If you’re serious about betting — whether it’s on sports, slots, or live games — understanding how odds work is absolutely essential. Odds aren’t just numbers; they represent the probability of an outcome and determine your potential payout. And depending on where you play, odds can appear in three different formats: Decimal, Fractional, and American.
Let’s break them all down so you can read odds like a seasoned bettor.
1. Decimal Odds (Most Common in Asia and Europe)
This is the most straightforward and widely used format in Malaysia and most online platforms, including Wewin.
- Format: Example – 2.00, 1.85, 3.25
- How it works: Multiply your stake by the decimal to calculate the total payout (including your stake).
- Formula:
Total Payout = Stake × Decimal Odds
Example: You bet RM100 at 2.50 odds
→ You win RM250 total (RM150 profit + RM100 stake)
Why it’s beginner-friendly: You instantly see how much you’ll get back.
2. Fractional Odds (Popular in the UK & Ireland)
Fractional odds look like this: 5/1, 3/2, 10/11
How it works: These show the profit relative to your stake.
- 5/1 = You win RM5 for every RM1 you bet.
- 10/11 = You win RM10 for every RM11 staked.
Example: You bet RM100 at 5/1
→ You profit RM500 (plus RM100 stake = RM600 total)
Drawback: It can be harder to calculate your return quickly if you’re not used to fractions.
3. American Odds (Used in the US)
These can appear as +150 or -200.
- Positive (+) odds tell you how much profit you’d make from a RM100 stake.
- Negative (-) odds tell you how much you need to stake to profit RM100.
Example:
+150 = Bet RM100 to win RM150 profit (RM250 total)
-200 = Bet RM200 to win RM100 profit (RM300 total)
Why it’s tricky: It requires memorizing whether you’re betting on a favorite or an underdog.
Why Understanding Odds Gives You an Edge
Bookmakers use odds to reflect implied probabilities, which means you can reverse-engineer odds to see what the bookie expects to happen.
- Low odds = higher probability
- High odds = lower probability, but higher payout
If your research suggests the bookmaker has undervalued a team or player, that’s what we call a value bet — and that’s where smart bettors profit.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re into badminton betting, football, or online slots, reading odds correctly is your foundation. Now that you understand decimal, fractional, and American odds, you’re better equipped to identify potential value and make more informed decisions.
And remember: Odds are never just numbers. They’re signals — and if you can read them, you’ll always be one step ahead of the casual bettor.
