Beginner Guide

Understanding Betting Odds

Master the three main odds formats, learn to calculate payouts, and discover how to identify value bets in disc golf betting markets.

📖 6 min read•🎯 Beginner Level•🧮 Includes Calculator

Three Main Odds Formats

American Odds
Most common in the US, uses + and - symbols

Examples:

+45018.2%

Bet $100 to win $450

-20066.7%

Bet $200 to win $100

+15040%

Bet $100 to win $150

How to Calculate:

Positive odds: (Odds/100) x Stake = Profit | Negative odds: (100/Odds) x Stake = Profit

Decimal Odds
Popular in Europe, shows total return including stake

Examples:

5.5018.2%

Bet $100 to return $550

1.5066.7%

Bet $100 to return $150

2.5040%

Bet $100 to return $250

How to Calculate:

Decimal Odds x Stake = Total Return | (Decimal Odds - 1) x Stake = Profit

Fractional Odds
Traditional UK format, shows profit relative to stake

Examples:

9/218.2%

Win $9 for every $2 bet

1/266.7%

Win $1 for every $2 bet

3/240%

Win $3 for every $2 bet

How to Calculate:

(Numerator/Denominator) x Stake = Profit

Understanding Implied Probability
Odds represent the bookmaker's assessment of how likely an outcome is to occur

Quick Conversion Guide:

+100 (Even odds)50%
+20033.3%
+40020%
-20066.7%

Calculation Formulas:

Positive Odds (+)

Probability = 100 ÷ (Odds + 100)

Example: +400 = 100 ÷ (400 + 100) = 20%

Negative Odds (-)

Probability = |Odds| ÷ (|Odds| + 100)

Example: -200 = 200 ÷ (200 + 100) = 66.7%

Identifying Value Bets

A value bet occurs when you believe the true probability of an outcome is higher than what the odds suggest. Here are some disc golf examples:

Paul McBeth at DGPT Championship

Good Value Bet

Bookmaker Assessment:

+450 (18.2% implied probability)

Your Assessment:

25% chance to win

Your assessment gives him better odds than the bookmaker, indicating potential value.

Ricky Wysocki at Wooded Course

No Value

Bookmaker Assessment:

+300 (25% implied probability)

Your Assessment:

20% chance to win

Bookmaker odds are better than your assessment, suggesting the bet lacks value.

Paige Pierce in FPO Field

Slight Value

Bookmaker Assessment:

+200 (33.3% implied probability)

Your Assessment:

35% chance to win

Small edge in your favor, but consider bet size carefully.

Understanding Line Movement

Betting odds change constantly based on various factors. Understanding why lines move can help you time your bets better:

Sharp Money
Professional bettors placing large, informed bets

Impact:

Usually moves lines toward the 'true' odds

Example:

Paul McBeth odds shorten from +500 to +400 after sharp action

Public Betting
Recreational bettors backing popular players

Impact:

Can create value on less popular but skilled players

Example:

Simon Lizotte gets heavy public backing, creating value on other players

Injury News
Player health updates affecting performance expectations

Impact:

Immediate and significant line movement

Example:

Calvin Heimburg injury report moves his odds from +600 to +1200

Weather Updates
Forecast changes affecting course conditions

Impact:

Favors certain playing styles over others

Example:

Wind forecast benefits forehand specialists like Ricky Wysocki

Ready for Advanced Strategies?
Now that you understand odds, learn how to use them effectively

Betting Strategy

Learn advanced techniques for finding value and making profitable bets.

Bankroll Management

Protect your funds with proper money management techniques.

Course Analysis

Understand how different courses affect player performance and odds.

Put Your Knowledge to Work

Start applying your odds knowledge with these top disc golf sportsbooks.