Why do people use American odds?

**bogbat** · 03-05-11, 03:10 AM

If you understand the basic math involved it makes no difference whatsoever.

**Domestic** · 03-05-11, 03:18 AM

This also boggles my mind. Decimal odds are far easier to compute at a glance. Get with the times America.

**bobbyfk** · 03-05-11, 03:24 AM

always used American odds, faster and easier to read for me

**Domestic** · 03-05-11, 03:26 AM

Originally posted by bobbyfk

always used American odds, faster and easier to read for me

Bobby you have to be kidding me.

**bobbyfk** · 03-05-11, 03:31 AM

Originally posted by Domestic

Bobby you have to be kidding me.

not at all

**shari91** · 03-05-11, 03:37 AM

Domestic, it actually is easier to read I think. - whatever and you easily know how much you have to lay to win $100 where we have to start calculating how much we need to win $100 from $1.76. Yeah it's basic math but the US way is actually very simplified. Looking at a -500 really brings home how much damn chalk you'll be laying.

That being said, I use the decimal system now and it's actually quite easy as well.

**monkeyspanker mo** · 03-05-11, 04:14 AM

I have memorized the whole decimal odds table. For example, I know that the opposite odds to 1.2 is 6 and the opposite odds to 1.77 is 2.3. Can one make such conversions just as easily with American odds?

**Domestic** · 03-05-11, 04:23 AM

Originally posted by shari91

Domestic, it actually is easier to read I think. - whatever and you easily know how much you have to lay to win $100 where we have to start calculating how much we need to win $100 from $1.76. Yeah it's basic math but the US way is actually very simplified. Looking at a -500 really brings home how much damn chalk you'll be laying. That being said, I use the decimal system now and it's actually quite easy as well.

Ok, fair enough, I can see the other side of it now.

**Cookie Monster** · 03-05-11, 04:24 AM

Originally posted by monkeyspanker mo

I have memorized the whole decimal odds table. For example, I know that the opposite odds to 1.2 is 6 and the opposite odds to 1.77 is 2.3. Can one make such conversions just as easily with American odds?

Hmmm, in American odds the opposite of -500 is +500, the opposite of -200 is +200. Maybe a little more difficult, but doable

Decimal odds are much easier for parlays, no doubt.

**Sunde91** · 03-05-11, 04:42 AM

Originally posted by monkeyspanker mo

I have memorized the whole decimal odds table. For example, I know that the opposite odds to 1.2 is 6 and the opposite odds to 1.77 is 2.3. Can one make such conversions just as easily with American odds?

**JOHON8** · 03-05-11, 04:46 AM

Americans also need to start using the metric system, even their scientists are using it but the general public doesn't.

Fahrenheit is one of the most annoying things in the world.

What's with this culture of 'dumbing' the public down in America?

**floridagolfer** · 03-05-11, 04:59 AM

Who cares which you use? In either event you're talking about the same thing.

**beermankirk** · 03-05-11, 05:11 AM

I dunno, this just might work, in a crazy way....

**aceking** · 03-05-11, 05:16 AM

american odds are for arbers .

if you see -105/ +106 you pounce on it .

if you see 1.95238 / 2.06 , by the time you figured it out , the american odds guy has already taken it .

**8ArIvd5** · 03-05-11, 05:25 AM

Originally posted by monkeyspanker mo

I mean, is there any reason other than habit? I have used decimal odds since I was 12 years old and have a hard time understanding how anything could be easier. Are there any successful professional punters that use American odds, and if so, why?

Same for me but with American odds.

**jjgold** · 03-05-11, 08:12 AM

I am trying to get use to the decimal system also

I am a world player so need to learn it

**Domestic** · 03-05-11, 08:30 AM

Originally posted by jjgold

I am trying to get use to the decimal system also I am a world player so need to learn it

**FourLengthsClear** · 03-05-11, 09:52 AM

It's all good at the end of the day.

I grew up with UK fractional odds (2/1, 5/4 etc) and found the transition to decimal odds at the time of Betfair's inception quite easy. I only started using US facing books, and reading up on US sports around 5 years ago and, again getting used to US style odds was not a major hindrance.

My base in terms of thinking nowadays is in decimals and when I see chalky US odds of, say -360 it still looks worse to me than the 1.28 it actually is.

**pavyracer** · 03-05-11, 09:56 AM

Americans don't understand math or fractions. Notice when they do studies they say 3 out of 4 doctors recommend this toothpaste instead of saying 73.4% of the doctors surveyed recommend this toothpaste. In sports they say this team is 12-4 in games played instead of saying their winning percentage is 75%. Everything has to be simplified for the average viewer who knows nothing beyond 4th grade math. People need a calculator to calculate the tip at the restaurant. How lame is that?

**Slainte** · 03-05-11, 10:00 AM

I use only decimals european odds but it's most difficult for me with the UK fractional, very similar to the EU odds are the hong kong odds which are even simplified to use.

**Mr. Jones** · 03-05-11, 10:27 AM

Just simply more used to American odds. Simple enough for me. Don't need changes at my age. Wouldn't have a problem switching if I had to however.

**Cap dat 4ss** · 03-05-11, 10:35 AM

guys squabble over whether to use decimals or american odds like it's an issue yet can't pick a winner to save their life.

**str** · 03-05-11, 10:47 AM

Whatever your used too is what you will do.

**B1GER1C828** · 03-05-11, 11:03 AM

I've always used american odds, never went away from it. Pavy is pretty off with what hes saying but i realize i wont get him to be logical so i won't try.

But ive never had any trouble with the math. Its still simple. -345, bet 345 to win 100? or 34.50 to win 10. whats hard?