When you start exploring online sports betting in India, you will often come across odds marked with a + or - sign. Understanding what does the + and - mean in sports betting is crucial for anyone looking to place informed bets on cricket, football, or other popular sports.
In sports betting, the + and - signs represent underdog and favourite teams or players, respectively. The numbers next to these signs indicate how much you can win relative to your stake.
A minus sign (-) before a number shows the favourite team or player. It tells you how much money you need to bet to win ₹100. For example, if the odds are -150, you must wager ₹150 to receive a ₹100 profit if your bet wins. Favourites are less risky but offer smaller returns.
Conversely, a plus sign (+) indicates the underdog — the less likely winner. The number shows how much profit you will earn for a ₹100 bet. For instance, +200 means a ₹100 bet could win you ₹200 in profit. Betting on underdogs is riskier but can lead to higher payouts.
These odds formats are common in American odds style, which many Indian betting sites use alongside decimal and fractional odds. Understanding the + and - signs helps you quickly evaluate which team is preferred and plan your stakes accordingly.
Keep in mind that the actual payout includes your original stake returned along with the profit. So, a ₹100 bet at +200 odds returns ₹300 total — ₹200 profit plus ₹100 stake.
Familiarity with what does the + and - mean in sports betting enhances your online betting experience and allows you to make smarter decisions. Always compare odds across platforms and consider the risk and reward before placing your bets.