Mastering Sports Betting Odds: Everything You Need to Know

At ATAS, we believe that understanding how sports betting odds work is the first step to successful wagering. Whether we’re new to sports betting or already familiar with the basics, knowing how odds are calculated helps us make better decisions. In this article, we’ll explain everything we need to know about sports betting odds—from the different types of odds to how to read and use them effectively. This guide will help us bet with confidence and maximize our chances of winning.

What Are Sports Betting Odds?

Sports betting odds are used to show the probability of a certain outcome and how much we can win if our bet is successful. These odds guide us in choosing the best bets and help us understand the potential payout. Odds are usually set by bookmakers and are influenced by various factors such as team performance, injuries, past results, and public opinion.

When we place a bet, we are not just picking a team to win—we are also considering how valuable the odds are. If we master how odds work, we can spot good value and avoid risky or overpriced bets.

Main Types of Sports Betting Odds

There are three main formats of sports betting odds used around the world. Each format presents the same idea but in different ways. Let us take a closer look at each one so we can read and understand them properly.

Decimal Odds

Decimal odds are the most popular format in Malaysia and across Europe. They are easy to understand and used widely by most online betting platforms, including ATAS.

Decimal odds show the total payout for every RM1 wagered. For example, if the odds are 2.50, and we bet RM100, we will receive RM250 if we win (which includes our stake).

Formula:Winnings = Stake x Decimal Odds

This format is straightforward, especially for beginners.

Fractional Odds

Fractional odds are more common in the UK and Ireland. They may look confusing at first, but with a little practice, they can be easily understood.

Fractional odds are written as 5/1 or 3/2. The first number tells us how much we will win, and the second number tells us how much we need to bet. For example, odds of 5/1 mean we win RM5 for every RM1 bet.

Formula:Profit = Stake x (Numerator / Denominator)

We need to add back our stake to get the total return.

Moneyline Odds

Moneyline odds, also known as American odds, are common in the United States. They are shown as positive or negative numbers.

• Positive odds (e.g., +150) tell us how much we will win on a RM100 bet.

• Negative odds (e.g., -200) tell us how much we need to bet to win RM100.

Understanding Moneyline odds can be helpful if we like betting on American sports or international sportsbooks.

How to Read and Compare Odds

Reading odds correctly helps us evaluate whether a bet is worth placing. It’s also important to compare odds between different matches or markets to find better value.

When comparing decimal odds, higher numbers mean better returns but often lower chances of winning. For example:

• Team A: 1.50

• Team B: 2.80

Team A is more likely to win but offers a smaller payout. Team B is less likely to win but provides higher rewards.

Understanding the implied probability is also useful. It tells us what the odds suggest about the chance of a result happening.

Formula:Implied Probability = 1 / Decimal Odds x 100

For example, if odds are 2.00: 1 / 2.00 x 100 = 50%

This means the bookmaker estimates a 50% chance of the result occurring.

Factors That Affect Betting Odds

Betting odds are not fixed. They change based on several factors. It’s helpful for us to know what affects these changes so we can place our bets at the right time.

Some common factors that influence sports betting odds include:

• Team form – Winning or losing streaks

• Injuries or suspensions – Missing key players can affect performance

• Weather conditions – In outdoor sports, weather plays a major role

• Public betting trends – If many people bet on one outcome, odds may adjust

• Head-to-head history – Past matchups can influence odds

• Venue – Home or away performance matters

By tracking these elements, we can understand why odds move and act quickly when we see a valuable opportunity.

Understanding Overround and Bookmaker Margins

Every bookmaker, including ATAS, builds a profit margin into the odds, known as the overround. This ensures the house always has a slight edge.

The overround is the total of all implied probabilities in a betting market. If it adds up to more than 100%, the extra percentage is the bookmaker’s margin.

For example, if Team A’s odds are 1.80 and Team B’s odds are 2.20:

• Team A implied probability: 1 / 1.80 = 55.56%

• Team B implied probability: 1 / 2.20 = 45.45%

• Total: 101.01%

That 1.01% is the bookmaker’s built-in margin. A lower overround is better for us because it means better odds and higher payouts.

Tips for Using Odds in Our Betting Strategy

Mastering odds is not only about understanding numbers—it’s about using them smartly. A good betting strategy includes:

• Bankroll management – Never bet more than we can afford to lose

• Value betting – Look for odds that offer more reward than the risk

• Avoid chasing losses – Don’t try to recover losses with impulsive bets

• Use multiple sportsbooks – Compare odds to get the best value

• Follow expert analysis – Check previews, predictions, and trends

With the right strategy, odds can be used as a tool to manage risk and improve long-term success.

Play Smarter and Confident with Sports Betting

Mastering sports betting odds is the key to smarter and more confident wagering. By learning how odds work and how to use them, we can place better bets and enjoy more success. Whether we prefer football, basketball, or e-sports, knowing how to read and compare odds gives us an advantage. At ATAS, our platform offers the right tools and betting options to support us every step of the way. Sign up today and begin your journey to smarter betting with trusted odds and real rewards.