For anyone new to sports betting, understanding odds can feel confusing at first. Different regions and bookmakers use different formats, which can make it tricky to know what you’re looking at. Platforms like 22Bet make it easy by offering multiple formats, but it’s still helpful to learn how they work so you can make smarter betting decisions. The three most common types of odds are fractional, decimal, and moneyline. Each one looks different, but they all explain the same thing: how much you could win from your bet.
Fractional Odds
Fractional odds are most commonly used in the UK and Ireland. They look like this: 5/1 or 7/2.
The number on the left (the numerator) shows how much profit you can win.
The number on the right (the denominator) shows how much you need to bet.
For example, if you bet £10 on odds of 5/1, you could win £50 profit plus your £10 stake back, giving you £60 total.
If the odds are 7/2, it means you win £7 for every £2 you bet. So a £10 bet at 7/2 would give you £35 profit plus your £10 stake, making £45 total.
Fractional odds are straightforward once you get used to them, but they take a bit of mental math.
Decimal Odds
Decimal odds are the most popular format worldwide, especially in Europe and Australia. They look like this: 1.50, 2.00, or 3.75.
The number shows the total payout per unit bet, including both your stake and your profit.
For example:
Odds of 2.00 mean you double your money. A £10 bet returns £20 total (£10 profit + £10 stake).
Odds of 1.50 mean you win less profit but have a higher chance of success. A £10 bet returns £15 total.
Odds of 3.75 mean a £10 bet returns £37.50 total.
Decimal odds are easy to understand because you simply multiply your stake by the decimal number to see your payout.
Moneyline Odds
Moneyline odds, also called American odds, are popular in the United States. They can be either positive (+) or negative (−).
Positive odds (+200) show how much profit you make from a $100 bet. For example, +200 means you win $200 profit from a $100 bet (total $300).
Negative odds (−150) show how much you need to bet to win $100 profit. For example, −150 means you must bet $150 to win $100 profit (total $250).
This system may look confusing at first, but once you understand the plus/minus difference, it becomes much easier.
Why Learning Odds Matters
Understanding odds helps you see not only your potential winnings but also the implied probability of an outcome. For example, shorter odds (like 1.20 or −200) suggest a high chance of winning but smaller profit. Longer odds (like 10/1 or +800) suggest a lower chance but bigger potential rewards.
By learning how odds work, you can make smarter choices, compare markets, and manage your bankroll more effectively.
Betting odds may look different depending on whether you see them as fractions, decimals, or moneylines, but they all explain the same concept: how much you stand to win. Fractional odds are traditional, decimal odds are simple and widely used, and moneyline odds are common in the US.
Whether you’re betting on football, basketball, tennis, or any other sport, knowing how to read odds gives you confidence and control. With a bit of practice, you’ll find that understanding odds is easier than it looks—and it’s the first step to becoming a smarter bettor.