How do you read sports betting odds?

Short answer

American odds show profit on a $100 bet: +150 wins $150, while -110 means you risk $110 to win $100. Convert to an implied probability (100 ÷ (odds + 100) for plus odds; odds ÷ (odds + 100) for minus odds) to see the chance the price assumes, then compare books for the best line.

The three numbers on a game

Moneyline: who wins outright.
Spread: the favorite must win by more than the points line.
Total (over/under): combined points scored.

Implied probability and the vig

+150 → 100 ÷ 250 = 40%.
-110 → 110 ÷ 210 ≈ 52.4%.
Both sides of a game add up to more than 100%; the extra is the book's margin (the vig).
Prediction markets like Kalshi quote the same idea in cents: 62¢ ≈ 62%.

Why line shopping matters

Different sportsbooks post slightly different prices. Getting -105 instead of -115 on the same bet adds up over a season. Rebel Intel compares books and prediction markets side by side. For entertainment and research; bet only what you can afford to lose.

Common questions

What does -110 mean?

You risk $110 to win $100. The implied probability is about 52.4%.

What is a positive expected value (+EV) bet?

A bet where your estimated win chance is higher than the probability implied by the odds. Over many bets, +EV prices should come out ahead, but any single bet can lose.

Where can I compare odds?

Ask Rebel Intel for any game to see sportsbook and prediction-market prices side by side.

Go deeper with Rebel Intel

Show me tonight's odds across sportsbooks Any +EV bets right now?Compare sportsbook odds with Kalshi for this weekend

Educational only, not investment advice. Options involve risk and are not suitable for all investors. See how Intel is reviewed.