how to read American odds
American odds: This quick guide breaks down how to read American odds, what the symbols stand for, and how to calculate your potential winnings, whether you’re betting on the NFL, NBA, or March Madness.
American odds are the most common way to show betting lines in the United States. Whether you’re new to sports betting or switching from decimal or fractional odds, it’s important to understand how American odds work — especially the plus (+) and minus (–) signs.
American odds are a way of expressing how much money you can win based on a $100 bet or how much you need to stake to win $100. They always come with a plus or minus symbol in front of the number.
Also read: What is a risk-free bet and is it really free?
The plus sign (+) indicates an underdog. It shows how much profit you’d make if you bet $100. For example:
The minus sign (–) means the team or outcome is the favourite. It shows how much you need to bet to win $100 profit. For example:
Here’s a quick guide:
Winnings = (Bet Amount) × (Odds ÷ 100)
Example: A $50 bet at +180 → $50 × 1.8 = $90 profit
Winnings = (Bet Amount) ÷ (Odds ÷ 100)
Example: A $200 bet at –200 → $200 ÷ 2 = $100 profit
Also Read: What taxes do I owe on sports betting winnings in the US?
The plus and minus signs make it easy to see who is expected to win. The favourite always has a minus (–), meaning you have to risk more to win less. The underdog has a plus (+), offering a higher payout for a smaller stake.
American odds are the standard format in the US and are used by most sportsbooks for major leagues like the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, and college sports.
Understanding American odds is key to making smarter betting decisions. Just remember: a plus (+) means potential high reward with more risk, and a minus (–) means a safer bet with a smaller return. Now that you know how to read American odds, you’ll be ready to bet confidently — whether you’re backing a long shot or playing it safe with the favourite.
What does +120 mean in betting?
It means you will win $120 profit on a $100 bet.
What does –120 mean in betting?
You need to bet $120 to win $100 profit.
Are American odds better than decimal odds?
It depends on what you’re used to. American odds are popular in the US, while decimal odds are common in Europe.
Can I convert American odds to decimal?
Yes. For positive odds: (Odds ÷ 100) + 1
. For negative odds: (100 ÷ Odds) + 1
.
Is a minus favourite always safer?
Not always. Favourites win more often, but returns are lower. Upsets still happen.
Sports betting is booming across the United States, but keeping control is key. This guide…
Live NBA betting demands speed, discipline, and simple rules you can follow under pressure. Start…
For most new US bettors, football (NFL), basketball (NBA), and baseball (MLB) offer the clearest…
If you’re new to sports betting in the US, DraftKings and FanDuel are the two…
Getting the best odds is key if you want to make more money from sports…
Juice or vig is a standard part of sports betting, and once you understand how…