How to Calculate Betting Returns and Profit

Single bet

At decimal odds d and stake s:

• Gross return = s x d
• Profit = s x (d - 1)

A 15-unit stake at 2.20 gives 15 x 2.20 = 33 units gross return and 33 - 15 = 18 units profit.

For fractional a/b, profit is s x a / b. A 12-unit stake at 7/4 gives 12 x 7 / 4 = 21 units profit and 12 + 21 = 33 units gross return.

Accumulator

Multiply the decimal prices, then apply the stake. Three legs at 1.60, 1.80 and 2.10 give combined odds of 1.60 x 1.80 x 2.10 = 6.048. A 10-unit stake returns 10 x 6.048 = 60.48 units, so profit is 60.48 - 10 = 50.48 units.

Void leg

Operator rules determine how a void leg is handled. DraftKings' market rules provide one current example in which affected multiple bets are recalculated under the stated rules. If the 1.80 leg above is treated as odds of 1.00, the revised price is 1.60 x 1.00 x 2.10 = 3.36 and the 10-unit gross return is 10 x 3.36 = 33.60 units.

Quick table

Cases that need the market rules

Each-way bets split the total stake into win and place parts. Dead heats can reduce the settled stake. Cash-out receipts replace the original potential return with the accepted offer. Asian handicap and quarter-line bets can split settlement. These cases should be calculated from the receipt and current rules, not from the headline odds alone.

Verification checklist

1. Confirm whether the displayed figure is stake, profit or gross return.
2. Use the accepted price, not a later screen price.
3. Check every leg's status and settlement rule.
4. Keep full precision until the final currency rounding.

Reconcile the complete settlement path

The displayed potential return is only one stage of a receipt. A reliable reconciliation records the accepted stake, each accepted price, the final status of every leg, any rule-based adjustment and the amount credited. For a 30-unit single at 1.85, a full win gives 30 x 1.85 = 55.50 units gross return and 25.50 units profit. A void gives 30 units back and zero profit. A loss gives zero return and a 30-unit loss.

For a multiple, replace each void leg with decimal 1.00, then multiply the remaining active prices. A 10-unit treble at 1.80 x 2.00 x 2.50 has combined odds of 9.00 and potential gross return of 90 units. If the 2.00 leg is void, the revised price is 1.80 x 1.00 x 2.50 = 4.50 and gross return becomes 45 units.

Final checks

• Do not subtract the stake twice when moving from gross return to profit.
• Use the accepted price, not a later market quote.
• Separate cash credited from profit when a refund is included.
• Check split stakes, commission and deductions before comparing the result with the original display.
• Keep a line-by-line record so another reader can reproduce the amount.

Related resources

Use the conversion guide when the receipt uses another format, or accumulator odds for probability and dependence.

Continue learning

• Next guide: How to Calculate Bookmaker Overround
• Related guide: How to Calculate Implied Probability from Betting Odds

Assumptions and limitations

Examples use unit stakes and ordinary fixed odds. They exclude taxes, exchange commission, deductions, each-way place terms and promotional conditions. Personal tax treatment depends on jurisdiction and circumstances and is outside this calculation guide.