Odds Comparison: Finding the Best Value
Why Odds Comparison Matters
Different bookmakers offer different odds on the same events. Finding the best odds can significantly increase your long-term profits.
The Impact of Better Odds
A difference of just 0.10 in decimal odds might seem small, but over hundreds of bets, it adds up to substantial profit differences.
How to Compare Odds
Odds Comparison Sites
Use dedicated odds comparison websites that aggregate odds from multiple bookmakers in real-time.
Multiple Accounts
Maintain accounts at several bookmakers to access the best odds for each bet.
Odds Alerts
Set up alerts for specific events or odds movements to catch value opportunities.
Understanding Odds Formats
Decimal Odds
Most common in Europe. Easy to calculate returns: stake × odds = total return.
Fractional Odds
Traditional UK format showing profit relative to stake.
American Odds
Positive numbers show profit on $100 bet, negative shows stake needed to win $100.
Margin and Overround
Bookmakers build in a profit margin. Lower margins mean better value for bettors. Compare margins across bookmakers.
Best Odds Guaranteed
Some bookmakers offer best odds guaranteed on horse racing, paying the higher of the odds you took or the starting price.
Line Shopping Strategy
- Identify your desired bet
- Check odds at multiple bookmakers
- Calculate implied probability
- Place bet at the bookmaker offering best value
- Track results to identify consistently good bookmakers
Tools and Resources
- Oddschecker
- OddsPortal
- BetBrain
- Odds comparison apps
Maximizing Value
Combine odds comparison with bonuses, promotions, and cashback offers. Some bookmakers offer price boosts on specific markets.
Common Mistakes
- Only using one bookmaker
- Ignoring small odds differences
- Not factoring in withdrawal fees
- Chasing odds without considering reliability