What do the "+" and "-" mean in sports betting?
Understanding \'+\' and \'-\' in sports betting and how arbitrage betting ensures risk-free profits.
What do the "+" and "-" mean in sports betting?
In sports betting, the '+' and '-' symbols indicate the underdog and favorite respectively, showing how much you can win or need to stake.
The '+' sign shows how much profit you make on a $100 bet for the underdog, while the '-' sign shows how much you need to bet to win $100 on the favorite.
Understanding these signs is essential, but arbitrage betting removes the guesswork by guaranteeing profits regardless of the outcome.
Understanding Moneyline Odds
Moneyline odds use '+' and '-' to represent payouts relative to a $100 baseline. A '+' before a number means you earn that amount in profit on a $100 bet, signaling the underdog. A '-' means you must wager that amount to win $100, indicating the favorite.
- •‘+150’ means a $100 bet wins $150 profit
- •‘-200’ means you must bet $200 to win $100 profit
- •These odds reflect the perceived likelihood of each competitor winning
💡Example of Moneyline Odds
If a team is +180, betting $100 returns $180 profit plus your stake. If a team is -150, you must bet $150 to win $100 profit.
Profit = (Odds / 100) * Stake for positive odds; Stake = (100 / Odds) * Desired profit for negative odds
How to Calculate Payouts with '+' and '-'
Calculating payouts depends on whether odds are positive or negative. For positive odds, multiply your stake by the odds divided by 100. For negative odds, divide 100 by the absolute value of the odds, then multiply by your stake. These calculations can be complicated when betting on multiple outcomes, which is why tools like ArbitUp automate these processes.
- •Positive odds: Profit = (Odds / 100) x Stake
- •Negative odds: Profit = (100 / Absolute Odds) x Stake
- •Total payout includes your original stake plus profit
💡Calculation Example
For +250 odds and a $50 bet: Profit = (250/100)*50 = $125; Total payout = $175. For -300 odds and a $150 bet: Profit = (100/300)*150 = $50; Total payout = $200.
Positive: 50 * (250/100) = 125; Negative: 150 * (100/300) = 50
Common Challenges in Interpreting Odds
New bettors often misinterpret the '+' and '-' signs, leading to incorrect stake sizing or payout expectations. This can cause confusion about risk and reward balance. Arbitrage betting eliminates these challenges by using mathematical formulas to lock in profit, regardless of how odds are presented.
- •Mistaking underdog and favorite roles
- •Confusing payout with stake requirements
- •Misjudging risk due to odds format complexity
💡Misinterpretation Example
Some bettors assume '+150' means you only risk $150, but it actually means you risk $100 to win $150.
Arbitrage Betting as a Solution
Arbitrage betting uses the differences in '+' and '-' odds across bookmakers to guarantee profit by betting on all possible outcomes. This strategy eliminates the guesswork of who will win and the confusion over payouts. While manual arbitrage calculations can be complex, tools like ArbitUp simplify the process by automating stake allocation and profit calculation.
- •Exploits differing odds to secure risk-free profit
- •Removes uncertainty of betting outcomes
- •Automates complex calculations for efficient betting
💡Arbitrage Example
If one bookmaker lists Team A at -110 and another lists Team B at +120, placing calculated bets on both can lock in a profit regardless of the winner.
Stake amounts calculated to ensure total payout exceeds combined stakes
Tips for Bettors Navigating '+' and '-' Odds
To make the most of '+' and '-' odds, always understand what the numbers imply about risk and reward. Use calculators or software to verify payout potential before placing bets. Consider arbitrage betting to reduce risk and improve profitability by leveraging odds differences across platforms.
- •Double-check odds to confirm stake and potential profit
- •Use tools like ArbitUp for accurate bet sizing
- •Consider arbitrage to minimize losses and maximize returns
💡Using Tools Example
A bettor using ArbitUp can quickly input odds and receive optimal bet sizes, ensuring guaranteed profit without manual error.
Different Odds Formats and Their Relation to '+' and '-'
While '+' and '-' are specific to American moneyline odds, other formats like decimal and fractional odds also express potential payouts. Understanding how these formats convert can help bettors compare odds globally. Arbitrage betting benefits from recognizing these differences and exploiting discrepancies between formats offered by various bookmakers.
- •Decimal odds show total payout per unit stake
- •Fractional odds show profit relative to stake
- •American odds (‘+’ and ‘-’) focus on stake vs profit
💡Conversion Example
American +150 odds convert to decimal odds of 2.5 (1 + 150/100), indicating a $2.50 payout per $1 bet.
Decimal = 1 + (American Odds / 100) for positive odds
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ⚠️Confusing '+' odds as the amount to bet rather than the profit earned
- ⚠️Assuming '-' odds mean less risk without understanding stake size
- ⚠️Ignoring the difference between stake and total payout
- ⚠️Failing to calculate correct bet sizes when combining odds
- ⚠️Overlooking the benefits of arbitrage to eliminate risk
- ⚠️Not using calculators or tools leading to mathematical errors
- ⚠️Misinterpreting odds format leading to poor betting decisions
The Power of Arbitrage Betting
Arbitrage betting removes all guesswork by guaranteeing profit regardless of the event outcome through strategic betting on all possible outcomes.
- ✓Eliminates risk associated with uncertain outcomes
- ✓Utilizes discrepancies in '+' and '-' odds across bookmakers
- ✓Automates complex calculations, reducing human error
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IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER
This content is for entertainment and educational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Sports betting involves substantial risk. Only bet with money you can afford to lose. See our Terms of Service for complete legal disclaimers.