Returns definition

Returns refers to the profit gained from a successful bet. It is determined by and calculated using the odds assigned to the successful selection and the total stake placed.

Returns differs from payout as the figure does not include the original stake. In contrast, payout refers to the total amount given back to the bettor after backing a successful outcome, and this also includes the original stake.

For example, a successful evens bet (a bet with odds of 2.0) with a £10 stake would see returns of £10 and a payout of £20.

Calculating returns

In order to calculate returns from a successful bet, the two figures you need are the stake and the odds.

Calculating returns from payout

Working out returns from payout is very simple, and is calculated using the following formula:

Payout - stake

For example if a stake of £5 had seen returns of £15, the returns would be £10.

15 - 5 = 10

Calculating returns with decimal odds

To calculate returns using decimal odds, the following formula is used.

(Stake * decimal odds) - stake

For example

Barcelona vs Real Madrid - Barcelona to win at odds of 1.85 with a £20 stake

20 * 1.85 = 37

37 - 20 = 17

Returns = £17

Calculating returns with fractional odds

To calculate returns using fractional odds, the following formula is used:

Stake * (numerator / denominator)

For example

Liverpool vs Everton - under 2.5 goals at odds of 3/1 with a £5 stake

5 * (3 / 1) = 15

Returns = £15

Calculating returns with American odds

It is relatively straight forward to calculate returns using American odds if you are placing a $100 bet - but often this is not the exact figure of our stake.

There are two separate formulas for calculating returns with American odds, depending on whether you have backed an outcome with positive or negative odds.

Calculating returns with positive odds

To calculate returns on a positive odds bet, the following formula is used:

Stake * (odds / 100)

For example

Arsenal vs Chelsea - Arsenal to win odds of +250 with a $10 bet stake

10 * (250 / 100) = 25

Returns = $25.

Calculating returns with negative odds

To calculate returns on a negative odds bet, the following formula is used:

Stake * ((100 / (odds * - 1))

For example

Liverpool vs Everton - Liverpool to win at odds of -400 with a $10 stake

10* ((100 / (-400 * -1)) = 2.5

Returns = $2.50.