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

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.

Sol Fayerman-Hansen

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<p>With 20+ years of writing experience across sports, gambling, regulation, technology, and startups, Sol brings a broad understanding to his role as Editor-in-Chief at RG. His work provides clear, factual information to help readers make informed decisions about gambling. Sol’s approach is about transparency and research, so the content at RG is straightforward, evidence-based, and accessible.</p><p>At RG, Sol keeps the focus on the reader by maintaining a standard of reliability and integrity in the information shared. Under his editorial direction, RG aims to provide practical insights into sports and sports entertainment that support a balanced and informed approach. Sol’s approach has helped RG become a go-to source for readers looking to engage responsibly and thoughtfully in the industry.</p>

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Sol Fayerman-Hansen

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With 20+ years of writing experience across sports, gambling, regulation, technology, and startups, Sol brings a broad understanding to his role as Editor-in-Chief at RG. His work provides clear, factual information to help readers make informed decisions about gambling. Sol’s approach is about transparency and research, so the content at RG is straightforward, evidence-based, and accessible.

At RG, Sol keeps the focus on the reader by maintaining a standard of reliability and integrity in the information shared. Under his editorial direction, RG aims to provide practical insights into sports and sports entertainment that support a balanced and informed approach. Sol’s approach has helped RG become a go-to source for readers looking to engage responsibly and thoughtfully in the industry.

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