Nolan Rev's Podcast 2026

How Do + and - Compare in Sports Betting: Unlocking the Secret to Betting Success

Episode Summary

If you’re new to How do + and - compare in sports betting, it’s especially important to know how odds work for your picks to come out on top. One of the very basic features is the + or - sign. If you are new to sports betting or want a refresher on using + and - in sports betting, you should read the article below to better understand how it affects your payout. In this article, we’ll cover what these symbols mean and how they influence your bets to help you use them to your advantage. What ...

Episode Notes

If you’re new to How do + and - compare in sports betting, it’s especially important to know how odds work for your picks to come out on top. One of the very basic features is the + or - sign. If you are new to sports betting or want a refresher on using + and - in sports betting, you should read the article below to better understand how it affects your payout. In this article, we’ll cover what these symbols mean and how they influence your bets to help you use them to your advantage.

What Does + and - Mean in Sports Betting?

In sports betting, odds expressed with plus (+) and minus (-) signs determine whether a team is favored or an underdog in a game. These symbols explain:

• What a bettor can win based on their wager
  
  
  
• How likely a team is to win
  
  
  

The Plus Sign (+): Betting the Underdog

The + sign indicates the underdog, the team or player that is expected to lose.

• The number after the plus sign shows how much profit you can make for every $100 wagered.
  
  
  
• The bigger the number after the +, the more money you stand to win from a $100 bet.
  
  
  

Example of + Odds:

• Team A at +250
  
  
  
• If you wager $100 on Team A and they win, your payout would be $250 profit plus your original $100 stake, totaling $350.
  
  
  

The higher the + number, the larger the payout for betting on an underdog.

The Minus Sign (-): Betting the Favorite

The - sign denotes the favorite, the team or player projected to win.

• The number after the minus tells you how much you need to wager to win $100.
  
  
  
• The greater the number after the -, the more you will need to bet to make $100 profit.
  
  
  

Example of - Odds:

• Team B at -150
  
  
  
• You would need to risk $150 to win $100 profit.
  
  
  
• If Team B wins, your total payout is $250 ($150 stake + $100 profit).
  
  
  

The -150 odds mean that Team B is favored, and your potential winnings are smaller than betting on the underdog.

Risk vs. Reward: Underdog vs. Favorite Betting

The main difference between + and - odds is risk vs. reward:

The Underdog (+ Odds): Risk More, Win More

• Positive odds indicate a team not expected to win.
  
  
  
• Higher payout if successful.
  
  
  
• Example: +200 line → 33.33% implied chance to win, $200 profit on a $100 bet.
  
  
  

The Favorite (- Odds): Less Risk, Less Reward

• The favorite is more likely to win, so payouts are smaller.
  
  
  
• Example: -150 line → bet $150 to win $100 profit.
  
  
  
• Implied probability is higher (e.g., 60%).
  
  
  

How to Work Out Payout in Plus or Minus American Odds

Payout for + Odds

Formula:
Profit = (Bet Amount × Odds) / 100

Example:

• Bet $50 on a team at +250
  
  
  
• Profit = (50 × 250) / 100 = 125
  
  
  
• Total payout = $50 stake + $125 profit = $175
  
  
  

Payout for - Odds

Formula:
Profit = (Stake / Odds) × 100

Example:

• Bet $150 on a team at -150
  
  
  
• Profit = (150 / 150) × 100 = 100
  
  
  
• Total payout = $150 stake