What do the odds mean?

The odds show you the possible profit on each bet. By betting 10 euros at odds of 2.2, you know that you will make a profit of 12 euros (10*2.2-10) on a winning bet.

The odds given for a particular event also indicate the probability of it actually happening. The lower the odds, the greater the probability of the event happening (odds = 1/probability). Odds of 4 show that the event has a 1 in 4 (¼ = 25%) chance of happening, whereas odds of 1.2 correspond to a probability of 83% (1/1.2).

Can the bookmaker’s odds change?

The odds offered by a bookmaker for a particular event may change according to the news received about the event. However, once you have placed your bet, you will benefit from the odds shown on your betting slip at the moment that you accepted the bet, regardless of what subsequently happens.

Are there different types of odds?

Decimal odds (also known as European odds) are the most common form of odds offered in continental Europe. However, odds may be expressed in different ways: European odds are different from American odds or British odds (also called fractional odds). See our glossary for further details.

Is there a secret to making money from betting?

The art of betting resides in knowing whether or not the odds offered by a bookmaker are a genuine reflection of the probability of an event happening. A punter can make big profits if his or her betting success rate is better than the odds for these bets would seem to suggest.

How does the bookmaker pay me or receive payment when I win or lose a bet?

The bookmaker simply credits or debits the account that you opened with them. Your account is credited or debited in the hour following the result of your bet. You are then free to transfer your winnings from your betting account to your bank account.

What events can I bet on?

You can bet on practically anything! But not all bookmakers offer the same bets. All bookmakers offer numerous bets on football, tennis, rugby and American sports. If you’re a fan of less media-friendly sports, you may still find a bookmaker which will allow you to bet on your favourite sports. In our Guide to Bookmakers, you will find our advice on how to choose the best bookmaker for your particular tastes.

Can I bet during a match?

Yes, you can bet during a match, in which case you’ll be placing a live bet. The odds fluctuate very quickly according to the action and the score of the match.

What happens when a match is abandoned before the end?

If a match is abandoned by the referee, any bets on the final result are usually cancelled, unless a decision regarding the definitive result of the match is issued by a competent authority. This rule does not apply if the result of a bet was already known when the match was abandoned. For example, a bet on the score at the end of the first half is totally valid if the match was abandoned in the 70th minute.

When betting on a cup-tie, do I have to predict the result before or after any extra time is played?

Unless the bookmaker states otherwise in the description of the bet, you will be betting on the result of the match before extra time. However, you can also bet on which team will qualify for the next round by “betting to qualify”.

What happens when a tennis match is abandoned?

Some bookmakers may decide to maintain the bet, while others will refund your stake and others may take the view that the bet is valid if more than one set has been played. Check the rules that apply to your bookmaker before betting.

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