What Does the + and – Mean in Sports Betting? A Complete Guide

Sports betting can seem complex at first glance, especially when you encounter unfamiliar symbols and numbers. One of the most common questions for both newcomers and experienced bettors is: what does the + and – mean in sports betting? These plus and minus signs are fundamental to understanding sports betting odds, as they indicate the likelihood of an outcome and how much you could potentially win. In this article, we’ll break down what these symbols mean, how to interpret them, and why they matter to your betting strategy. Whether you’re betting with traditional currency or exploring crypto-friendly sportsbooks like Betpanda, grasping these basics is essential for informed, responsible play.

Understanding Sports Betting Odds: The Basics

Sports betting odds are the backbone of any wager, providing crucial information about potential payouts and the implied probability of an event. In the UK and many other regions, odds are often presented in fractional or decimal formats. However, American odds – marked by plus (+) and minus (−) signs – are widely used, especially in online sportsbooks and crypto betting platforms.

What Are Sports Betting Odds?

Odds represent the likelihood of a particular outcome occurring in a sporting event. They help bettors understand two things:

1. How much they stand to win if their bet is successful.
2. How likely or unlikely the bookmaker believes that outcome is.

The Role of Plus (+) and Minus (−) Symbols

• Plus (+) odds indicate an underdog or less likely outcome.
• Minus (−) odds denote a favourite or more likely outcome.

This system is known as

moneyline odds

or

American odds

. The numbers following the + or − sign show how much you could win or need to stake.

Why Understanding Odds Matters

Knowing how to read betting odds is essential for making informed decisions. It enables you to compare potential returns, assess risk, and manage your bankroll responsibly. Whether you’re analysing football, basketball, or esports, understanding what the + and – mean in sports betting is a fundamental skill for any bettor.

What Does the + Mean in Sports Betting Odds?

When you see a plus sign (+) in sports betting odds, it signals a potential higher payout for your wager. Let’s explore what this means in practical terms and how to interpret these odds.

Plus Odds: Identifying the Underdog

In most cases, the plus symbol is attached to the underdog – the team or player considered less likely to win. The number following the plus sign shows how much profit you would make on a standard bet, usually £100.

Example:

• Team B: +180

If you bet £100 on Team B and they win, you would receive £180 in profit, plus your original £100 stake, for a total return of £280.

Why Are Plus Odds Higher?

Bookmakers offer higher returns for underdogs because the probability of them winning is lower. This incentivises bettors to take a chance on less likely outcomes, balancing the betting market.

Calculating Potential Returns

To calculate your potential profit with plus odds:

• Profit = (Stake × Odds) / 100

For example, a £50 bet at +200 odds:

• Profit = (£50 × 200) / 100 = £100

Your total payout would be £150 (£100 profit + £50 stake).

When to Consider Plus Odds

Plus odds are appealing if you believe the underdog has a realistic chance of winning or outperforming expectations. However, it’s important to remember that higher payouts reflect higher risk. Always assess the event, team statistics, and your risk tolerance before placing a bet.

Responsible Play with Plus Odds

While the potential for larger returns is tempting, responsible play means never betting more than you can afford to lose. Use plus odds as part of a balanced strategy rather than chasing big wins.

What Does the – Mean in Sports Betting Odds?

The minus sign (−) in sports betting odds typically marks the favourite – the team or player bookmakers expect to win. Understanding minus odds is crucial for those looking to back favourites or manage risk effectively.

Minus Odds: Backing the Favourite

When you see minus odds, the number following the minus sign tells you how much you need to stake to win £100 in profit.

Example:

• Team A: -150

To win £100 in profit, you would need to bet £150 on Team A. If Team A wins, you receive your original £150 stake plus £100 in profit, totalling £250.

Why Are Minus Odds Lower?

Favourites are more likely to win, so bookmakers offer lower payouts on these bets. The risk is reduced, but so is the potential profit. This system helps maintain balance in the betting market by discouraging everyone from backing the obvious winner.

Calculating Potential Returns

To calculate your profit with minus odds:

• Profit = (Stake / Odds) × 100

For example, a £60 bet at -120 odds:

• Profit = (£60 / 120) × 100 = £50

Your total payout would be £110 (£50 profit + £60 stake).

When to Consider Minus Odds

Minus odds are suitable if you want to back a strong favourite and are comfortable with a lower return. They are often used in accumulator bets or as part of a broader betting strategy, including micro betting with Bitcoin where smaller stakes are placed across multiple events.

Responsible Play with Minus Odds

Even favourites can lose, so it’s important to avoid overconfidence. Use minus odds as part of a diversified approach, and always practice responsible bankroll management.

How to Read Betting Odds: A Step-by-Step Guide

Understanding how to read betting odds is fundamental for anyone interested in sports betting, whether you’re using traditional bookmakers or privacy-focused platforms like Betpanda. Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide to interpreting both plus and minus odds.

Step 1: Identify the Symbol

• Plus (+): Indicates the underdog and shows how much you win on a £100 bet.
• Minus (−): Indicates the favourite and shows how much you need to bet to win £100.

Step 2: Understand the Number

• The number after the symbol reflects the potential profit or required stake.
• Larger numbers after the plus sign mean a higher potential payout.
• Larger numbers after the minus sign mean a bigger stake is needed for the same profit.

Step 3: Calculate Your Return

Use the following formulas:

Step 4: Assess the Implied Probability

Odds also indicate the bookmaker’s view of an event’s likelihood. You can convert odds to implied probability using:

• Plus odds: 100 / (Odds + 100) × 100
• Minus odds: Odds / (Odds + 100) × 100

Example:

• +200 odds: 100 / (200 + 100) × 100 = 33.3% chance
• -150 odds: 150 / (150 + 100) × 100 = 60% chance

Step 5: Make Informed Decisions

Consider the implied probability, potential returns, and your own analysis before placing a bet. This approach supports responsible play and helps you make smarter choices.

Plus and Minus in Betting: Common Scenarios

The use of plus and minus odds extends beyond simple win/loss bets. They are applied in various betting markets, including point spreads, totals, and prop bets. Here’s how these symbols function in different scenarios.

Moneyline Bets

Moneyline bets are the most straightforward, focusing on which team or player will win. The plus and minus signs directly indicate underdogs and favourites, as explained earlier.

Point Spreads

In point spread betting, the plus and minus symbols also denote which side is favoured. For example:

• Team A: -7.5
• Team B: +7.5

Here, Team A must win by more than 7.5 points for a bet on them to succeed. Team B can lose by up to 7 points (or win outright) for a bet on them to win.

Totals (Over/Under)

Plus and minus odds can also appear in total bets (over/under), indicating the payout structure for each side of the wager.

Example:

• Over 2.5 goals (-110)
• Under 2.5 goals (+105)

This shows the relative risk and reward for each outcome.

Prop Bets and Specials

Special bets – such as first goal scorer or number of corners – also use plus and minus odds to reflect the likelihood and potential returns.

Crypto Sportsbooks and Odds

On platforms like Betpanda, crypto sports wagering follows the same odds formats, whether betting with Bitcoin, Ethereum, or other cryptocurrencies. The principles remain the same, but you may enjoy faster deposits, enhanced privacy, and a seamless experience.

Sports Betting Terminology: Key Terms Explained

To fully understand what the + and – mean in sports betting, it’s helpful to familiarise yourself with common terms used in the industry. Here’s a quick glossary:

Understanding these terms will help you read odds confidently and make informed betting choices.

Why Do Bookmakers Use Plus and Minus Odds?

Bookmakers use plus and minus odds to balance their books and attract bets on both sides of an event. This system ensures that the sportsbook can manage risk and offer competitive markets to bettors.

Balancing the Market

If too much money is placed on one outcome, bookmakers adjust the odds to encourage bets on the other side. Plus and minus odds make it easy to see which side is more popular and how the market is shifting.

Transparency for Bettors

Displaying odds with clear plus and minus signs allows bettors to quickly assess value and risk. This transparency is especially important for those using crypto sportsbooks, where instant transactions and privacy are key features.

Encouraging Responsible Play

By adjusting odds, bookmakers can discourage reckless betting and promote a more balanced, responsible approach. It’s always important to understand the odds before placing a wager, regardless of the platform or currency used.

Responsible Betting: Managing Risk and Expectations

Understanding what the + and – mean in sports betting is just one part of a broader, responsible approach to wagering. Here are some tips to keep your betting experience positive and sustainable:

Set a Budget

Decide how much you’re comfortable risking before you start betting. Stick to this budget and avoid chasing losses.

Analyse Events Carefully

Don’t rely solely on odds. Research teams, players, and recent form to make informed decisions.

Diversify Your Bets

Mix favourites and underdogs to balance risk and reward. Avoid putting all your funds on a single outcome.

Use Tools and Resources

Many sportsbooks, including Betpanda, offer analytics, statistics, and guides to help you understand betting odds and markets.

Know When to Stop

Responsible play means knowing your limits and taking breaks when needed. Betting should be enjoyable, not stressful.

By understanding what does the + and – mean in sports betting, you can make more informed decisions, manage your bankroll wisely, and enjoy a safer, more engaging betting experience – whether you’re wagering with traditional currency or exploring the world of crypto betting with trusted platforms like Betpanda.