Definition: In betting, the plus sign (+) means the underdog and shows how much profit you would win on a standard bet.
It indicates higher potential payout because the team or outcome is considered less likely to win.
Example:
+200 odds means you win $200 profit for every $100 you bet.
Ever seen a plus sign (+) next to odds or a team name and wondered if that’s good or bad? You’re not alone. The + symbol in betting is one of the most common and most misunderstood parts of sports betting. For beginners, it can look intimidating. For experienced bettors, it’s a signal of opportunity.
Let’s break it all down in plain English.
Why the Plus Sign Matters in Betting
The + symbol is not random it plays a key role in how sportsbooks balance risk and reward.
When you see a + sign:
- The sportsbook believes the outcome is less likely
- You are rewarded more if it wins
- The risk is higher, but so is the payout
In short:
+ = Underdog + Bigger payout
Origin and Popularity of the + Symbol in Betting
Where did it come from?
The + and − betting system originates from American odds, also called moneyline odds. This format became popular in:
- Las Vegas sportsbooks
- Online US betting platforms
- Major sports like NFL, NBA, MLB, and UFC
Why is it so popular?
American odds stick around because they:
- Show risk vs reward instantly
- Are intuitive for bankroll management
- Make underdogs and favorites easy to spot
Even today, most US-facing sportsbooks still default to + / − odds.
What the + Sign Means in Different Types of Bets
1. Moneyline Bets (+)
This is where you’ll see the + sign most often.
Example:
Team A: +150
Team B: -170
- Team A is the underdog
- Bet $100 → Win $150 profit if Team A wins
2. Point Spread Bets (+)
Here, + means the team gets extra points.
Example:
Lakers +6.5
- Lakers can lose by up to 6 points and you still win
- Or they can win outright
3. Totals and Props (+)
You’ll sometimes see + odds in:
- Player props
- Anytime scorer bets
- Exact score bets
These usually reflect lower probability outcomes.
How to Calculate Winnings with + Odds
Here’s the simple formula:
Profit = (Odds ÷ 100) × Stake
Example Calculations
| Odds | Bet Amount | Profit | Total Return |
| +100 | $100 | $100 | $200 |
| +150 | $100 | $150 | $250 |
| +250 | $40 | $100 | $140 |
| +500 | $20 | $100 | $120 |
💡 Tip: The higher the + number, the less likely the sportsbook thinks it is but the bigger the reward.
Real-World Betting Examples with Context
Friendly / Confident Tone 😎
“I’m taking the underdog at +220.The matchup value is just too good.”
Neutral / Analytical Tone 📊
“The team is listed at +180 due to injuries, but underlying stats suggest value.”
Risky / Dismissive Tone 😬
“Yeah, it’s +400… but let’s be honest, that’s a long shot.”
+ Odds vs − Odds (Quick Comparison)
| Feature | + Odds | − Odds |
| Team Type | Underdog | Favorite |
| Risk Level | Higher | Lower |
| Potential Profit | Bigger | Smaller |
| $100 Bet Outcome | Wins more than $100 | Wins less than $100 |
| Common Use | Upsets, props | Strong favorites |
+ Odds vs Decimal and Fractional Odds
American (+200)
- Win $200 on a $100 bet
Decimal (3.00)
- Total return = Stake × Odds
Fractional (2/1)
- Win $2 for every $1 bet
They all say the same thing just in different languages.
Alternate Meanings of + in Betting
Outside of odds, + can mean:
- Positive Disability(team advantage)
- Multiple selections (rare shorthand)
- Profit indicator in betting logs
Context always matters.
When Is Betting on + Odds a Smart Move?
Betting underdogs can be smart when:
- The line is inflated due to public bias
- Injuries or news are overreacted to
- You’re betting props with hidden value
❌ Not smart when:
- You chase long shots emotionally
- You ignore probability
- You bet just because the payout looks big
Polite or Professional Alternatives (Explaining + Odds)
Instead of saying:
- “That team is trash but +300 is tempting”
Try:
- “The odds reflect low probability, but the payout is appealing.”
Professional tone matters especially in content, analysis, or public betting communities.
Common Mistakes Beginners Make with + Odds
- Assuming + means “better”
- Ignoring implied probability
- Overbetting long shots
- Confusing point spread + with moneyline +
Understanding the why behind the + sign is what separates casual bettors from smart ones.
FAQs
1. Does + mean you’re more likely to win?
No. It means the outcome is less likely, but pays more if it happens.
2. Is + better than − in betting?
Neither is better. + offers higher payout; − offers higher probability.
3. What does +200 mean on a $50 bet?
You’d win $100 profit and get $150 total back.
4. Why do underdogs always have + odds?
Because sportsbooks expect fewer people to bet on them.
5. Can + odds still win often?
Yes especially in competitive matchups or value bets.
6. What’s the safest + odds range?
There’s no “safe,” but many bettors look between +100 and +250.
7. Does + mean extra points or money?
Depends on context:
- Odds → Money
- Spread → Points
8. Are + odds good for beginners?
Yes, if you understand risk and manage bankroll wisely.
Conclusion:
The plus sign (+) in betting is more than just a symbol it’s a clear signal of risk, reward, and opportunity. When you see + odds, you’re looking at an underdog outcome that the sportsbook believes is less likely to happen, but one that offers a bigger payout if it does.
Understanding the + sign helps you:
- Spot underdogs quickly
- Calculate potential winnings with confidence
- Avoid common beginner mistakes
- Make smarter, value-driven betting decisions
Remember, + odds don’t mean “bad” or “wrong” they simply reflect probability. Used wisely, they can be a powerful tool in your betting strategy, especially when paired with research, discipline, and solid bankroll management.
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Michael Johnson is a seasoned Content Expert and digital communication specialist with a proven track record in content creation, strategy, and audience engagement. His work goes beyond writing he crafts meaningful, results driven content that helps businesses achieve growth, brand visibility, and audience trust.
