Decimal odds: profit, return and probability

Calculate the total return

Decimal odds include the original cash stake in the winning return. At odds of 2.40, a C$15 stake would return C$36 if the selection wins: 15 × 2.40. The profit would be C$21 after subtracting the C$15 stake. If the selection loses, the cash stake is normally lost, subject to the market’s actual settlement rules.

Convert a fractional price

A fractional price of 7/4 describes profit relative to stake. Add one to 7 ÷ 4 to get decimal odds of 2.75. A C$8 winning stake would therefore produce C$14 profit and C$22 total return. A bonus-bet stake may be treated differently, so this cash example cannot settle a promotion’s payout.

Understand implied probability

Divide one by decimal odds, then multiply by 100. A price of 2.40 implies about 41.67%. This is the break-even probability represented by the price, not a verified forecast of what will happen. A shorter price offers less potential profit per dollar; it does not make the event certain.

Look at the whole market

Imagine a two-outcome market priced at 1.90 on both sides. Each side implies about 52.63%, giving roughly 105.26% in total. The amount above 100% illustrates pricing margin. It does not tell you which selection is good or remove the possibility of losing.

Betfair’s odds explanation provides the format reference. Check the accepted price, event, market and overtime rules on the actual bet slip. Our Canadian sports directory retains provincial scope; the fixture view is an information feed that can be delayed.