what do + and ౼ mean in betting

What do + and ⎯ mean in betting?

The plus (+) and minus (-) symbols in sports betting represent American odds and indicate the potential payout and whether a wager is a favorite or an underdog.

Understanding American Odds

American odds, also known as moneyline odds, are the most common format used by sportsbooks in the United States. They are represented by a plus (+) or minus (-) sign followed by a number. These odds tell you two crucial things⁚

The potential payout⁚ This is the amount of profit you stand to make for every $100 wagered. For example, odds of +150 mean you would win $150 if you bet $100 and your bet wins.
The favorite and the underdog⁚ A minus (-) sign indicates the favorite, the team or outcome expected to win. A plus (+) sign represents the underdog, the team or outcome considered less likely to win.

For example, in a game between the New England Patriots and the New York Jets⁚

If the Patriots are listed at -200٫ they are the favorites. You would need to bet $200 to win $100.
If the Jets are listed at +170٫ they are the underdogs. You would win $170 if you bet $100 and they win.

Understanding American odds is essential for placing informed bets and calculating potential profits. Once you grasp this format, you can confidently navigate the world of sports betting in the United States.

Plus (+) Odds Explained

In American odds, a plus sign (+) before a number signifies the underdog in a sporting event. This means the bookmaker believes this outcome is less likely to occur compared to the alternative. While it may seem counterintuitive to bet on the less-likely outcome, plus (+) odds offer the potential for higher payouts.

Here’s how plus (+) odds work⁚

Representing Potential Profit⁚ The number following the plus sign indicates how much profit you would earn for every $100 wagered. For instance٫ odds of +200 mean a successful $100 bet would yield a $200 profit٫ plus your original $100 stake back.
Higher Payouts, Higher Risk⁚ The higher the number with the plus (+) sign, the greater the perceived underdog status, and consequently, the higher the potential payout. However, this also means the outcome is considered less likely to happen.

For example, imagine the Boston Celtics are playing the Los Angeles Lakers⁚

If the Celtics are listed at +150٫ they are the underdogs. A $100 bet on them would return $250 ($150 profit + $100 stake) if they win.

Remember, plus (+) odds offer a chance for significant returns, but always weigh the potential payout against the perceived likelihood of the underdog pulling off an upset.

Minus (-) Odds Explained

When you see a minus (-) sign preceding a number in American odds, it signifies the favorite for that particular betting market. The minus (-) indicates the amount you need to wager to win a $100 profit. Essentially, it represents the amount you’re risking for a potential $100 return.

Here’s a breakdown of minus (-) odds⁚

Indicating the Favorite⁚ The minus (-) sign highlights the team, athlete, or outcome the bookmakers believe is more likely to occur. It doesn’t necessarily mean they will win, but the odds suggest a higher probability compared to the underdog;
Understanding the Risk vs. Reward⁚ The larger the number following the minus (-) sign, the greater the favorite they are perceived to be. However, this also translates to a smaller potential payout compared to underdogs.

Let’s illustrate with an example. Suppose the Kansas City Chiefs are playing the Denver Broncos⁚

If the Chiefs have odds of -200, they are the favorites. To win $100, you would need to wager $200. If they win, you receive your initial $200 back plus the $100 profit.

Keep in mind, while betting on the favorite with minus (-) odds might seem like the safer option, it often requires a larger investment to yield significant returns. Evaluate the perceived risk and potential reward before placing your wager.

Calculating Potential Payouts

Knowing how to calculate potential payouts is essential for any bettor using American odds. The formulas are straightforward and help you determine how much you stand to win based on your wager amount.

For Plus (+) Odds (Underdogs)⁚

To calculate potential profit, use this formula⁚

(Stake x Odds) / 100 = Profit

For example, let’s say you bet $100 on a team with odds of +150⁚

($100 x 150) / 100 = $150

This means you would win a profit of $150٫ plus your original $100 stake back٫ for a total payout of $250.

For Minus (-) Odds (Favorites)⁚

To calculate potential profit, use this formula⁚

(100 x Stake) / Odds = Profit

For example, imagine you bet $100 on a team with odds of -200⁚

(100 x $100) / 200 = $50

This means you would win a profit of $50, plus your original $100 stake back, for a total payout of $150.

Remember that these calculations only show potential profits. The actual outcome of the bet determines whether you win or lose your stake.