How to Interpret Betting Odds

Looking to take your first bet but not sure what to make of the sea of numbers presented to you? Yes, it can be intimidating taking your first bet, but it really doesn’t need to be. Here we’ll take you through everything you need to know when it comes to interpreting betting odds.

Getting Started with Betting Odds

Before we get into interpreting betting odds there are a few fundamentals that you’ll need to understand. For example, there are a couple of different formats in which odds can be presented. While they may all look different, they’re all presenting the same thing: what you stand to win when placing a bet. We’ll discuss the two most popular formats in South Africa (fractional and decimal) while also touching on American/Moneyline odds.

Fractional Odds

Fractional odds are commonly used throughout South Africa and across the UK. Here in South Africa, they’re written with a slash (/) while they’re usually represented in the UK with a hyphen (-). If you see odds of 4/1 (four-to-one), this means that you will win R4 for every R1 you bet while also getting your original stake back if the bet is a winner. Conversely, if the odds are 1/5 you’ll win R1 for every R5 that you wager. Remember that the numerator (number on the left) will always represent the potential profit with the denominator (number on the right) indicative of the staked amount.

Decimal Odds

Decimal odds are the the easiest to understand. They’re simply a representation of the likelihood of a specific outcome. To calculate your potential winnings using decimal odds you need to multiply your stake by the odds. If your bet wins, you’ll get your originally wagered amount back. For example, placing a R100 bet on a market at odds of 5.5 will result in a payout of R550 plus your initial stake.

American/Moneyline Odds

You’ll never really encounter American or Moneyline odds when betting in South Africa. Still, it’s good to know how they work as they often make appearances throughout pop culture. They appear as -150 or +200. If you see a positive number (+150, +200 etc.), this shows the profit that can be made with a R100 bet. So, a bet of R100 at odds of +150 will mean a return of R150 along with your original stake. If the odds are represented as a negative (-200, -450 etc.), this shows how much you must wager to win R100. Therefore, if the odds are –450, you’ll need to bet R450 to win R100 along with your original stake.