Decimal Odds Explained: How to Calculate, Read & Win

What Are Decimal Odds and How Do They Work?

When betting on sports, understanding decimal odds is crucial. This format is popular worldwide — especially in Europe — thanks to its simplicity. In this guide, you’ll learn exactly what decimal odds mean, how to calculate your potential payout, and why betting odds change before the event begins.

Decimal odds (also known as European odds) represent the likelihood of an event happening. Unlike fractional odds, decimal odds include your original stake, making them straightforward to understand.

Decimal odds are typically written as simple numbers with two decimal places, such as 2.50, 1.75, or 3.00, and may also appear without the leading zero (e.g., .75) or with more decimal precision (e.g., 2.375) depending on the sportsbook. It’s worth mentioning that a leading zero is very rare. A value below 1.00 means the bet will return less than the amount staked — this can happen when you bet on a heavy favorite with extremely low odds.

Decimal (European) odds show the total return for each unit staked (e.g., odd 2.50 means $2.50 return for every $1 bet) and, unlike American odds (+150 or -200), they are more intuitive for quickly calculating potential winnings.

For example, decimal odds of 2.50 imply a probability of 40% because:

Probability (%) = (1 ÷ Decimal Odds) × 100
(1 ÷ 2.50 = 0.40 or 40%)

Here’s a quick example:

If you bet $10 at odds of 2.50, your potential return is $25 ($10 × 2.50), which includes your original $10 stake. 

Decimal odds

How to Calculate Decimal Odds?

Calculating payouts with decimal odds is easy. Here’s the simple formula:

Total Return = Stake × Decimal Odds

Example: Suppose Manchester United is playing against Liverpool. The bookmaker sets these decimal odds:

• Manchester United win: 2.50
• Liverpool win: 1.80

If you bet $10 on Manchester United, your total payout if they win would be $25 (10 × 2.50).
If you bet $10 on Liverpool and they win, your payout would be $18 (10 × 1.80).

How to Interpret Decimal Odds

Decimal odds reveal two key insights:

• Probability: Lower odds mean a higher likelihood of an event happening; higher odds indicate a lower likelihood.
• Potential Payout: Lower odds yield smaller payouts, while higher odds mean bigger potential returns.

In other words:

• Odds under 2.00: Higher probability, smaller payout.
• Odds over 2.00: Lower probability, larger payout.

Why Do Bookies Adjust Odds?

Bookmakers frequently adjust odds to manage their risk. Reasons include:

• New Information: Injuries, weather, team news, or unexpected events can change the likelihood of an outcome.
• Betting Action: If many bettors wager heavily on one outcome, bookmakers adjust odds to balance their books and reduce potential losses.

Why Do Odds Move After Initial Release?

Odds can fluctuate due to various factors:

When bookmakers differ significantly in their odds, it creates opportunities known as arbitrage betting, allowing bettors to guarantee profit regardless of the event outcome.

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