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Betting Lines Explained

Odds have become an inseparable part of the betting process. The better you understand those, the better chances of using them properly you have.
Jonathan Lamb
Author: 
Jonathan Lamb
5 mins
October 27th, 2023
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Before you join the world of esport, make sure you know everything about odds. Importantly, you should learn how to read them accurately.

Bet on Sports That You Know Well

Are you new to sports betting? Then, you should start your adventure by choosing the kind of sport you are actually interested in. By doing this, you’ll have a higher chance of making accurate betting decisions as opposed to betting on sports that you are not sure about. Better choices end up with better profits.

Betting shouldn’t be hectic. Betting on several kinds of sports simultaneously doesn’t make any sense. When registering in an online sportsbook, you will see all of the potential betting options that can make you want to place a lot of bets. However, you should think rationally. Make sure you’ve got a good grip on sports you bet on.

How to Read the Odds

Sports odds are important for efficient betting. They do matter for betting in land-based and online casinos. Online sportsbooks are always heavily affected by what’s coming out in the news. Understanding sports odds is crucial for beginners as they need to grasp the concept of betting.

As a new bettor, it might be hard for you to face the new interface and the various options available to them. Once you get used to them, you will find it easier to do research and make predictions.

Make sure to find a sportsbook that has a lot to offer. Ideally, there is a wide range of guides for educational purposes. They can help you master the art of betting in no time.

Covering Different Types of Odds

Depending on the sportsbook you decide to join, the odds will be presented in three major formats – decimal, American, or fractional. Luckily, you will be able to choose the format you are comfortable with.

Decimal Odds

This is probably the easiest type of odd to estimate your potential payout. You need to multiply your risk against the decimal number. That determines how much your return will be in the case of winning. If you risk $10 on an event that provides 1.50 odds, you will get $15 back. That $15 involves your initial $10 stake and $5 in winnings. No need to mention that high payouts require high bets.

American Odds

This is the so-called moneyline odd. It puts every bet close to $10. If an outcome ends up with a negative number (e.g. -150), you have to bet a certain amount of money to win $10 back. If the number is positive, you will get $15 back. The money will be transferred to your personal account in no time. Betting $100 through the odds of +250 gives a great winning potential of $25.

Fraction Odds

This doesn’t function as actual fractions. In fact, it is served as ratio. A team that is mentioned at 1/2 odds doesn’t demonstrate a 50% chance in winning. It is actually a 66% chance. The best way to check out fractional odds is to mention the actual amount you wager. Don’t forget about the number on the left that indicates the stake that will bring a payout for winnings. The 1/2 odds can bring you $1 extra if you put $2 at stake. This means that you will have $3 by the end of the day. The 7/2 odds can bring your $2.5 extra if you put $1 at stake. The final payout is going to be $3.5.

The favorite is always the team that has a smaller number. The underdog is the team with longer odds that promise a greater payout. This is an important choice you should make.

“No Action” Game Required

Sportsbooks often let bettors start a game “no action” after the betting window is switched off. “No action” needs you to decide which bets take place and which bets get returned. This ruling is mainly reserved for games that are rained out. “No action” can also be used when a player or team leaves a sports event. However, all sportsbooks have different terms and conditions for various cases. Make sure to find out how you manage such betting cases before you actually place a bet.

Each specific game comes up with a range of bets. Whatever your choice is, it should be made through the prism of the available odds.

Sports Betting Odds Explained

Betting odds can be displayed in three different formats, which address the same kind of information. This can be confusing. Moreover, this often addresses the question, “How do betting lines work?” This is obviously the main thing about it all.

In order to be a successful sports bettor, you should put your money down as soon as the odds are standing to your advantage. You need to make bets based on the “positive expected value”, not the winning potential.

Sports betting refers to an understanding of odds, in whatever format they are served. Make sure to imply a certain probability of the outcome. This is the way for you to achieve the desired result in betting activities.

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Author

Jonathan Lamb
A die-hard sports fan hailing from New Jersey, Jonny discovered his love for sports writing in college and turned it into a full-blown career after grabbing his journalism degree. But Jonny's not just about putting pen to paper. He's big on sports betting, adding a whole new level of excitement to every game he covers. His insights are backed by his experience on the field and his bets at the bookies. He’s as much in the game as the players themselves. His dream? Packing his bags for Las Vegas and reporting on the grandest stage of all – the Super Bowl. But for now, he's here, knocking out compelling game reports, dropping insightful commentaries, and sharing his passion for sports with all of us. With Jonny, it's always game time.