Decimal odds express the total amount you’ll receive from a winning bet, including your original stake, for every dollar wagered. They’re the standard betting format across Canada, Europe, and much of the world, offering a simpler alternative to American odds, which are commonly used on U.S. platforms like Hard Rock Bet Sportsbook.
The following guide will break down how to read and understand decimal odds. We’ll cover how they compare with American odds, how you can calculate payouts when using them, and how to select the format of your choice at Hard Rock Bet Sportsbook.
What are decimal odds?
Decimal odds are the standard format used in many sports betting markets across the globe. They’re an alternative to American odds, which are the default option at U.S. sportsbooks.
Instead of using plus and minus signs to signify favorites and underdogs, decimal odds display regular numbers, with decimals, that represent your total return per dollar wagered. This is one of the biggest advantages to using decimal odds.
For example, if you see odds of 2.50, it means you’ll get back $2.50 for every $1 you bet, including your original stake. Unlike American odds, calculating your total payout with decimal odds is incredibly simple.
Hard Rock Bet Sportsbook offers decimal odds, American odds and fractional odds on its app and website, giving players the choice to use whichever format feels the most comfortable.
How do you read decimal odds?
Reading decimal odds is essentially like viewing a multiplier for your bet. The number displays exactly how much you’ll receive back for every dollar wagered. For example, if you bet $10 at odds of 3.00, you’ll get back $30 total if you win. This includes both your initial $10 stake plus $20 in winnings.
Quick reference guide:
- 1.50 odds: -200 American odds
- 2.00 odds: Even money, or +100 American odds
- 3.00 odds: +200 American odds
- 5.00 odds: +400 American odds
The higher the decimal odds, the bigger the underdog. Conversely, the lower the odds, the larger the favorite. There’s no conversion or memorization required – what you see is what you get.
Spotting favorites and underdogs at a glance
Decimal odds make identifying favorites and underdogs a total breeze. When looking at game lines, the side with the lower number is the favorite. For example, if the Vikings are favored over the Steelers, the lines could read as 1.67 (-150) for Minnesota and 2.25 (+125) for Pittsburgh.
For a simple benchmark, any odds below 2.00 (+100 American odds) mean you’ll get back less than double your money on a winning wager. Odds above 2.00 give you the chance to win more than double your stake if you win. No matter what the number is, just remember that it represents what you have the potential to win for every $1 you bet.
This system can help eliminate the confusion that can sometimes come with American odds. The decimal numbers tell you all you need to know.
How do you calculate payouts with decimal odds?
Calculating your wager’s payout with decimal odds uses one simple formula that works every time. All you’ll need to do is multiply your stake by the decimal odds at hand to get your total return. This total includes both your original stake and your profit – simply subtract your initial stake from this number to calculate your net profit.
Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how it works. Let’s say you’re betting $25 at decimal odds of 2.80 (+180).
- Keep the formula in mind: Your Stake x Decimal Odds = Total Payout.
- Take your stake ($25) and multiply it by the odds (2.80). $25 x 2.80 = $70 total return.
- That $70 return does include your initial $25 stake, so subtract that from the end result to get your total profit. $70 – $25 = $45.
Unlike American odds, there’s no complex conversion needed – the simple math is a big part of the appeal of using decimal odds.
Decimal odds vs. American odds vs. Fractional odds
All three odds formats display the same thing – how much you can win – but they do it in different ways.
Decimal odds are the simplest of the three because they show your total return, including your original stake. For example, 2.50 means you’ll get $2.50 for every $1 bet. Just multiply your wager by the number to see your total payout.
American odds, the standard at most U.S. sportsbooks, use plus (+) and minus (-) signs to differentiate sides and are based around $100 units. Betting on a +150 underdog means you’ll win $150 for every $100 you wager, while betting on a -150 favorite means you need to bet $150 to win $100. It’s essentially the same concept as decimal odds, just displayed differently.
Fractional odds are most common in the U.K. and in horse racing. They display your profit compared to your stake. For example, 2/1 means you’ll win $2 for every $1 bet. To find your total return, you add your stake to the profit.
In summary:
- Decimal odds = total return (easy math, global standard)
- American odds = based on $100 wagers (U.S. standard)
- Fractional odds = profit-to-stake ratio (traditional U.K. style)
No matter which format you use, the betting lines all remain the same – they just present the math in different ways.
How can I switch my odds display settings at Hard Rock Bet?
One of the best features at Hard Rock Bet Sportsbook is that players have the ability to switch between decimal, American and fractional odds at the click of a button. Whether you’re looking to stick with the standard or switch over to decimal odds, here’s how you can adjust your odds display format on the app or website:
- Click on the Account tab.
- Scroll down and select Settings.
- Select Preferences.
- Once inside that menu, you’ll see three options under Odds Display Format. Choose between American, Decimal and Fractional.
- Back out of this menu to save your changes.
That’s it! As soon as you exit the Account tab, you will see your preferred odds format reflected on all markets. If you ever change your mind or decide to switch, you can go back at any point and revert back to a different format.
Additionally, if you’re accessing Hard Rock Bet from its desktop website, this option is also available at the bottom of your screen in the site’s footer.
FAQ about decimal odds
Still have some questions about decimal odds? We’ve got answers.
What are decimal odds?
Decimal odds are a format that displays the total amount you’ll get back for every $1 you bet, including your original stake. For example, odds of 2.50 mean you’ll receive $2.50 total for every $1 wagered. This equals out to $1.50 in profit plus your initial $1 bet.
How do I calculate payouts using decimal odds?
Calculating your payouts using decimal odds is simple: Multiply your stake by the decimal odds and the result is your total payout.
For example, if you bet $10 at odds of 2.40, your total return is $24 ($14 profit + $10 stake).
How are decimal odds different from American or fractional odds?
All three formats express the same thing, but display it differently.
- Decimal odds show your total return for every $1 wagered (2.50 = $1.50 in profit plus $1 stake)
- American odds use plus or minus signs and are based around $100 units (+150 = $150 in profit on a $100 wager)
- Fractional odds show profit relative to stake (2/1 = $2 in profit for every $1 wagered)
Can I switch between decimal and American odds on Hard Rock Bet Sportsbook?
Yes. Players at Hard Rock Bet Sportsbook can shift between decimal, American and fractional odds by heading over to the Account tab, selecting Settings and clicking on Preferences.
Are decimal odds available in all Hard Rock Bet Sportsbook states?
Yes, of course! Players located in all active Hard Rock Bet Sportsbook states have access to decimal odds as their preferred setting.
Active Hard Rock Bet Sportsbook states include:
