Moneyline odds are the standard format used across American sportsbooks. Rather than expressing probability as a decimal multiplier (2.50) or fraction (6/4), moneyline uses positive and negative numbers anchored to a £100 reference point.
How Moneyline Odds Work
Positive Moneyline (+)
A positive number shows how much profit you earn on a £100 stake.
+150: Stake £100, win £150 profit. Total return: £250. +300: Stake £100, win £300 profit. Total return: £400.
The higher the positive number, the bigger the underdog.
Negative Moneyline (-)
A negative number shows how much you must stake to win £100 profit.
-150: Stake £150 to win £100 profit. Total return: £250. -300: Stake £300 to win £100 profit. Total return: £400.
The larger the negative number, the stronger the favourite.
Converting to Decimal Odds
Most European bettors think in decimal odds. The conversion formulas are straightforward:
Positive moneyline to decimal: Decimal = (Moneyline / 100) + 1 +200 = (200/100) + 1 = 3.00
Negative moneyline to decimal: Decimal = (100 / |Moneyline|) + 1 -150 = (100/150) + 1 = 1.67
Common Moneyline Values and Their Decimal Equivalents
| Moneyline | Decimal | Implied Probability |
|---|---|---|
| -500 | 1.20 | 83.3% |
| -200 | 1.50 | 66.7% |
| -110 | 1.91 | 52.4% |
| +100 | 2.00 | 50.0% |
| +150 | 2.50 | 40.0% |
| +300 | 4.00 | 25.0% |
When Moneyline Betting Offers Value
Moneyline bets are simplest in two-outcome sports: basketball, baseball, tennis, and American football. There is no draw option (games go to overtime), so you pick one of two sides.
In football (soccer), US sportsbooks often offer a "three-way moneyline" that includes the draw as a third option, functioning identically to the European 1X2 market.
Heavy Favourites: Proceed with Caution
A -500 favourite needs to win 83.3% of the time just to break even. Stacking multiple heavy favourites in a parlay is a common trap — one upset wipes out accumulated small profits.
Practical Application
Whether you see Manchester City at 1.40, 2/5, or -250, the bet is identical. Understanding all three formats lets you compare odds across UK, European, and American bookmakers — giving you the best chance of finding the highest price for any selection.