There are different ways in which odds can be displayed for sports betting markets. The three primary display types include America Odds, Decimal Odds and Fractional Odds.
American odds are expressed as whole numbers with a minus (-) or plus (+) sign placed in front of the odds. If the figure displayed is positive, the odds are quoting how much money will be won on a $100 wager. If the figure displayed is negative, the moneyline odds are stating how much money must be wagered to win $100.
- American Odds Example: if a bettor places a wager at -180, they must bet $180 to win $100. A bet at +300 signifies $300 is won for every $100 in wagers. As mentioned in the Moneyline section, this is only a way of expressing the odds and does not mean that $100 is the minimum bet requirement (the minimum straight wager amount $1).
Decimal odds are another display type, most commonly used in Europe. The decimal figure stated is used to calculate the total return, inclusive of the stake.
- Decimal Odds Example: When the decimal price is 3.75 then the total return will be $37.50 for a bet of $10. To calculate the exact payout for a certain bet amount, simply multiply the stake wagered by the decimal odds displayed.
Fractional odds are another display type which quote the net total to be paid out relative to the amount wagered. This display type is most commonly utilized by bookmakers in the United Kingdom and Ireland, although even they have begun to migrate towards leveraging decimal odds. Fractional odds are also utilized in horse racing markets.
- Fractional Odds Example: If the displayed fractional odds read 4/1 or 4:1 ("four-to-one"), the bettor stands to make a $40 profit on a $10 wager. Should the odds read 1/4 (read "one-to-four" or "four-to-one on"), the bettor stands to make $2.50 off that same $10 wager amount. Should the bettor win, they always receive the original stake back. In the case of the $10 4/1 wager, the bettor receives a total of $50 in return ($40 plus the original $10).