Betting + Vs. - What Do They Mean? - Comparison Guide

Introduction to American Odds

Understanding the language of odds is crucial in sports betting. American odds, characterized by "+" and "-" symbols, clearly indicate potential payouts and the favorites vs. underdogs in any contest.

These odds are central to the betting strategies employed by bettors across sports ranging from football to basketball and beyond.

The Basics of "+" and "-" Odds

Understanding the odds:

"+" (Plus) Odds: Signify the underdog in a matchup. The figure following the "+" indicates the profit on a $100 bet. For instance, odds of +300 mean a $100 bet yields $300 in profit if successful.
"-" (Minus) Odds: Indicate the favorite. The figure after the "-" represents the amount needed to bet to win $100 in profit. For example, -300 odds require a $300 bet to win $100 in profit.

These symbols not only communicate the expected profitability of bets but also provide insights into the perceived likelihood of each outcome.

Calculating Payouts with American Odds

To fully grasp how payouts are determined, consider these formulas:

Plus Odds Payout: Payout = (Bet Amount×Odds)/100+Bet Amount
Minus Odds Payout: Payout = Bet Amount/(Odds/100)+Bet Amount

Real-World Examples from Professional Sports

Jumping into professional sports, let's examine how these odds translate into real betting scenarios.

Example 1: NFL Betting

Imagine betting on an NFL game between the New England Patriots and the Miami Dolphins, where the Patriots are favored, with odds at -150, while the Dolphins are at +130. A bettor believing in the Dolphins' upset potential might place a $100 bet on them.

If the Dolphins win, the payout is $230 ($130 profit plus the initial $100 bet). Conversely, betting on the Patriots requires a $150 wager to win $100 in profit, highlighting the risk-reward dynamic in betting on favorites versus underdogs.

Example 2: NBA Betting

In an NBA match between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Denver Nuggets, the Lakers are underdogs at +160, and the Nuggets are favorites at -180. If they win, a $100 bet on the Lakers would return $260 ($160 profit plus the original $100). To win $100 on the Nuggets, a bettor would need to risk $180. These odds reflect the bookmakers' assessments of the teams' chances and guide bettors in their decision-making.

Where to Find American Odds

Most Popular Sportsbook in U.S.

FanDuel Sportsbook

FanDuel Bet $5 Get $150

Get bonus here

21, Terms and Conditions Apply

Availability across most of US legal states
Competitive odds & diverse markets
Attentive customer service
Extensive list of Same Game Parlay's

Some users have reported slow app loading speeds
Geo locate sometimes unreliable
Wagering requirements on bonus offers can be difficult for new users

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Great Choice for NFL & NBA

DraftKings Sportsbook

DraftKings Bet $5 Get $200

Get bonus here

21, Terms and Conditions Apply

Widely available across 28 states and in Ontario.
Responsible gambling tools enabling users to set their own limits.
Wagering requirements on bonuses and promos are realistic.
Bonus program is diverse and changes rapidly.

Speaking to a real person in customer support chat take a long time.
DraftKings limits the maximum bet amount on odds boost promos.

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Popular Rewards Program

BetMGM Sportsbook

BetMGM First Bet Offer $10 Get $150 in Bonus Bets

Get bonus here

21, Terms and Conditions Apply

Available in 21 states, D.C. and Ontario, Canada
Highly competitive odds
Major partnerships with teams/leagues leading to exclusive promotions for users
RG tools can be set by the user including deposit/time limits

Wagering requirements on bonuses can be difficult for new users
BetMGM Rewards requires excessive betting to advance the tiers

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Excellent Sports Coverage

ESPN Bet Sportsbook

ESPN BET Make Any Bet Get $100

Get bonus here

21, Terms and Conditions Apply

Extensive reach across the United States.
Unmatched fan engagement thanks to ESPN media and sports coverage.
Many responsible gambling tools enabling users to set limits.

Odds are often times less competitive than other U.S. Sportsbooks.
Wagering requirements on sports bets can be difficult especially for new bettors.
Customer support takes a long time during the evening hours (ET).

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Popular Rewards Program

Caesars Sportsbook

Caesars Bet $1 Double Your Winnings Your Next 10 Wagers Up to $25 Max Bet. Code:

CZRDYW

21, Terms and Conditions Apply

Very popular rewards program.
Many responsible gambling tools enabling players to set limits.
Wagering requirements on sports bonuses are straightforward.

Odds sometimes fall short from other sportsbooks.
Limited live streaming options.

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Responsible Betting Strategies and Tips

While understanding odds is foundational, successful betting also relies on strategies and best practices.

Research: Knowledge of team performance, player injuries, and other factors is crucial.
Value Betting: Identify mismatches between odds and perceived real chances of outcomes.
Bankroll Management: Allocate only a portion of your funds to betting to mitigate the risk of significant losses.
Diversification: Spread your bets across different games or types of bets to reduce risk.
Set Limits: Establish clear boundaries for how much time and money you can afford to spend on betting.
Avoid Chasing Losses: Accept losses as part of the game and resist the temptation to bet more to recover them.
Take Breaks: Regularly stepping away from betting can prevent it from becoming a harmful habit.
Seek Help if Needed: Resources like Gamblers Anonymous offer support for those who struggle with gambling.

Betting + or - FAQs

Understanding American Odds

What do "+" and "-" signs mean in betting odds?

"+" signifies the underdog, indicating how much you would win with a $100 bet. "-" denotes the favorite, showing the amount you need to bet to win $100.

How are payouts calculated using American odds?

For plus odds, the formula is (Bet Amount×Odds)/100 + Bet Amount. For minus odds, it's Bet Amount/(Odds/100) + Bet Amount. This calculates your total payout, including your original bet.

Placing Bets

How do I choose the best sportsbook for placing bets?

Consider factors like the variety of betting options, odds competitiveness, user interface, customer service, and reviews. Responsible Gambling's Sportsbook Reviews can be a helpful resource.

Can I bet on multiple games at once?

Yes, most sportsbooks offer the option to place parlay bets, allowing you to bet on multiple games or outcomes within a single bet for potentially higher payouts.

Responsible Betting

How much of my bankroll should I bet at one time?

It's wise to bet only a small percentage of your total bankroll on any single game—typically between 1% and 5%. This helps manage risk and ensures you can weather losses without a significant impact on your finances.

What should I do if betting stops being fun and starts feeling like a compulsion?

Take a break from betting and consider reaching out for support. Organizations like Gamblers Anonymous offer resources and community support for those facing gambling challenges.

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Sol Fayerman-Hansen is Editor-in-Chief at RG.org with 20+ years of experience in sports journalism, gambling regulation, and tech. His work has appeared in Forbes, ESPN, and NFL.com, covering U.S. and Canadian gambling laws, major sports events, and wagering trends. Since 2023, Sol has led RG.org’s global editorial efforts, focusing on transparency, data accuracy, and regulatory insight. He works closely with researchers and legal experts to uphold E-E-A-T and Trust Project standards.📍 Israel/Canada 🌐 English, Hebrew 🎯 Gambling law, responsible gaming, tech in betting

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