What Does 1 to 1 Mean in Betting? Your Guide to 1/1 Odds
You may have seen odds of 1 to 1, or 1/1, listed by betting operators, but not everyone is clear on what this means. While it looks straightforward, understanding what these odds represent is important before placing any bets.
Being familiar with how odds work can help individuals assess potential returns and understand market prices more clearly. Whether the interest is in football, horse racing, or another sport, understanding how 1/1 odds are used can help when reviewing a betting market.
This blog post aims to explain what 1/1 odds are, how they appear in betting markets, how returns are calculated, how they compare to other formats, and why such odds might be offered.
What Does 1/1 Mean in Betting?
1/1, also referred to as “evens” or “even money,” is a fractional odds format indicating a return equal to the stake. In simple terms, for every £1 staked, the potential profit is £1, if the bet is successful. The first number (1) represents the potential profit, and the second number (1) represents the stake. So, a £5 bet at 1/1 would return £5 profit, in addition to the original £5 stake, totalling £10.
1/1 odds also reflect an implied probability of approximately 50%, before any operator margin is applied. This does not guarantee the outcome will occur, but indicates how the market is assessing the chances at that time.
You may come across evens in a variety of sports markets. This is often because the return is relatively easy to understand, particularly for those who are less familiar with more complex odds formats.
How Do 1/1 Odds Work in Sports Betting?
In practice, placing a £10 stake at evens would mean a potential return of £20—that is, £10 profit and the original £10 stake. This applies to single bets where the selection is settled as a win.
Evens may appear in markets where outcomes are considered closely matched, such as competitive football fixtures or horse races with no clear favourite. They might also be used in handicap or total points markets that are designed to be balanced.
If you’re considering placing bets, it is important to read and understand the rules for each market, as outcomes are settled according to those specific terms. This is especially relevant for bets involving handicaps, totals, or player-based markets. Being familiar with settlement rules can help ensure clarity around how any returns would be calculated.
Examples of 1/1 Odds in Football and Horse Racing
In football, a team offered at 1/1 in the match result market is being priced as an even-money selection. For instance, a £10 bet on Team A at 1/1 would result in a total return of £20 if the team wins—£10 profit and £10 stake.
Similarly, in horse racing, a runner offered at 1/1 is considered a contender with no clear price advantage either way. A £5 win bet at 1/1 would return £10 if the horse finishes first. If placing an each-way bet, note that the place portion is settled at a fraction of the win odds, depending on the race terms, so returns will vary.
Odds can change for a variety of reasons, including team selection updates, weather conditions, or shifts in the amount of money placed on different outcomes. These movements reflect the dynamic nature of betting markets.
How Much Can You Win With 1/1 Odds?
At evens, the potential profit is always equal to the stake. A £2 bet offers a possible £2 profit, while a £50 bet would offer £50 profit, assuming the bet wins. The total return would be twice the stake—the profit plus the original stake.
This simplicity is one reason even-money bets are common. However, it’s important to remember that while returns may be easy to calculate, whether or not a bet offers value depends on a personal assessment of the likelihood of the outcome.
Are 1/1 Odds Good Value?
Odds of 1/1 reflect an implied probability of around 50% before the operator’s margin is taken into account. Determining whether this represents value depends on an individual’s assessment. For example, if someone believes there is a greater than 50% chance of an outcome occurring, they may view 1/1 as offering potential value. If they believe the likelihood is lower, it may not.
Betting operators use data, models, and expertise to set prices, and they apply a margin (sometimes referred to as an overround), meaning the combined implied probabilities of all outcomes typically exceed 100%. Prices can shift due to new information or betting patterns.
It is common for bettors to compare odds across different platforms and consider other relevant factors such as recent form or external conditions before making a decision.
Decimal and Fractional Odds: How Does 1/1 Compare?
Odds can be shown in different formats, and it may be helpful to understand how they relate to each other. Fractional odds, like 1/1, show the potential profit compared to the stake. Decimal odds, on the other hand, show the total return, which includes both the stake and the profit.
So, 1/1 in fractional format is written as 2.0 in decimal. If you placed a £5 bet at 2.0, the total return would be £10. That’s £5 profit, plus your original £5 stake.
Some people prefer fractional odds because they’re more traditional, especially in horse racing in the UK. Others find decimal odds easier to work with, particularly when calculating potential returns quickly. Most online betting sites let you choose which format you want to see, so it often comes down to personal preference.
Whichever way the odds are displayed, the actual return doesn’t change. It’s simply a different way of showing the same information.
Why Do Bookies Offer 1/1 Odds?
Bookmakers set odds based on how likely they believe each outcome is, while also considering how to balance the market. When two selections are viewed as closely matched, or when a handicap or total has been designed to be evenly contested, 1/1 odds may be offered.
Prices can change as new information becomes available, such as team news, conditions, or patterns in how people are placing bets. These changes can cause a selection to move closer to or further from even money in the build-up to an event.
Offering 1/1 odds can encourage interest on both sides of a market, helping to create a more balanced book. It is important to remember that odds reflect current market expectations and do not predict outcomes with certainty.
If you are placing a bet, consider using available tools such as deposit limits or time reminders. Gambling should always be approached in a way that feels manageable. If you are concerned about your gambling or someone else’s, free and confidential support is available at BeGambleAware.org.
**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.