What Do Positive and Negative Betting Odds Mean?
Understanding how betting odds work helps you make sense of soccer predictions. At soccerpicks, we focus on simplifying odds so every fan can read and use them well. Whether you follow the UEFA Champions League or local leagues like the Egyptian Premier League, knowing if a team is a favorite or underdog depends on the odds.
How Odds Work in Sports Betting
Betting odds tell you how much you can win and who the sportsbook thinks will win. They show if a team is expected to win or lose, using a plus sign or minus sign. If you see a minus sign, it means the team is the favorite. A plus sign shows the underdog. These signs are common in moneyline odds.
For example, if Arsenal is listed at -150, you must bet $150 to win $100. If Al Hilal shows +200, you win $200 on a $100 bet. This system helps explain how odds work and what the sportsbook expects.
Positive Odds Meaning
Positive odds show how much you win on a $100 bet. They usually come with a plus sign and indicate the team is the underdog. These odds offer bigger payouts since the outcome is less likely. For example, if Real Betis is +220 against Sevilla, it means they are not expected to win, but the reward is higher.
This is how odds indicate much risk and potential payout. Positive odds are common in early-round fixtures or tough away matches, like when Molde plays away at Fenerbahçe in the Europa League.
Negative Odds Meaning
Negative odds use a minus sign and show how much you need to stake to make $100. These odds mean the team is the favorite. The lower the number after the minus, the stronger the favorite. If Barcelona is -170 against Getafe, they are likely to win, but the payout is smaller.
Negative odds mean less profit, but a higher chance of winning. These appear often in high-profile matches like Bayern Munich vs. Darmstadt, where one team is clearly stronger.
Reading Odds in Soccer Betting
To read odds, always check the sign. The plus sign means the team is less likely to win. The minus sign means the team is more likely to win. Positive odds indicate underdog, negative odds show favorite. Knowing this helps you read odds in sports betting across top leagues like Serie A, Premier League, or MLS.
Odds also help you compare team strength. When two sides have close odds, like Inter Milan +105 vs. Lazio +115, it means the match is balanced.
Odds Types and How They Work
The top types of betting odds include moneyline, fractional, and decimal. In soccer betting, moneyline is common. The odds work by telling you two things—how likely a team is to win and how much you can earn.
Odds top types like moneyline odds are simple to read. Use them to track your stake, see how odds work read patterns, and decide if the favorite or underdog is worth backing.
FAQ: What Do Positive and Negative Betting Odds Mean?
What does a positive betting odds number mean?
A positive number means the team is the underdog. You win more money compared to the stake. For example, +150 means you get $150 for every $100 you bet.
What does a negative betting odds number mean?
A negative number shows the favorite. You need to bet more to win $100. For instance, -120 means betting $120 returns $100.
How can I tell which team is the favorite?
Look for the minus sign. If a team has negative odds, it is the favorite. Positive odds show the underdog.
What does the plus sign mean in sports odds?
It means you get more than you bet if the team wins. The higher the number, the more money you can win.
How do moneyline odds work?
Moneyline odds show how much you need to bet or can win. Negative odds show what to bet to win $100. Positive odds show what you win on a $100 bet.
