In most years you’re likely to pick Ohio State to defeat Indiana straight up in college football if the odds were the same. From point spreads to totals to moneylines, odds of all kinds can be placed on games and futures in order for them to be bet on. Without odds, there would be no sports betting. Odds provide the lines on which we place bets. With a little knowhow, you can not only understand them but take advantage and convert them for your own gain. The three offer different formats but give sports bettors the same information. The three most-common odds formats displayed are American, fractional and decimal. It’s not just important to know what sportsbooks are thinking, but also makes you aware of how much to expect from a winning ticket to better manage your bankroll. Understanding how to read betting odds is critical to getting the most out of your wagers.