Read decimal odds
Decimal odds describe the total potential return, including your stake. At odds of 2.50, a R20 stake returns R50 if the selection wins: R30 profit plus your R20 stake. A losing selection loses the R20 stake.
Compare probability and price
Divide 1 by decimal odds to find the implied probability. Odds of 2.50 imply 40%. This is a price calculation, not a reliable forecast. Bookmakers include a margin, so the probabilities across all outcomes typically total more than 100%.
Understand fractional odds
Fractional odds show profit relative to the stake. Odds of 3/2 mean R30 profit on a R20 stake; adding the original stake gives R50 back. The equivalent decimal odds are 2.50. Always check which display format is selected.
Know what changes
Prices can move before an event and during live play. Check the accepted price on your bet slip. A short price can still lose, and combining selections increases the number of things that must go right.