What does +200 mean in sports betting? If you’ve come across odds like +200 or -150, you’re looking at what’s called American odds. While they’re more common in the US, understanding this format can help British punters who bet on international sports or use global bookies. Once you know how plus-minus works, it’s easy to calculate potential profits.
Ever seen odds like +200 or -150 and wondered what on earth they mean? You’re not alone. While this style of odds might be more common across the pond, British punters often come across them when using international betting sites or watching American sports. Understanding how plus and minus odds work can help you make smarter decisions, especially when betting beyond the usual fractional odds.
What is the plus-minus format?
The plus-minus format is known as American odds. This system uses either a plus (+) or minus (–) sign to show the potential profit or stake needed.
- +200 means you could win £200 profit from a £100 bet.
- -150 means you’d need to bet £150 to win £100 profit.
In short:
- A plus (+) number shows how much profit you’ll make from a £100 bet.
- A minus (–) number shows how much you need to bet to make a £100 profit.
How is it different from UK fractional odds?
In the UK, most punters are used to fractional odds like 5/1 or 4/5. American odds are just another way of displaying the same thing.
Here’s a rough conversion:
- +200 = 2/1 (you win 2 units for every 1 unit staked)
- -150 = 2/3 (you stake 3 units to win 2)
Bookmakers often let you switch between odds formats in your settings.
Why learn American odds?
If you follow US sports or bet on global events like the Super Bowl or UFC fights, you’ll likely come across American odds. Also, many betting tipsters and platforms use this format.
Being comfortable with different odds formats allows you to:
- Compare value across bookies
- Spot better returns
- Bet confidently on international markets
Quick tips to remember
- Positive odds (+): Risk £100, win more.
- Negative odds (–): Risk more to win £100.
- You can always use an odds converter online to see the fractional equivalent.
Whether you’re watching an NFL game or browsing an overseas sportsbook, understanding American odds like +200 can give you an edge. Once you get the hang of it, it’s just another tool in your betting toolkit—no more confusing numbers, just clearer bets.
FAQs
Q: What does +200 mean in sports betting?
A: In American odds, +200 means a £100 bet would return £200 in profit, plus your original stake.
Q: Is +200 a good bet?
A: It depends on the likelihood of the outcome. +200 means the bookmaker sees it as an underdog bet, offering a 2/1 return.
Q: How do American odds like +200 compare to fractional odds?
A: +200 in American odds is the same as 2/1 in fractional odds, meaning you win £2 for every £1 you bet.
Q: Why are American odds used in the UK?
A: They’re often seen in international betting sites or when discussing global markets like the NFL or NBA.
Q: How can I convert +200 odds to decimal format?
A: Just divide the odds by 100 and add 1. So, +200 becomes 3.00 in decimal odds.
Q: What does -200 mean in comparison?
A: -200 means you’d need to bet £200 to win £100. It indicates a strong favourite, the opposite of +200.
Q: Should I use American odds when betting in the UK?
A: Most UK punters prefer fractional or decimal, but knowing American odds can be useful if betting on US sports or using international platforms.
