Calculating Odds & Payouts

You don't need advanced maths to bet well — just a few simple calculations you can do on any slip. Here's how to work out payouts, probability and the bookmaker's cut.

Working out your return

Return = stake × decimal odds. A 20 stake at 3.40 returns 68 (a 48 profit). For accumulators, multiply all the odds together first, then multiply by your stake.

The bookmaker margin

Add the implied probabilities of every outcome in a market. If they total 105%, the extra 5% is the bookmaker's margin — the built-in edge you must overcome. Lower-margin markets give you better long-term value.

FAQ

How do I calculate accumulator odds?

Multiply the decimal odds of every selection together. Four legs at 1.50 each = 1.50 × 1.50 × 1.50 × 1.50 = 5.06, so a 10 stake returns 50.60.