> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.sporttoken.app/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# How to bet

# How to Bet

Learn the fundamentals of sports betting odds and how payouts are calculated.

<iframe width="100%" height="400" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Ea9AXItTKDs" title="How to Bet on SportToken" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen />

## Understanding American Odds

SportToken uses **American odds** (also called moneyline odds), the standard format for US sports betting.

### Reading the Numbers

Odds are displayed as either **positive (+)** or **negative (-)** numbers:

* **Negative odds (-)**: Indicates the **favorite** (more likely to win)
  * Shows how much you need to bet to win \$100
  * Example: **-150** means bet $150 to win $100

* **Positive odds (+)**: Indicates the **underdog** (less likely to win)
  * Shows how much you win if you bet \$100
  * Example: **+200** means bet $100 to win $200

### Quick Examples

| Odds | Team Type       | Meaning                                        |
| ---- | --------------- | ---------------------------------------------- |
| -200 | Heavy Favorite  | Bet $200 to win $100 (67% implied probability) |
| -150 | Favorite        | Bet $150 to win $100 (60% implied probability) |
| -110 | Slight Favorite | Bet $110 to win $100 (52% implied probability) |
| +110 | Slight Underdog | Bet $100 to win $110 (48% implied probability) |
| +200 | Underdog        | Bet $100 to win $200 (33% implied probability) |
| +500 | Heavy Underdog  | Bet $100 to win $500 (17% implied probability) |

## Calculating Your Payout

### For Negative Odds (Favorites)

**Formula**: Payout = (Bet Amount / |Odds|) × 100

**Example**: Bet \$50 on Lakers at **-150**

```
Profit = ($50 / 150) × 100 = $33.33
Total Payout = $50 + $33.33 = $83.33
```

### For Positive Odds (Underdogs)

**Formula**: Payout = (Bet Amount × Odds) / 100

**Example**: Bet \$50 on Celtics at **+200**

```
Profit = ($50 × 200) / 100 = $100
Total Payout = $50 + $100 = $150
```

### Quick Payout Calculator

For any odds, your **total payout** is always:

> **Total Payout = Your Bet Amount + Your Profit**

## Types of Bets

### 1. Moneyline (Winner)

Bet on which team will win the game.

**Example**:

```
Lakers -150
Celtics +130

Bet $100 on Lakers → Win $66.67 if Lakers win
Bet $100 on Celtics → Win $130 if Celtics win
```

### 2. Point Spread

Bet on the margin of victory. The favorite must win by more than the spread; the underdog must lose by less than the spread (or win).

**Example**:

```
Lakers -5.5 (-110)
Celtics +5.5 (-110)

Lakers must win by 6+ points
Celtics must lose by 5 or fewer (or win)
```

### 3. Totals (Over/Under)

Bet on whether the combined score will be over or under a set number.

**Example**:

```
Total: 215.5
Over 215.5 (-110)
Under 215.5 (-110)

If final score is Lakers 110, Celtics 108 = 218 total
Over wins, Under loses
```

### 4. Parlays

Combine multiple bets into one. All selections must win for the parlay to pay out. Higher risk, higher reward.

**Example**:

```
3-Leg Parlay:
- Lakers -150
- Over 215.5 -110
- Warriors +120

$50 bet → Potential payout: $450+
(All three must win)
```

Learn more about [parlays and how SportToken's fair odds work](/parlays/overview).

## How SportToken Odds Work

Unlike traditional sportsbooks, SportToken provides **fair odds** with transparent pricing:

1. **No vig on single bets**: We remove the bookmaker's built-in profit margin
2. **Transparent fees**: Small fee only charged on winning bets
3. **Better value**: Fair odds mean better payouts for you

### Example Comparison

**Traditional Sportsbook**:

```
Lakers -150 / Celtics +130
(Bookmaker keeps ~5-7% margin)
```

**SportToken**:

```
Lakers -140 / Celtics +140
(Fair odds, small fee on winning bets)
```

This gives you better value on both sides of the bet.

## Tips for Beginners

<Tip>
  **Start small**: Place small bets while you learn how odds work and develop your strategy.
</Tip>

1. **Understand implied probability**: Negative odds mean higher win probability, but lower payout
2. **Bankroll management**: Never bet more than you can afford to lose
3. **Shop for value**: Better odds = better value for your money
4. **Avoid heavy favorites**: Small payouts, big risk
5. **Research**: Check team stats, injuries, and recent performance

## Bet Limits

* **Minimum bet**: \$1
* **Maximum bet**: Varies by game liquidity
  * Displayed on each game card
  * Higher for popular games
  * Lower for niche markets

## Examples with Real Numbers

### Example 1: Betting on a Favorite

```
Game: Thunder vs Spurs
Odds: Thunder -250

You bet: $100 on Thunder
Thunder wins: You profit $40
Total payout: $140

Your return: 1.4x your bet
```

### Example 2: Betting on an Underdog

```
Game: Trail Blazers vs Warriors
Odds: Trail Blazers +300

You bet: $50 on Trail Blazers
Trail Blazers win: You profit $150
Total payout: $200

Your return: 4x your bet
```

### Example 3: Spread Bet

```
Game: Lakers vs Celtics
Spread: Lakers -7.5 (-110)

You bet: $110 on Lakers -7.5
Lakers win 115-100 (by 15 points)
You win: $100 profit
Total payout: $210
```

### Example 4: Parlay

```
3-Team Parlay:
- Lakers ML -150
- Over 220.5 -110
- Warriors ML -120

Combined odds: ~+350
Bet $100 → Potential win $350
Total payout: $450
```

## Understanding Probability

American odds can be converted to implied probability:

### For Negative Odds

```
Probability % = |Odds| / (|Odds| + 100) × 100

-150 odds = 150 / (150 + 100) × 100 = 60%
```

### For Positive Odds

```
Probability % = 100 / (Odds + 100) × 100

+200 odds = 100 / (200 + 100) × 100 = 33.3%
```

## Common Questions

**Why do odds change?**

* Betting action from other users
* Injury news
* Line movements from professional bookmakers
* Game time getting closer

**What happens if a game is postponed?**

* Bets are typically voided and refunded
* Check specific sport rules

**Can I cash out early?**

* Not currently, but coming soon
* All bets settle when the game ends

**What's the best bet type for beginners?**

* Start with moneyline (straight winner bets)
* Easier to understand than spreads or totals
* Move to spreads once comfortable

## Next Steps

Ready to place your first bet?

1. [Deposit funds](/getting-started/depositing) into your account
2. Browse [live games](/betting/live) or upcoming matches
3. Click on a game to see all available bets
4. Select your bet and enter your amount
5. Confirm and watch the game!

<Info>
  **New to betting?** Try small bets on games you're watching. This helps you learn how odds work while enjoying the game.
</Info>

## Advanced Topics

Want to dive deeper? Check out:

* [How SportToken removes the vig](/sports-betting/dejuicing) for fair odds
* [Understanding parlay pricing](/parlays/overview)
* [Liquidity pool mechanics](/liquidity-pool/overview) for better odds
* [Max loss protection](/sports-betting/max-loss) that protects the liquidity pool