The Single Most Important Number In Sports Betting

In the world of sports betting, understanding the numbers is crucial.

One of the most important figures to grasp is the break-even win rate, particularly when dealing with standard -110 odds.

To be profitable, you need to win more than you lose, considering the vigorish (or “vig”) that sportsbooks charge.

The Key to Profitability in Sports Betting

To break even in sports betting with -110 odds, you need to win approximately 52.38% of your bets.

Here’s why this number matters and how it’s calculated:

These odds imply a certain probability of winning, and understanding this is vital for calculating your break-even win rate.

Calculating the Break-even Win Rate

The formula to calculate the break-even win rate is:

For -110 odds:

• Risk: $110 (the amount you bet)
• Reward: $100 (the amount you win if the bet is successful)

Plugging in these values:

Impact of Parlays and Alternate Lines