Fractional Odds

Also known as Traditional Odds.

Favoured by bookmakers in the UK, fractional odds quote the net total that will be paid out to the bettor, should they win, relative to their stake.

For example, odds of 5/1 ("five-to-one" or "five-to-one against") would imply that the bettor stands to make a £500 profit on a £100 stake. If the odds are 1/5 (read "one-to-five", or "five-to-one on"), the bettor will make £20 on a £100 stake.

The bettor always receives their original stake back if they win, so if the odds are 5/1, they would actually receive a total of £600 in return (£500 plus the original £100).

See also Odds.