Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to common questions about odds comparison, value bets, sure bets, and how OddStatus works.

What is OddStatus?

OddStatus is a free odds comparison tool that tracks live betting lines across 9 major bookmakers. It helps you find the best odds, value bets, and arbitrage (sure bet) opportunities across sports including NFL, NBA, EPL, NHL, and MLB.

How often are odds updated?

Odds are refreshed approximately every 5 minutes. Because bookmakers constantly adjust their lines — especially near game time — always verify odds on the bookmaker's site before placing a bet.

What are value bets?

A value bet is a wager where one bookmaker's odds are higher than the true probability of the outcome. OddStatus calculates the consensus probability across all bookmakers and highlights bets where the implied probability of the offered odds is lower than the consensus — meaning the odds have positive expected value (+EV).

What are sure bets (arbitrage)?

A sure bet, or arbitrage, is when different bookmakers offer odds on the same event such that the total implied probability across all outcomes is less than 100%. By betting on every outcome at the best available odds, you guarantee a profit regardless of the result.

Is arbitrage betting legal?

Placing bets at the best available odds is legal. However, bookmakers may restrict or close accounts that consistently profit from arbitration. Always check each bookmaker's terms of service.

What does the profit percentage mean on sure bets?

The profit percentage shows how much you earn above your total stake. For example, a 3% profit on a $100 total stake means you receive $103 back regardless of the outcome — a guaranteed $3 profit.

What does overvalue mean on value bets?

Overvalue is the difference between a bookmaker's implied probability and the market consensus probability. A 5% overvalue means the bookmaker is offering odds that imply a 5% lower probability than the consensus — a positive expected value opportunity.

What is the Kelly Criterion?

The Kelly Criterion is a formula for determining the optimal bet size to maximize long-term growth. It calculates the fraction of your bankroll to stake based on the edge (your probability estimate minus the implied probability) and the odds offered. Our calculator on the Calculators page does this for you.

How do I convert odds formats?

OddStatus lets you toggle between decimal and American odds. Decimal odds show your total return per unit staked (e.g., 2.50 means you get $2.50 back for every $1 bet). American odds use + (underdog) and − (favorite) notation. Our Odds Converter calculator on the Calculators page handles all three formats: decimal, American, and fractional.

Which bookmakers does OddStatus track?

We track odds from DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, Bet365, William Hill, Pinnacle, Unibet, Caesars, and BetRivers. See our Bookmakers page for a full comparison.

Which sports are covered?

We cover 12+ sports including English Premier League, NBA, NHL, MLB, NFL, NCAAB, Champions League, La Liga, Bundesliga, Serie A, Ligue 1, and MLS — over 700 events daily.

Is OddStatus free?

Yes. The odds comparison, value bet scanner, sure bet finder, and calculators are all 100% free. No sign-up required.

Does OddStatus accept bets?

No. OddStatus is an odds comparison and informational tool. We display odds for educational reference only and do not accept bets, process payments, or facilitate gambling.

Why did a value bet or sure bet disappear?

Odds change continuously as bookmakers adjust their lines and as other bettors place wagers. An opportunity that existed a few minutes ago may no longer exist. Speed is key — check and place bets promptly.

How accurate are the odds?

We fetch odds directly from bookmaker feeds, but there is a slight delay (up to 5 minutes) between when a bookmaker updates a line and when it appears on OddStatus. Always confirm odds on the bookmaker's site before placing a bet.

What is the Odds API?

The OddStatus Odds API provides programmatic access to our odds data. Developers can query sports, events, and odds lines to integrate real-time odds into their own applications. Visit the API page for documentation and quickstart guide.

⚠️ For educational reference only. Sports betting carries risk. Always verify odds on the bookmaker's site before placing a wager.

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