Boost Your Odds and Bankroll: Utilizing Expected Value in Sports Gambling

Boost Your Odds and Bankroll: Utilizing Expected Value in Sports Gambling

A man looking at his smartphone with mathematical formulas surrounding him
Michael Pellegrini, Cappers CTO
  • Sports Betting Odds
  • December 9, 2023
  • 10 Min. Read

Are you tired of relying on gut instinct and blind luck when it comes to sports betting? If so, it's time to introduce yourself to the concept of expected value (EV) – a powerful mathematical tool that can help you make informed betting decisions and maximize your profits. In this article, we will delve into the world of EV and explore how understanding this fundamental principle can give you an edge in the unpredictable realm of sports betting. By using a combination of probability theory, mathematics, and a keen understanding of odds, we'll uncover how EV can be harnessed to identify profitable opportunities in the world of sports wagering.

Expected value is a crucial concept in sports betting, representing the average outcome when placing a bet over a large number of repetitions. By taking into account the probability of each outcome and the potential payout, bettors can calculate the expected value to make informed decisions. This mathematical approach allows bettors to identify profitable opportunities by comparing the expected value of various wagers. For instance, if the calculated expected value is positive, it indicates that a bet has potential for long-term profit, whereas negative expected values suggest unfavorable bets.

In sports betting, calculating the expected value involves thorough analysis of odds and probabilities. Professional bettors leverage this tool to identify mispriced odds and capitalize on favorable betting opportunities. By understanding expected value, individuals can make more rational and strategic decisions rather than relying solely on intuition or emotion when placing bets on sporting events. Embracing this mathematical perspective enables sports bettors to enhance their profitability and navigate the complexities of wagering with greater precision.

Rapidly Identify Profitable Bets with Our Lightning-Fast Calculation Tool

In the world of sports betting, speed is key. Manually calculating expected value can be a cumbersome process that takes time – time that could be the difference between capitalizing on a favorable betting opportunity or missing out altogether. Betting odds change rapidly, making it even more challenging to stay ahead of the game. That's where our cutting-edge software comes in. By instantly scanning and analyzing thousands of data points, our software identifies potential betting opportunities and presents them to you in real-time, allowing you to act swiftly and decisively.

The dynamic nature of sports betting means that being able to react quickly to changing odds is crucial for success. Our software not only streamlines the process of identifying potential value bets but also provides you with the necessary insights to make informed decisions within seconds. In a landscape where every second counts, having a tool that can sift through vast amounts of data and pinpoint advantageous opportunities gives you a competitive edge in the fast-paced world of sports betting.

With our software at your disposal, you can harness the power of technology to gain an immediate advantage over manual calculations and stay on top of evolving odds, enabling you to make well-informed bets with confidence and precision.

The Game-Changing Algorithm Behind Your Winning Sports Bets Revealed!

Have you ever wondered how sports betting software calculates the expected value for each wager? It all starts with the fundamental task of determining neutral odds for each team, devoid of any vig or bookmaker's edge. As we unravel the mechanics behind our software's calculations, we'll explore how sharp lines from Pinnacle, the world's sharpest sportsbook, serve as a solid foundation for estimating true probabilities in sports events.

To calculate the expected value for sports betting, our software first determines the neutral odds for each team without considering the vigorish. By starting with odds from Pinnacle, renowned for offering sharp lines, we establish a baseline of fair probabilities for each outcome. This approach ensures that our expected value calculations are built on the most accurate and reliable data available in the industry.

Why is Pinnacle Considered the Sharpest Sportsbook in the World?

Pinnacle's reputation as the sharpest sportsbook globally stems from its unwavering commitment to taking action from bettors around the world. With a diverse and extensive global reach, Pinnacle continuously processes a staggering volume of bets, thereby offering a comprehensive sampling of worldwide betting trends. Additionally, by utilizing the most advanced software and algorithms in the sports betting industry, Pinnacle is able to accurately assess and adjust odds with precision that sets them apart from their competitors.

The combination of global action and cutting-edge software empowers Pinnacle to stay ahead of the curve, consistently delivering some of the most competitive odds in the market. By incorporating sophisticated algorithms into their sportsbook operations, they can dynamically respond to fluctuating betting patterns and expertly manage risks on a truly global scale. This approach not only solidifies Pinnacle as a leader in sports betting but also cements its status as an unparalleled destination for professional bettors seeking top-tier opportunities in international markets.

How Do You Remove the Vigorish from Sports Betting Odds?

Understanding how to remove the vigorish from odds is a crucial skill for serious sports bettors. The vigorish, or juice, represents the bookmaker's commission and is embedded in the odds to ensure their profit margin. To overcome this built-in advantage, bettors can employ mathematical formulas to extract the true probabilities from the odds provided. One popular method is using implied probability calculations, which involves converting odds into a percentage chance of winning.

Furthermore, by utilizing a simple formula such as 1/odds * 100, one can determine the implied probability and then adjust it to eliminate the vigorish effect. This process essentially reveals what portion of the odds represents actual winning probability versus bookmaker commission. By understanding these mathematical concepts and applying them effectively, bettors can gain a clearer insight into their betting choices and potentially increase their long-term profitability in sports wagering.

How Do You Calculate Implied Probability for Sports Betting?

Calculating implied probability for sports betting is a fundamental concept that involves converting odds into a percentage likelihood of an outcome. The primary formula used to derive implied probability from odds is straightforward yet crucial for bettors to comprehend.

Furthermore, understanding the relationship between implied probability and actual probability is imperative in sports betting. It fuels a deeper analysis of an event's true chances of occurring, allowing bettors to assess if there is value in a wager based on the perceived outcomes versus their calculated probabilities. As such, delving into the math behind implied probability not only equips bettors with a quantitative perspective but also underscores the significance of making well-informed bets rather than relying solely on intuition or perception. This comprehensive approach enhances strategic decision-making in sports betting and elevates the overall experience for avid enthusiasts and casual bettors alike.

Since Cappers is based in the U.S. and works primarily with American odds, we use the following formulas to calculate implied probability.

Favorites Implied Probability Formula

Odds / (Odds + 100) * 100

Underdogs Implied Probability Formula

100 / (Odds + 100) * 100

After calculating the implied probabilities for both teams from the sportsbook's odds, you may notice that adding them results in a total greater than 100. This is yet another example of how sportsbooks gain a mathematical advantage over their customers. To calculate the true implied probability for either team, you need to divide the sportsbook implied probability for that team by the sum of the book's implied probabilities for both teams. Here's what that formula looks like:

Team A True Implied Probability = Team A Sportsbooks Implied Probability / Team A Sportsbooks Implied Probability + Team B Sportsbooks Implied Probability

Here's a fictitious example to help illustrate the concept. Let's assume the Las Vegas Raiders are playing the Los Angeles Chargers, and after getting the money line odds for both teams from Pinnacle, you calculated the implied probability for the Chargers to win the game at 57.5%, and the implied probability for the Raiders to win at 46%. If you add these two implied probabilities together you will receive a total of 103.5. Again, the fact that this total is greater than 100 shows you how the sportsbook gains a mathematical edge on their customers. Now let's remove the juice to see what the true implied probabilities for each team are.

The formula to calculate the true implied probability for the Chargers is: 57.5 / (57.5 + 46), which can also be written as 57.5 / 103.5. Therefore, the true probability for the Chargers to win the game is 55.556%.

The formula to calculate the true implied probability for the Raiders is: 46 / (46 + 57.5), which can also be written as 46 / 103.5. The true probability for the Raiders to win is 44.444%, and the sum of these two true implied probabilities is exactly 100!

Converting True Implied Probabilities to American Odds

Now that we know what the true implied probabilities for both teams are, we can convert these probabilities into the American odds format. While this blog article is not meant to provide a comprehensive list of formulas for converting probabilities to different odds formats, a deeper dive into such conversions can be found in this excellent article by BettingExpert.com.

To calculate American odds from implied probabilities that are greater than 50, we use the following formula:
(-1)((implied probability / (1 - implied probability)) * 100)

To calculate American odds from implied probabilites that are less than 50, we use the following formula:
(1 - implied probability) / implied probability * 100

Using our Raiders vs Chargers example from earlier, we can now calculate the American odds for both teams using their true implied probabilities.

Chargers: (-1)((.55556 / (1 - .55556)) * 100) = -125

Raiders: (1 - .44444) / .44444 * 100 = 125

So, the true American odds for this game, with no vig applied, would be Chargers -125 and Raiders +125.

Finding Expected Value with True Odds

When comparing true odds with those offered by different sportsbooks, bettors gain a comprehensive view of market discrepancies and potential value bets. This comparative analysis empowers them to identify instances where the actual probability differs significantly from what is reflected in the betting lines. By leveraging this information to calculate expected value, bettors can capitalize on underestimated outcomes and exploit inefficiencies in the market, ultimately increasing their chances of sustained success.

In essence, evaluating true odds against sportsbook offerings provides astute bettors with a discerning edge in identifying profitable opportunities through expected value analysis. This proactive approach not only enhances wagering accuracy but also cultivates a deeper understanding of market dynamics and probabilistic assessments, setting the stage for long-term profitability within the realm of sports betting.

Returning to our Raiders vs Chargers example one final time, if you know the true odds for the Raiders are +125 but you find a sportsbook offering the Raiders at +135, you have just uncovered 7.51% of expected value. Regardless of who wins this specific game, making this bet repeatedly would result in a profit of 7.51% over the long-term. Conversely, if you know the true line for the Chargers is -125 but you found a sportsbook offering the Chargers at -115, you would have uncovered 8% of expected value.

When you embrace the concept of expected value, you can take a step back from the stress and uncertainty often associated with betting. The beauty lies in allowing the mathematical calculations to guide your choices, leading to more rational decision-making. It's about nurturing a long-term perspective rather than getting caught up in short-lived victories or defeats.

By focusing on expected value, you shift your mindset from mere gambling to informed investing. This approach not only relieves the pressure of constantly trying to predict outcomes but also empowers you with valuable insights into the true worth of each bet. By grounding yourself in mathematics rather than emotional impulses, you'll find a sense of liberation and clarity that extends well beyond individual games or events. Ultimately, by embracing expected value in sports betting, you embark on a journey towards a more sustainable and rewarding relationship with this form of entertainment and investment opportunity.

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In conclusion, understanding the concept of expected value can greatly enhance your sports betting results by helping you make more informed decisions. By calculating the potential value of each bet, you can identify opportunities with positive expected value and increase your chances of long-term success. To put this knowledge into practice, take advantage of our 2-week unlimited free trial and see firsthand how it can revolutionize your approach to sports betting. Don't miss out on this opportunity to elevate your game and start winning big! Join us today and experience the thrill of maximizing your profits through the power of expected value!

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