How to Read Betting Odds Like a Pro in 2025

Sports betting sites in Kenya normally use the decimal odds format, but bettors may be allowed to choose from other formats. Before playing real money bets, sports bettors need to understand how betting odds work and choose betting sites with competitive odds. Read this guide to explore the different odds formats available to Kenyan punters.

An Overview of Betting Odds

In the world of betting, odds indicate the probability of a certain outcome and the amount of money you will receive if you place a winning bet on a particular sporting event. To have the best gambling experience in Kenya, you should choose a betting site with great odds like the Captainsbet platform. The highest odds offer the biggest payouts if you win.

Exploring Betting Odds in Kenya: Popular Options

The decimal odds format is the most popular choice for Kenyan bookmakers and bettors. However, betting sites that cater to gamblers in different countries allow punters to choose from other popular options. Fractional and moneyline odds are the other top choices.

Decimal or European Odds

Decimal odds show the expected return for every Ksh 1 you bet. If you bet on an event with odds of 2.5, it means you will get Ksh 2.5 if you bet Ksh 1 bet. You can determine your payout by applying the following formula.

Return = Bet Amount x Decimal Odds

Let’s say you are betting Ksh 200 on a sporting event with odds of 3.5. The following formula will help you calculate the payout if you win.

Payout = Ksh 200 x 3.5 = Ksh 700

Profit = 700-200

Profit = Ksh 500

Fractional or British Odds

At Kenyan bookmakers using the fractional format, the odds denote the profit the bettor will get upon winning. Let’s say you are betting on a football match with fractional odds of 4/1. This simply means that you will win Ksh 4 if you place a Ksh 1 wager, plus your original bet amount. The formula summarises everything.

Total Winnings = Bet Multiplied by Fractional Odds + Your Bet Amount

Let’s consider a Ksh 200 bet on a match with fractional odds of 4/1.

Total Payout = 200 x 4/1 + 200

Total Payout = 800 + 200 = Ksh 1,000

In this case, your profit is Ksh 800

Moneyline or American Odds

If you join a bookmaker with moneyline odds, it is important to understand that negative numbers denote the favourite. On the other hand, positive numbers signify the underdog. A negative number shows the amount a punter should bet to win Ksh 100. In contrast, a positive number shows how much you will win if you bet Ksh 100.

Here are two examples:

• -150 means you must wager Ksh 150 to win Ksh 100
• + 150 means you will win Ksh 150 if you bet Ksh 100

This odds format is mostly used by American bookmakers, but Kenyan bettors can still use it if they understand how it works. The bet slip displays the payout amount, making it easy to know the expected return without doing manual calculations.

Conclusions

The need to understand how odds on betting sites work cannot be overstated. Most Kenyan betting sites and punters are familiar with the decimal format, but those who understand American and fractional odds can still use them at the top bookmakers.