Football – the world's most popular sport has an audience that ranges from casual viewers to die-hard fans, and the thrill doesn't stop at just watching. When it comes to the football betting lines, the game becomes even more exhilarating. But, before diving headfirst into the world of football betting odds, it’s crucial for beginners to grasp the different formats they come in. BettingRanker knows that understanding these odds is your first step to making informed decisions when choosing the best betting odds for football.
Fractional Odds (e.g., 5/1)
Commonly used in the UK, fractional odds, as the name suggests, are presented as fractions. For example, if you come across odds of 5/1 (read as "five to one"), it signifies that for every $1 you wager, you stand to win $5. So, if you're trying to explain football betting odds of this kind to a friend, you'd say, "For every dollar bet, you get five in return."
Decimal Odds (e.g., 6.00)
Predominantly used in mainland Europe and Canada, decimal odds are more straightforward. The figure provided, for instance, 6.00, indicates the total amount you'll receive for a $1 bet – your stake plus your profit. So, when hunting for European football betting odds, you'll most likely encounter this format. These odds are especially user-friendly when calculating potential payouts, without needing a betting odds calculator football enthusiasts might use for more complex formats.
Moneyline/American Odds (e.g., +500)
Popular in the USA, moneyline or American odds can initially seem daunting. Presented with either a positive (+) or negative (-) sign, these odds showcase either the amount you stand to win on a $100 stake or the amount you need to stake to win $100. For example, with +500, if you bet $100, you could win $500.