Reading decimal odds before a sports bet

Keep stake and profit apart

At decimal odds of 1.80, a winning NZ$10 cash stake would return NZ$18 in total. That is NZ$8 profit plus the original NZ$10. Multiplying the stake by the price gives the return; subtracting the stake gives profit. The displayed number is conditional on winning, not an amount credited merely for placing the bet.

A price also expresses a probability

One divided by 1.80 is approximately 0.5556, or 55.56%. This is an implied break-even probability before considering any further charges. It is not proof of the selection’s true chance. The bookmaker’s assessment and pricing margin are built into the available market.

Multiples combine conditions

For an illustrative two-selection multiple at 1.50 and 2.00, multiplying the prices gives 3.00. A winning NZ$5 cash stake would return NZ$15 if both selections satisfy the bet’s rules. One losing leg can lose the whole multiple. Related selections, void legs and special markets can follow different rules, so do not assume every displayed price can simply be multiplied.

Read the event as carefully as the price

Check whether a football market covers ordinary time, extra time or qualification. A team progressing after penalties does not necessarily win a market settled on ordinary time. The selection name and the operator’s market rules control the calculation; a result headline alone is insufficient.

The primary reference for the number formats is Betfair’s explanation of odds, not a statement of New Zealand access. Use the New Zealand sports information page for the local edition. Compare the fixture list with completed results, and check the time-zone label before reading an overseas match.