
How to Find True Odds in Betting

Knowing how to find true odds is key if you bet a lot. You must split the ways to lose by the ways to win using simple math.
Basic Odds Finding
The odds rule is:
True Odds = (Ways to Lose) : (Ways to Win)
Let’s take American roulette, where a bet on one number shows:
- 37 ways to lose
- 1 way to win
So, the true odds are 37:1 click here
How Casinos Pay Out
Casino payout odds are often not the same as true odds. For example, in American roulette:
- True odds: 37:1
- Casino payout: 35:1
This gap shows the house edge, which makes sure the casino makes money.
Value of a Bet
To find out if a bet is good, use Expected Value (EV):
EV = (Chance of Winning × Win Money) – (Chance of Losing × Lose Money)
Main Points in Odds Finding:
- Total results possible
- Chances of winning
- House edge in percent
- Payout amounts
This math way helps to make good betting plans and know real game chances.
Basics of Chance
Guide to Basic Chance Concepts
Key Chance Ideas in Gaming
Three main rules of chance are used in all betting math: randomness, odds, and expected value.
What is Randomness?
Randomness means we can’t predict single results in games of chance.
Yet, with lots of tries, results will usually show a clear pattern. For example, flipping a coin 1,000 times will end up near a 50/50 split between heads and tails, even if some parts seem off.
How to Use Odds and Chances
Odds are shown as ratios like 2:1 or as percent like 33.33%.
To find chance percent, split the good results by all possible results. Like, the chance of a certain side up on a six-sided dice is one out of six, or about 16.67%.
How to Find Expected Value
Expected value helps to know what might happen on average over many tries. It mixes the chances of each outcome with what you can win or lose.
For a $1 bet with a $2 win at 40% chance, the expected value is: (0.4 × $2) + (0.6 × -$1) = -$0.20 for each time you bet.
More Uses and Plans
Knowing these chance basics lets players:
- Look at bets with a clear view
- Work out exact risk vs reward
- Make better game choices
- See good and bad bets
True Odds Vs Casino Odds
True Odds vs Casino Odds in Betting

Main Differences Between True and Casino Odds
True odds are the real chances of something happening. Like in a fair coin toss, true odds are 1:1, or 50% for each side.
Casino odds change these real chances to make sure they make money, this is called the house edge.
This change gives the casino a math advantage while still letting them give good prizes to players.
Know the Odds in Roulette
Roulette Example
In American roulette, the true odds of one number are 37:1, but casinos pay 35:1. This 2-unit gap shows the house edge of 5.26%, which is the casino’s profit.
How This Affects Value
The gap between true and casino odds changes a player’s expected value. Even if you can win some bets, the math makes sure the house stays ahead over time.
How Players Can Use This Info
Knowing true odds versus casino odds helps you:
- Work out math drawbacks
- Pick games with better odds
- Think over bet offers better
- Know possible prizes better
This clear difference is key for betting plans, helping players find games with the best math returns within casino rules.
How to Find Value
Expected Value (EV) in Betting
Why Expected Value Matters
Expected value is important for betting choices and knowing what you might get back.
The main EV formula uses win and lose chances: EV = (Chance of Win × Money Won) – (Chance of Lose × Money Lost). Why Slot Machines Are the Most Popular Casino Game
Using EV in Bets
For a simple coin flip bet: Bet $10 to win $11 on heads and lose $10 on tails. The math is: (0.5 × $11) – (0.5 × $10) = $5.50 – $5.00 = $0.50. This good expected value of $0.50 means the bet has math on its side.
Casino Games and House Edge
Casino math often shows how house edge changes expected value.
In American roulette, a $1 bet on red shows the math: (18/38 × $1) – (20/38 × $1) = -$0.053. This bad expected value of 5.3 cents per dollar bet shows the math trouble in casino games.
Knowing these math helps players pick better betting plans and see when good return chances might come.
Main Points in EV:
- Checking chances
- Looking at risk vs reward
- Long-term win plans
- Impact of house edge
- Choosing bets wisely
This guide helps bettors see where real value lies and avoid making choices based on feelings.