How to Read Betting Odds – A Complete Beginner's Guide | BookieBrawler

How to read American, decimal, and fractional betting odds. This beginner-friendly guide explains what odds mean and how to calculate payouts.

American Odds (Moneyline Odds)

American odds are the standard format used by U.S. sportsbooks. They're displayed with a plus (+) or minus (-) sign:

• <strong>Minus (-) odds</strong> = the favorite. The number shows how much you must bet to win $100. Example: -150 means bet $150 to win $100.
• <strong>Plus (+) odds</strong> = the underdog. The number shows how much you win on a $100 bet. Example: +200 means a $100 bet wins $200.

Decimal Odds

Popular in Europe and Australia, decimal odds represent the total payout (including your stake) per $1 wagered. Multiply your stake by the decimal odds to get your total return.

• <strong>2.50 decimal odds:</strong> $10 bet × 2.50 = $25 total return ($15 profit)
• <strong>1.67 decimal odds:</strong> $10 bet × 1.67 = $16.70 total return ($6.70 profit)

Fractional Odds

Common in the UK for horse racing, fractional odds show profit relative to stake. 5/1 means you win $5 for every $1 wagered (plus your stake back). 1/2 means you win $1 for every $2 wagered.