If you’ve ever come across 1/1 on a betting slip or online platform and felt unsure about what it means, you’re not alone. For those new to betting, odds like these can seem a little confusing at first.
In this article, we’ll explain what even money odds are, how they work, and what to consider when you come across them. Whether you’re new to betting or just brushing up on the basics, read on to find out more.
Odds of 1/1—often referred to as “evens” or “even money”—are among the simplest to understand. If you choose to place a bet at 1/1, you stand to win the same amount as your stake. So, if you bet £1, you could win £1, giving you £2 in total when you include your original stake.
For instance, if you were to bet £10 at 1/1 and your selection won, you’d receive £10 in profit, plus your £10 stake back—£20 in total.
These odds usually apply to outcomes that are considered roughly a 50/50 chance. One of their main advantages is how easy they are to work out, which can be especially helpful when you’re getting started. Knowing exactly what you could win allows you to make clearer, more confident decisions.
As you become more familiar with even money bets, you may find it easier to compare them with other odds and better understand the potential returns on different types of wagers.
If you choose to bet at 1/1 odds, working out your potential payout is straightforward. For example, if you place a £10 bet and it wins, you’d receive £20 in total—that’s your £10 stake returned, plus £10 in profit.
This applies no matter how much you decide to stake. If you double your bet, you double your potential winnings. That kind of simplicity can make it easier to keep track of both your spending and what you stand to gain, especially if you’re just starting out.
And if you’re ever unsure how to calculate a payout with 1/1 odds, just remember: for every pound you bet, you’ll get another pound back if your selection wins.
Whether 1/1 odds are right for you depends on what you’re hoping to get out of your bet. With even money odds, your potential return matches your stake—so for every pound you bet, you could win another pound if your selection is successful.
This even return might appeal if you prefer a straightforward approach or want to keep things simple. For example, if you place a £10 bet, you know you could get £10 in winnings, plus your original stake back.
If you’re aiming for higher payouts, though, 1/1 odds might seem limited. Other bets with longer odds offer the chance of greater returns, but the outcomes are typically less likely.
It’s worth thinking about what kind of outcomes you’re comfortable with and how you prefer to approach betting. That can help you decide whether even money odds align with the way you like to play.
Yes, if your bet wins, you get your original stake back, along with any winnings. This applies no matter the odds, including 1/1.
So, if you place a £10 bet at 1/1 and it wins, you’d receive £20 in total: your £10 stake plus £10 in winnings.
This is standard practice across most types of sports betting, which means you can always work out the full amount you’d receive if your bet comes through. Knowing this can help you keep track of how much you’re putting in and what you might get back.
While odds in the UK are often shown as fractions, you might also come across decimal odds, especially if you’re using online platforms. Some people find these easier to work with, as they show the total return in a single number.
The decimal equivalent of 1/1 is 2.0. This means that if you choose to place a bet, your total return would be your stake multiplied by 2. For example, a £10 bet at odds of 2.0 would return £20, made up of your £10 stake and £10 profit.
As mentioned earlier, decimal odds include both the profit and the stake in one figure. This format may be preferable if you want to compare different options more quickly or work out potential returns at a glance.
So, if you see odds of 2.0, just know they’re the same as 1/1, and all you need to do is multiply your stake by the decimal number to work out what you could receive.
That being said, if you choose to place a bet, always do your own research and only spend what you’re comfortable with. Make sure to keep responsible gambling practices in mind and set a budget beforehand.
*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins, etc.) mentioned in relation to these games are subject to change at any time. Game features mentioned may not be available in some jurisdictions.
**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.