Betting Odds Explained

Do you want to know more about betting odds? Live betting has over time become rife amongst online betting platforms. A lot of bettors are beginning to see the potentials the opportunity holds and are already cashing in on it. In the same vein, online betting websites are optimizing their platforms to feature live betting, given how much popularity it has gained over recent years. You can’t blame bettors for going crazy over live betting. An opportunity that gives punters the edge to bet on live games, while being armed with statistical analysis is just amazing. Going forward in this piece, we have collated a ranking of the best live betting sites and more crucial information about live betting.

Betting Odds: What is it?

You may want to ask; what are sports betting odds? You may have seen the word thrown around a couple of times when betting is being discussed. Betting odds are like the bedrock on which betting is laid on. Betting odds are decided by bookmakers to represent the probability of an event happening. This probability is represented differently with varying bookies across continents. The two common representations of odds among bookies are fractional and decimal. In essence, for any event that bookmakers are placing and accepting bets on, odds are decided as the probability quotient for that event happening.

Betting Odds

Odds on and odds against

Odds on and Odds against are two terms used in the betting world to describe the probability of an event happening. With odds on, it is entailing that the event is more likely to happen than otherwise. While when the term odds against is used, it means the probability of that event happening is very slim or almost impossible, so the gambling odds are stacked “against” it.

 ✔️ Pros of Betting Odds on

  • You are betting from a safer point of view
  • You are less likely to lose

Cons

  • Your winnings will most likely not be high

✔️ Pros of Betting Odds Against

  • You are more likely to win big if the outcome goes in your favour

Cons

  • You are least assured to win
  • You are more likely to lose your stake

What are the different odds formats?

As it was highlighted in the introduction, there are different odds formats. You’ll find different odds for each bookie. In the subsequent paragraphs, you will be looking at the variations.

♣️ Fractional Odds

Fractional odds are one of the popularly used variations of odds among bookies across the world. Fractional odds represent a ratio of the amount won to the stake. For instance, if you bet #100 on an Olympic event or probably a super bowl event, that’s 4/1 and you would win #400 if it plays out correctly.

♣️ Decimal odds

On the other hand, decimal odds are popularly termed as European odds but still more or less mean the same thing as fractional odds. In this case, the odds are represented in decimal format. If you place #100 on a Premier League or La Liga game that is placed at 2.5 odds, what this means is that your winnings would be #250 if that event comes through. Essentially, you are to multiply the stake by the odds in decimal, to arrive at the payout.

♣️ American Odds

As the name implies, this variation of odds is mostly applied by American bookies. In this case, the odds are represented in such a way that the favourites have a (-) sign attached while the underdogs have a (+) sign attached. The (+) sign indicates the amount that is won for every $100 staked while the (-) sign indicates the amount you need to stake to win $100. This type of odds is rarely found in Africa.

♣️ Percentage odds

This type of odds is decimal odds that are represented in percentage formats. For example, 2.5 odds would be represented as 250% when converting to percentages.

Betting odds calculator

The betting odds calculator is one tool that is featured in virtually every good betting platform you will find out there. The betting odds calculator helps you multiply the combo of odds picked in a bet slip by the stake. With the help of a betting odds calculator, it is easy for you to divide what the payout of a bet is likely to be without having to rack your brain.

Odds/Probability Calculator
Odds

How are betting odds calculated?

This concept is something that even long-term bettors have a hard time grasping but it is not as tedious. Before these odds are released by bookmakers, there is a lot of statistical analysis that takes place to determine the probability of outcomes. Bookies have to rely on data from previous events, forms, injuries, weather and even public opinion to decide which outcome is more or less likely to come through. When all of the aforementioned have been studied, then the odds will be pulled out in different formats for the bettors to try their luck.

Where to bet on odds?

The table below contains a list of the top-ranking websites equipped with a betting odds calculator where you can enjoy juicy betting deals.

  • Great Bonus
  • High Odds
  • Live Betting
Register
Nigeria

Verified on 29 Mar 2024

  • Live Betting
  • Mobile App
  • Bet Builder
Register
Nigeria

Verified on 29 Mar 2024

18+. Minimum deposit of ₦100. The deposit and the bonus amount must be wagered 10 times on Sports and/or Virtual Sports. Only bets placed with odds above 3.00 contribute to the Sports Betting First Deposit Bonus. Full T&Cs apply.
  • Bonus Offer
  • Great app
  • Sports markets
Register
Nigeria

Verified on 29 Mar 2024

18+. Min deposit: ₦4,000. Wagering requirement: 5x/30 days on bonus amount in accumulator bets + WinGames x 30/30 days. At least 3 events in an accumulator must have odds of 1.40 or higher. T&Cs Apply.
  • Great app
  • Sports markets
  • Welcome Bonus
Register
Nigeria

Verified on 29 Mar 2024

18+. Min deposit: 200% up to 20800 ₦, 250% for 20801 ₦ to 41600 ₦, 300% for 41601 ₦. Bonus valid 30 days. For 200% bonus: Half must be wagered 5x in acca bets (3+ selections, 1.40+ odds). Second half: 30x in 1xGames. For 250%+: Half must be wagered 10x in acca bets. T&Cs Apply.
  • Bonuses
  • Safe Betting
  • Mobile Betting
Register
Nigeria

Verified on 29 Mar 2024

18+. Offer effective for new customers who have registered from 1st February 2024. The minimum qualifying stake per day to earn a 10% free bet is ₦500. Customers are eligible to earn up to ₦44,000 in Free Bets daily, with a maximum of ₦22,000 from Sports and ₦22,000 from Virtuals. . Full T&Cs apply.
  • Top Odds
  • Great app
  • Live Stream
Register
Nigeria

Verified on 29 Mar 2024

18+ bet on 1×2 results in NaiJackpots to win up to ₦850M, with consolation prizes. Pepper Don Rest Jackpot: ₦25 minimum bet, ₦500,000 prize. Do-Ri-Me Jackpot: ₦50 minimum bet, ₦75M prize. 17 Gbosa Jackpot: ₦100 minimum bet, ₦850M prize. T&Cs apply.
  • Mobile App
  • Great Odds
  • Bet Live
Register
Nigeria

Verified on 29 Mar 2024

18+. Max bonus amount 10,000₦, 10 times roll over, 5 sporting events and above. 7.5 total odds selection or more to activate. Full T&Cs apply.
  • Easy Sign-Up
  • Unique Bonus
  • Betting Markets
Register
Nigeria

Verified on 29 Mar 2024

18+. Extra bonus on winnings based on selections. Min odds 1.25. Final percentage calculated on settled bets. Bonus awarded as cash upon settlement. T&Cs apply.
  • Great odds
  • Help Chat
  • Good app
Register
Nigeria

Verified on 29 Mar 2024

Up to $30 in Bet Credits Min deposit requirement. Bet Credits are available for use upon settlement of bets to value of qualifying deposit. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Time limits and T&Cs apply. Registration required.
  • Bet Live
  • Payout Speed
  • Support 24/7
Register
Nigeria

Verified on 29 Mar 2024

18+. Max bonus ₦100,000. Min deposit ₦100. Wager bonus 10x. Min odds 1.85. Second and third deposit codes sent within a week. Activate 100% code in 7 days, 150% in 14 days. Max bonus for 2nd deposit ₦30,000, 3rd deposit ₦10,000. T&Cs apply.

Frequently asked questions about odds betting

Fractional odds are a variation of odds where the odds are represented in fractions. The fraction represents the ratio of the amount won to stake.

Betting odds to a large extent are very accurate. The odds are appropriately calculated by bookies in such a way that their interests are secured.

Yes, the odds can change after betting. A lot of factors influence the change of odds before the event. These factors could be an injury, weather, to mention but a few. Sometimes, you could still be trying to accumulate odds and a betting odds calculator could reflect a change too. Then, you experience dropping odds.

Sometimes you will discover that there are minor differences in odds between two platforms. This is specific to their methods of calculating their odds.

You don’t necessarily lose money on minus odds. The money is the amount you have to lay down to win the amount specified on the odds. You end up losing money when the prediction doesn’t go in your favour.

Conclusion on the Betting Odds

Betting odds are probably the most important elements in betting. They determine what your winnings and payout would be. Betting odds can generally be distinct with different sites. However, the figures are often similar.

With some sites, the betting odds are represented in fractional formats, others represent in decimals while there are a few that represent in percentages. With the help of a betting odds calculator, players get to make their work easier by multiplying their bets by their stakes with no stress. This betting odds calculator is a staple amongst a bunch of live betting sites.

Considering all that has been discussed so far, the concept of betting odds, how it works, the various types and many related terminologies should be properly understood at this point.

Lastly, one can’t overemphasize the essence of responsible gaming. While you want to enjoy the perks that come from betting, you must remind yourself actively of responsible gambling rules. Always do due diligence to check the terms and conditions about the different offers on a site, and about the site also.

The more information you have about the platform and the offers, the more likely you are to make a more informed decision whether to bet or not. In the long run, the outcomes of the bets will be on you and you want to make sure it ends up being in your favour.