What are odds in soccer betting and how to read them

What are odds in soccer betting and how to read them

August 05, 2024

What Are Odds in Football Betting?

Odds are the language of the sports betting world, and in football, they translate the probability of a specific outcome happening. They determine how much money you can win relative to the amount of your bet.

Decimal Odds: Brazil's Choice

In Brazil, the most common format is decimal odds. These odds are presented as a simple number, like 2.50 or 1.85. They include your original bet amount, making it easy to calculate your potential return.

Example:

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  • Odds: 2.00
  • Bet: R$100
  • Potential Return: R$200 (R$100 x 2.00)
  • Profit: R$100 (R$200 - R$100)

How to Read Decimal Odds

Reading decimal odds is quite intuitive:

  1. The Higher the Odds: The less likely the outcome is to happen, but the greater the potential profit.
  2. The Lower the Odds: The more likely the outcome, but the smaller the potential profit.

Calculating Potential Return

To calculate how much you can win, simply multiply your bet by the decimal odds. If you bet R$50 on odds of 3.00, your potential return is R$150 (R$50 x 3.00).

Implicit Probability in Decimal Odds

The odds also reveal the implied probability of an event, according to the bookmaker:

  • Formula: Probability (%) = (1 / Decimal Odds) x 100
  • Example: Odds 2.50 = (1 / 2.50) x 100 = 40% probability

Comparing Odds Between Different Bookmakers

It's essential to compare odds at different bookmakers to find the best value. A small difference in odds can mean much larger winnings in the long run.

Types of Football Bets and Their Odds

1x2 (Match Result)

The most common bet, where you choose:

  • 1: Home team win
  • x: Draw
  • 2: Away team win

Asian Handicap

In this type of bet, a team receives a goal advantage or disadvantage before the match starts.

Total Goals (Over/Under)

You bet on whether the total number of goals in the match will be over or under a number set by the bookmaker.

Both Teams to Score (BTTS)

You bet on whether both teams will score at least one goal during the match.

Other Options

There are many other options, like betting on the exact score, the first scorer, the number of corners, etc.

Strategies for Betting with Decimal Odds

  • Bankroll Management: Set a budget for your bets and never bet more than you can afford to lose.
  • Research: Analyze statistics, news, and information about the teams to make more informed decisions.
  • Take Advantage of Bonuses and Promotions: Many bookmakers offer bonuses to new customers, which can increase your potential profit.

Decimal Odds and the Future of Football Betting in Brazil

With the growing popularity of sports betting in Brazil, understanding decimal odds is becoming increasingly important. By mastering this knowledge, you will be better prepared to analyze probabilities, make strategic decisions, and increase your chances of success in football betting.

FAQ

Decimal odds are a format for expressing the probability of an outcome and the potential payout of a bet. In Brazil, they are the most common type of odds used.

Multiply your stake (the amount you bet) by the decimal odds. For example, if you bet $10 on odds of 2.50, your potential return is $25.

High odds indicate a less likely outcome, but with a higher potential payout if you win. Low odds suggest a more probable outcome, but with a smaller payout.

Even slight differences in odds can significantly impact your long-term winnings.  By comparing, you can find the best value for your bets.

Popular bets include 1x2 (match result), Asian handicap, total goals (over/under), both teams to score (BTTS), and many others.

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