Decimal Odds Explained

Decimal odds are often called European odds, as they are most commonly used by sports bettors in Europe, but they are also widely used in Australia and Canada. They are simple to understand, making them a favorite across the world for bookmakers and sports bettors.

Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about decimal odds.

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Understanding Decimal Odds

Decimal odds are the most common way online bookmakers present their odds to customers. They take two seconds to calculate. You simply multiply your stake by the decimal odds to get your potential payout.

A simple formula for decimal odds is stake x odds = payout.

Let’s look at an example.

Let’s look at another example.

Just remember that when using decimal odds, your original stake is calculated into your potential winnings. When determining your potential net profit, always remember to account for your original stake.

The break-even odds for decimal are 2.0, as these odds will simply double your stake. Decimal odds below 2.0 are less than even money odds, meaning the potential return will be less than your stake. Odds above 2.0 are positive odds, meaning your potential return will be more than your stake.

Decimal odds are also the most economical way to bet parlays, because the true odds will be calculated. Unlike traditional parlays which are calculated by the number of teams, parlays bets placed with decimal odds with give sports bettors the fairest and most accurate odds, maximizing their edge, so keep this in mind when using the best betting sites.

Conclusion

Decimal odds are the most widely used odds across continental Europe and continue to spread to other parts of the world. It is imperative for the modern day sports bettor to understand decimal odds, as they are used at many online betting sites and betting exchanges.

FAQs

What do decimal odds mean?

Decimal is one of many odds formats used by sports betting companies to present the likelihood of something happening or not happening. Decimal odds are always presented in decimal format and may have no, one, or two decimal places. For example, you may see decimal odds of 2, 2.0, or 2.00.

How do you convert fractional odds to decimal?

Easy – simply divide the fractions and add one. The one represents your stake. For instance, converting fractional odds of 7/2 into decimal odds would require you to divide 7 by 2 and add 1. This equals 4.5.

What is even odds in decimal?

The equivalent of even odds (1/1) in decimal is 2.00. This simply means you are betting one unit to win one unit (1 + 1 = 2). For instance, a $100 bet at odds of 2.00 would return $200 ($100 in winnings + your $100 stake).

What are odds of 1/2 in decimal?

Fractional odds of 1/2 equal 1.50 in decimal odds. A line that is odds-on in decimal format will always be a decimal of 1. As fractional odds of 1/2 mean you will receive £1 for every $2 you bet, the decimal equivalent is 1.50 and the implied probability remains 66.7%.

About the author

Alan Penny

Editor-in-Chief

Alan hails from Northern Ireland and is an avid fan of all sports. He has been with us since 2017 and serves as SBO’s Editor-in-Chief. Alan passionately covers everything from the latest regulatory developments across the globe to tips on the latest football matches.