How to Read Betting Odds: Decimal, Fractional and American
The same price can be written three ways. Decimal (2.50) shows your total return per unit staked; fractional (3/2) shows profit relative to stake; American (+150 / −200) shows profit on a 100 stake or the stake needed to win 100.
Converting is simple once you see implied probability: decimal odds of 2.50 imply 1 ÷ 2.50 = 40%. Comparing the implied probability to your own estimate is the entire basis of value betting.
Whichever format your bookmaker uses, the margin is always baked in — the implied probabilities across a market add up to more than 100%. Knowing that keeps your expectations realistic.
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