What Does Plus Mean in Betting? Everything You Need to Know 2026

In betting, plus means the underdog and represents positive odds that show how much profit you can win from a standard bet. When odds are shown with a plus sign, it indicates a team or player that is expected to lose but could still win, offering a higher payout if they do.

If you are new to sports betting or just starting to understand odds, seeing a plus sign next to a team can be confusing. You might wonder what plus means in betting and why some teams have a plus sign while others have a minus sign.

Betting odds are designed to show both probability and potential payout. The plus symbol plays an important role in explaining how much you can win and how likely an outcome is considered to be. Understanding this concept can help you make smarter betting decisions and better evaluate risk versus reward.

This article explains what plus means in betting, where it comes from, how it is used, real examples, comparisons with minus odds, alternate meanings, and answers to common betting questions.

Origin of Plus Odds in Betting

Plus odds come from American odds, also known as moneyline odds. This system became popular in the United States and is commonly used in sports like football, basketball, baseball, and hockey.

The plus sign was introduced to clearly indicate underdogs and show how much profit a bettor could earn on a standard wager. Over time, plus odds became a standard way to communicate value and risk in betting markets.

Today, plus odds are widely used in sportsbooks, betting apps, and online platforms, especially for American audiences.

Popularity and Real World Usage

Plus odds are extremely common in sports betting. You will see them in moneyline bets, futures bets, and sometimes in prop bets.

They are most often used when one team or player is considered less likely to win. Because of this lower probability, sportsbooks offer higher payouts to attract bets on the underdog.

Understanding plus odds is essential for anyone who wants to place informed bets rather than guessing blindly.

What Plus Means in Betting Explained Simply

When you see a plus sign in betting odds, it tells you two main things.

First, the team or player is the underdog. Second, the number shows how much profit you would make if you bet a certain amount.

For example, if the odds are plus 200, it means you would win 200 units of profit for every 100 units you bet, in addition to getting your original stake back.

The higher the plus number, the less likely the outcome is considered, but the higher the potential payout.

Examples of Plus Odds With Context

Imagine a football game where Team A is favored and Team B is the underdog.

If Team B has odds of plus 150, a bet of 100 would win 150 in profit if Team B wins.

In another example, a tennis player with odds of plus 300 is considered unlikely to win. However, a successful bet of 100 would return 300 in profit.

In a casual betting conversation, someone might say, “I like the plus odds on the underdog,” which reflects a confident or optimistic tone. In a cautious tone, someone could say, “The plus odds are tempting, but the risk is high.”

Plus Odds vs Minus Odds Comparison

Minus Odds and minus odds work together in the American odds system.

Plus odds represent underdogs and higher payouts. Minus odds represent favorites and lower payouts.

For example, plus 200 means you win 200 on a 100 bet. Minus 200 means you must bet 200 to win 100.

This comparison helps bettors quickly see which team is favored and which offers more value.

Why Bettors Choose Plus Odds

Many bettors are attracted to plus odds because of the potential for higher returns. Betting on underdogs can be risky, but when successful, the rewards are greater.

Plus odds are often chosen by experienced bettors who look for value rather than just picking favorites. They analyze matchups, statistics, injuries, and trends to find underdogs that have a realistic chance of winning.

Plus Meaning in Different Types of Bets

In moneyline betting, plus odds directly show underdogs. And in futures betting, plus odds often appear for teams or players expected to finish lower but with potential upside.

In prop bets, plus odds may be used when an outcome is less likely to occur. In all cases, the plus sign consistently indicates higher risk and higher reward.

Alternate Meanings of Plus in Betting

Outside of American odds, the word plus may also appear in betting discussions to describe value or advantage, such as a plus matchup or a plus expected return.

However, the most common and clear meaning of plus in betting is related to positive odds and underdogs.

Polite and Clear Alternatives to Saying Plus

In educational or professional explanations, people may say positive odds, underdog odds, or higher payout odds instead of simply saying plus.

Using these terms can make betting concepts easier to understand, especially for beginners.

FAQs

What does plus mean in betting odds?
Plus means the underdog and shows how much profit you can win on a bet.

Is plus better than minus in betting?
Neither is better. Plus offers higher payouts but lower probability, while minus offers safer bets with lower payouts.

How much do you win with plus 100?
A plus 100 bet wins 100 in profit on a 100 wager.

What does plus 300 mean in betting?
It means you win 300 in profit for every 100 you bet.

Why do underdogs have plus odds?
Because they are considered less likely to win, sportsbooks offer higher payouts.

Can you make money betting plus odds?
Yes, but it requires good analysis and risk management.

Are plus odds risky?
Yes, they involve higher risk but also higher reward.

Do all sportsbooks use plus odds?
Most American sportsbooks do, while others may use decimal or fractional odds.

Conclusion

Understanding what plus means in betting is essential for anyone who wants to place smarter wagers. Plus odds indicate underdogs and show how much profit you can earn relative to your stake.

While plus odds offer higher payouts, they also come with greater risk. Successful bettors learn to balance this risk by analyzing games carefully and not relying on odds alone.

Once you understand how plus odds work, betting becomes clearer, more strategic, and less intimidating.