
Basketball betting odds are presented in the American odds format in the United States, with a positive or negative 3 or 4-digit amount, like -150 or +650, representing the probability of a team winning. Odds are available for any regular-season game, along with playoff games, conference finals, and the NBA Finals. Odds are calculated based on a variety of factors, including previous matchups, form, injuries, and team strengths and weaknesses. The function of odds-making is not to represent the true probability of an outcome but to make a profit and attract bettors to both sides. Bettors can employ strategies and analytics to find the edge and increase their chances of winning.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Odds Format | American odds, Fractional odds, European decimal odds |
| Odds Representation | 3 or 4 digit amount, e.g. -150 or +650 |
| Odds Calculation | Probability of winning, amount to wager or win per $1 |
| Odds and Probability | Higher total payout = lower probability of winning |
| Odds and Favorites | Favorites denoted by -, need to wager more for payoff |
| Odds and Underdogs | Underdogs denoted by +, winning bets have better payout |
| Over/Under Betting | Wagering on total score being over or under predicted number |
| Point Spread Betting | Wagering on margin of victory, not just winner |
| Odds Determination | Based on wider betting market, statistics, data, previous matchups, form, injuries, strengths and weaknesses |
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What You'll Learn

Odds formats: American, fractional, and European decimal
Odds formats differ across the world, with American odds popular in the US, fractional odds common in the UK and Ireland, and European decimal odds prevalent across the European continent.
American Odds
American odds are usually represented by a positive or negative 3 or 4-digit amount, like -150 or +650. The odds indicate the probability of a team winning the game and how much money one needs to wager to win $100 or how much one would win for every $100 staked. For example, if a team has odds of -150, you would need to bet $150 to win $100. If the odds are +200, a $100 bet would win you $200. In both cases, your original bet is returned along with your winnings.
Fractional Odds
Fractional odds are also known as British or UK odds and are typically written with a slash (/) or hyphen (-). A fractional listing of 6/1 (six-to-one) odds means that you could win $6 for every $1 you wager, and you would also get your $1 wager back. So, if you stake $10 at 6/1 and win, you will get a total payout of $70 ($60 profit + $10 stake).
European Decimal Odds
Decimal odds represent the amount a bettor could win for every $1 they wager. For example, decimal odds of 1.50 would mean you would get a return of $1.50 for every $1 wagered ($0.50 in winnings and your $1 stake returned). The higher the decimal odds, the less probable it is for the bet to win, and the riskier the bet becomes.
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Probability of winning
The probability of winning in basketball betting is represented by odds, which indicate the likelihood of a team winning a game or championship. Odds are typically presented in the American format in the United States, using a positive or negative 3 or 4-digit number, such as -150 or +650. These numbers denote the probability of a team winning and the potential payout.
In the case of favourites, denoted by a minus (-), the number shows how much one needs to
For underdogs, indicated by a plus (+) sign, the number represents the potential winnings for a $100 bet. So, if the odds are +200, a $100 bet would win you $200, along with your original bet being returned.
It's important to note that odds in basketball betting are not solely based on the true probability of an outcome. Oddsmakers and sportsbooks work together to set odds that will reduce the risk of losing big and ensure profitability. They consider various factors, including previous matchups, form, injuries, team strengths and weaknesses, and wider betting market trends.
To increase the chances of winning, bettors can utilise predictive analytics models that take into account a range of variables to determine the likelihood of a team or player winning. By finding an "edge," where the predicted probability of a team winning is higher than the sportsbook's odds, bettors can make more informed decisions and potentially increase their chances of long-term success.
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Payout calculations
In the American odds format, the probability of a team winning the game is denoted by a positive or negative 3 or 4-digit number, such as -150 or +650. Favorites are indicated with a minus (-) sign, showing how much one needs to wager to win $100. On the other hand, underdogs are denoted with a plus (+) sign, indicating the potential winnings for a $100 bet. For instance, if the odds are -150, a bettor needs to wager $150 to win $100. Conversely, a +200 odds means a $100 bet would result in $200 winnings. In both cases, the original bet amount is returned along with the winnings.
Fractional odds, also known as British or UK odds, are written with a slash (/) or hyphen (-) and represent the ratio of potential profit to the initial bet. For example, 6/1 odds mean a potential profit of $6 for every $1 wagered, plus the return of the $1 stake, resulting in a total payout of $70.
Decimal odds, commonly used in Europe, represent the total payout, including the initial stake. For instance, a $100 bet at decimal odds of 4 would yield a total payout of $40 ($10 x 4) with a net profit of $30.
Parlay bets involve combining two or more individual wagers for a higher payout. Calculating the payout for such bets requires converting the odds to decimal format and multiplying them together to find the overall odds. This value is then multiplied by the stake to determine the potential winnings.
While the odds and payouts may vary across sportsbooks, bettors can utilize various online calculators to determine their potential winnings for different bet types and odds formats. These tools help bettors make informed decisions by understanding the expected payout before placing their bets.
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Underdogs vs favourites
When it comes to sports betting, understanding the difference between underdogs and favourites is crucial. In basketball, an underdog is a team facing longer odds, while a favourite is expected to win based on rankings, past performance, and other factors.
Favourites
Favourites are generally considered safer bets, with lower payouts. They have the shortest odds available, indicating a lower risk. When betting on favourites, it is essential to look for strong starting pitchers, dominant running games, and solid defences. Examining wider betting markets, statistics, data, previous matchups, form, injuries, and team strengths and weaknesses can help inform betting decisions.
Underdogs
Underdogs offer the potential for bigger payouts but require careful research and a disciplined approach. They have longer odds, indicating a lower probability of winning. When betting on underdogs, it is crucial to have strong money management skills and a large bankroll to withstand potential consecutive losses. Embracing the risk, maintaining discipline, focusing on the long-term, learning from losses, and setting realistic expectations are key strategies for betting on underdogs.
Strategies for Betting on Underdogs and Favourites
To maximize profits when betting on underdogs or favourites, it is essential to identify +EV outcomes, which have a higher probability of occurring than what the odds imply. This involves analyzing games, seeking value in the numbers provided by bookmakers, and taking advantage of market inefficiencies. Comparing betting odds between multiple bookmakers can also help find more competitive odds and increase potential payouts. Additionally, considering alternative betting markets such as point spreads and prop bets can offer more competitive odds in heavily one-sided matchups.
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Over/under betting
In over/under betting, bettors are not selecting which team will win, or if they will cover the spread, they are only betting on the total number of points scored. The sportsbooks set a total based on how many points they think will be scored in a game. Bettors then need to decide if there will be fewer (under) or more (over) points. A common NBA basketball line is set around 220 points.
For example, if the Memphis Grizzlies and Golden State Warriors’ total is listed at 228.5, bettors can decide to bet on the over or the under. If the combined score equals the exact over/under total, the bet is graded as a tie and all wagers are returned by the sportsbook. This rarely happens, and sportsbooks often add 0.5 to an over/under total to guarantee a result as half-points cannot be scored in basketball.
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Frequently asked questions
Odds represent the probability of a team winning a basketball game. Odds are usually presented in the American odds format in the United States, which is represented by a positive or negative 3 or 4-digit amount, like -150 or +650.
Sportsbooks determine the odds for basketball games based on a variety of factors, including previous matchups, form, injuries, and teams' strengths and weaknesses. Sportsbooks also consider historical data, such as the total points scored in previous encounters between the teams. Ultimately, the goal of sportsbooks is to make a profit and attract bettors to both sides.
To place a bet on a basketball game, you need to understand the different types of bets available, such as moneyline bets, point spread bets, and over/under bets. For moneyline bets, you are simply picking the team you think will win outright. The odds will determine how much you need to wager to win a certain amount or how much you will win for every dollar wagered. For point spread bets, you are betting on whether the favourite team will win by more than the spread or whether the underdog will keep the game close. For over/under bets, you are wagering on whether the total score of the game will be over or under a certain number predicted by the sportsbook.


























