How to Read Sports Betting Odds

If you’ve ever stared at numbers like “2.50”, “5/1”, or “+150” on a betting app and felt like you’re decoding the Matrix, you’re not alone. Understanding how to read sports betting odds is one of the most essential steps for anyone looking to wager smartly. Whether you’re betting on Kenya Premier League, English Premier League, or international clubs, this guide is your playbook.

In Kenya’s ever-growing betting market, with platforms like MayBets offering localized, intuitive betting interfaces, grasping odds can empower you to make informed, confident bets.

What Are Sports Betting Odds?

In sports betting, odds represent two key things:

• The likelihood (probability) of an outcome.
• The amount of money you stand to win if your bet is successful.
• They’re the heart of every wager, translating sports predictions into actual payout figures.

Types of Betting Odds

There are three main formats for odds globally. You’ll find all three across online sportsbooks, though decimal odds are the most common in Kenya.

Let’s break each one down:

a) Decimal Odds

This is the default on most Kenyan betting sites.

• Format: 2.00, 1.50, 3.25, etc.
• The number includes your original stake.
• To calculate total payout:
  Winnings = Stake × Decimal Odds

Example;

You bet KSH 1,000 on Manchester City at 2.50

Your total return = 1,000 × 2.50 = KSH 2,500

Profit = KSH 2,500 – KSH 1,000 = KSH 1,500

b) Fractional Odds

More common in the UK. The format looks like this: 5/1, 3/2, 7/4.

Example;

• Odds of 5/1 (read as “five to one”) means:

For every KSH 1 wagered, you win KSH 5.

So, a KSH 1,000 stake returns:

Profit = 5 × 1,000 = KSH 5,000

Total Return = KSH 5,000 + KSH 1,000 = KSH 6,000

These odds are popular for long-shot bets, such as backing Mathare United to win the FKF Premier League.

c) Moneyline Odds (American Odds)

It is primarily used in the US but is also increasingly appearing in global sportsbooks.

• Positive (+200): For every KSH 100 bet, you win KSH 200 profit.
• Negative (-150): You need to bet KSH 150 to win KSH 100 profit.

Example (+200);

• Bet KSH 1,000 on odds of +200
• Winnings = (1,000 / 100) × 200 = KSH 2,000
• Total Return = KSH 2,000 + KSH 1,000 = KSH 3,000

Example (-150):

To win KSH 1,000 profit, you need to bet KSH 1,500

Although it may not be as intuitive as decimal odds, understanding them expands your global betting options.

Odds vs Implied Probability

Odds aren’t just numbers. They reveal what the bookmaker thinks the likelihood of an event is.

To calculate implied probability:

• For Decimal Odds;
• Probability (%) = (1 / Decimal Odds) × 100

Example:

• For 2.00 odds → (1 / 2.00) × 100 = 50%

So, the bookie believes there’s a 50% chance of that outcome happening.

Understanding implied probability helps you spot value bets in situations where you believe the real likelihood is higher than the odds suggest.

How to Calculate Winnings (KSH Examples)

Odds Type	Stake (KSH)	Odds	Profit	Total Return
Decimal	1,000	2.50	1,500	2,500
Fractional	1,000	5/1	5,000	6,000
Moneyline	1,000	+200	2,000	3,000

Want quick maths? Stick to decimal odds. It’s the simplest format for Kenyan betting apps.

Value Betting: Smart Punter Tactics

Value betting is when you bet on outcomes where the implied probability is less than what you think is true.

Example:

• Bookie gives AFC Leopards 3.00 odds to beat Gor Mahia (implied probability = 33.3%)

Do you believe their actual chance is 45%

That’s a value bet. Over time, identifying these spots can turn you into a profitable punter, even if you don’t always win.

Tip: Be cautious of boosted odds promotions. MayBets often runs Win Boosts during FKF, EPL, and international match days, potentially inflating payouts on your favorite teams.

How to Choose the Best Sports Betting Odds

Odds vary between sportsbooks. Here’s how to pick:

• Compare across 2–3 reputable bookies.

Check local promotions: For example, MayBets’ midweek odds on UEFA matches tend to outperform those of international platforms.

Use tools: Odds comparison sites can help, but many Kenyan punters also share updates in Telegram tipster groups.

Subtle plug: MayBets’ clean UX, fast withdrawals, and live odds make it beginner-friendly and pro-approved.

Advanced Tip: Using Odds in Parlays/Multibets

When combining bets (also known as multibets), the odds are multiplied.

Example:

• Leg 1: Chelsea to win @ 2.00
• Leg 2: Arsenal to win @ 1.80
• Total Odds = 2.00 × 1.80 = 3.60
• Stake KSH 1,000 → Return = 1,000 × 3.60 = KSH 3,600

Multibets = higher risk, higher reward. Use them only if you’re confident or feeling lucky.

FAQs About How to Read Sports Betting Odds

What’s the easiest betting odds format for beginners?

Decimal odds are straightforward and already standard in Kenya.

What does it mean when the odds shorten or lengthen?

Shortening = more likely to win (less payout). Lengthening is less likely (resulting in a higher payout). It often reflects team news or betting trends.

Are better odds always more profitable?

Not necessarily. Focus on value rather than just chasing the longest odds.

Why do odds vary between bookmakers?

Different bookmakers use various algorithms, customer insights, and liabilities to determine their prices.

Is it worth betting on very low odds, like 1.10?

Only in multibets. As singles, the returns are small and not worth the risk.

What do odds of -200 mean?

The odds of -200 are American (money line) odds. The minus sign indicates that the team or outcome is the favorite. With -200, you need to bet KSH 200 to win KSH 100 profit. Your total return would be KSH 300 (KSH 200 stake + KSH 100 profit): lower profit but a higher chance of winning, at least according to the bookie.

Final Word: Read Sports Betting Odds Like a Pro

Whether you’re placing KSH 50 or KSH 50,000, knowing how to read sports betting odds transforms your betting from guesswork to strategy. Remember:

• Decimal odds rule in Kenya.
• Always understand implied probability.
• Value > popularity.
• Stay sharp, not emotional.

Remember to bet responsibly. MayBets offer self-exclusion tools, deposit limits, and reminders to help you stay in control.