American odds are everywhere in US sports betting. Whether you are looking at the moneyline for an NFL game, an NBA prop, or a futures market, you will see numbers like +200, -150, or +300. These figures are not random. They tell you how much you can win, how much risk you are taking, and which side the sportsbook thinks is more likely to win.
If you understand how American odds work, you make better betting decisions and avoid common mistakes that cost beginners money.
What are American odds?
American odds, also called moneyline odds, show how much profit you can make on a $100 bet or how much you need to stake to win $100. The plus or minus sign is the first thing to notice, because it tells you whether a team or player is the favorite or the underdog.
Positive odds, such as +200 or +300, usually belong to underdogs. They show how much profit you would earn on a $100 bet. Negative odds, such as -150, belong to favorites. They show how much you must bet to win $100 in profit.
This format is popular in the US because it connects odds directly to real dollar amounts, making it easier to visualize risk and reward.
What does +200 mean in sports betting?
When you see +200, it means you would win $200 in profit on a $100 bet if your selection wins. Your total return would be $300, which includes your original stake plus the profit.
For example, if a baseball underdog is listed at +200 and you bet $50, you would win $100 in profit. If you bet $200, you would win $400. The math always scales up or down from the $100 reference point.
Odds like +200 suggest the sportsbook believes the outcome is less likely to happen. That does not mean it is a bad bet. It simply means the risk is higher, so the payout is bigger if you are right.
What does -150 mean in sports betting?
Negative odds work the opposite way. When you see -150, it means you need to bet $150 to win $100 in profit. If you only bet $100, your profit would be about $66.67 if the bet wins.
For example, if an NBA favorite is priced at -150 and you stake $150, you will receive $250 back in total. That includes your $150 stake and $100 in profit. If the bet loses, you lose your stake just like with any other bet.
Odds like -150 indicate a favorite. The sportsbook believes this outcome is more likely, so the reward is smaller compared to the risk you are taking.
What does +300 mean in sports betting?
Odds of +300 represent a bigger underdog and a bigger potential payout. A $100 bet at +300 returns $300 in profit, for a total payout of $400.
You often see +300 or higher odds in futures markets, long-shot player props, or games with a clear mismatch on paper. These bets can be tempting because of the high return, but they also lose more often.
Smart bettors do not chase +300 odds just for the payout. They look for situations where the odds are higher than the true chance of winning, which is known as finding value.
How American odds reflect probability
American odds also hint at the implied probability of an outcome. Lower odds, especially negative ones, mean the sportsbook believes the outcome is more likely. Higher positive odds suggest a lower chance of winning.
For example, -150 implies a higher probability than +200. +300 implies a much lower probability than both. Understanding this helps you judge whether the odds are fair or overpriced.
While you do not need to calculate exact percentages every time, knowing that odds reflect probability helps you think like a bettor instead of a fan.
Comparing +200, -150, and +300 side by side
Looking at these odds together makes the differences clearer. A -150 favorite offers a smaller profit but wins more often. A +200 underdog pays double your stake in profit but comes with more risk. A +300 underdog offers a big payout but needs to win far less often to be worth considering.
Choosing between them is not about which number looks best. It is about whether the odds match your analysis of the game and fit your bankroll strategy.
Why American odds matter for US bettors
American odds are built around the $100 benchmark, which fits naturally with how most US bettors think about money. You can quickly see what you stand to win or how much you must risk without converting formats in your head.
Once you understand +200, -150, and +300, you can read any US sportsbook line with confidence. The numbers stop being confusing and start becoming tools you can use to spot better bets.
