Understanding Boxing Betting Odds
When it comes to understanding betting odds, many just look at their projected winnings and place their bet without actually understanding how boxing odds work. We are here to help you understand how to calculate your boxing betting odds, and how oddsmakers set them.
There are a few different formats that boxing betting odds can be displayed in. The most common odds format in the United States is American odds – obviously. But many sports bettors are used to fractional or decimal odds as well, so we will look at how to calculate those as well.
American Boxing Betting Odds
Boxing odds are typically presented in American odds in the United States, and it’s obvious as to why. American odds are usually represented by a positive or negative 3 or 4 digit amount, like -150 or +650 to denote the probability of winning a match.
In terms of boxing, the positive number represents how much you would win on a $100 bet on the underdog, and the negative number would represent how much you’d have to bet to win $100. When it comes to calculating probability – there really isn’t a rule for American odds, so it’s important to convert your odds to decimal.
How do you do this?
- For positive odds (underdog boxing odds) let’s say +300: 1 + (odds / 100) = 1+(300/100) = 4.0
- For negative odds (favored boxer’s odds) -300: 1 – (100 / 300) = 1.333
Now that you have your decimal odds, we can help you calculate your winnings and implied probability:
Decimal Boxing Betting Odds
Decimal boxing odds are way more common in Europe, but in the United States, some bettors do prefer them. It’s easier to calculate your American odds by converting them to decimals, especially when trying to calculate the probability of winning. Decimal odds are essentially your odds multiplied by your stake, then subtract your stake.
- 9.0 odds would be calculated as (9.0 * $10) – $10 = $80 in winnings
- 1.25 would be (1.25 * $10) = $10 = $2.50
To calculate your implied probability of winning, you essentially divide 1/decimal odds which is 1/ 9.0.
This gives an implied probability of 11.11%. Implied probability is an important part of your boxing betting strategy and will help you improve your chances of winning in the long term.
Fractional Boxing Betting Odds
If you did well in math class as a kid, you’re well on your way to understanding fractional betting odds. If you see a fractionated number, like 10/1, this means someone has a ten to one chance of winning the match. This way, you can calculate their probability of winning – from the fractional boxing odds.
The formula looks like this:
B/(A+B) = %
For example, if the boxing betting odds are set for a match and a boxer has 9/1 odds to win, there is a 10% chance they will win the match.
1/(9+1) = .10 (10%)
Or, if a fighter has 1/ 4 odds to win the match, that can be calculated like so,
4/(4+1) = 0.80 (80%)
This boxer is usually favored to win.
So, how much will you win on fractional boxing betting odds? It’s pretty simple actually. For every value on the right side of the fraction you wager, you will win the left. So 9/1 odds – for each $1 wagered, you will win $9. 1/ 4 odds – for each $4 wagered you win $1.