We are going to take a look at what dropping odds means in betting terms. This article will explain what they look like – and how to still make the most out of that situation. Read on to find out about what they are and what to do when the high odds change.
What is the Meaning of Dropping Odds?
In very simple terms, dropping odds is when the price for a potential bet lowers. This means that the odds get shorter – resulting in lower potential winning returns. We are going to give you a few examples of what those kinds of odds might look like in different sports.
Football Dropping Odds
A football match might have the 1X2 odds listed like this:
- Manchester City – 2.00
- The Draw – 3.50
- Arsenal – 5.00
But if circumstances change, the likelihood of a Manchester City victory may increase. The odds could change to:
- Manchester City – 1.00
- The Draw – 4.50
- Arsenal – 7.00
The odds here are for a home Manchester City win. You can see that those odds dropping have also had an effect on the odds for the other possible outcomes.
Dropping Odds in Basketball
You may like to bet on the total points in NBA games, so the market may look like this:
- Total Points – 180
- Over – 1.80
- Under – 2.00
As with the football match before, if something happens in the run-up to the game, the market might change. It may be that a star player has unexpectedly returned from injury and that there are more points likely to be scored. Then the odds might look like this:
- Total Points – 180
- Over – 1.00
- Under – 2.10
Dropping Odds Strategies
Obviously, you want the odds to be as high as possible for your winning bet. But if the odds do start to drop, there are still a few things you can do.
Bookmakers keep a close eye on each other as well as taking in as much information as they can to inform their odds. Once one firm starts to lower its odds you can be sure that the rest will follow. What you need to do is find the ones that take the longest to change and take advantage of the moving market.
This tip is really only for those of you who already use exchanges to bet or understand the process. With these sites, you are able to bet that an event doesn’t happen as well. So, if you spot some dropping odds, you may want to see if you can balance the bet and minimise any losses while winning another bet.
Many online betting sites offer a cash out feature. Here, you will be able to take some funds from the bet even before the event finishes. That way, you are still winning and getting out of the bet while the odds are relatively higher.
FAQs
We answer some popular questions below.
They show that an event is more likely to happen. This may be because of new information or circumstances, or just that a bookmaker has taken a lot of bets on a particular outcome.
It is still possible to receive winning returns on events with those kinds of odds. You just won’t have as much as with a higher price.
You can tell when they are because the price gets shorter (or lower). You calculate them in exactly the same way as any other odds.
You can also place a bet as normal, even if the odds are dropping.