Most people are familiar with the phrase “50-1” or “6-1”. These are the kinds of odds usually found on the back of a milk carton or when you place a bet on the side of a restaurant. However, there is another type of betting odds that are just as common but perhaps a little less well-known: 5-1, 4-1, 3-1, 2-1, and 1-1. What is intriguing is that while most people think of these as losing bets, they may not be as bad as you think. Let’s take a closer look.
5-1
With 5-1 odds, you’re essentially making a 50-1 shot and adding on an additional five units of vigorish (i.e., odds-maker’s fee). Therefore, even though these are rather high odds, they aren’t as bad as they seem because you’re essentially getting something for free. The term “free odds” or “gratis” can be used to describe these types of odds. Furthermore, for some people, the additional five units of vigorish can end up being more than the cost of the actual ticket or wager. In the long run, you’ll realize that you’re better off with these types of odds. You may even win a small amount of money, which can help you avoid taxes in the long run.
4-1
With 4-1 odds, you’re making a 50-1 shot but subtracting off one unit of vigorish (i.e., odds-maker’s fee). Therefore, like with 5-1 odds, even though these are rather high odds, they aren’t as bad as they seem because you’re essentially getting something for free. The term “free odds” or “gratis” can be used to describe these types of odds. Furthermore, for some people, the cost of the actual ticket or wager may be more than the five units of vigorish they’ll earn back. In the long run, you’ll realize that you’re better off with these types of odds. You may even win a small amount of money, which can help you avoid taxes in the long run.
3-1
With 3-1 odds, you’re making a 50-1 shot but adding two units of vigorish (i.e., odds-maker’s fee). Therefore, like with 4-1 odds, these are high odds but can end up being a decent bet because you’re essentially getting something for free. The term “free odds” or “gratis” can be used to describe these types of odds. Furthermore, for some people, the cost of the actual ticket or wager may be more than the two units of vigorish they’ll earn back. In the long run, you’ll realize that you’re better off with these types of odds. You may even win a small amount of money, which can help you avoid taxes in the long run.
2-1
With 2-1 odds, you’re making a 50-1 shot but adding three units of vigorish (i.e., odds-maker’s fee). Therefore, like with the previous two types of odds, these are high odds but can end up being a decent bet because you’re essentially getting something for free. The term “free odds” or “gratis” can be used to describe these types of odds. Furthermore, for some people, the cost of the actual ticket or wager may be more than the three units of vigorish they’ll earn back. In the long run, you’ll realize that you’re better off with these types of odds. You may even win a small amount of money, which can help you avoid taxes in the long run.
1-1
With 1-1 odds, you’re making a 50-1 shot but adding four units of vigorish (i.e., odds-maker’s fee). Therefore, like with the previous two types of odds, these are high odds but can end up being a decent bet because you’re essentially getting something for free. The term “free odds” or “gratis” can be used to describe these types of odds. Furthermore, for some people, the cost of the actual ticket or wager may be more than the four units of vigorish they’ll earn back. In the long run, you’ll realize that you’re better off with these types of odds. You may even win a small amount of money, which can help you avoid taxes in the long run.
As you can see, all five of these kinds of odds are losing bets. However, it isn’t always easy to tell which one is the best bet without knowing more about your specific situation. For example, if you have a passion for some sport or game, you may want to consider placing a bet on that sport or game (e.g., whether or not an NBA team will win a certain amount of games this season). In this case, you’re better off with 1-1 odds. If you don’t have any particular interest in sports, you may want to consider placing a bet on a horse race or the Super Bowl (e.g., will the Rams or Patriots win the most games this season?). In this case, you’re better off with 4-1 odds.
What is Vigorish?
Vigorish is the fee that an odds maker charges per wager. It is typically expressed as a percentage and is added to the winning amount when a bet is declared a winner. For example, if you bet $10 and the winning amount was $12, you’d have to pay $2 in vigorish. When you place a bet on a horse race, your vigorish will depend on the track. For example, if you bet $10 at a track with 12-1 odds, you’d have to pay $1.32 in vigorish.
Vigorish is added to your total earnings, not your bankroll. So if you win $100 and pay $25 in vigorish, your net earnings are $75. If you place a $100 wager and win $50, you’d have to pay $50 in vigorish. However, if you have a $1000 bankroll and place a $100 wager, you’d have to pay only $50 because your bankroll is now $950. Your original $1000 bankroll was only worth $950 after you paid out the $50 in vigorish.
When Do You Pay Out?
The amount of vigorish you have to pay out varies by where you are and what time it is. It also depends on whether or not the person you’re betting against is “loose” or “tight” with the bookmaker. For example, if you’re in a loose state (i.e., Nevada or New Jersey), you have to pay out your vigorish immediately. If you’re in a tight state (i.e., Missouri or Kentucky), you have to wait until the next day to pay out. You also have to wait until after the last race (called “post time”) before you can verify the winning amount and record your payoff. If you don’t pay out your vigorish within three days, the bet is considered void. So even if you win, you have to start over again from the beginning.
Can You Play With Real Money?
You can usually play with real money at online sportsbooks that offer U.S. sportsbooks. Just make sure to keep in mind that some online sportsbooks only allow you to play in fun mode, not in real money mode. If you want to play in real money mode, you’ll have to go to an offshore sportsbook or to a land-based sportsbook that offers an ATM (automatic teller machine) to verify your identity. If you don’t have an ATM card, you can usually arrange to have one delivered right to your door. In addition, some online sportsbooks that allow you to play in real money mode don’t allow you to use debit cards. So make sure you have enough cash on hand before you play.
Where Can I Place My Bet?
You can place your bet at a handful of sites that specialize in online gambling. Many bookmakers are beginning to offer mobile betting apps that allow you to place your bet on the go. So if you’re looking for a way to place a bet while you’re on the go, these apps can be a convenient way to do so. Just make sure that whatever site you choose has good odds and offers a safe and secure way to place a wager.