What Does - Mean in Betting?
If you're new to the world of betting, it can be challenging to understand the different symbols and terminologies used. One such symbol is the "-", which is commonly used in American odds in betting. In this article, we will delve into what "-" means in betting and how it can affect your bets.
Understanding Betting Odds
Before we dive into what "-" means in betting, let's first understand how betting odds work. Betting odds are used to indicate the probability of a specific outcome happening in an event. For example, if you were betting on a football match, the odds would tell you the likelihood of each team winning.
Betting odds are typically presented in one of three formats: decimal, fractional, or American. In this article, we will be focusing on American odds, which are the most commonly used format in the US.
What Are American Odds?
American odds, also known as moneyline odds, are presented in the following format:
Negative Odds
Negative odds are presented with the "-" symbol and indicate the amount you need to bet to win $100. The lower the negative number, the more likely the outcome is to occur. Here's an example:
| Team | Odds |
| Lakers | -150 |
| Celtics | +130 |
In this example, the Lakers are the favorite to win the match due to their negative odds. To win $100, you would need to bet $150 on the Lakers. On the other hand, the Celtics are the underdogs, and you would win $130 if you bet $100 on them.
Positive Odds
Positive odds are presented with the "+" symbol and indicate the amount you stand to win if you bet $100. The higher the positive number, the less likely the outcome is to occur. Here's an example LeoVegas:
| Team | Odds |
| Lakers | -150 |
| Celtics | +130 |
In this example, the Lakers are the favorite to win the match due to their negative odds. To win $100, you would need to bet $150 on the Lakers. On the other hand, the Celtics are the underdogs, and you would win $130 if you bet $100 on them.
What Does "-" Mean in Betting?
Now that we understand how American odds work, we can delve into what "-" means in betting. The "-" symbol is used to indicate the favorite in a particular event. For example, if a football team has odds of -150, they are the favorite to win the match.
The "-" symbol indicates that you need to bet more than you stand to win. In other words, the odds are lower because the outcome is more likely to occur. For example, if the odds are -150, you need to bet $150 to win $100. This is because the team is the favorite to win the match, and the bookmaker is offering lower odds to reflect this.
On the other hand, the "+" symbol is used to indicate the underdog in a particular event. For example, if a football team has odds of +150, they are the underdog to win the match.
The "+" symbol indicates that you stand to win more than you bet. In other words, the odds are higher because the outcome is less likely to occur. For example, if the odds are +150, you stand to win $150 if you bet $100. This is because the team is the underdog to win the match, and the bookmaker is offering higher odds to reflect this.
How Does "-" Affect Your Bets?
Understanding what "-" means in betting is crucial for placing successful bets. If you are betting on the favorite, you need to be aware that you will need to bet more than you stand to win. This means that you need to consider whether the odds being offered are worth the risk.
On the other hand, if you are betting on the underdog, you need to be aware that you stand to win more than you bet. This means that you need to consider whether the higher odds being offered are worth the risk.
In conclusion, understanding what "-" means in betting is crucial for placing successful bets. "-" is used to indicate the favorite in a particular event, and it means that you need to bet more than you stand to win. On the other hand, "+" is used to indicate the underdog, and it means that you stand to win more than you bet.
Remember to always bet responsibly and within your means. With this knowledge, you can make more informed betting decisions and increase your chances of success. Happy betting!
Frequently Asked Questions
What do "-" odds mean in betting?
The "-" symbol is used to indicate the favorite in a particular event. It means that you need to bet more than you stand to win.
How do "-" odds affect my bets?
If you are betting on the favorite, you need to be aware that you will need to bet more than you stand to win. This means that you need to consider whether the odds being offered are worth the risk.
What do "+" odds mean in betting?
The "+" symbol is used to indicate the underdog in a particular event. It means that you stand to win more than you bet.
How do "+" odds affect my bets?
If you are betting on the underdog, you need to be aware that you stand to win more than you bet. This means that you need to consider whether the higher odds being offered are worth the risk.
What format are American odds presented in?
American odds are typically presented with either a "-" or a "+" symbol. Negative odds indicate the amount you need to bet to win $100, while positive odds indicate the amount you stand to win if you bet $100.
What is the difference between negative and positive odds?
Negative odds indicate that the outcome is more likely to occur, while positive odds indicate that the outcome is less likely to occur.
How do I calculate my potential winnings from "-" odds?
To calculate your potential winnings from "-" odds, you need to multiply your bet by the odds and then divide by 100. For example, if you bet $150 on odds of -150, your potential winnings would be $100.
How do I calculate my potential winnings from "+" odds?
To calculate your potential winnings from "+" odds, you need to multiply your bet by the odds and then divide by 100. For example, if you bet $100 on odds of +150, your potential winnings would be $150.
What should I consider when betting on the favorite?
When betting on the favorite, you need to consider whether the odds being offered are worth the risk. You should also consider the form of the team and any injuries or suspensions that may affect their performance.
What should I consider when betting on the underdog?
When betting on the underdog, you need to consider whether the higher odds being offered are worth the risk. You should also consider the form of the team and any injuries or suspensions that may affect their performance.
Can I make money by betting on the favorite?
Yes, you can make money by betting on the favorite. However, you need to be aware that you will need to bet more than you stand to win, so you need to consider whether the odds being offered are worth the risk.
Can I make money by betting on the underdog?
Yes, you can make money by betting on the underdog. However, you need to be aware that you stand to win more than you bet, so you need to consider whether the higher odds being offered are worth the risk.
How can I increase my chances of success when betting?
To increase your chances of success when betting, you should do your research and consider factors such as form, injuries, and suspensions. You should also only bet within your means and never chase your losses.
Is betting on sports legal?
The legality of sports betting varies depending on your location. It is important to check the laws in your area before placing any bets.
How do I bet responsibly?
To bet responsibly, you should only bet within your means and never chase your losses. You should also take breaks from betting and seek help if you feel that you may have a gambling problem.