How decimal odds work
With decimal odds, potential total return equals stake multiplied by the odds. A €10 stake at 1.80 produces a potential total return of €18, which includes the original €10 stake and €8 profit.
- €10 at 1.50 = €15 total return.
- €10 at 2.00 = €20 total return.
- €10 at 3.20 = €32 total return.
Odds and implied probability
A simple implied probability can be calculated as 1 divided by decimal odds, then multiplied by 100. Odds of 2.00 imply 50%. Odds of 1.50 imply about 66.7%. Odds of 3.00 imply about 33.3%.
Bookmaker prices also contain margin, so the probabilities across all outcomes in a market usually add up to more than 100%.
Short odds are not the same as safe bets
Lower odds indicate a higher implied probability, not certainty. A selection at 1.30 can still lose. Evaluating the price against an independent estimate of probability is more informative than simply choosing the shortest odds.
Responsible betting
Football probabilities are estimates, not guarantees. Past results do not ensure future performance. Never stake money you cannot afford to lose and use licensed operators where gambling is legal for you.
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