How to Read Each Odds Format
American odds center on $100: minus numbers (-110) show how much you risk to win $100; plus numbers (+150) show what a $100 stake wins. They dominate US sportsbooks.
Decimal odds show your total return per $1 staked, including the stake. A $10 bet at 1.91 returns $19.10. They are the default across Europe, Canada, and Australia — and the easiest format for quick math.
Fractional odds (10/11, 5/2) show profit relative to stake and remain standard in UK horse racing. A 5/2 winner pays $5 profit per $2 staked.
Why Implied Probability Matters
Every odds price is a probability statement. Odds of -110 imply a 52.4% chance — so if you believe the true probability is higher, the bet has positive expected value. Comparing your own probability estimate against the implied number is the foundation of every profitable betting strategy.