.
So, using the example from before, a $100 bet on Arizona could make you $300. A $100 bet on the Patriots would get you $50. The original stake would also be returned.
Point Spread Explained
What is Point Spread in Betting?
The points spread is a market that is priced up by all Canadian bookmakers and is a way of making a seemingly one-sided contest into a more competitive one. Having the points spread explained can be tricky for beginners, so here at BettingTop10, we’ve compiled a short guide to this hugely popular method of wagering.
Some of the most popular leagues and competitions in Canada will stage a number of one-sided contests throughout the season and these ties tend to result in the hosts using home advantage in their favour. The points spread allows bettors to wager on a market that gives both teams a fighting chance.
The figures created offer the pre-match favourites a disadvantage (for example -5.5) whilst it gives the underdogs an opportunity to make it a fairly close contest (for example +5.5)
The favourites would be required to overcome the pre-determined deficit in order to win the points spread whilst the underdogs would need to stay within a set number of points of the predicted match-winners.
If the favourites are -5.5 pre-match, they would be required to triumph by at least six points in order to overcome this handicap.
Some of the most popular leagues and competitions in Canada will stage a number of one-sided contests throughout the season and these ties tend to result in the hosts using home advantage in their favour. The points spread allows bettors to wager on a market that gives both teams a fighting chance.
The figures created offer the pre-match favourites a disadvantage (for example -5.5) whilst it gives the underdogs an opportunity to make it a fairly close contest (for example +5.5)
The favourites would be required to overcome the pre-determined deficit in order to win the points spread whilst the underdogs would need to stay within a set number of points of the predicted match-winners.
If the favourites are -5.5 pre-match, they would be required to triumph by at least six points in order to overcome this handicap.
How to Calculate Winning Point Spread Odds?
Although it may appear a little complicated at first, calculating your winnings on the points spread market is relatively straightforward. Many reputable wagering sites also offer a Point Spread Calculator which will automatically work out your returns.
Example:
Example:
Fixture | Points Spread | Odds | Amount Wagered | Returns (with Sports Interaction) | Possible Winning Results |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
NY Giants | +17 | 1.91 | $10 | $19.10 (10 x 0.91 = 9.10 + $10 stake) | 10-16, 26-40, 16-17, 20-27
|
New England Patriots | -17 | 1.91 | $10 | $19.10 (10 x 0.91 = 9.10 + $10 stake) | 40-15, 26-7, 24-3, 30-10
|
What is the Puck Line?
Whilst football and basketball are always priced up using the points spread. Hockey tends to use slightly different terminology. The Puck Line is essentially offering one side an advantage and the opposing team a disadvantage. With tighter games commonplace in the NHL, the margins are much smaller on the puck line.
Example:
On Wednesday 9th October 2019, Dallas Stars face the Washington Capitals and Sports Interaction have priced up the puck line:
Dallas Stars +1.5
Washington Capitals -1.5
The bookmakers are expecting a relatively close game between the pair. The smaller the points spread, the tighter the contest is likely to be.
The Capitals would be required to win by two clear points in order to pay-out on the points spread. If they won 3-1, you can subtract -1.5 from their total score (3) and they would still be leading (1.5-1). This would be chalked up as a victory on the points spread market.
The Stars would need to stay within a point of the Capitals in order to be successful on the points spread. 2-1 (+1.5) = 2-2.5.
Example:
On Wednesday 9th October 2019, Dallas Stars face the Washington Capitals and Sports Interaction have priced up the puck line:
Dallas Stars +1.5
Washington Capitals -1.5
The bookmakers are expecting a relatively close game between the pair. The smaller the points spread, the tighter the contest is likely to be.
The Capitals would be required to win by two clear points in order to pay-out on the points spread. If they won 3-1, you can subtract -1.5 from their total score (3) and they would still be leading (1.5-1). This would be chalked up as a victory on the points spread market.
The Stars would need to stay within a point of the Capitals in order to be successful on the points spread. 2-1 (+1.5) = 2-2.5.
Run Line
The Run line are almost exactly the same as puck line and points spread markets and are most commonly used in Baseball wagering. Every MLB match will have a run line market priced up by the bookmaker days in advance. This will most commonly be set at +1.5 and -1.5. This enables Canadians to place a bet on the favourites to win by at least two runs, whilst dictating that the underdog must stay within one run of the fancied team.
Example:
Houston at Tampa (9th Oct 2019)
Houston: J Verlander – 1.5 Points Spread @ 1.72
Tampa: D Castillo +1.5 Points Spread @ 2.16
Example:
Houston at Tampa (9th Oct 2019)
Houston: J Verlander – 1.5 Points Spread @ 1.72
Tampa: D Castillo +1.5 Points Spread @ 2.16
What is a PK or Pick’em?
Occasionally there will be two teams that are extremely well-matched and there is no discernible difference between the pair. This is described as a ‘Pick’em’ and means that there is no favourite or underdog for the match. If you back either side in this situation – they must win the game in order for you to receive a pay-out.
What if it’s a Tie?
Ties are fairly common in sport and the bookmakers will simply ‘push’ the points spread market in the event of this occurrence. If the two teams cannot be separated then you get your money back. If you wagered $10 on -2.5 and the match ended 4-4, then your account would be re-credited with the $10 outlay once the game has concluded.
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