M
Mike_25
Guest
Calculating the expected value (EV) of a moneyline bet involves a few simple steps:
1. Determine the moneyline odds for the favorite and underdog teams. For example, favorite team is -150 and underdog team is +120.
2. Convert the odds into implied probabilities. For -150, the implied probability the favorite wins is 66.7% (1/-150). For +120, the implied probability the underdog wins is 45.4% (120/121).
3. Multiply the payout odds by their respective implied probabilities.
For the favorite at -150:
•66.7% implied probability to win
•Must win to get paid, so payout = $100 bet
•So EV = 66.7% * $100 = $67
For the underdog at +120:
•45.4% implied probability to win
•$120 payout if they win
•So EV = 45.4% * $120 = $54
4. Add the EV from the favorite and underdog together to get the total EV.
In this example, the total EV is $67 + $54 = $121
5. If the total EV is greater than the amount bet, then this is a profitable matchup based on the odds. If the total EV is less than the amount bet, then this matchup will likely lead to a loss over time.
Some additional notes:
•EV becomes more favorable to one side as the moneyline odds get wider (like -250 vs +200). This shows the market perceives a clear favorite.
•Multiple bets at different moneyline odds can be combined to improve the total EV. Look for bets with higher EV potential.
•EV is a long-term concept. A single bet outcome does not prove or disprove whether a side had the positive EV. Recreational gamblers need to be aware that short-term fortunes do not always reflect fair EV.
•As with any gambling, ROI and responsible betting remain the most important goals. Only risk money that can afford to be lost.
1. Determine the moneyline odds for the favorite and underdog teams. For example, favorite team is -150 and underdog team is +120.
2. Convert the odds into implied probabilities. For -150, the implied probability the favorite wins is 66.7% (1/-150). For +120, the implied probability the underdog wins is 45.4% (120/121).
3. Multiply the payout odds by their respective implied probabilities.
For the favorite at -150:
•66.7% implied probability to win
•Must win to get paid, so payout = $100 bet
•So EV = 66.7% * $100 = $67
For the underdog at +120:
•45.4% implied probability to win
•$120 payout if they win
•So EV = 45.4% * $120 = $54
4. Add the EV from the favorite and underdog together to get the total EV.
In this example, the total EV is $67 + $54 = $121
5. If the total EV is greater than the amount bet, then this is a profitable matchup based on the odds. If the total EV is less than the amount bet, then this matchup will likely lead to a loss over time.
Some additional notes:
•EV becomes more favorable to one side as the moneyline odds get wider (like -250 vs +200). This shows the market perceives a clear favorite.
•Multiple bets at different moneyline odds can be combined to improve the total EV. Look for bets with higher EV potential.
•EV is a long-term concept. A single bet outcome does not prove or disprove whether a side had the positive EV. Recreational gamblers need to be aware that short-term fortunes do not always reflect fair EV.
•As with any gambling, ROI and responsible betting remain the most important goals. Only risk money that can afford to be lost.