Calculating your potential winnings with American odds is not difficult at all. The formula is actually very simple, and while a Bet Slip will usually convert the numbers for you automatically, it’s good to know what actually happens in the background.
Let’s consider the following example:
Los Angeles Lakers (-300)
Phoenix Suns (+250)
We will bet on both teams so that you are aware of how the formula works and how you can use it to calculate every potential payout yourself. Placing a $20 bet on the Los Angeles Lakers (-300) would look like this:
300/100 = 20/x
Multiply to get 300x = 2000
Carry over the 300 to get x= 2000/300
x = $6.67
In other words, if you choose to back the Lakers on (-300) with a $20 bet, you will end up getting $20 + $6.67 or $26.67.
If you choose to place a $20 bet on the Phoenix Suns (+250), then your equation will change slightly, as follows:
100/250 = 20/x
Multiply to get 100x = 5000
Carry over the 100 to get x = 5000/100
x = $50
In other words, your bet will result in a $50 win + $20 bet, which will together amount to a good $70 payout.
Let’s consider the following example:
Los Angeles Lakers (-300)
Phoenix Suns (+250)
We will bet on both teams so that you are aware of how the formula works and how you can use it to calculate every potential payout yourself. Placing a $20 bet on the Los Angeles Lakers (-300) would look like this:
300/100 = 20/x
Multiply to get 300x = 2000
Carry over the 300 to get x= 2000/300
x = $6.67
In other words, if you choose to back the Lakers on (-300) with a $20 bet, you will end up getting $20 + $6.67 or $26.67.
If you choose to place a $20 bet on the Phoenix Suns (+250), then your equation will change slightly, as follows:
100/250 = 20/x
Multiply to get 100x = 5000
Carry over the 100 to get x = 5000/100
x = $50
In other words, your bet will result in a $50 win + $20 bet, which will together amount to a good $70 payout.