American Betting Odds Vs European Betting Odds: The Ultimate Guide

Ever wondered what are the differences between the European and American betting odds? There are three ways that bookmakers can display betting odds or prices. These are often referred to as fractional decimals or moneyline; the latter is commonly called American.

To ensure that you are clear about the odds of placing your bet, you should also understand the differences between the three methods used by bookmakers to calculate and display them. You can also use odds converter tables or odds calculators to help you make your decision.

You can also learn about implied probability when you are assessing the odds and looking for value on the market. Betting odds are not hard to understand as long as you learn a few basic things. Later in this guide, we will discuss implied probability and everything you need to know on the subject.

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European vs American Betting Odds: Three Formats

betting odds: american odds versius european

British and Irish are more familiar with fractional odds. These are shown as 1/2, 1/1(evens), 2/1 (twos), 100/1, and so forth. The most popular format for Europeans is decimal. A price of 3.00 is equivalent to the 2/1 fractional. The odds of winning a bet are ‘built into’ decimal prices.

For Americans, the moneyline format indicates the profit that you would earn from a successful $100 bet. 200 is $200, which equals $200 in winnings, plus the $100 returned. The 200 moneyline price equals the fractional 2/1 odds or 3.00 in decimals.

Let’s look more deeply at each format with additional examples and comparisons.

European vs American Betting Odds: Fractional Odds

Fractional odds, which have their roots in horse racing, are the most popular format for expressing prices in the UK and Ireland. However, punters from the UK and Ireland are becoming more comfortable with decimal odds.

Although fractions are simple to understand, they can be difficult to apply to prices that are not familiar. Bookmakers and more experienced punters will require more precise odds. If the bet is correct, fractional odds show the profit that the bettor will make on their stake. A 3/1 price means that if a punter places a PS10 stake, the potential profit would be PS30 (PS10x3). The total amount that would be returned to the punter is PS40 (PS30 profit + the PS10 returned stake). In decimal format, the same 3/1 price would be 4.00 and 4.000 respectively. It would also be 300 in American/moneyline format.

It is not difficult to calculate your potential winnings when you look at prices like 9/2, 1/1, or 2/7. A PS10 stake at 9/2 would yield PS55 in returns, plus a PS45 profit and the PS10 stake back. In decimal, it is 5.50, while in moneyline it is +450.

1/1, also known as evens, is expressed as 2.00 in decimal formatting or -100 for American/moneyline odds. This is where you can double your money. For example, if you place PS10, you will get PS20 back (PS10 profit).

2/7 is an odds-against-price bet. This means that there is a very high chance of winning according to the bookmaker, but you will only get a fraction back in profit. PS10.86 is the winning bet. This will give you total returns of PS12.86. This is a 1.286 decimal odds of winning or -350 in American format.

European vs American Betting Odds: Decimal Odds

Prices in decimals are widely used throughout Europe and the world. They tell you how much you can win if you place a bet that is successful, as well as the amount you receive back. Decimal prices can sometimes be quoted up to three decimal places. For example, if you stake EUR10 at 4.755, your total return on a correct wager is EUR47.55. This means that you made a EUR37.55 profit.

It can take some time to get used to thinking in decimals instead of fractional odds, but they are growing in popularity as they accurately show punters the exact return they will receive if they make a selection.

Decimal odds allow for more precise calculations and are becoming more common online as bookmakers reach a wider international audience. On betting exchanges, decimal odds are often used.

You can quickly see the typical decimal odds of 4.00 (3/1, +300), 4.50 (7/2, +350), 5.00 (4/1), +400), 5.50 (9/2/ +450), 6..00 (5/1/ +500) and 5.50 (9/2/ +450), and then you will be able to understand how these translate into fractional and moneyline prices. If you’re unsure, you can always consult a bet calculator and an odds conversion table to compare prices.

European vs American Betting Odds: American/Moneyline Odds

This format is very popular in North America, as you can see from the name. If the moneyline is positive, it will tell you how much you can win with a $100 stake. Keep in mind that -100 is evens so your returns will be exactly twice what you staked. A $100 bet with a price of 100 returns $200 or $100 profit. You stake $100 to win $100.

Any negative moneyline value above -100 is a loss and your profit will be less than the stake amount. Your successful $100 stake bet will win you $95.20. This is $195.20 in returns. A -500 price is 1.20 decimal or 1/5 fractional. Your $100 stake earns you a $20 profit and $120 total returns. You may also hear the term ‘lines’ used to refer to prices and odds in North America.

European vs American Betting Odds: Odds Conversion

There are three ways that bookmakers can display odds or prices. These are often referred to as fractional decimals or moneyline. The latter is commonly called American.

You can also learn about implied probability when you are assessing the odds and looking for value on the market. Later in this guide, we will discuss implied probability.

European vs American Odds: Converting Odds Manually

Most times, punters are not in situations where they need to convert odds between formats. This could be when they travel or bet outside of their home country. If you don’t have any conversion tables or tools, it is helpful to be able to do so.

To convert decimal odds into fractional, subtract 1.00 from the decimal. So 5.00 – 1.00 = 4/1. It is possible to do a rough conversion, even if the decimal number is not.00 or.000. However, this will give you an idea of the closest fractional odds. Also, 4.50 – 1.00 = 3.5/1 or 7./2.

To convert moneyline to decimal, divide the moneyline price by 100. Add 1. This gives you 300 / 100 + 1. = 4.00 Or for example, 5000 / 100 + 1 = 51.00. If the moneyline price is negative then divide 100 by the moneyline amount (first remove the minus sign) and add 1. For example, 100 / 400 + 1.25 = a price of -400.

To convert fractional odds to decimal, take the first number and divide it by 2. Then add 1.00. Thus 1/2 becomes 1 + 2 + 1.00 = 1.50. Or, 2/1 becomes 2/1 / 1+ 1.00 = 3.00.

European vs American Odds: Implied Probability

When assessing the odds offered by a bookmaker, it is important to remember the concept of implied probabilities. The implied probability of an outcome is what determines the odds, such as a horse winning in a race or a football team winning a league.

A 9/1 (10.00 or +900), the bet is ‘expected to succeed once in every ten occasions’, so the probability of success would be 10%. A 1/4 (1.25, -400) bet is expected to succeed in four out of five attempts. It is highly ‘odds-on’ and the implied probability it will be successful is 80%.

These calculations can be used to determine the probability of your selection achieving the outcome you desire.

As always, remember to bet with your head and not over it!